Leader|march 7|2007

INTER-COUNTY

‘Follow the Leader’

March 7, 2007 2 sections • Vol. 71 • No. 28 8,000 copies

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Offender to live close to police Public notification hearing held; snowstorm affects turnout

by Gary King SIREN - A convicted sex offender will live “very close” to the Siren Police Station, according to Burnett County Sheriff Dean Roland.

A public notification meeting on the relocation to Siren of sex offender Anthony Allen Atkins, 33, went ahead as planned last Thursday evening despite a snowstorm that shut down schools and most area travel.

Atkins Atkins was scheduled to arrive in Siren Tuesday afternoon from the state prison where he has served 3-1/2 years for first-degree sexual assault

Early bird

See Notification, page 4

16-year-old girls lose life in snowy crash Amery High School sophomores will be honored at memorial service tonight Page 2

Ashley Severson

Nicole Peterson

Budget woes, personnel tension create conflict at CRA CRA board stands “fully” behind its new director Page 3

Menards opens Tuesday Grand opening celebration is being planned Page 13

The early bird gets the shopping cart, or so it seems in this photo taken outside a busy retail store. - Photo by Gary King

Scouting sisters to help shelter Garage sale will raise money for CRA WEBSTER - Sisters Cora and Jessica Bauer of Webster are creating their Girl Scout Gold Award project so that it helps the CRA's shelter for abused women and children in Milltown.

The shelter serves Burnett, Polk, Washburn and Barron counties.

See Scouts, page 31

Sisters Cora Bauer, 15 and Jessica Bauer, 14, of Webster, will be holding a garage sale to fund their shelter project. - Special photos

Spring forward Beginning in this year, daylight-saving time is extended one month and begins for most of the United States at 2 a.m., Sunday, March 11, and will last until 2 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 4. The new start and stop dates were set in the Energy Policy Act of 2005.

People are reminded to change their clocks ahead by one hour starting this Sunday, March 11.

S E R V I N G

Capturing nature in pottery and paint Currents feature

B U R N E T T

&

P O L K

Tigers put Hilltoppers in stripes SPORTS

C O U N T I E S

PAGE 2 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - MARCH 7, 2007

16-year-old girls lose lives in snowy crash

by Julie Holmquist POLK COUNTY - Last Thursday’s bad weather ended in tragedy when two teenage girls lost their lives in a car accident on their way home from Amery High School.

Ashley Severson, age 16, of Deer Park, and Nicole Peterson, 16, of Amery, were driving home around noon after school was closed early because of the snowstorm.

According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Department, Severson was driving south on Hwy. 46 one-tenth of a mile south of Airport Road in Black Brook Township when her vehicle collided with a vehicle heading north.

Severson was ejected from the vehicle and died at the scene. Peterson, a passenger in the car, was extricated from the vehicle. She was transported to Regions Hospital in St. Paul, where she died Thursday due to her injuries.

David Sykora, 22, of Deer Park, the driver of the northbound vehicle , and

The accident scene on Hwy. 46 on Thursday, March 1. A memorial service is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. this evening, March 7, at the Amery High School. – Special photo his passenger, Matthew Carroll, 22, also of Deer Park, were transported to Amery Regional Medical Center.

Two arrested for alleged suit coat theft ST. CROIX FALLS - Three Minnesota teenagers were arrested Saturday at 12:47 a.m. for allegedly stealing five suit coats from Wal-Mart in St. Croix Falls.

Seth Ritchie, 18, North Branch, Minn., faces theft charges in Polk County. Eva Rood, 18, Isanti, Minn., and Donetta Weisbrod, 19, Stacy, Minn., both face theft and obstructing charges. An additional juvenile was issued a citation for shoplifting.

St. Croix Falls police noticed a vehicle early Saturday morning in the Fleet Supply parking lot with its lights on.

According to the police, no plates were on the vehicle, and answers to the officer's questions did not match. Police

were also suspicious of Ritchie wearing a brand-new suit coat.

The juvenile told authorities that he placed a suit coat on in the store, and Rood put on three suit coats in the store and left the store without intending to pay.

According to the police report, two of the coats were returned to Wal-Mart without receipts and one of the women received a $120 gift card.

Police also reported finding two Jack Daniel bottles in the vehicle, and when an officer asked Ritchie if he had been smoking marijuana, he said yes. - Julie Holmquist

Carroll was treated and released, and Skykora was transferred to Regions Hospital.

Polk County Sheriff Tim Moore said the crash did appear to be weather related.

Both Severson and Peterson were members of the sophomore class at Amery High School. Sophomores lost a classmate just a few months ago, when 16-year-old Kelli Ann Elmer died in an Oct. 9 car accident on Hwy. 65.

There was no school Friday at Amery because of the weather, but school resumed Monday, with extra people on

hand to counsel grieving students.

“It’s tough for everybody because they were great kids, and we’re all going to miss them,” said District Administrator Steven Schiell.

“If the kids need help, they can seek it,” he said. “They don’t have to stay in class, and if the teachers see someone struggling, they can direct them.”

A funeral service for Ashley Severson was held Monday and a service for Nicole Peterson was held Tuesday.

Obituaries for each are published elsewhere in this issue.

Lost to fire

Contact nonrenewal rejected Unity School Board goes against administrative recommendation BALSAM LAKE — In a closed session lasting nearly 3-1/2 hours, the Unity School Board on Monday night voted to not accept an administrative recommendation to nonrenew the contract of 4-K teacher Jennifer Linehan.

The school’s administrative team consists of the three principals and the district administrator.

About 35 people, including parents,

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community members, and staff, waited in the hall during the meeting. Several were called in to the school board room to present and clarify information.

In addition, a letter of support for Linehan garnered the signatures of 47 elementary school staff.

At Linehan’s request, the board gave its decision in a short open session at the end of the meeting.

Linehan is completing her second year at Unity, and her first with the 4-K program. Her first year was spent as a fifth-grade and Title I teacher. — Mary Stirrat

Manager Doug Panek dougpanek@centurytel.net Editor Gary B. King, Editor gbking@centurytel.net Staff writers/contributors Matt Blumkin mblumkin@centurytel.net Marty Seeger mseeger@centurytel.net Tammi Milberg tammi@centurytel.net Nancy Jappe njappe@centurytel.net Sherill Summer the-leader@centurytel.net Mary Stirrat mstirrat@centurytel.net Gregg Westigard greggw@lakeland.ws Julie Holmquist the-leader@centurytel.net Editorial assistant Raelynn Hunter rael@centurytel.net Composition Raelynn Hunter Jackie Thorwick

This home in Lincoln Township, owned by Chris Johnson, caught fire on Monday, Mar. 5. A neighbor noticed the fire and called the authorities, but the house was engulfed by flames when the Webster Fire Department arrived.

Unfortunately, a dog was in the house at the time of the fire. An electric dryer likely caused the fire. - Photo by Sherill Summer

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.

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History of the Leader can be (M-W, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Thurs. & Fri. 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.) viewed at: www.the-leader.net 715-483-9008 • Fax - 715-483-1420

Two Hwy. 87 accidents cause minor injuries POLK COUNTY – Two car accidents involving six cars on Hwy. 87 north of St. Croix Falls and near Eureka late Tuesday afternoon resulted in only a few minor injuries, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Department.

One of the accidents involved four cars, but according to Lt. Steve Smith, the vehicles ended up sliding into the ditch and there were no injuries.

A second car accident on Hwy. 87 involved two cars, but the injuries involved were believed to be minor, Smith said. Complete information on the accidents was not available at press time. — Julie Holmquist

Briefly...

BURNETT/POLK COUNTIES - More than a foot of snow fell Thursday and Friday of last week, closing area schools early on Thursday and closing them Friday. The snow affected business and travel, forcing local prep playoff contests to be rescheduled. The extra moisture will provide some relief to the drought.

However, according to Phil Holman at the Spooner Ag Station, although this snowfall will help streams and lakes, it won't be enough to make up for the ground moisture equivalent lost after the drought of last summer. “We're still behind,” he said.

Extend Seniorcare, says delegation WASHINGTON, D.C. – Seventh District Congressman Dave Obey, D-WI, joined with the entire Wisconsin Congressional delegation last week to urge Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt to extend the federal waiver that allows Wisconsin seniors to use the SeniorCare program instead of a Medicare Part-D drug plan for prescription drug coverage.

The current SeniorCare waiver is scheduled to expire on June 30, and, without an extension, the program would no longer be an option for Wisconsin seniors.

“SeniorCare works for Wisconsin’s seniors! It provides an efficient, easy-tounderstand, and cost-effective alternative to the Part-D drug plans and we shouldn’t end that,” said Obey, the dean of the Wisconsin Congressional Delegation and Chairman of the House Appropriation Committee. “In fact, instead of scrapping SeniorCare for Medicare Part-D, we should be revamping Part-D so that it works more like SeniorCare.”

In a letter to Secretary Leavitt urging him to extend the SeniorCare waiver, the Wisconsin Congressional delegation argued that “SeniorCare is an extremely successful program” with a “huge impact on the state of Wisconsin.” They noted that an administration decision to deny the waiver extension “would cause potential breaks in prescription drug coverage, confusion and bureaucratic problems for many vulnerable seniors.”

The letter also pointed out that replacing SeniorCare with Medicare Part-D plans would cost taxpayers more money. “The average annual federal subsidy for a SeniorCare waiver participant is $617, less than half the $1,174 the federal government spends to subsidize a Part D participant,” it read. – from the office of Congressman Obey

MARCH 7, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 3

Budget woes, personnel tension create conflict at CRA

by Julie Holmquist MILLTOWN - Recent budget issues are forcing cutbacks at Community Referral Agency in Milltown, a shelter for victims of domestic abuse.

Along with budget issues, grievances filed by CRA staff at the end of 2006 to the CRA Board of Directors concerning executive director Alta Tann have also created tension at the private nonprofit.

While CRA staff members speaking to The Leader claimed the board is ignoring their complaints, board of directors president Nancy Stewart said the board has seriously considered their input.

“We met with the staff, and we listened to their concerns, and we've given the allegations serious considerations, and we stand solidly behind the director,” Stewart said. “There are nine people on the board, and we've spent hours and hours sifting through this information.”

Stewart said that complaints made by staff members are “the same complaints they've had in previous administrations.”

Kim Lalor, a part-time CRA advocate, said the board “made a grave mistake by keeping the director.”

Several CRA staff members, who spoke with The Leader but did not want to go on record with comments because they said they feared losing their jobs, said they did not feel respected by the director or the board. Several staff members said the current complaints are not similar to those made concerning any former administrators.

Tann, who was hired in September and retained by the board of directors following her probation period, said she has been “defamed” by staff members almost since she was hired, and that their allegations against her are “hurtful” and “untrue.”

Following grievances submitted to the board of directors late in 2006, the board brought in two staff people from the Wisconsin Coalition Against Domestic Violence for an assessment of the issue.

“The coalition wrote up their observations, and we carefully considered what they had to say,” Stewart said.

“We've taken into consideration what they put in their report.”

The coalition members visited the center, spoke with available staff and the director, and evaluated questionnaires provided to everyone. The coalition wrote that two of the board members returned the questionnaire.

The coalition sent three pages of comments dated Feb. 7 that were addressed to the board of directors, the executive director and the staff.

The coalition's comments stated that, “The trust between staff, director and the board is either nonexistent or very fragile,” and that “Many current conflicts are due to people not being informed, asked for feedback and/or not understanding the current process of how the decisions are being made.”

The letter suggested training in ethical communication and taking part in the coalition's Peer Review Process and Peer Partnership Project to gain connections with other programs.

“We feel that either the leadership has to change or there must be a willingness shown on her part to adapt her (the director's) management style to what works in rural communities and has historically worked in Polk and Burnett counties,” the coalition stated in its comments.

“There's a whole other side to this story,” said Nancy Stewart, “but it's not appropriate to talk about. There are other things that the board has to take into consideration. We stand solidly behind our executive director. And we're going to provide services. We're committed to that.”

Restructuring The board began restructuring job positions due to a financial deficit that has been as much as $25,000, Stewart said.

Tann said that cutting back a total of 2-1/2 positions will save the agency $50,000 a year. She also wanted to thank the community for “stepping up” over the holiday season and donating to CRA. One person came in with a $2,000 check, she said.

“I'm so grateful for that,” Tann said of the community's financial support, and stated that the agency does not want to continue to run a deficit.

“When the shelter was built (in 2001) it was free and clear,” Stewart said. The agency sold the house it used as its former headquarters and placed that money in savings, she said.

“All that savings is gone,” Stewart said.

“We have a mission to provide services, and we have to cut staff and get the budget back in line to move forward,” Stewart said.

“It's been a tough year,” she said.

“We've had the loss of a longtime director, an interim director for three months

and an interim-interim director for one month. It's been a very difficult time for everyone involved.”

Tann said that after the restructuring, she sees CRA “being able to go forward more positively.”

Three members of the CRA Board of Directors recently resigned their positions. Rob Lillehaug of Frederic said Tuesday that he joined the board in the summer, and recently resigned because of time demands, and not to protest or to make any statement.

“It was very stressful, and I started to feel it was having an impact on my home life and work,” Lillehaug said. “I only hope the best for CRA. In a rural area, we need all the resources we can get.”

Mary Bjorgaard of Danbury also resigned due to time commitments. She said she had been on the board before, but the time commitment had greatly increased since the last time she was a member.

Dave Pederson of Frederic also resigned.

Pederson said he resigned “because I didn't believe what the board president and the director were doing was right.”

Pederson said the president and director “were making decisions without consulting the board.”

“I wasn't told information, and they were changing meeting dates without getting ahold of me,” he said. “All the board members know how I felt.”

Pederson had been a member of the board for about 18 months and started when Dave McGrane was president of the board.

“When Dave McGrane was president I felt that the board was going in a good direction,” he said.

Pederson said that CRA has good employees, and he didn't want to see the employees “hurt.”

Stewart said that the reason Pederson gave her for resigning was that he was having back surgery.

“The personnel committee was meeting a lot, and some of the board members not on that committee felt they were not getting information,” Stewart said. “But I felt that was cleared up.”

To solve the problem, she said that the entire board became the personnel committee.

Stewart said the board is absolutely unanimous at this point.

“We're all singing off the same sheet of music,” she said.

$15,000 bond set for suspected arsonist SPOONER - A 41-year-old Spooner man faces charges of seven counts of arson and one count of attempted arson, as well as three counts of felony burglary.

Washburn County Sheriff’s deputies arrested Brian Roger Mundt early Sunday morning, Feb. 25, in connection with multiple arsons to buildings in Washburn County from Feb. 16 to Feb. 25.

Monday, Judge Eugene Harrington set Mundt’s preliminary hearing for Tuesday, March 13, at 9 a.m., where the case will be heard. Mundt will be represented by Attorney Gerald Wright, and his bail remains at $15,000 as of Monday.

Three arsons took place in the town of Evergreen, two in the city of Spooner, one in the town of Beaverbrook and one in the town of Spooner.

Authorities claim Mundt also attempted to burn a building in the town of Spooner.

Three burglary charges stem from the arson and burglary to the Evergreen Town Hall, and arson and burglary to a

hunting cabin on Bobcat Road in the town of Beaverbrook and burglary in connection to arson of a storage shed on Round House road in the city of Spooner.

“Catching the indiMundt vidual that we feel responsible for the seven arsons and one attempted arson, along with additional charges, is very satisfying,” stated Sheriff Terry Dryden. “These crimes have all been committed within a 10day time frame and not only stressful for law enforcement, but also put significant burden on the Spooner Volunteer Fire Department, which was responding to these fires almost every night of the week early in the morning. This is very stressful for them and we can all be very thankful we have volunteer fire departments in Washburn County who are so dedicated to their profession.”

The sheriff’s department and the

The Evergreen Town Hall was gutted by an alleged arson fire. - Photo by Regan Kohler Spooner Fire District is still investigating the arsons and burglaries and Mundt in event there are additional charges.

On Monday, Feb. 26, Mundt appeared before Judge Eugene Harrington, who

set a $15,000 cash bond. In addition, Mundt was determined ineligible for a public defender, so the court will consider a petition for an appointed lawyer.

Mundt’s initial appearance is Monday, March 5, at 10 a.m. – Regan Kohler

PAGE 4 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - MARCH 7, 2007

Notification/from page 1 of a child relating to an incident in the Webster area in 2003. He was sentenced to three years and six months with eight additional years of extended supervision.

A half-dozen citizens showed up for the public notification meeting Thursday - and were outnumbered by local, state and federal police who were there to answer questions from the public, Sheriff Roland noted.

One concerned citizen called the Leader this week to ask why a public notification meeting was held when it was clear the weather was going to prevent the public from being a part of it.

Roland said authorities were on their way to Siren at the time of the snowstorm and there was no way to reschedule the meeting on such short notice. “We could have held it (this) Monday evening,” he said. “But there would have been no way to notify the public.”

Roland was referring to the lack of instantaneous news outlets in the immediate Siren area.

Siren Police Chief Chris Sybers also expressed regret at the situation.

“There was no way to cancel it, really,” he said.

Those who did make it to the meeting were assured that Atkins would be monitored around the clock by another person and an electronic device would be used to “time” his trips outside his home for shopping, treatment or a job.

Eventually, depending on his behavior, Atkins may have some restrictions lessened, but the court has ordered him monitored through the year 2015.

Should Atkins violate the electronic monitoring device, a signal will be sent to the state Department of Corrections and from there to local authorities.

Both Roland and Sybers related that when convicted sexual offenders are allowed to relocate to the community it presents law enforcement with a duty of balancing the protection of the offender against harassment - and the

protection of the public from possible repeat offenses by the offender.

Unlike five years ago, when two sex offenders were released into the Siren community - authorities did not disclose the exact address of where the offender will be living but Sheriff Roland said people would find out soon enough.

Sybers said he believes the guidelines for the relocation program may have changed in that respect as there have been incidents of harassment and vigilante-type problems.

He cautioned anyone with an idea to harass Atkins that they would “handled to the length of the law.”

“We’re not going to tolerate that at all,” Sybers said. He said if offenders are harassed it could lead to legislators changing the law so that the public notification process would be more limited.

Sybers said one of the questions brought up at the meeting is why offenders have to come back to live in the same area as where they committed the crime.

“It’s a state law,” Sybers said. “They are required to live in the same court jurisdiction as where they were sentenced.”

Atkins history Atkins was already a sex offender from charges in Minnesota when he lived in Webster in 2003 and was to have no contact with persons under the age of 18.

However, he lured young girls to his home by fixing up their bikes and otherwise paying attention to them. Police investigated when it was discovered that persons under the age of 18 were often at his home. The police investigation lead to three first-degree sexual assault charges for inappropriate touching over and under clothes and exposing himself to girls under the age of 13.

It was later found that he had tried to intimidate the young girls not to tell on him by saying things such as the girls

would not see their parents if they told.

Following is a criminal history, based on court records: In September of 2001, Atkins pleaded guilty/no contest to a domestic battery charge. His sentence was withheld, and he was placed on a two-year probation with the condition that he complete a domestic abuse treatment program.

Nearly 11 months later, however, his probation was revoked for failure to pay a fine and he was sentenced to seven months of jail time.

In March of 2003 he was out of jail.

He moved to Webster and on Sept. 24, 2003 he was charged with three 1st degree sexual assaults of a child, a Felony B charge.

He was also charged with a disorderly conduct on Sept. 4, 2003 and a sex offender-failure to provide information on Sept. 20, 2003 The September 4 charge was disorderly conduct for going to a residence and allegedly harassing a 17-year-old girl, claiming he was going to fix a bicycle and hid in the yard. The mother reported the incident to authorities.

On June 2, 2004, he pleaded guilty/no contest to one first-degree sexual assault of a child. The two other 1st degree sexual assault charges are dismissed but read in. The disorderly conduct and sex offender - failure to provide information were also dismissed but read in on the same day.

On July 21, 2004, he was sentenced to three years, six months at the state prison with eight additional years of extended supervision for a total sentence of more than 11 years.

Other prohibitions handed down in the sentence: The defendant shall have no contact with any victim.

The defendant shall have no contact with any persons under the age of 18.

The defendant shall not consume any alcoholic beverages or illegal substances.

Vigilance Sybers said said the community can go online to the Wisconsin Sex Offender site - http://offender.doc.state.wi.us/ and type in their zip code to find out about registered sex offenders living within that zip code area.

Currently the Siren zip code area has four residents who are registered sex offenders, he said.

He also said it’s good to always keep your eyes open to protect youth.

“We need to have parents pay attnetion and know where their kids are at all times and what they are doing - not because of this case - but just in general,” Sybers said.

Crutchfield, Daniels no longer in Siren SIREN - The first convicted sex offenders to relocate to the Siren community under the offender notification system - Thurston Crutchfield and Elijah Daniels - no longer live in Siren, according to Sheriff Roland The high-profile cases were discussed at a public notification meeting in 2002 and more than 100 people attended that meeting.

The men lived together at a home in the village and then, in September of 2002, Crutchfield was relocated from his residence in the village of Siren to a home a half-mile east of the government center. In February of 2004 Crutchfield escaped from his monitored home near the courthouse to Iowa, where he was picked up by authorities after an ex-girlfriend turned him in after he called her, asking for money.

Crutchfield was sent back in prison and Daniels - although he spent some time in the Burnett County Jail recently - is no longer living in the area. - Gary King

Will state mandate vaccine?

MADISON - Wisconsin is one state considering following the lead of Virginia, which recently mandated a new vaccine for cervical cancer.

The first-ever vaccine for cervical cancer shows medical promise, but is likely to face political opposition in the Wisconsin legislature, something sponsor Lena Taylor expects to overcome.

She says the only thing she’s ruling out is not moving forward to eliminate cer-

vical cancer. She says that’s not an option for her.

The Milwaukee Democrat says she’s willing to compromise on legislation she’s putting together with the help of Sen. Bob Wirch from Pleasant Prairie. Wirch says the opt-out provisions are the same as for any other vaccine out there, so this isn’t being forced on anyone. On other hand, Wirch says they want to cover all girls in state.

Wirch plans to meet with the Wisconsin Medical Society soon. The organization’s lobbyist is Mark Grapentine, who says physicians are certainly excited that there is a vaccine that can prevent certain types of cancer.

He says however, there are questions that arise with newness of vaccine.

Pediatricians are not sure how long the vaccine would last or about potential side effects. Another issue is fund-

ing; injections cost upwards of $300 and not all health insurance covers the shots.

Last summer, a federal health panel recommended all girls and women age 11 to 26 receive the vaccine to protect against a disease which killed 3,700 people last year. – Wisconsin Public Radio (Shamane Mills)

Bars stay open to decrease confusion MADISON - Clocks will “spring forward” a few weeks earlier than usual this year, but nobody would get sent home early from Wisconsin bars and taverns under a plan that cleared the state Senate.

A new federal law will start daylight-

savings time a full three weeks earlier than usual this year. That concerned the state’s Tavern League because the change is not spelled out in state law.

A plan that cleared the state Senate would extend bar time on the night the clocks bump ahead. Democratic

Sponsor Roger Breske of Eland says the idea is to clear up any confusion and to keep taverns from losing their liquor licenses if they keep their doors open.

He says the measure protects the people from some sheriff or district attorney someplace in the state going in and

arresting a bar owner for being open.

The measure cleared the Senate unanimously without any debate. A similar plan also passed an Assembly committee. – Wisconsin Public Radio (Shawn Johnson)

Feingold backs bill for service members quality care Legislation to improve care for military personnel injured in battle comes after reports of unacceptable conditions at Walter Reed Army Medical Center

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Russ Feingold, D-WI, is an original co-sponsor of legislation to ensure that service members wounded in combat receive the health care they deserve. The Dignity for Wounded Warriors Act, introduced by Sens. Barack Obama, DIll.,and Claire McCaskill, D-Mo., will improve care for wounded soldiers and their families and address the unacceptable conditions at Walter Reed Army Medical Center recently revealed in media reports.

“I was outraged by the recent reports

of the poor conditions at the Walter Reed Medical Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C.,” Feingold said. “Our heroic soldiers fighting in Iraq, Afghanistan and around the world make tremendous sacrifices. To hear that conditions at the Army’s premier care facility were anything less than topquality was simply unacceptable.”

The Dignity for Wounded Warriors Act takes several steps to improve care for military personnel wounded in battle. The bill guarantees good housing, improves the efficiency of the Physical

Disability Evaluation System, simplifies and reduces paperwork, strengthens care for family members, creates more frequent and improved communication between patients and caseworkers and introduces greater accountability.

“Our men and women in uniform, as well as their families, have sacrificed so much for this nation,” Feingold said.

“While this country can never truly repay them for their service, it is our duty to ensure they receive the care they deserve.” – from the office of Sen. Feingold

Celebration of new library and museum March 17 LUCK - Be part of history in the making as the Luck community celebrates the new library and museum project underway.

The Live at the Lot celebration begins on Saturday, March 17, at 1 p.m. at the library/museum site on the corner of Main Street and 3rd Avenue, where attendees will gather for an aerial photograph.

Following the community photo, the celebration will proceed one block to the DBS Hall on First Street for a corned beef sandwich lunch. Freewill donations will be accepted.

Library/museum representatives will provide a progress report on the new building project, followed by a historical

presentation titled Rural Living.

All ages are invited to wear a historical or literary costume to the celebration.

After the Rural Living presentation, judges will award prizes to the best costumes in the crowd. Please contact the library for further details about the costume contest.

In addition to the festivities, spend time at the DBS hall after lunch viewing displays that will feature depictions of the new building, plans for the library and the museum, and ways for the public to contribute to this project.

For more information, please contact the Luck Public Library at 715-825-2313, or luckpl@ifls.lib.wi.us. - submitted

Wisconsin increases exports to Asia MADISON - The governor’s office is touting another year of rising exports.

Jim Doyle says business is so good – especially to Asia – that he’s planning another trade mission there.

The governor first brought a group of Wisconsin business owners to China in 2004. He liked the results so much that another trip is in the works for this September. The mission will also stop in Japan.

Mary Regal heads the Commerce Department’s Division of International Development. She says in 2006, Wisconsin companies sold more than $17 billion of goods to foreign countries, and she says China is now the state’s

number-three trade partner, behind Canada and Europe.

Though the U.S. as a nation buys more goods from China than it sells there, Regal says Wisconsin sales are picking up. She says state exports there were up by 40 percent as compared with 2005.

Wisconsin has a Chinese trade office and Regal says it’s helped resolve a trademark dispute that involved ginseng being wrongly labeled as coming from Wisconsin.

Wisconsin’s top exports are machinery, medical equipment, paper and agriculture products. – Wisconsin Public Radio – Patty Murray

Tax breaks cushion farmers and fisherman APPLETON According to the National Association of Tax Professionals based in Appleton, nearly 2.5 million people work in the farming or commercial fishing industries.

Because much of those incomes depend on unpredictable and uncontrollable factors like weather patterns and the environment, the federal government provides a special tax break.

Cindy Hockenberry is a tax analyst with the NATP. She says farmers and fisherman can use what’s called income tax averaging to determine the current tax year liability, and even out the good and bad years. She says the income

averaging opportunity allows them to spread their income as if it had been received in the prior three years, and that essentially lowers their tax liability.

Hockenberry adds that the size of the benefit varies, but many times people don’t even take advantage of this opportunity.

The NATP also says the IRS can help farmers who’ve had to sell livestock because of drought conditions. The IRS has extended the four-year timeframe for affected farmers to buy replacement animals without realizing capital gain. – Wisconsin Public Radio (Brian Bull)

UW prominent in future of stem cell research MADISON - Despite legal, ethical and financial challenges to embryonic stem cell research, a patent official for the UW-Madison says it continues to hold medical potential. poll by Wood A statewide Communications shows 69 percent of those surveyed support embryonic stem cell research. But there are obstacles: Carl Gulbrandsen, the managing director of Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation, points to what he calls the state’s “strong pro-life contingent” and federal restrictions on funding new stem cell lines. Both arise from concerns that discarded embryos from fertility clinics are destroyed during research. He says until scientists are able to reprogram adult stem cells, there are always going to be these ethical issues.

There are also legal issues. Patents on stem cell lines discovered by Jamie Thompson were challenged by a California group. There’s also competition: private funding has helped produce 100 stem cell lines worldwide.

Several factors determine which are the most sought-after lines. Stephen

Maurer from the University CaliforniaBerkeley says the prominence of lines produced at the UW-Madison depend in part on current federal funding policies.

He says there’s a lot of talk that when the federal situation changes, the race will open again. He says one can imagine that what’s really going to matter is not who won this race for dominant cell lines, but that all bets will be off when the federal situation changes and there will be a new race for who gets new dominant cell lines.

The private entity which controls the UW’s stem cells also operates as a national repository; Gulbrandson says WiCell hopes to eventually oversee all of the 21 lines now currently registered for federal funding.

Embryonic stem cells have the ability to become various cells in the body; it’s hoped in the future they might replace diseased tissue. Currently, he says those blank-slate cells are being used to test heart drugs and help researchers learn more about early human development.

– Wisconsin Public Radio (Shamane Mills)

MARCH 7, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 5

PAGE 6 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - MARCH 7, 2007

P O L K

C O U N T Y

H E A D L I N E S

Old jail to become a shelter and care facility

Serenity Home will aid displaced persons

by Gregg Westigard BALSAM LAKE – Part of the former Polk County Jail, vacant since the completion of the justice center, will soon become a transition home and education facility for displaced persons. The Salvation Army is in the final stages of securing funding and negotiating terms to lease and operate the shelter, to be called Serenity Home, for single men and women who need a structured environment. The property committee

of the Polk County Board received an update on the project Tuesday.

Salvation Army representatives Duana and Tom Bremer told the committee that their organization had agreed to the terms in a draft lease prepared by the county. Under that lease, the Salvation Army will lease the upper floor of the former jail building for 15 years at a cost of $1 a year. All costs to remodel the building will be paid for by the Salvation Army and by grants, as well all operating costs. The Bremers said that no funding will be requested from the county or local governments.

Services will be provided to individu-

als who are displaced due to chemical dependency, mental health needs and incarceration. The Salvation Army currently maintains two emergency shelters in St. Croix County but none in Polk Country. The Bremers said there is a growing list of persons in Polk County who need the services to be provided.

Persons living in the shelter will have an individual plan that will include programs and services that will help them gain the confidence and skills to reenter society. All residents will be provided a living space, meals and personal care items. Services to be offered include job coaching, resume help and

aid in job searches. Residents will also receive adult education, health care and other assistance needed to help them live on their own. Residents will be to stay in Serenity Home for up to a year depending upon their specific treatment plan.

Serenity Home will have a full-time staff, with 24/7 coverage. A staffing plan presented to the committee shows a staff of seven persons plus skills counselors. Remodeling is expected to start in August with an October opening projected.

Balsam Lake joins economic development group

by Mary Stirrat BALSAM LAKE — Agreeing that the benefits to businesses in the village outweigh the $2 per person cost to join, the Balsam Lake Village Board voted Monday night to join the Polk County Economic Development Corporation.

The village was a member for the second half of 2005, but last year voted to not renew its participation.

“Do we want to get back into that?” village president Guy Williams asked the board. “My feeling is that we should because it’s a good opportunity for the businesses in our community.”

Because of a recent consolidation of regional revolving loan funds, including Balsam Lake’s fund, the village will most likely be making more use of the EDC. “It all sort of goes hand in hand,” said Williams, indicating that if the village is going to use the services of the EDC it should help pay for those services.

“I think it’s a good thing,” agreed

trustee Chris Sondrol. The board, with trustee Mike Voltz absent, voted unanimously to join the EDC at about $2,000 for the year.

Flower baskets The board voted to purchase reusable hanging flower baskets for the 18 light posts in the village from Pro-Lawn, at $55 each. It will cost in the neighborhood of $25 each to refill the baskets each year, said Guy Williams, and the baskets will last three to five years.

In the past the baskets have been bought from St. Croix Floral, which put in a bid of $37.50 per basket.

The board’s rationale for going with the higher price was that, with reusable baskets, the village will save money in the long run, plus it will be supporting a local business.

was a success. He also said that $5,400 has been donated for Freedom Festival fireworks.

• A request from Holy United Methodist Church to construct a sign on the Elliott Paulsen property on Hwy. 46 was approved.

• The board approved a $1-per-hour wage increase for the municipal house-

keeping manager, a position shared with Workforce Resources. The raise brings the wage to $8.50 per hour, split equally with Workforce Resources.

• The board approved the appointment of Julie Bibeau and Roxanne Moore for a three-year term on the zoning board of appeals, beginning April 1.

Kickoff breakfast at Hog Wild

LUCK – A kickoff breakfast for the Luck Area American Cancer Society Run/Walk Finish Line will be Friday, March 16, 7 a.m. at Hog Wild, downtown Luck.

Businesses, schools, churches, clubs and other organizations are encouraged to organize teams for this May 12 event.

Posters, registration forms, Foot-a-buck footprints and additional information Other business will be available at this meeting. Door • Fire Chief Ed Hill reported that the prizes will be given, including Margie March 3 spaghetti dinner fundraiser

Nelson’s homemade cinnamon rolls.

Luck’s Amery Regional Medical Center, Larsen Auto Centers and St. Croix Valley Hardwoods are corporate co-sponsors of this 12th-Annual ACS Run/Walk. Donations by sponsors help with costs of the event. Cheryl Langness and Carol Giller are this year’s honorary co-chairpersons.

Contact Patti Mattson at 715-472-2654 if you would like to attend or have any questions. – from ACS Finish LIne

MARCH 7, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 7

Knights of Columbus Council 6370 awards medals Free throws by age 10-14 girls and boys

Free throws by age 10-14 girls and boys at Frederic

Mya Rivera, 10; Emily Wells, 11; Jaryd Braden, 10 and Ryan Rauchbauer, 11.

Maria Miller, 12; Emily Byerly, 13; Alex Miller, 12; Dayton Rivera, 13 and Taylor Anderson, 14.

Jenni Holdt, 10; Trent Strapon, 10; Hannah Karl, 11; Luke Christiansen, 11; Kayla Grigsby, 13; Coty Melin, 12; Avery Steen, 12, photo not available.

Free throws by age 10-14 girls and boys at Siren

John D’Jock, 10; Jake Swenson, 11; Jessica Strabel, 10 and Brittany Coulter, 11.

Carley Emery,12; Jessie Lysdahl, 13 and Jessica Morris, 14.

Taylor Renberg, 12; Evan Oachs, 13 and Jacob Stieman, 14.

Free throws by age 10-14 girls and boys at Grantsburg

Harlei Hennessey, 10; Paign Johnson, 11; Nicole Ticknor, 12; Nicole McKenzie, 13; and Kortney Morrin, 14.

Ethan Longhenry, 10; Brady Thompson, 11; David Onstad, 12; Daniel Bjorn, 13; and Brent Myers, 14.

Knowledge Spelling and Math at Grantsburg

Math grade 6: McKenna Rognrud; Math grade 5: Jaryd Braden; Spelling grade 6: Charles Lindberg. Charles Lindberg council champ highest for the four schools; Spelling grade 5: Alyssa Backlin, photo not available.

Math grade 8: Allison Anderson; Math grade 7, Chris Hopp; Spelling grade 8: Ryan Anderson; Spelling grade 7: Allison Martin. Allison Martin was the council champ.

Knowledge Spelling and Math at Siren

Math grade 8: Josh Tills; Math grade 7: Ian Martin, photo not available; Spelling grade 7, Jocelyn Rudd; Spelling grade 8, Tia Hanson.

Math grade 6: Jacob Swenson; Math grade 5: Devan Pavlicek; Spelling grade 6: Sam Vasatka and Spelling grade 5, none.

Knowledge Spelling and Math at Grantsburg

Math grade 8: Jake Lee, also council winner; Math grade 7: Ben Davis (also council winner); Math grade 6: Jacob Radke; Math grade 5: Gus Johnson (also Council winner).

PAGE 8 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - MARCH 7, 2007

L e a d e r

F O R U M Editor’s NOTEBOOK

We b Po l l Last week’s question: Do you think our overall lack of heavy snowfall the last few years is a sign of global warming?

1. Yes 32 votes (35 percent) 2. No 59 votes (65 percent) Total votes: 91 This week’s question: How many more snowstorms will we get in March and April?

1. None 2. One more 3. Two or more You can participate in our weekly Web poll by going to www.the-leader.net and scrolling down to the lower-left hand portion of the front page.

J o e H e l l e r

Patricia DePerry’s message

I

t's already been three years since the state's 11 Native American tribes agreed to present an annual State of the Tribes address to the state Legislature.

It's an excellent idea that lends the spotlight, and hopefully, some understanding, into the issues facing the tribal nations.

This year Patricia DePerry, the first woman to serve as chairwoman of the Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Council, which also encompasses a tribe in Michigan, presented the address, and according to news accounts, spoke bluntly about how misunderstandings about tribal sovereignty has led to conflicts between state officials and tribal members.

DePerry chose to single out one individual, DNR Secretary Scott Hasset for failing to consult with tribes on issues important to both the agency and tribes.

That allegation needs more public scrutiny - and if true - then the head of the agency deserves the public chastisement along with some analysis of the system that might have allowed it to happen.

There's simply no reason for the state to ignore any tribe on issues that might involve them on any level. And DePerry made that one of her themes in her speech - better dialogue between state government and the tribes...obviously while respecting tribal sovereignty.

And, to her credit, DePerry wasn't above turning the critical eye on the sovereign communities she represents, saying that the scramble by tribes for gaming and casino profits remain one of several “hidden, lurking ugly” issues that have taken them into an age of “self-termination.”

The tribes in Wisconsin, she said, are not united in their priorities, are disengaged with one another and generally do not work well together. Pooling resources, primarily gaming profits, would allow all tribes to benefit equally.

“I was raised to share,” she said, noting her own impoverished upbringing as the eldest of nine children born to alcoholic parents. In the Catholic school she attended, she said, she was physically abused until the seventh grade, when she told her nun schoolteacher that the abuse had to stop.

DePerry's overall assessment in her message last week - while painfully analytical - is also a sign of hope that in recognizing some of its struggles publicly, perhaps tribal communities can make more progress in nurturing the positive changes brought about by gaming revenue. And addressing the problems she said still exist - poverty, alcoholism and drug use.

Sharing the wealth must become a priority for the state's tribes - and not only among the 11 tribes but within each tribe. DePerry said her tribe wants what basically every community - tribal or nontribal - wants. Good health care, education and economic development.

Of course, gaming profits have brought incredible advances to most of the tribes - and there are some tribes who work together. The local St. Croix Tribe, for example, may change the economic future for the poorer Bad River Tribe, through a partnership in the Beloit casino project.

But DePerry’s words appear to be aimed at uniting all tribes. Her story, she says, is a message that we all need to be protectors of each other - of those that cannot, for whatever reason, stand up for themselves.

How can the non-Native American community play a part in that?

Taking a cue from DePerry’s message, respect in general for the Native American community, would be a good starting point.

And respect goes out to DePerry for using her brief but bright platform before the Legislature well - sending a brutally honest assessment of her view of us all….to us all.

All editorials on this page by editor Gary King

Cooperative:

an enterprise or organization owned by and operated for the benefit of those using its services

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) 232-1390 Toll-free - 1-800-862-1092 sen.harsdorf@legis.state.wi.us

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

U.S. Sen. Russ Feingold SDB 40, Rm. 1 Washington, D.C. 20510 or 8383 Greenway Blvd.

Middleton, WI 53562 (608) 828-1200 senator@feingold.senate.gov

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

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

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

A tip of the Hat Edna Schroeder

There are plenty of reasons to give a Tip of the Hat to Edna Schroeder.

Honored in 1992 as one of Wisconsin's Ten Most Admired Senior Citizens, her list of community activities and contributions is a long one. "Exemplary generosity..." is one of her noted qualities. Always there to help others, she has been a very active member of Women of the Moose for eight years, the Webster Lioness for 25 years, and the American Legion for 69 years. A cancer survivor and now living with other major health issues, she is always ready to help others who are ill, even driving them to their doctor appointments. She's an inspiration to her grandchildren, and all who know her praise her for her "great heart" and her endless store of kindness. So here's a tip of the hat to one of Webster's finest, Edna Schroeder. - Special photo

The views expressed on these pages do not necessarily represent the views of ICPPA board members or employees

T h e

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

L e a d e r

i s

a

L e a d e r Views from across the S t a t e

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Voter photo ID: Still a good idea o the state it’s obvious, it's in everyone's best interest to make sure elections are honest. No one should vote except individuals who are qualified under pertinent

laws.

It follows that the best way to assure such voting integrity is to require proper identification from those who present themselves at the polling place.

So it makes all sorts of sense to us for Republicans - again - to press forward with their plan to require photo identification for Wisconsin voters.

Unfortunately, Democrats disagree.

And Democrats rule in Madison.

Last week the Republican-controlled Assembly cast a preliminary vote to bring back the photo ID requirement. The plan appears to be a lock in the Assembly, but it would not garner enough votes to override another veto by Gov. Jim Doyle.

The Democrat governor, though, is unlikely to find intervention necessary this go-round. Senate Majority Leader Judy Robson, D-Beloit, says whatever the Assembly does is of no consequence, because photo ID is going nowhere in the upper house.

The proposal was unsuccessful during the last session, and appears to have no chance this time around either.

That’s a shame, because all Wisconsinites should be determined to reduce the likelihood of voter fraud. Heightened attention to proving one's identity would be a good step.

Come on. It's not too much to ask that anyone wanting to cast a ballot in Wisconsin be able to prove they are who they say they are.

So long as liberal arrangements are put in place to make sure obtaining a state photo ID is simple and easy, what's the problem?

Democrats have objected on the grounds that the ID requirement would needlessly complicate the voting process, and perhaps make it more difficult for minorities and poor people - translation: Democrat voters - to qualify. One wonders if Democrats would be this concerned if, for example, a requirement made it tougher for businessmen to vote.

Oh, never mind The idea is not to make it more difficult for anyone, but rather to insure the integrity of the voting._ Wisconsin makes it too easy to vote, almost inviting fraud. Common-sense reform could protect the system without undue inconvenience.

There's nothing more common-sense than proof of identity. - Beloit Daily News

MARCH 7, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 9

F O R U M

C o m m u n i t y

V O I C E S

tors visa in 1991, and a lawyer wrongly told them that they could become citizens if they held steady jobs in the community for seven years.

Marina Gonzales taught Spanish at the he College Republicans at NYU like to parish grade school, and her daughter Marie make people angry. ran track and played tennis at the local high At a campus fair two years ago they sold school. Her husband Marvin was a courier for cookies at different prices to students of the governor, and the story of an undocumentdifferent races and called it an "affirmative ed worker right in the governor's office action bake sale." I can see how that interpreAndrew proved irresistible for the local press. tation of affirmative action could make sense A 2002 newspaper article triggered the legal Jensen to conservatives who believe that dismantling machinery of deportation, and three years white supremacy is just as bad as defending it, later the INS deported the Gonzales parents but to me it looked suspiciously like Republicans trying back to Costa Rica. Their daughter Marie is still in the to bring back the bad old days. That little stunt pro- United States, attending college in a legal limbo withvoked an outraged protest from an enormous crowd of out knowing whether she'll graduate or be forced out black and Hispanic students. of the country.

Two weeks ago they were at it again. This time they Deportation tears families apart. It is a constant staged a game they called Find the Illegal Immigrant." threat hanging over some people's lives, threatening to At first their online description of the game said, destroy years of hard work and send young people "They're everywhere so it shouldn't be too hard." From back to a country they may not even remember. Given that description it sounded like the College that reality, I was amazed that the NYU College Republicans were going to play at being vigilantes, that Republicans see deportation as a fun game for privithey would stand on the sidewalk and demand proof of leged white kids to play with each other. It shows a legal residence from the people who serve their meals lack of empathy so severe as to be indistinguishable in the dining halls and sand the smog off the sides of from stupidity. their dormitories.

The other thing I found astonishing was that they felt When Hispanic students found this online descrip- they had the moral authority to decide which immition of the game and started screaming bloody murder, grants belong here and which don't. If the organizers the College Republicans changed the rules of the game. were Ojibwa, Apache or otherwise Native I might take One of them would wear a name tag saying "Illegal that assumption seriously, but they were white kids immigrant," and players of the game would hunt that whose immigrant families have, like mine, been on this person down in the park. The first player to find the continent for only a few generations. student with the sticker would win a gift certificate.

Several of the signs at our counter-demonstration When the day of the game came around, 300 stu- played on that irony, saying "Nativists are not native" dents, myself included, protested the Republicans' or asking "Who's the illegal immigrant, pilgrim?" I game, and only 12 signed up to play it. I could only don't understand how anyone can, with such righteous count four College Republicans standing on the side- fervor, demand to kick people out of a stolen country, walk, though there may have been more. It was hard to or why someone would make a callous game of deporpick them out because they were vastly outnumbered tation. by reporters eagerly competing to interview them Though the organizers got their interviews, it was about their publicity stunt. great to see hundreds of students and other New In the end, none of the players found the student Yorkers come together on two-days notice to outnumwith the name tag, maybe because every protester also ber the mock vigilantes dozens to one. While a few wore an "Illegal immigrant" sticker, but the story ran in NYU kids would apparently like to deport the people press outlets from the New York Times to the BBC. who pick their vegetables and repair their buildings, I What I found most interesting about the whole con- guess most students here realize that we are all immitrived fracas was the difference between the trauma of grants. deportation and the cruel yet lighthearted tone of the College Republicans' game. Though the game made Editor’s note: A 2003 graduate of Unity High School, light of it, deportation tears people's lives out at the Andrew Jensen is a pre-medical senior majoring in economroots. ics at New York University. He plans to attend Mt. Sinai The Washington Post reported the case of the Medical School and is currently writing an undergraduate Gonzales family of Jefferson City, Mo. They came to honors thesis on African medical brain drain. Comments are the United States from Costa Rica on a six-month visi- welcome at andrew.jensen.column@gmail.com

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Nativists are not Native

S t a f f

C O R N E R

They don’t “play when they want to” and they don’t “walk off the field before the game is called.”

The Packers are about team, honor, tradition, playThe latest news about the Green Bay Packers is ing with heart, and most importantly, and plainly unsettling for fans, to say the least. News that runput, football. ning back and free agent Ahman Green is leaving Where does a Randy Moss-type fit into that scefor lowly Houston and that fullback William Henderson nario? I know miracles happen every day and there is expects to be released from the Pack next season, leaves a chance, though slim, that Moss could change his those of us who are grateful for Favre’s return feeling bitevil ways if he were under the right influence, but I tersweet. doubt seriously his selfish way of life would change I am glad Favre came back, but am disappointed to see just by placing on a uniform of a different color.

Tammi Green and Henderson leave. This means that the only Besides, I’m sure there is a police officer somewhere Packer from the 1996 Superbowl Championship still playMilberg that is waiting to be run down by a Lexus…and I ing next season will be our own number four, Mr. Brett think Mike Tice is still in need of baby-sitting job last Favre.

Also leaving for the Dolphins is tight end and free agent David time I checked….but, I digress.

Although Moss has had his share of mishaps and bad press, Martin. In addition to those departures in Packer news, rumors some Packer fans would gladly take on the “ref-squirter” and his indicate the Pack is heavily considering adding former rival and ‘fro for one more Favre Superbowl Championship. I guess I am ex-Viking, now Raider, Randy Moss, as a trade for wide receiver.

This proposed trade would work nicely for those of us who betwixed and between on this one. Yes, I am a fence-sitter would like to see Favre throw to a receiver like Moss in addition because I can see both sides to this issue and I must say I am not to Donald Driver, and the Pack offense could be prime, maybe sure which way I lean at this point. I do have to say though that the image of a mock-moon by the Superfreak to Vikings fans even unstoppable.

I can’t imagine the cringe that went through Viking fans who would be a “must-see.” Maybe he will even spray paint his ‘fro heard the rumor that their former mock-mooner could be don- gold!

In relation to the Moss rumor, the Pack allegedly counterning a green and gold uniform, but I’d like to imagine it and offered up Aaron Rodgers for a Moss trade. When the backup QB laugh.

One obvious problem I see with this proposal [bless Favre’s was contacted for comment on the subject, Rodgers indicated he heart for wanting two wide receivers for next season] is simple, was not told he was on the trading block. With Green, Henderson “There is no I in TEAM.” For anyone who knows Randy Moss, and Martin gone, and Rodgers traded, one could conclude the this is definitely not his motto and the Packers are team players. cheese[head], Favre, stands alone.

The Cheese(head) stands alone

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

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

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PAGE 10 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - MARCH 7, 2007

L e a d e r F O R U M Letters t o t h e e d i t o r Celebrate Adam It’s tough to find the right words when you lose someone you call friend.

Adam Peterson touched the lives of so many people. Adam was a fellow teacher who brought energy to the classroom and inspired his students to think for themselves. Being a young teacher, Adam didn’t have the experiences to help pave his way, but he was never afraid of a challenge. I admired his unselfish dedication to our community and school district.

Throughout our lives we are presented with many open doors that we either choose to walk through or ignore. Some doors stay open longer than others, but in the end, we need to make our own choices, experience our own failures and learn from the paths we choose to follow. I’m thankful that Adam chose the door that led him to us.

Adam’s death has gotten me thinking about my life and the impact I have on my family, my students, my co-workers, and my friends. It got me asking, “Why Adam?” Why would a 25-year-old be taken away from his family and friends so soon? Why would a young teacher be brought to our school and community and taken away so quickly? Why not me? I can’t run that fast anymore. I can’t throw a softball as far as I once could.

My students use to understand me and laugh at my jokes. Now they misunderstand my jokes and laugh at me. And, when I flex my muscles, I never worry about ripping my shirt (that was one of Adam’s lines). Pure logic doesn’t make sense.

Last Thursday I heard the words, “We remember, we celebrate and we believe.” Those words were sung at Adam’s funeral and they suddenly had new meaning. We’re not supposed to have all the answers. If we try to use pure logic to explain what happened, forget it. It won’t happen. We need to trust that we will someday know the answers to all our questions…through our faith.

Together, we all grieve. But, let’s also remember and celebrate Adam’s life.

Balsam Lake and Athens, Wisconsin, will forever be linked together. Let’s be inspired to become better people, because that’s what Adam’s message was for us…to work at being our best, not just for today, but everyday. Our faith has been put to the test, but if we believe, we can get through this tough time. Rely on God and his word for support and comfort. Appreciate what you have. Take the time to give more hugs, more kisses, and more high-fives. Smile, even when you don’t feel like it, because you never know whose life you are affecting. Tell people how you feel about them. Treat each day as if it were your last.

The Bible says, “God has given each of you some special abilities; be sure to use them to help each other, passing on to others God’s many kinds of blessings.” -1 Peter 4:10. Adam’s choice of doors allowed him to pass on his special abilities to us.

Love each other. Comfort each other.

Be there for one another. I find peace in knowing that Adam was able to pass on his love and many kinds of blessings to all of us.

We have lost a great member of our school family, and I, a good friend.

So today…”We remember, we celebrate, and we believe!

Mr. Chris Czech Athens Middle School Teacher Athens

Challenges

While I remain skeptical about the probability of the county’s strategic planning exercise having any measurable impact on any future decision making, the discussions have certainly been interesting and I have enjoyed taking part in them.

Gregg Westigard, reporter for the Inter-County Leader, chose the Amery forum to endorse the re-election of all the incumbents on the current county When Dennis Radcliffe board. announced, prior to a county board meeting, his intentions to campaign for candidates he agreed with and against the election of those with whom he disagreed, nine county board members – illegally - left the county board meeting rather than listening to Radcliffe’s pubcomments.

However, Mr. lic Westigard’s comments will, no doubt, be considered sage advice.

While much of the discussion that took place focused on the need to attract jobs to the area, Mayor Stower chose the occasion to announce that Amery, St. Croix Falls and Osceola will be withholding funding from Polk County Economic Development Corporation until further notice. Of course without the funding from the municipalities, Polk County EDC is doomed, because, by their organizational documents, they must get one third of their funding from the municipalities in Polk County. It is interesting to me that Stower vocally supported many of the candidates who voted in favor of creating the Polk County EDC several years ago. I opposed the creation of the EDC for several reasons. I am not opposed to economic development being driven by private entrepreneurs seeking a place to make a profit. But the main objection that I stated at that meeting a few years ago was my belief that local mayors and city administrators would lack the foresight and courage to support something that didn’t directly benefit them. Mayor Stower put his face on my prediction.

Since EDC hasn’t put anything of note in Amery - i.e. no photo-op for the mayor - then EDC has worn out its welcome in Amery. His particular problem with Menard’s seems to be that “they pay low wages and will suck money out of Polk County and send it to Eau Claire.” It is certainly true that they will not pay any higher wages than it takes to staff the store and the profits will go to the owners and investors. Its called private enterprise and it is a good thing.

His other concern was the pressure that competition from Menard’s might bring to the lumber business that has served Amery so well for so long. Private businesses, unlike government (the only business Stower knows), are constantly being challenged to remain competitive.

It’s what happens when one is in business in the private sector. If Mayor Stower had been around a hundred years ago, I am sure he would have condemned the internal combustion engine for putting the blacksmiths and livery stable owners out of business and destroying small-town America.

I tried to point out to Mayor Stower that some of the people who will work at Menard’s would live in Amery, Osceola and St Croix Falls. Is it bad for those towns to have jobs available close to home - even if they are not in the mayor’s or administrator’s own town?

While it is true that the profits might go out of the area, the wages will stay here and will bounce around Polk County businesses like a poorly hit golf ball.

Economists tell us that money generated locally is spent seven times in the community in which it is generated.

The so-called big box retailers also attract spin-off businesses in the areas where they locate. Restaurants, office

buildings, banks, law offices, engineering firms, architectural firms, accounting firms, etc are examples. It is in these businesses that the higher-paying jobs we would all like to have start appearing.

The challenge for Polk County will be to deal with these challenges in a manner that doesn’t destroy us.

Bob Blake Frederic

It can happen here

Most of you reading this letter have heard of or been a part of Community Referral Agency for the past 26 years.

CRA, as it is known, is a shelter for battered women and their children. I have been associated with CRA since 20002001 when I worked full time as the Burnett County advocate, and for the past six months or so as a part-time shelter advocate. CRA provides services to all abused people; men, women, children, black, white, Native American, rich, poor, etc. The wonderful staff provided direct services to help victims become empowered, to make healthy choices, kept them safe, and supported them through their darkest hours.

The irony in all of this is that behind its own doors, abuse was allowed to happen by the CRA board. The shelter’s current director has verbally and emotionally abused staff until that staff is beaten down and lifeless. The entire staff filed a group grievance with the CRA board against the director. This grievance was “denied” because it was done as a group. Staff then filed individually, and the board heard them as a group. The director, who was a the person being grieved against, was able to sit in the room with the board while the board made their decision on the grievance. The person who filed the grievance was made to leave the room.

Staff was asked to talk with two members of the Wisconsin Coalition Against Domestic Violence, which they did, to no avail. WCADV gave a recommendation to the CRA board which was to be shared with staff. It wasn’t. The board of directors has chosen to keep an abusive person as director, someone who has lied, manipulated, and intimidated staff at every turn. The director has threatened staff, taken away pay, made poor choices that cost CRA necessary funding, belittled and harassed staff and shelter residents, and everything else that would fall under abuse.

Most of the staff have decided to leave CRA and it is with heavy hearts that we made that decision. We have told and retold everything the director has done.

It made no difference. The board made a grave mistake in keeping this director.

Unfortunately, the damage has already been done, and I fear that it cannot be repaired. The staff has spent their collective years at CRA protecting, empowering and advocating for victims. We couldn’t protect ourselves, though we tried everything we could.

If you are reading this, please let the CRA board of directors know that you find this as horrific as we do. Let them know that this is a much-needed agency in our counties, but that they cannot allow these behaviors to happen. It is against the very mission they are supposed to uphold.

Sure, they can hire new people; save the agency money with inexperienced and untrained staff. They can start new programs and maybe float for a while on fear. But the bottom line is that until this director is replaced, CRA will no longer be the model agency in the state of Wisconsin that it once was. It won’t take new staff long to figure out what’s going on, and the turnover rate will rise tremendously and the same issues and problems will still be present.

Former staff are willing to share their story with anyone who wants to listen.

We want you to know what kind of an agency you did support and what kind of agency you possibly now support.

You may ask why we would do that … why would we want to discredit an agency that helps victims of domestic violence? That’s like asking a victim why she stayed. Why not ask the board why they made the decision to keep an abuser as director? Why not ask the director why she abused staff the way she did and will continue to do? The victims CRA currently serves will have no place to go if she remains as the director … the doors will close. And that, my friends, is what we, the staff, have tried to prevent.

Standing with my sisters, Kim Lalor Balsam Lake

How about beanies?

Well the cultural event of the year has come and gone. I am referring to that highly anticipated and much ballyhooed grand ego-fest to honor the narcissistic nabobs in the motion picture industry. Better known as the Academy Awards.

And we all know by now that undisputed gratuitous guru of global warming, Al Gore, walked away with the award for Best much-coveted Documentary. Much to the delight of the sheeplike sycophants and the demagogues of impending doom, who have become proselytes to the Gore Doctrine. Now rather than succumb to the anxiety brought about by the hysteria surrounding the many global warming theories, I sense economic opportunity here. We’ve all been told that by just changing our incandescent light bulbs to low-wattage florescent types, we can save substantial amounts of engery ... great! But I think we can go one better. Some of us may remember those little beanies with the propellers on top, I think we can adapt the propeller to a miniature wind generator so that when we are out and about engaging in our daily routines, we could be recharging our Ipods, Blackberries, and even our cell phones. I wonder how many megatons of carbon that could eliminate from the atmosphere?

Hypothetically speaking, lets suppose the worst-case scenario happened, that would be that the coastal regions of the U.S. would be flooded due to the melting polar ice. The people displaced by such a catastrophic event would be in dire need of shelter and sustenance. I think it would be very lucrative for someone who manufactures yurts, to be able to supply economical shelter for the huddled masses. And as an added bonus, they could sew into the fabric, solar panels to supply the modest energy needs of these efficient domiciles. I can see it all now, thousands of yurt communities dotting the coastal plains of Kansas, the people reverting back to their agrarian roots, living in harmony and cultivating their communal organic gardens. This should be a boon for the folks that manufacture gardening implements such as hoes, rakes, scythes, pitchforks, etc. Not only will they be invaluable for cultivating and harvesting foodstuffs, they could be used as props by the angry mobs as they storm the gates of the evil energy company facilities for perpetrating such a pox on the planet. These are just a couple of examples, but for any enterprising entrepreneur, the possibilities could be endless.

Robert Andrewson Webster

MARCH 7, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 11

L e a d e r F O R U M Letters t o t h e e d i t o r Sportsmanship Wow...what a great regional game Monday night at Amery between Glenwood City and Webster.

The coaches, players, refs and fans showed how to act at a sporting event with real class. No angry slurs or yelling, just lots of cheers and loud screaming. The players were gentlemen during and after the game. It was sad that a few Luck boys attended the game to sit in the front row and harass the Webster boys at every chance during the game...growling, yelling and acting stupid...they did not represent their school, who would be ashamed of them.

We believe that we should all support our conference...no matter who wins.

Jack and Arlene Elliott Webster

Hats off Hats off to the Polk County plow boys! Magnificent job on keeping our highways open during the recent storms. You have shown long hours of dedication to keep Polk County safe.

Many thanks!

Ken and Ruth Johnson Balsam Lake

Input wanted The Garfield Plan Commission and the Garfield Town Board have been busy over the last 12 months making plans for efficient and responsible development in our town.

With the help of a professional planner, a Public Facilities Needs Assessment was completed which anticipates capital expenditures that will be required if the town continues to grow. On Monday, Feb. 19, a public hearing was held to consider an ordinance establishing impact fees to cover a proportionate share of capital

improvements due to the increased demands of new development.

Present taxpayers and residents benefit when a share of these costs is paid by new development.

Projects proposed include the rebuilding of three town roads, improving park facilities, and a public works building and site for a total cost estimated to be $1,975,996 ($377,675 attributable to new development, paid by impact fees).

Following the hearing, the town board passed the ordinance. An impact fee of $3,020 will be payable by the developer or the property owner to the town of Garfield in full within 14 days of the issuance of a building permit.

That so few Garfield residents turned out for this hearing to learn about the anticipated capital improvements and their eventual effect on local tax levies concerns me greatly. I endorsed the needs assessment and supported the ordinance and looked forward to receiving much-needed community input at the hearing.

Public notices were placed in a local newspaper two weeks prior, copies of the Public Facilities Needs Assessment and the ordinance were made available from the town clerk, the agenda was posted at the town hall in Wanderoos and on the town Web site (www.townofgarfield.com). Still, fewer than 10 residents attended the public hearing! What do we need to do to get people interested enough in important issues to attend meetings and hearings so their voices are heard?

The plan commission is working on a vision statement as a first step in developing a comprehensive plan for the town (mandated by the state.) The process will take over a year. There will be many opportunities for citizen input and the public is always welcome at meetings. Watch the Web site for meeting dates. In April, two vacancies on the plan commission will occur. Please think about volunteering and call the town clerk or check the Web site for how to apply.

Here’s hoping Garfield citizens will come forward with their opinions and suggestions. The town board needs your input!

Marilyn Buckingham Garfield Town Board Supervisor Amery

Entering Heaven The last couple of weeks, two people have written letters stating the Christians, Jews and Muslims worship the same God, the God of Abraham.

Obviously, these people have not done their homework. There are a mass of books on the market dealing with Islam written by Christians, non-Christians and former Muslims. No one has to be naïve regarding the beliefs pertaining to Islam.

For the pre-Islamic Arabs, a god by the name of Allah was already known.

Of the many different deities that existed in Mecca, Allah was one of them.

When Muhammad was born in 570 AD., his tribe was already devoted to Allah, the moon god. Also in pre-Islamic times, it was believed that the Arabian sun god was married to Allah, the moon god.

And from this marriage, they produced three daughters called The Daughters of Allah. Of all of the Arabian deities, these were viewed at the very top. When Muhammad took control of Mecca, he destroyed all the idols representing these deities except a stone deity, Allah.

In the pre-Islamic Arab culture throughout the Middle East, the worship of the moon god, Allah, was presented by a crescent moon. But the interesting thing about this crescent moon is its presence on every flag of an Islamic nation today. In fact, when you are traveling across the United States and you come across a mosque, pay close attention to what you see on top of it. You will see a crescent moon.

Therefore, don’t let anyone fool you by saying that Allah and the God of the

A r e a N e w s

Manhunt ends on streets of Barron

Pedophile said he abused 24 children

BARRON - Wade Charles Deveney, who was wanted by several law enforcement agencies in connection with a string of recent burglaries and vehicle thefts, was apprehended early Sunday morning in the city of Barron.

Authorities had issued a press release in November asking for the public’s help in finding the 43-year-old suspect. The manhunt effort received a break Sunday when at approximately 2 a.m. an offduty officer reported that he had recently spotted Deveney at a Barron bar.

Deveney was considered armed and dangerous, so officers requested rifles and took up positions around town to apprehend him. He was found and placed under arrest at 2:26 a.m. behind a residence on East River Avenue, but he had to be transported to Barron hospital before stopping at the county jail, because Deveney was complaining about rib pain. Authorities allege that in his attempt to flee, Deveney tried to enter several buildings, including one residence. The vehicle he was driving is believed to have been stolen from within the county. Once in jail, Deveney allegedly admitted to detectives that he was involved in 10 burglaries across Barron and Dunn counties, in addition to one burglary in eastern Minnesota and three vehicle thefts. – Barron NewsShield

RICE LAKE - A 21-year-old former Rice Lake man, whose mandatory release from prison was set for this week, instead faces commitment as a sexually violent person. Eric L. Fankhauser, who was convicted of sexually assaulting a young boy in Rice Lake in 2003, told a psychiatric doctor on Jan. 13 that he had victimized 24 children. That information is found in a petition filed in Barron County Circuit Court on Feb. 22 by Attorney General J. B. Van Hollen’s Office stating that Fankhauser has a high risk of reoffending and asking for his commitment.

Fankhauser was scheduled to be released from Racine Correctional Institute on Feb. 27. According to the petition, Fankhauser told the psychiatric doctor as recently as January that, even though he had no plans to do so, he knew he would reoffend after being released from prison. Assistant Attorney General Donald Latorraca’s petition alleges that Fankhauser is a sexually violent person under the state’s sexual predator law. A probable cause hearing is scheduled before Judge Edward Brunner on Thursday, March 8.

It is open to the public. Fankhauser was convicted of felony second-degree sexual assault of a child in Barron County in October 2003.

While in prison, Fankhauser participated in a sex offend-

er program. In a program report dated Jan. 19, Fankhauser admitted to targeting children he knew and those he did not know, the petition stated. He reported that he had gone for weeks assaulting a child daily. – Rice Lake Chronotype

Polar plunge keeps memory alive RICE LAKE - The Crazy for a Cure Polar Plunge will test the bravery and generosity of participants when they take a dip into the icy waters of Rice Lake Sunday, March 11. This event got its start last year as a benefit for cancer patient Don Fredrickson. Although Don died a short time later, his family has decided to make it an annual event.

This year, funds raised will go to a nursing scholarship fund in memory of Kimberlie Wee who died last December after a struggle with leukemia, said plunge organizer Jessica Fredrickson.

“Doing this is just part of the healing process for us I guess (my mom, my sister and I) and it’s really just intended to be a fun way to keep his memory alive.

He was a wonderful man and he deserves a wonderful legacy,” she said.

More than 30 people already have volunteered for the bone-chilling dive, which will take place on the lake near the Elks Lodge at noon. – Rice Lake Chronotype

Bible, the God of Abraham are the same.

The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob came to this earth in the person of Jesus Christ (John 1:1,14, John 10:30; Rev. 22:12-13,16). The whole Bible, including both Testaments, is filled with references to the Lord Jesus Christ. Scripture after scripture brings forth Jesus Christ regarding who he is and why he came.

But to Islam, Jesus is not divine, but merely the last of the prophets before Muhammad, below his authority.

The god of Islam is a god you can never know personally. He requires total obedience to Islam and never extends love and grace. When Muslims pray, they always pray for mercy because they do not know the God who extends mercy and grace in Jesus Christ.

They can never say, “God is love” because their doctrine of God doesn’t include love. The God of the Bible loved us so much that He sent the Lord Jesus Christ to die for us (John 3:16; 1 John 4:7-10).

One of the reasons we can’t compete with the Islamic suicide bombers in Iraq, and other places, is the promotion of suicide terrorism. The Islamic tradition teaches that a martyr (Shahid) who dies for Allah will receive numerous heavenly rewards, including 72 (some sources say 70) dark-eyed virgins of paradise. The Palestinian authority repeatedly promotes this. Palestinian songs are written about this. Children are taught this. And suicide bombers are told that a sure guarantee of getting to paradise is to commit jihad as a suicide bomber. But how little they realize that death, instead, brings them a rude awakening (Rev. 21:8).

No matter what people want to believe, heaven is not entered by good works or false religion (Ephesians 2:89), but only through Jesus Christ (John 14:6; John 11:25-26).

Pastor Merrill Olson Webster

Coach disciplined in ‘02 GLENWOOD CITY – School officials in Glenwood City were so concerned with legendary basketball coach Fed Booth’s behavior that they ordered him in the fall of 2002 not to be alone with female students. The restriction, along with a three-day suspension, was imposed on Booth by the Glenwood City School District after several allegations of misconduct, according to personnel records recently released by district officials. After a female student and a recent graduate complained about Booth’s suggestive behavior toward them, he was ordered not to email students and not to invite them into his home to give him haircuts. But Booth, who had led the boys basketball team to a state championship the year before, was allowed to continue teaching and coaching. Booth, who pleaded not guilty Monday to accusations he entered a former student athlete’s home as she slept this year, declined comment as he left the St. Croix County courtroom. At least three young women have complained to school leaders about the conduct of the coach. They said Booth had made inappropriate comments to them and sent them suggestive notes. All three have talked with St. Croix County investigators. – St. Paul Pioneer Press

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L e a d e r

F O R U M

10th Senate District Fighting to preserve SeniorCare Wisconsin was one of the first states to enact a comprehensive senior prescription drug program, called SeniorCare. One of the first votes I cast after being elected to serve in the state Senate in 2001 was for the creation of this program. With strong bipartisan support, SeniorCare served as a national model on how to help seniors with escalating drug prices while taming

health care costs.

For nearly five years, SeniorCare has provided needed price relief to over 100,000 Wisconsin seniors.

As importantly, has SeniorCare proven to be cost effective, by utilizSheila ing preventive care Harsdorf instead of costly emergency care.

Wisconsin seniors and taxpayers have both benefited.

SeniorCare relies on a federal government waiver for a good portion of its funding. However, the federal waiver is set to expire this July. Two years ago, the federal government adopted Medicare Part D to provide prescription price relief on a national level.

Many in Washington feel that with a federal program in place there is no need for states to have separate programs. However, a vast majority of seniors are better off with the Wisconsin SeniorCare program, and choose it over Medicare Part D. In an effort to extend the life of SeniorCare, I joined a bipartisan group

of legislators in sending a letter to our federal elected officials urging them to work with their colleagues in Washington to extend the waiver. An extension of the waiver would enable the continuation of SeniorCare and the choice of options for our seniors in accessing affordable prescription drugs.

If you want to know more about SeniorCare, please contact my office or visit www.dhfs.state.wi.us/seniorcare online. I can be reached by calling 1800-862-1092 or via e-mail at Sen.Harsdorf@legis.state.wi.us.

Hraychuck speaks to Legionnaires BALSAM LAKE – State Rep. Ann Hraychuck was the guest speaker at the American Legion District 12 annual birthday party March 3, hosted by Post and Unit #278 at the Legion Hall.

Hraychuck spoke about veterans legislation past and present, programs

available to returning vets and gave an overview of the 32nd Division of the Wisconsin National Guard in Iraq.

Many members of Hraychuck’s family, she noted, have served their country in the military from World War I to present. She told personal stories about

what the American Legion has meant to her and her family through the years.

District 12 Commander Robert Stone of Sheldon, conducted the morning District Executive Committee meeting and the afternoon program.

Auxiliary membership awards for

going more than 100 percent were presented by the 12th District President Betty Stone to several Auxiliary units that “went over the top.”

All veterans are invited to join the American Legion Post in their neighborhood. – submitted

Grief support groups in Spooner and Siren SPOONER/SIREN - Spooner Health Systems, Burnett Medical Center and Regional Hospice are co-sponsoring eight-week grief support groups beginning in mid-March. These groups are designed to help and support individuals who are dealing with any kind of loss related grief.

Grief takes many forms and has no

timetable. Losses may be due to many things, including the death of a loved one, personal injury or financial problems. Often the grieving person feels alone and distressed. Grief support groups offer education about grief and loss, connection to professionals trained to help, and a community of others walking a similar path.

The grief support groups are open to anyone who wishes to attend. There is no charge, and people may attend any number of sessions. In addition to the groups, individual consultation is available, also at no charge.

The Spooner Grief Support Group will meet Mondays from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the lower-level conference room at

Subsribe online at www.the-leader.net

the Spooner hospital. The first session will be Monday, March 19.

The Siren Grief Support Group will meet Tuesdays from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at the Lodge at Crooked Lake. The first session will be Tuesday, March 20.

For more information or to register, call 635-3211. - submitted

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St. Croix Falls Menards to open next week

ST. CROIX FALLS – The new St. Croix Falls Menards Mega Store, located at 1285 208th Street, (just east of St. Croix Falls on Hwy. 8) will be open for business on Tuesday, March 13.

Menards is well-known throughout the Midwest for its complete selection of high-quality, Name-brand merchandise, tools for any job, and state-of-the-art instore computers to help guests design their special projects. Menards carries the materials and tools for all home improvement projects from light bulbs to building a new house. Plus, many Menards stores also carry name-brand appliances, pet products, lawn and garden supplies and even groceries as your one-stop shopping experience Mike Anderson, St. Croix Falls Menards General Manager says, “This is an exciting time for all of us in St. Croix Falls.

Everyone is invited to stop at the new

store and see the fabulous selections.”

A family-owned company started in 1960, Menards currently operates over 200 home improvement stores located in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.

Visit the new St. Croix Falls Menards Mega Store beginning on Tuesday, March 13, and watch for information on the Grand Opening celebration that begins shortly thereafter. The celebration will include deals on merchandise, prize give-aways, in-store demonstrations and celebrity appearances. –from Menards Inc.

The new Menards store in St. Croix Falls opens next week, very close to the original slated opening date of early- to mid-March when construction on the store began. The store is at the intersection of Hwy. 8 and 208th Street.

–Photo by Tammi Milberg

Water and sewer dominate agenda for Dresser

by Tammi Milberg DRESSER–The village board for Dresser had several agenda items to go through Monday night, but the bulk of it dealt with either water or sewer.

The first item was informational and was a report from the DNR on the water supply and inspection report. The report is customary, and the DNR inspects the well houses and tank and gives recommendations. The quality of Dresser water is very high. So high in fact, they have bottled some of the water and are considering selling some of it as a promotional item at local events and in local businesses.

That item was also informational as board president Sherm Leske is working out the details on that to present at a later time. The board did have sample bottles at the meeting, and it was noted that the production cost is 30 cents per bottle. Transportation and delivery costs are not included in that cost.

Another water-related issue involved the motion to purchase a handheld device and software for the Sensus Water Meter reading system for the

water utility. The recommendation by public works for the handheld device and software is for accuracy and convenience in meter reading. The motion carried to purchase the items for $6,250.

Also approved was a motion to purchase water utility manager software and training from CIVIC Systems in the amount of $2,200.

Scott McCurdy from Cedar Corp., talked to the board later in the agenda regarding the sewer utility for the village. McCurdy indicated that in 2005, the sewer utility showed a negative of $72,000 or a loss. That was due in part to infiltration and a sewer rate increase from Osceola. For 2006, McCurdy said the sewer utility is showing an operating loss of $81,000.

While the infiltration issues were resolved with new linings in the infrastructure and that flow was reduced from 8.5 million gallons per year, the sewer hookup fees were expected to compensate for the additional sewer costs.

“The anticipated costs are higher than the revenues,” McCurdy said. “The util-

ity is not showing a change and is unable to pay for itself.”

McCurdy suggested the finance committee review the information and make a decision as to how to solve that issue.

He added that the village needs the rate to improve to a loss of $20,000 or less per year. He said that the treatment costs to Osceola are up $100,000 and that samples were sent three times a week, but now have reduced to a frequency of one time a week, which should net a gain over what was spent in 2006 for sewer analysis.

The village has covered the shortfall in the past, but finance will determine if a rate increase is needed to resolve the issue. No action was taken at this time as McCurdy’s report was informational.

Other business The board was updated that Dresser has been named a 2006 Tree City U.S.A. in their promotion and efforts in conjunction with Arbor Day. The board approved a request by the VFW to use the village hall for pancake breakfasts April 1 and April 19. The fur-

nace went out in the VFW, and until that can be replaced or repaired, the VFW is without a place to hold their pancake breakfasts. The board approved the use of the hall waiving the rental fee, indicating that the VFW does contribute to the community.

The board heard the bid results for CTH F construction. There were eight bids received, and the low bid came from F&K Excavating for $498,364.70.

The bids ranged from that bid to as much as $698,964.12 as the high bid. The board approved moving forward with the low bid from F&K Excavating will all in favor.

The board approved advertising in the Dalles Visitor for $260 for tourism purposes.

The board also approved the Osceola Sun as the official newspaper for the village. Leske commented that he felt the Sun should have more representation and attend more village board meetings upon the approval.

St. Croix Falls makes its presence felt in Milwaukee

MILWAUKEE —Four St. Croix Falls teachers spent the weekend developing their skills and knowledge at the Wisconsin Education Association in Council Winter Conference Milwaukee March 2 through 4.

The four St. Croix Falls attendees, Paul Gilbert, Jeff Huenink, Janet Huenink, and Sam Malm, chose between dozens of workshops, including sessions focusing on classroom management, math literacy, generational differences, National Board Certified Teachers standards, cultural sensitivity, professional development plans and teaching skills for the new economy.

“Our staff does an excellent job of

preparing students for the world they face outside of school, and to do that we need to prepare ourselves for our students by developing our skills and staying current with new research,” St. Croix Falls technology education teacher Paul Gilbert said.

Saturday’s general session included a presentation from Ken Kay, president of the Partnership on 21st-century Skills, an organization of public and private sector representatives working to reach consensus on how 21st-century skills should be incorporated into K-12 curriculum.

Kay is chairman and co-founder of Infotech Strategies, Inc., and leads Infotech’s Education Technology prac-

SCF man faces felony OWI charge ST. CROIX FALLS – A St. Croix Falls man has been charged with a felony count of operating a vehicle while intoxicated.

Bradley Emerson, 41, was arrested Saturday at 2:09 a.m. after a Polk County Sheriff’s deputy saw a 2000 Dodge pickup weaving erratically while eastbound on Hwy. 8 from Glacier Drive in St. Croix Falls.

According to the police report, the truck weaved from off the shoulder of the road to about one foot inside the other eastbound lane and back.

Police reported that the truck made an abrupt turn off the highway into the driveway of Emerson’s home on Hwy. 8.

According to the police report,

Emerson denied consuming intoxicants.

Police said he submitted to two OWI tests, but refused to attempt the walk and turn test or take a preliminary breath test.

Police reported that Emerson had to be physically restrained so that a blood draw could be completed for a blood test of alcohol concentration. Emerson allegedly kicked at the officer and medical staff and tried to identify himself at the hospital as “John Junkins.”

Emerson was previously convicted of OWI in St. Croix County in Dec. 1997 and again in Aug. of 1999. He was convicted of a blood alcohol concentration violation in 2003.

Emerson was also charged with disorderly conduct.

tice. He has been a major voice in defining the potential and promoting the importance of information technology applications in critical areas such as education, health care, electronic commerce and government services.

In addition to graduate coursework and additional college credits, conferences like WEAC’s Winter Conference are an important part of the profession-

al development and continuing education that St. Croix Falls teachers and education-support professionals undertake throughout their careers.

“Great schools depend on great teachers and staff,” Gilbert said. “And the two days we spent at Winter Conference will pay big dividends for our students.” - from SCF Schools

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Fire destroys town garage, equipment

TOWN OF EUREKA – A fire swept through the Eureka Township garage which houses all of the town’s equipment, on Saturday, March 3, around 1 p.m.

A passing motorist noticed smoke coming from the garage and raised the alarm. Crewman Kenny Erickson tried to save the equipment housed inside the garage but hot temperatures prevented his attempt. Fire departments from both Milltown and Cushing responded and after battling the blaze for two hours, saved as much of the equipment as possible.

According to Eureka town chairman Bob Swanson, severe damage was done to the town’s two late-model dump trucks. Also burned were both of Eureka’s Caterpillar graders, a roadside mowing tractor with boom and a Caterpillar front end loader.

“What can be saved of the town’s large equipment is right now unknown,” Swanson said. “We got hit

These photos are from the March 3 fire to the Eureka Township garage showing damage to vehicles and the garage. –Photos by Wayne M. Anderson and submitted

with a bad blow, but we will recover as quick as possible.”

Swanson gave great praise to both Cushing and Milltown fire departments.

“They worked excellent together,” he said. He also praised Polk County Highway Commissioner Steve Warndahl. “Steve contacted me within an hour of the disaster, giving moral support as well as promise of help with roads until we get on our feet again,” Swanson said. “This was greatly appreciated as we have nothing at the moment.”

The cause of the fire is unknown, but most likely started with the parked equipment inside.

Both crewmen, Kenny Erickson and Mike Woltz, had just finished plowing and sanding roads an hour before. “Everything was running perfect when we put the trucks away,” commented Woltz.

The fire remains under investigation.

– with submitted information

State cut in recycling funds protested

Woodley Dam and Amery-Dresser Trail issues resurface

by Gregg Westigard BALSAM LAKE – The state of Wisconsin mandated recycling in 1990 and required counties and local governments to provide a recycling program.

The state promised to cover 66 percent of the cost of maintaining the programs.

That aid has decreased to less than 30 percent over the years, and many county governments are upset. The Polk County Property Committee passed a resolution, at its meeting Tuesday, calling for a restoration of funding. The

committee also heard the latest developments in projects to remove the Woodley Dam and convert the AmeryDresser railroad bed into a trail.

The recycling resolution, which will go to the county board for approval, says that $80 million has been diverted from recycling funds during the past four state budget periods and diverted to other state programs. It says that this money was raised to support recycling.

Polk County would be joining other counties in asking Gov. Jim Doyle and the legislature to follow the state’s own rules and use recycling funds for recycling.

The county took ownership of the Woodley Dam property on the Yellow River at Hwy. 8 in a property tax settle-

ment. It has tried for several years to gain permission to remove the failed dam. Plans for removal have been disputed due to disagreements about rebuilding an existing snowmobile bridge at the site and about how the river should flow after removal.

After a period of plan reviews and hearing, the DNR is once again near the point of granting the permits needed by the county to remove the dam and build the snowmobile bridge. The newest permits may be issued within weeks, according to DNR officials at the meeting. After a public review period, the county may be able to proceed with the projects this summer.

The conversion of the vacated railroad bed from Amery to Dresser into a trail

may also return to the table. Local groups disagreed about how a trail would be used. Some residents favor a nonmotorized summer trail for bicycles and walkers. Others want the use of ATVs allowed. The disagreement led to a series of public hearings conducted by the DNR. Debra Peterson, director of the Parks, Buildings and Solid Waste Department, told the committee that the DNR has now released it latest environmental assessment of the project. That document will be available for public review, after which the county may be able to proceed with plans to develop the trail and open it to some type of public use.

was charged with possession of cocaine and neglecting a child.

Donald Paul Gartner, 33, was charged with possession of marijuana, possession of cocaine, resisting an officer and possession of drug paraphernalia.

According to police, he has a criminal arrest history for second-degree murder, drug and resisting arrest in Minnesota.

Teshna Esparza, 24, St. Paul, Minn., was charged with possession of cocaine and child neglect. Douglas Gartner, 30, N. St. Paul, Minn., was charged with disorderly conduct.

St. Croix Falls Police and the Polk County Sheriff’s Department responded to a noise complaint and report of suspicious activity around 1 a.m. Monday.

When police knocked on a hotel door, people inside the room said, “don’t answer the door.”

According to the police report, a woman finally opened the door, and Donald Gartner approached the police with a box cutter in one hand and a knife in the other.

He eventually dropped the knife as commanded by police but then said,

“I’m a cop,” to the police twice.

Authorities were forced to deploy a Taser two or three times on Gartner in order to subdue and handcuff him.

All three hotel rooms involved were searched, and a Chisago County police K-9 alerted authorities to cocaine in a nightstand.

Police also found a .22 handgun in one room that was cased and unloaded, as well as other drugs and paraphernalia.

Some of the children were ages 2 months, 4 and 5 years old.

SCF bust results in drug, child neglect charges

by Julie Holmquist ST. CROIX FALLS – Five Minnesota residents were arrested on drug charges early Monday at the Holiday Inn in St. Croix Falls. A total of nine children were with the adults, ranging in age from infant to teenager. Polk County Child Protection was also called to the scene.

Gloria Telin, 33, N. St. Paul, was charged Monday in Polk County with possession of cocaine, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Leisha Christenson, 28, N. St. Paul,

Red Cross assists fire victims POLK COUNTY – The St. Croix Valley Chapter, Polk County Branch, American Red Cross is providing assistance for the family who was affected by the fire Feb. 28 in Luck.

Disaster response by the American

Red Cross provides for food, clothing and shelter for victims of disaster based on emergency needs.

Red Cross disaster assistance is provided by local trained volunteers and supported by financial contributions

from the people of Polk County. All American Red Cross assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money. – from the Red Cross

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

Tiger or mountain lion? Webster wins!

Extra Points

The Webster Tigers held aloft their regional trophy after beating the No. 1 seed Glenwood City Hilltoppers on Monday, March 3. The Tigers will play in the sectional semifinals against Cameron in Rice Lake on Thursday, March 8, next. – Photo by Matt Blumkin mountain and took out the top-seeded helped them build an eight-point lead Glenwood City Hilltoppers in a 41-32 by the half. Olesen drove the lane and victory on Monday, March 5. The switched hands on a layup, which got Hilltoppers had reached the state semi- the crowd going. Then, A.J. Holmquist finals last season, but they saw their capped the Tigers’ strong half with a season end at the Tigers’ claws. near half-court buzzer beater.

“We were completely confident,” said Defensively, the Tigers smothered the Webster 41, Glenwood City 32 Tigers senior Kevin Ingalls. “A lot of Hilltoppers with their press and interior people ruled us out and said that they defense. They had six steals in the game

by Matt Blumkin AMERY – The wake-up call came were too big for us, they shot the ball and 18 defensive boards. In addition, early for Webster and too late for too well for us. But, we just played they held the Hilltoppers to 32 points, through it.” their lowest score since losing to St. Glenwood City. guard Brian Gibbs gave the Tigers Croix Central 46-28 in 2004.

Having made the long trip from Tigers momentum early with a 5-2 lead.

“I think it put the game speed in our Webster to Amery, the Tigers’ players Ottney of the Hilltoppers Garrett favor because they slowed it down a litarrived relaxed. answered back with three to tie it, and tle bit,” said Hedrick.

“I had to wake them up when they the top two seeds in That made a difference for the Tigers got down to the stoplight,” recalled the region went at it when their offense went cold in the Tigers coach Randy Hedrick about their back and forth for third quarter with just six points. They bus’s arrival in Amery for the regional that first quarter. held the Hilltops to just eight points. finals. “Their heads were all down and I Gibbs put the Tigers Olesen also helped the Tigers keep hollered, ‘OK guys, let’s go.’” in the lead at the end some distance with a basket at the end “They were pretty relaxed,” Hedrick with a pair of free of the quarter, which gave the Tigers a added. for a 13-12 throws 30-24 lead.

Olesen had seven points, They went from being like a sleeping lead. three assists and three offensive boards kitten to a roaring mountain lion as they “The big thing was to shoot the ball in the game. stormed up the regional basketball well,” said Hedrick. “I thought we shot “Paul didn’t score a lot, but he cerTeam 1 2 3 4 F the ball well enough in the first half.” tainly took care of the ball,” said Webster 13 11 6 11 41 8 32 8 Glenwood City 12 4 Ingalls began putting dents in the Hedrick.

Individual Statistics Hilltoppers during the first quarter for They took care of business in the final Webster 2s 3s FTM/A F TP 1 1/3 4 4 0 Peter Walsh six of his 13 points in the game. Ingalls quarter. Holmquist nailed a couple bas3/4 1 6 1 0 Brian Gibbs had a couple baskets to help the Tigers kets including a jumper in the lane, A.J. Holmquist 2 1 1/2 2 8 stick within a point of the Hilltoppers. which gave the Tigers a 34-26 lead.

7 2 3/5 0 2 Paul Olesen 1 0 1/4 1 3 Brian Thill He also came up with a key score in the “Everybody stepped up and made Kevin Ingalls 4 0 5/5 0 13 third when Paul Olesen dished the ball their shots,” said Olesen. “That’s what a 14/23 10 41 3 9 Totals to him, and he knocked down a pair of team’s all about.”

Glenwood City 2s 3s FTM/A F TP free throws after the foul. That gave the The Tigers took their time on offense 4 3 0/0 0 2 Corey Pax 0 0 0/0 2 0 D. Wold Tigers a 28-21 lead during the third. to milk away the clock, and the D. Wink 1 0 0/0 0 2 “I just got open looks and I took Hilltoppers rushed in desperation.

2 5 0/0 1 1 P. Anderson 0 0/0 3 0 0 Jim Graese them,” said Ingalls.

John Emholtz 1 0 2/4 1 4 The Tigers found their shots and 4 3 0/0 0 2 Nick Perkins 2 5/5 4 13 1 Garret Ottney scored 11 in the second quarter, which

Webster shocks No. 1 seed Glenwood City in regional finals

Totals

8

3

7/9

18 32

Webster cont. next pg

••• BEMIDJI, MINN. – Former Webster student Emily Brookshaw made the Collegiate Hockey Western Association all-academic team this year. The Bemidji State junior goalie maintained a 3.0 grade-point average or higher, and she played strong in goal this season. She posted a .904 saver percentage with 985 saves with a 10-20-5 overall record. She also allowed 3.03 goals per game while starting 34 of 36 games for the Beavers this season. She played tough when her team had a power play, allowing only seven short-handed goals all season. – Matt Blumkin ••• MINNEAPOLIS – John Sopiwink, a one-time Frederic student, pitched three innings to pick up his first save of the season for the St. Olaf College baseball team on Feb. 27. Sopiwink fanned two batters and allowed one hit in a 5-3 win. They swept the University of Dubuque at the Metrodome. 5-3 and 9-0. – Matt Blumkin ••• MENOMONIE – Char Edwards and the UW-Stout women’s basketball team saw their season end in the NCAA quarterfinals. Edwards, a former Webster standout, had four points in Stout’s 91-86 loss to Simpson College in the first round of the NCAA Dvision III tournament on March 3. She averaged 5.5 points per game for Stout as a sophomore this season. She also averaged 2.2 rebounds per game and stole the ball 34 times. Edwards shot efficiently at the free-throw line with 67 percent shooting. – Matt Blumkin ••• TALLAHASSEE, FLA. – Former Grantsburg student Pad Judd ran a 14-minute, 58.92-second 5000-meter run at the Florida State Snowbird Invitational on first weekend of March. Judd finished in ninth for the Mississippi State Bulldogs at the meet. – Matt Blumkin ••• CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Registration is now open for the Ten Star All-Star Summer Basketball Camp. the Ten Star All-Star Summer Basketball Camp is by Invitation Only. boys and Girls ages 10-19 are eligible to apply.

Past participants include: Michael Jordan, Tim Duncan, Vince Carter, Jerry Stackhouse, Grant Hill and Antawn Jamison. Players from 50 States and 17 Foreign Countries attended the 2006 Camp. College Basketball Scholarships are possible for players selected to the AllAmerican Team. Camp Locations Include: Champaign, IL; Prescott, AZ; Thousand Oaks, CA; Sterling, CO; Babson Park, Fla.; Atlanta, Ga.; Ypsilanti, MI; Glassboro, N.J.; Hickory, N.C.; Mitchell, S.D.; Lebanon, TN; Commerce, TX; and Blacksburg, VA. There is also a Summer Camp available for boys and girls ages 6-18 of all skill levels. For a free brochure on these summer camps, please call (704) 373-0873. – information submitted by Ten Star All-

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

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

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Scenes from the Tigers title bout!

LEFT: Tigers fans applauding as the buzzer and sounded for their newly-crowned regional champions. RIGHT: Webster’s Peter Walsh going after a loose ball during the first quarter. Walsh nailed a three during the first half for the Tigers, and he pulled down a couple boards. – Photos by Matt Blumkin

WIAA Division 3 Boys Eau Claire Sectional RICE LAKE /CHIPPEWA FALLS – In the Eau Claire Divsion 3 sectionals, two schools from the Lakeland conferences and two from the Cloverbelt will battle for the right to go to the state tournament in Madison on March 15-17.

Cameron has been strong all season, holding a No. 8 ranking in Division 3.

Osseo Fairchild has suprised some as a No. 6 seed, but they come out of the challenging Cloverbelt Conference.

Regis, also a member of the conference, throttled Unity and edged Prescott on their way to the sectionals.

Team: Cameron Nickname: Comets Coach: Don Rappel Record: 21-1 (11-1) Conference: Central Lakeland Scouting Report: The Comets returned all their starters this season, and they’ve been flying high. They ran through the Central Lakeland season 11-1 to win the title. They have Scorers in Deven Brion averaging 13 points per game in 20 games, and they have Kory Lutz averaging 12.6 points per game in 19 games played. Jesse Linsmeyer can shoot the three with a 33-percent clip, and he can pick players’ pockets with 48 steals this season. Cameron and Webster scrimmaged once in November. The Comets’ only loss of the

Tigers/from page 1 Yet, Hilltopper senior forward Garrett Ottney knocked down his second three of the game; the Tigers saw their lead trimmed to five.

That didn’t shake up the Tigers as Olesen drove, drew a foul and put the orange and black up by seven with 58

2007 Division 3 Boys Basketball Sectionals Regionals Thur.-Sat., Mar. 1-3

Sat., March 10

Glenwo od City 60 -54 Glenwood City

season came on the road at Clayton on Jan. 23 in a 58-50 loss. Here’s a further glance at the sectional lineup: Team: Osseo-Fairchild Nickname: Chieftans Coach: Jeff Stoick Record: 10-13 (5-9) Conference: Cloverbelt Scouting report: Osseo-Fairchild has a deceptive record having played in the challenging Cloverbelt Conference.

They had to play Gilman (20-3, 12-2), Altoona (19-4, 12-2) and Eau Claire Regis (17-5, 11-3). Their strength comes in their backcourt with Justin Pettis scoring and Tyler Langner. Pettis averaged 10.6 points per game in 17 contests, and Langner put in 16 points per game in as many contests.

Webster )#2+

seconds remaining. They made 7-12 free throws down the stretch as the fans had the chance to begin celebrating as opposed to being in suspense. Their 3736 overtime win over Luck to advance came down to the final second.

“The Luck game got us some confidence coming in here,” said Peter Walsh The Hilltoppers could only add a free throw in the final minute as the celebra-

Thurs., March 8

Glenwood City )#1+ Cumberland )#4+

Team: Eau Claire Regis Nickname: Ramblers Coach: Bille Uelman Record: 7-15 (11-3) Conference: Cloverbelt Scouting Report: The Ramblers have a deep and high-scoring team. Dwyane Gruhlke scored 14.5 points per game in 17 games this seaon, and matt DeMars averaged 10.4 in 17. Regis sqeauked past Prescott 36-33 to reach the sectionals. They ended the regular season ranked No. 13 in the state.

Sectionals Sat.-Mon., Mar. 3-5

W ebs te r 41 -32 Webster

Luck )#3+ W ebs ter 37 -36, OT Webster

@ R ice L ak e Webster/Cameron

Cameron )#1+ Ca mero n 65 -53 Cameron Phillips )#4+ Ca me ro n 4 7 -4 5 Cameron

Chetek )#3+ L ady s mith 53-5 0 Ladysmith Ladysmith )#2+

@ Eau Claire North Eau Claire Regis )#1+ Re gis 8 2-5 3 Regis Unity )#4+ Regis 36-3 3 Regis

St. Croix Central )#3+ Pr e sc ott 52 -36 Prescott Prescott )#2+

@ Chippewa F a lls Regis/Osseo-Fairchild

Thorp )#1+ M on dovi 4 0 -27 Mondovi Mondovi )#5+ Osseo-Fairchild )#6+

Os se o -Fa irc hild 48 -37 Osseo-Fairchild

Mo ndovi 63-4 8 Osseo-Fairchild Fall Creek )#2+

tion began for the new regional champions.

“It was the goal of the team especially after losing the conference,” said Walsh. “Our team came in here, and no one was intimidated and things went our way.”

They’ll get a shot a sectional title next when they take on Cameron (21-1) next at Rice Lake on Thursday, March 8. The

winner will play either Eau Claire Regis or Osseo-Fairchild for the title and a trip to Madison at Eau Claire North on Saturday, March 10.

“I’ll have them ready, “ said Hedrick.

“They’ll play hard. That’s all I can ask for.”

Once they get up from their bus ride to Rice Lake of course.

MARCH 7, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 17

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A week of March Madness in pictures

Something to roar about. The Webster Tigers fans filled half of Amery High School’s gym on Monday, March 5, to root their team on to victory. – Photo

by Matt Blumkin

Brian Thill taking the ball inside against the Hilltoppers. He had three points and four boards for the Tigers. – Photo by Matt Blumkin

The Tigers demonstrated defensive excellence by holding Glenwood City to 32 points, the lowest point total in three years for the Hilltoppers.

Members of the pep band got the Webster crowd and team fired up. – Photo

by Matt Blumkin

Coach Randy Hedrick (center) took some time for pictures with nieces, nephews and cousins after Webster’s big win over Luck last Saturday. Kids pictured from bottom (L to R) are Ava Washburn, Tanner Pardun, Caleb Pardun, Kate Pardun, Jack Washburn and Owen Washburn. – Photo submit-

Kevin Ingalls, of Webster, scored 13 points against the Hilltoppers in the paint and from the outside. “I thought Kevin played big, and that’s kinda what seniors are supposed to do,” Tigers coach Randy Hedrick had to say.

– Photo by Matt Blumkin

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Tigers get by Cards in another thriller!

A look back at the Webster-Luck battle to the end in the regional semifinals Webster 37, Luck 36, OT

by Matt Blumkin WEBSTER – Some things in life are worth waiting for.

The Webster Tigers could attest to that following their 37-36 overtime win in the regional semifinals on March 3.

Luck and Webster had a day-and-a-half wait, because of snowstorms, to settle a season tie and determine which team would move on in the postseason. After the snow gave way to sun on Saturday, March 3, they finally had their chance following two postponements.

“This was one of the games I was looking forward to going into it,” said A.J. Holmquist of the Tigers. “I wanted to play Luck in the playoffs. A great victory we had.”

They split during the regular season, which helped Luck come away with the Lakeland West Conference title. The Cards won the first meeting on Dec. 5, 54-46, but the Tigers beat the Cards in a 39-38 contest on Jan. 12. A gym full of fans hoped for similar results in Webster on March 3, another thriller.

“There are the most fun games to play in,” said Tigers center Paul Olesen. “I love the crowds and all the support the crowds show for us.”

Luck’s Brennan Olson gets blocked. Olson had five points for the Cards.

Tag team. Brian Thill (24) grabs a rebound, and Paul Olesen (22) makes his way to the ball also. – Photo by Matt Blumkin The Tigers did not give much cause for roaring right away with rusty offense, and the Cards came out torching offensively. Brennan Olson nailed a three to get the Cards going with a 4-0 lead following a free throw by Tyler Petersen. Cody Richert then hit from downtown for a 7-4 Cards lead, and Travis Pilz threaded through the defense for a 9-4 lead.

“It was tough, something we had to fight through,” said Olesen.

Richert gave the Tigers more to fight through in the first quarter with a steal and bucket as the Cards went ahead 146, and they threatened to make it more as he stole the ball again following that possession, but no points came of it.

Yet, the Tigers found the Cards’ weak spot early in the second quarter as they began sending Cards players to the free-throw line. Their first three trips to the line were all 1-2 performances by Pilz and Mitchell Klatt. Petersen went 1-3 in two trips later during the quarter.

Yet, the Cards mounted a double-digit

What a mess! A referee having to clean up some blood from when Thill got nailed in the chin. It didn’t keep him out of the game though as he played with a bandaged chin.

lead.

Webster’s Peter Walsh broke the ice for the Tigers with a three, which closed the gap to 10 points. Then, A.J. Holmquist reached the charity stripe to put down a pair and close it to eight.

They kept creeping back when Brian Thill connected from long distance, and suddenly, the Cards only lead 20-14 at the half.

“We went to halftime and we were saying, ‘we’re only down six, we can comeback, we’ve been down before,’” said Holmquist.

Yet, the Cards played as if they would not be denied early in the third. Richert connected from three-point land to a cap a 5-0 run to start the half. Then, the Tigers toughened up defensively and allowed only four more points in the quarter.

“We just turned it up because we knew we had to,” said Holmquist.

Not only that, the Tigers produced some points with 10 in the quarter.

Walsh canned his second three of the game and Brian Gibbs, Olesen and Kevin Ingalls all scored baskets. A little blood didn’t even stop Webster’s Brian Thill from contributing.

Thill got tripped, fell and split open his chin while driving to the basket during the quarter. Yet, he returned to the game with a bandage on his chin. He came up with an offensive board, and Olesen put in a basket to cut the Cardinal lead to five, 29-24. Thill had seven boards in the contest.

“I can’t feel it,” Thill remarked following the game.

The Cards could feel the pressure of the Tigers’ defense in the fourth quarter though as they scored no field goals and made two trips to the line. They hit all four free throws in the quarter, which helped keep the lead above five.

Yet, a 33-26 lead at 3:34 would not be secure for the Cards to sail on to Amery.

“We didn’t come in saying we

weren’t going to win, but in the beginning, we were struggling to put shots in, but in the end, we started playing more as a team,” said Gibbs.

The Tigers scored the next time down floor and held the Cards scoreless in another offensive trip. They didn’t score a field goal in the quarter. Then, Gibbs followed it up with a three to tie the game 33-33, which left the Webster crowd roaring.

“It was a big relief making it,” said Gibbs. “It really helped with the crowd being enthused throughout the whole fourth quarter and overtime. It was hard to hear out there, hard to communicate.”

Amidst cheering, the Tigers got their shot to win it with 17.9 seconds remaining after milking the clock. Olesen took a shot but missed, which sent the game to overtime.

“Just trying to finish the game out,” said Holmquist. “That’s all I could think about.”

They would have another chance in overtime. Gibbs gave the Tigers the early spark in extra frame with when he got fouled on a drive, and a he hit a pair of free throws as the Tigers took the lead for the first time, 35-33. On defense, the Tigers continued to make the Cards have to win it at the line.

“That was our game plan,” said Hedrick. “We had to foul in that situation because they can take good care of the ball.”

It worked. The Cards missed all five of their free throws in the overtime, which added to their miserable 10-25 performance at the stripe.

“They certainly had their opportunities too,” said Hedrick.

The Cards connected on a three for their lone field goal of the extra period, and it gave them a 36-35 lead. Thill ran down the clock during Webster’s following possesion, but Christensen stripped the ball. Yet, nothing came of that.

“It’s a lot of ups and downs,” said Olesen.

The Cards had in-bounded the ball, but they lost possession, and the Tigers got a bucket by Olesen inside to reclaim the lead. He again came through as he did in their previous win against Luck when he scored the winning basket in a 39-38 win on Jan. 19.

“We tried to get it in the seniors’ hands and good things happen,” said Hedrick.

With clock continuing to run, Richert took the inbound pass in desperation as the clock neared 0:00, but Richert hit a shot from long range just as the buzzer sounded. Yet, the Cards had called for time and were given 2.1 seconds on the clock. Yet, inbounding the ball would prove fateful again as the Tigers celebrated another one-point victory over their conference foes. A last-second foul by the Cards could not save the day.

“It was a weird last two seconds for sure…,” said Hedrick.

And, they had a day-and-a-half wait before experiencing it.

1 2 3 14 6 9 10 8 6 Individual Statistics Luck 2s 3s 1 1 Brennan Olson 0 0 Mike Christensen Travis Pilz 3 0 3 2 Cody Richert 0 0 Mitchell Klatt Tyler Petersen 1 0 4 7 Totals

FTM/A 0/0 1/5 4/9 0/1 1/2 4/8 10/25

F 4 2 4 2 2 5 19

Webster Peter Walsh Brian Gibbs A.J. Holmquist Paul Olesen Brian Thill Kevin Ingalls Totals

FTM/A 0/0 4/6 2/2 3/5 0/1 0/0 9/14

F TP 5 6 5 12 2 2 3 9 2 4 4 4 21 37

Team Luck Webster

2s 0 1 0 3 2 2 8

3s 2 2 0 0 0 0 4

4 4 9

O.T F 3 36 37 4 TP 5 1 10 13 1 6 36

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Unity’s road ends at Eau Claire Regis Eagles face a tough opponent at seasons end in Eau Claire E. C. Regis 82, Unity 53

by Marty Seeger EAU CLAIRE – After taking out Spring Valley in the first round, the Eagles met their match against #1 seeded Regis Ramblers in Eau Claire last Friday, March 2.

The Ramblers held Unity to only five points in the first quarter and took a 19point lead going into the second.

Chris Bugg got things going in the second quarter with a total of seven points, while the other six points came on free throws from Chad Strilzuk and Matt Goulet. Both Strilzuk and Goulet added eight points on the night, while Bugg led the team with 24 and shot 11 of 12 from the foul line. As a

Unity’s Ryan Flaherty looking for a shot against Webster earlier this season. – Leader file photo by Matt Blumkin

team Unity shot well from the line shooting 24 for 31.

“Regis was a very quick, talented ball club,” said assistant coach Rory Paulsen. “We got off to a poor start and were just not able to play at the same pace both offensively and defensively as Regis was. We got beat badly in all aspects of the game.”

In the third quarter, the Ramblers stretched their lead to 36 and held on to the easy win. Regis faced a tough Prescott team Monday, March 5, and won a tight matchup 36-33 to advance into the sectional tournament where they face Osseo-Fairchild Thursday night, where they could end up facing Webster if the Tigers make it past Cameron Thursday in Rice Lake.

After losing powerful defensive player Curtis Nelson early in the season, followed by the loss of coach Dennis Anderson to illness, the Eagles will also be out five seniors for next year. Bugg, Strilzuk, Goulet, Merrill Leoso, Sean Smith and James Coen finish their senior year with an overall record of 11-10, while taking a tie in conference standings alongside Grantsburg with a 7-5

record.

“It was sad to see the final game for the seniors,” said Paulsen. “They really helped our team in terms of wins over last season and that’s a marked improvement. Hopefully next year’s players can build on the positives brought forth by this year’s seniors.”

Team Unity E. C. Regis Unity Chris Bugg Chad Strilzuk Justin Bader Matt Goulet Ryan Flaherty Merrill Leoso James Coen Lance Peper Totals

1 2 3 4 13 12 23 5 24 17 25 16 Individual Statistics 2s 3s FTM/A 3 11/12 2 1 0 6/7 2 0 2/3 0 1 5/6 1 1 0/2 0 0 0/0 0 0/1 1 0 0 0/0 7 5 24/31

E. C. Regis Nate Pica-Anderson Jake Campbell Killian Murphy Dwayne Gruhlke Teddy Schaefer Matt DeMars Zac Berry Mitch Bogumill N. Bowe Kurt Roubal Mike Nezworski J. Eaton Paul Martens Totals

2s 1 3 5 2 1 2 1 1 4 0 1 1 5 27

3s 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 3

FTM/A 0/0 1/2 2/2 2/2 0/0 3/4 0/0 3/3 1/2 2/2 3/4 0/0 2/5 19/26

F 53 82 F TP 2 24 3 8 2 6 5 8 0 5 4 0 3 2 1 0 20 53 F 1 4 1 0 2 2 2 1 1 3 0 1 5 23

TP 2 7 12 12 2 7 2 8 9 2 5 2 12 82

Saints have tumbled, but keep getting up SCF gymnastics has struggled with low numbers, but the coach keeps it going

by Matt Blumkin ST. CROIX FALLS – For a sport that involves risks, Saints coach Dawn Schmidt has taken the risks to keep it going.

“For me, it has been very difficult just because it’s hard to walk into a gym with varsity-level competitors, who have four seniors that have competed four years and you have a team who’s learning to compete,” said Schimdt.

The Saints gymnastics program has faced the challenge of fielding a team as of late, aside from struggling to be competitive. This year, they had four girls, all underclassmen and beginners, out for the sport.

“If these girls were on a normal-size team, with juniors and seniors, they could go to these meets and use them purely as learning events and watching, and they would strive to be better because they’re competing to even be able to compete,” said Schmidt.

“There’s competition within (the team), and there’s the competition. They don’t have somebody to look at and say, ‘OK, that’s what I need to look like.’”

“The nice thing about a small team is

Kelsey Willow performed on the floor excercise at the sectional in River Falls on Feb. 24. -Photo submitted there’s a lot of one-on-one attention,” Schmidt said.

In the last two years, Schmidt has seen the experience and numbers for Saints gymnastics dwindle. She had 10 gymnasts when she first took the coaching job in 2003. Five seniors from the squad graduated in 2005, and she only had two freshmen join for 2006. That put the number of gymnasts down to seven, and one senior graduated in 2006. This season, her three returning gymnasts all opted for other activities.

She also had three new freshmen come out but decided it wasn’t for them.

“I thought that we were going to have a team of eight,” Schmidt said. “I was shocked. I would say there has always been an average of 10-14 girls.”

It had been that way when she had competed as a gymnast for the Saints also. With the equipment set up in the gym, she said that’s the most they could have anyway.

Though she had low numbers to work with, her gymnasts made progress from the beginning of the season and can build on it next year. They also showed the ability to learn from each other.

“Where we averaged twos or threes at the beginning of the year, we’re now averaging fours and fives, a couple of sixes here and there,” said Schmidt. “If one of the girls gets a move, then all of the girls will get that move.”

In addition to these girls returning, Schmidt hopes to recruit a couple of incoming freshman that did well as youth gymnasts, though they haven’t competed for awhile. She will still have the struggle of having her team at the bottom of the Saints varsity totem pole again though.

“My big concern is keeping the team next year,” Schmidt said.

The school board has considered cutting gymnastics. Gym space has also been an issue within that larger one for the team as they have had to use the middle school gym from 6 to 8 p.m. on weeknights for practices. For the time being, Schmidt plans to continue to make the trip from Somerset, where she teaches middle school, to coach the Saints.

“I don’t want the program to die,” said Schmidt.

“This sport teaches so much,” she said. “I think that it teaches the girls a lot of confidence to have the bravery to get up on a four-inch beam four-feet off the ground to throw their bodies around.”

For that, Schmidt will continue working to build a gymnastics program at SCF.

Clear Lake wins Division 4 regional!

Warriors win title contest over Clayton Clear Lake 70, Clayton 58

by Matt Blumkin CUMBERLAND – Two Clear Lake Warriors hit career highs as their team raced to past Clayton to the Spooner sectional.

“It was an exciting game,” said Warriors coach Jason Sargent. “Clayton ran out of gas at the end.”

Unofficially, the Warriors shot 57 percent from the field against their Central Lakeland foes. Senior Mike Anderson

hit a career-high of 19 points for the Warriors, and Matt Thayer also had a career-high with 16 points.

The Warriors and Bears had split their season series before, and they tied in the conference for second at 9-3. The Warriors will play next at sectionals in Spooner on March 8-10.

FAR LEFT: Clear Lake players celebrate their regional championship win over Clayton. NEAR LEFT: Michael Anderson of Clear Lake notched a career high of 19 points to lead the Warriors over the Clayton Bears, 70-58. – Photos by John Reed

PAGE 20 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - MARCH 7, 2007

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McConkey closes college career at BSU Former Webster student completes successful career

by Matt Blumkin BEMIDJI, Minn. – Nancy McConkey, a one-time Webster student, completed her college career for Bemidji State women’s basketball on Feb. 28.

The Beavers lost in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate tournament quarterfi-

nals to Northern State, 72-56. She had a quiet four points in her final game, but her career at BSU at been anything but quiet.

She completes her career having scored 930 points despite Nancy McConkey missing games due to injury during the past two seasons.

In addition, she had been a reliable presence in the post with a field goal

percentage of 48.

McConkey also played tough defensively in the post with eight blocks as a junior. She crashed the boards more than anyone else on the team as a sophomore with 5.1 rebounds per game, and that included 15 boards at MinnesotaCrookston during the season. She had 418 rebounds in her career.

In high school, she attended and competed for Webster for two years. During that time, she earned all-conference honors in cross country. She transferred to Maranatha High School in Superior

after that time.

McConkey is the daughter of Steve and Liz McConkey. Her brothers, John and James also have or will compete at the collegiate level. James will red shirt for the Wisconsin track team this spring, and John plays basketball for Minnesota State-Mankato.

Steve graduated from Webster High School also and ran cross country and track for the Tigers. He also started a worldwide track and field ministry. – with information from 4 Winds Christian athletics

Wildcat skiers earn all-conference honor Nine CL-SCF boys and girls skiers awarded all-conference honors

by Matt Blumkin CHISAGO LAKES, Minn./ST. CROIX FALLS – Nine Chisago Lakes-

A R E A Hacker’s Lanes Sunday Afternoon Mixed

Standings: Storm Chasers 40, Spare-Us 38, Hot Shots 37, Underdogs 34, Flame Throwers 31, Sandbaggers 30, Gems 26, Misfits 16.

Men’s games: Mac McCann (Underdogs) 233, Bert Meyer (Flame Throwers) 193, Kenny Erickson (Storm Chasers) 182.

Men’s series: Mac McCann (Underdogs) 582, Bert Meyer (Flame Throwers) 518, Scott Morrison (Gems) 516.

Women’s games: Gail Linke (Storm Chasers) 183, Barb Morgan (Flame Throwers) 172, LuAnn White (Spare Us) 167.

Women’s series: Gail Linke (Storm Chasers) 496, Barb Morgan (Flame Throwers) 488, Elda Meyer (Sandbaggers) 445.

Team games: Misfits 826, Flame Throwers 821, Underdogs 819.

Team series: Underdogs 2379, Flame Throwers 2362, Misfits 2327.

Games 50 or more above average: Mac McCann (+64).

Splits converted: 7-9: Brian Bistram.

Monday Afternoon Retired

Standings: Eagles 21, Nite Hawks 13, Swans 12, Badgers 10.

Men’s games: Dick Coen (Nite Hawks) 184, Bernie Colaizy (Badgers) 183, Roger Messer (Eagles) 178.

Men’s series: Dick Coen (Nite Hawks) 516, Roger Messer (Eagles) 504, Buster Hinrichs (Swans) 489.

Women’s games: Lila Larson (Badgers) 182, Lucy Hansen (Eagles) 169, Mary Jane Anderson (Badgers) 166.

Women’s series: Lila Larson (Badgers) 483, Carol Phelps (Eagles) 447, Lucy Hansen (Eagles) 446.

Team games: Badgers 656, Nite Hawks 632, Swans 615.

Team series: Eagles 1761, Nite Hawks 1728, Swans 1728.

Monday Night Ladies

Standings: Adventures 43, House of Wood 42, The Bottle Shop 42, S&C Bank 30, Mane Attractions 30, Hacker’s Lanes 29, Radio Shack 19, Miller Chicks 17.

Individual games: Nancy Anderson (HL) 203, Rhonda Bazey (HW) 198, Linda Giller (S&C) 198.

Individual series: Rhonda Bazey (HW) 568, Nancy Anderson (HL) 519, Linda Giller (S&C) 501.

Team games: Hacker’s Lanes 663, S&C Bank 625, House of Wood 607.

Team series: Hacker’s Lanes 1887, House of Wood 1814, S&C Bank 1717.

Tuesday Youth (2 games)

Standings: King Pin 14, LAM Bowlers 13.5, The Pin Heads 12, Pin Patrol 12, J.K.A. Bowlers 11, Frederic Bowlers 9.5, Strikes “R” Us 6, Rock Hard Bowlers 6.

Boys games: Logan Hacker 173, A.J. Walsh Brenizer 164 & 144, Boys series: A.J. Walsh Brenizer 308, Logan Hacker 306, Andrew Sund 273.

Girls games: Alicia Sund 106 & 55.

Girls series: Alicia Sund 161.

Team games: LAM Bowlers 422 & 392, Pin Patrol 334.

Team series: LAM Bowlers 814, The Pin

St. Croix Falls skiers from both the boys and girls teams were named to the allconference teams for the North Suburban Conference.

D o m i n i c k Raedeke, Mitch Peteron, Dan Sandgren, Gus

Dominick Raedeke

Garbe and Andrew Wagner all received the honor. They lead the Wildcats to their fifth consecutive NSC championship.

Raedeke also earned all-state honors for his perfomance at the state meet this past sea-

B O W L I N G

Heads 667, Pin Patrol 613.

Tuesday Classic Standings: Hacker’s Lanes 87, Great Northern Outdoors 77.5, Bottle Shop 69, Hog Wild 62.5, Yellow Lake Lodge 59, Oddballs 50, Ward Lake Services 37, Pioneer Bar 27.

Men’s games: Ed Bitler 268, Don Hughes 265, Tom Coen 245.

Men’s series: Don Hughes 766, Ed Bitler 660, Gene Ackland 629.

Team games: Hacker’s Lanes 638, Great Northern Outdoors 629, Hog Wild 611.

Team series: Hacker’s Lanes 1878, Great Northern Outdoors 1793, Hog Wild 1757.

Tuesday Late Mixed

Standings: Pumpkin Heads 40 (23), McCurdy Farms 39 (24), Rat Pack 36 (27), Packer Backers 29 (34), RT’s 27 (36), Rock and Bowl 18 (45).

Men’s games: Chad Brugman 210, John Bytnar 196, Randy McCurdy 193.

Men’s series: Chad Brugman 581, Randy McCurdy 565, John Bytnar 561.

Women’s games: Barb Fritsche 159, Cyndie Omer 158, Audrey Hermensen 151.

Women’s series: Audrey Hermensen 422, Cyndie Omer 417, Barb Fritsche 406.

Team games: McCurdy Farms 701, Rock and Bowl 669, Packer Backers 660.

Team series: Rock and Bowl 1955, McCurdy Farms 1955, Packer Backers 1849.

Splits converted: 6-7: Kathy Underwood. 6-10-7: Jennifer Brugman.

Wednesday Afternoon Ladies

Standings: Pioneer Bar 7-52, Frandsen Dairy 7-49, All Around Gals 0-36, Crazy Ladies 0-32, Hacker’s Lanes 5-30.

Individual games: Kathy Sandberg (PB) 184, Marvel Beckman (CL) & Pat Bresina (AAG) 178.

Individual series: Pat Bresina (AAG) 480, Kathy Sandberg (PB) & Ruth Sorenson (FD) 476.

Team games: Pioneer Bar 738, 734 & 729.

Team series: Pioneer Bar 2201, Crazy Ladies 2092, Frandsen Dairy 2061.

Wednesday Night Early Men

Standings: Skol Bar 28, Parker 24, Lewis Silo 20, Cummings Lumber 19, Pioneer Bar 17, A-1 Machine 16, Jack Pine Trading 16, Bye 4.

Individual games: Mark Bohn (SB) 243, Jon Doolittle (LS) 233, Mike Erickson (PB) 225.

Individual series: Mark Bohn (SB) 634, Jon Doolittle (LS) 624, Bruce Gravelle (P) 607.

Team games: Lewis Silo 934 & 916, A-1 Machine 914.

Team series: Lewis Silo 2754, Parker 2697, Cummings Lumber, A-1 Machine & Skol Bar 2609.

Friday Night Ladies

Standings: The Leader 47, Meyer’s Plus 45, 4-Season Travel 44, Brad’s Ringneck 39, Skol Bar 37, Tin Cup Promotions 33, Hole in the Wall 29, Bye 6.

Individual games: Karen Carlson 202, Jen Funk 198, Linda Richter 192.

Individual series: Karen Carlson 589,

Melinda Beyer

son.

On the girls’ side, Simone Raedeke, Melinda Beyer, Katelyn Garbe, and Sarah Bottjen all earned the hnoor too.

They won the conference meet this past season.

The girls also earned the honor of being academic champions for their section. Kate Wright and Abigail Bottjen where also part of that team, which competed at sections.

R E S U L T S Kelley Hill 214, Denise F. Donaghue 214.

Individual series: Jane Smith 568, Denise F. Donaghue 557, Lois Swenson 514.

Team games: Hauge Dental 823, B&H Builders 812.

Team series: Hauge Dental 2344, Kassel Tap 2289.

Tuesday Early Mixed

Cara Holicky 531, Jen Funk 509.

Team games: 4-Season Travel 689, The Leader 687, Brad’s Ringneck 629.

Team series: 4-Season Travel 1990, The Leader 1920, Brad’s Ringneck 1776.

Saturday Night Mixed

Standings: Generation III 53, Garbes Gang 51, Schmidt House 4 50, Handicaps 49, Lakers 47, CC Lupinos 39, Skowl 38, Dead Eyes 37.

Men’s games: Ken Koehler (La) 256, Ron Skow (Sk) 249, Dan Garbe (GG) ?.

Men’s series: Ken Koehler (La) 634, Scooter Morrison (Sub) 594, Ron Skow (Sk) 590.

Women’s games: Kathy Underwood (Sub) 195, Deb Ingram (Sk) 172, Mary Garbe (GG) 166.

Women’s series: Deb Ingram (Sk) 487, Kathy Underwood (Sub) 476, Kathy Java (La) 464.

Team games: Lakers 760, Garbes Gang 743, Skowl 719.

Team series: Lakers 2066, Skowl 2024, Garbes Gang 1997.

McKenzie Lanes Monday Madness

Standings: Scottay’s Trucking 50, Peper Tire & Align. 44, State Farm Ins. 43, Alleycats 31, McKenzie Lanes 31, Osceola Plumbing & Htg. 30, Pepie’s Gals 30, Frederic Larsen Auto 29.

Individual games: Linette Erickson 193, Julia Delougherty 192, Lois Murphy 185.

Individual series: Julia Delougherty 498, Lois Murphy 492, Linette Erickson 489.

Team games: Peper Tire & Align. 650.

Team series: Alleycats 1773.

Monday Night Ladies

Standings: McKenzie Lanes 50, Metal Products 44, Sam’s Carpentry 42.5, Edina Divas 42.5, Milltown Appliance 41.5, Wolf Creek Log Furniture 38, Bont Chiropractic 37, Jericho Trucking 24.5.

Individual games: Allison Magner 236, Kathy McKenzie 230, Marsha Guggisber 223.

Individual series: Kathy McKenzie 567, Dana Amundson 560, Marsha Guggisber 551.

Team games: Bont Chiropractic 1047, Jericho Trucking 1017.

Team series: McKenzie Lanes 2974, Sam’s Carpentry 2894.

Tuesday Women’s Day

Standings: Gutter Dusters 103, Kassel Tap 99, Custom Outfitter 95.5, CountryGals 91.5, B&H Builders 87.5, A1 Machine 87, Hauge Dental 76.5, Bye 40.

Individual games: Diane Fisk 233,

Standings: Gutter Gals 28, Still Standing 28, Lane Crashers 22, 2 Stooges & Princess 18, The Gumegu’s 18, Bye 0.

Men’s games: Gene Braund 237, Roy Davis 189, Erv Lehmann 185.

Men’s series: Gene Braund 643, Roy Davis 515, Erv Lehmann 514.

Women’s games: Patty Katzmark 221, Becky Eklof 203, Shannon Lewis 184.

Women’s series: Patty Katzmark 221, Becky Eklof 470, Shannon Lewis 458.

Team games: Still Standing 549.

Team series: Still Standing 1577.

Tuesday Night Men

Standings: Dream Lawn 12, Hack’s Pub 12, Steve’s Appliance 10, McKenzie Lanes 8, Nel-Lo-Hill Farm 6, Glass Bar 6, The Dugout 6, Greatland Transportation 4.

Individual games: Dennis Hansen 267, Darren McKenzie 259, Roy Price 258.

Individual series: Roy Price 708, Samuel Leggitt 666, Donny Potting Jr. 645.

Team games: Nel-Lo-Hill Farm 1032, Dream Lawn 1027.

Team series: Nel-Lo-Hill Farm 2951, Greatland Transportation 2931.

Wednesday Early Mix

Standings: Hendrick’s Motor 53, TriCounty Imp. 51, Lite House 46, Holiday Stationstores 44, Fox Den II 36, Fox Den 33, Larsen Auto Frederic 32, Cutting Edge 25.

Men’s games: Darrell Hendricks 248, Mike Welling 237, Bob Berg 223.

Men’s series: Darrell Hendricks 645, Mike Welling 643, Merlin Fox 612.

Women’s games: Janice Fox 202, Jeanne Kizer 197, Diana Welling 196.

Women’s series: Diana Welling 556, Jeanne Kizer 482, Janice Fox 475.

Team games: Fox Den II 663, Fox Den 652.

Team series: Hendrick’s Motor 1824, Fox Den II 1822.

Wednesday Night Men

Standings: McKenzie Lanes 14, Davy’s Construction 12, Reed’s Marina 10, Tiger Express 8, Dalles Electrician 8, Embroidery Plus 8, Harvest Moon 4, Hanjo Farms 0.

Individual games: Jim McKenzie 299, Dan Flaherty 280, Brad Hacker 268.

Individual series: Jim McKenzie 758, Brad Hacker 720, Gene Braund 692.

Team games: Harvest Moon 1079.

Team series: Dalles Electrician 3035.

Saturday Night Mixed

Standings: Eureka Bombers 41, Fisk Trucking 37, Happy Campers 36.5, Tiger Express 35, The Whippersnappers 33.5, Roller Coasters 33, The Eagles 28, The In-Laws 28.

Men’s games: Rick Katzmark 255, Gene Braund 236, Ervin Lehmann 229.

Men’s series: Gene Braund 618, Rick

Karzmark 612, Gordy Johnson 560.

Women’s games: Bev Warner 232, Rachel Carney 193, Jan Lehmann 183.

Women’s series: Bev Warner 561, Janelle Johnson 469, Rachel Carney 450.

Black & Orange Early Birds

Standings: 10th Hole 28-16, Black & Orange 21-23, Log Cabin Store 20-24, Gandy Dancer Saloon 19-25.

Individual games: Alice Henrich (B&O) 184, Toots Ruedy (LCS) 167, Jackie Grimes (B&O) 161.

Individual series: Alice Henrich (B&O) 447, Star Christensen (GDS) 417, Marion Obszarny (10th) 415.

Team games: Black & Orange 908, Gandy Dancer Saloon 898, Log Cabin Store 806.

Team series: Gandy Dancer Saloon 2557, Black & Orange 2460, 10th Hole 2365.

Games 50 or more above average: Toots Ruedy 167 (+58).

Monday Night Men Standings: Bruce’s Auto 26-10, Pope’s Construction 23-13, Larry’s LP 20-16, Parker 19-17, Glass & Mirror Works 1422, Vacant 6-30.

Individual games: Chris Olson (L) 243, Dean Eytcheson (BA) 205, Mark Holmstrom (BA) 186.

Individual series: Chris Olson (L) 686, Dean Eytcheson (BA) 610, Curt Phelps (BA) 518.

Team games: Larry’s LP 981, Bruce’s Auto 957, Pope’s Construction 917.

Team series: Larry’s LP 2743, Bruce’s Auto 2732, Pope’s Construction 2625.

Series 100 or more above average: Chris Olson 686 (+143); Dean Eytcheson 610 (+100).

TNT Ladies Standings: Flower Power 24-16, Larry’s LP 24-16, Cashco 22-18, Wild Bill’s 1030.

Individual games: Jennifer Kern (L) 215, Cheryl Hansen (WB) 187, Mary Reese (FP) 177.

Individual series: Jennifer Kern (L) 523, Celia Leehe (L) 488, Cheryl Hansen (WB) 460.

Team games: Flower Power 727, Larry’s LP 682, Wild Bill’s 674.

Team series: Flower Power 2052, Larry’s LP 1980, Caschco 1949.

Wednesday Night Men Standings: Lions 26-10, T&P Tree Service 24-12, Cashco 19-17, 10th Hole 18.5-17.5, Northview Drive Inn 16-20, Black & Orange 15.5-20.5, Lynch Mob 14-22, Blasters 11-25.

Individual games: Jeremy Littlepipe (LM) 209, Roger Tollander (C) 205, Darryl Moose (LM) 199.

Individual series: Roger Tollander (C) 569, Jack Witzany (L) 537, Jeremy Littlepipe (LM) 521.

Team games: Lions 951, Northview Drive Inn 942, Cashco 936.

Team series: Lions, Cashco 2694, Northview Drive Inn 2652.

Games 50 or more above average: Jeremy Littlepipe 209 (+57).

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Trollhaugen skiers compete in championship Other youth athletes compete across the Leader Land area DRESSER/TAYLORS FALLS - DTeam skiers from Trollhaugen, Wild Mountain, Buck Hill and Afton Alps competed in the end-of-the-season championship race at Wild Mountain on Sunday, Feb. 25. The D-Team (Development Team) program is open to all skiers between ages 6 and 18 who are interested in racing. Skiers partici-

pate in both slalom and giant slalom events with racers from other ski areas.

Age 7 and under girls: 6th place Holly Grengs, 8th place Mariella Ciccarelli, 10th place Bella Ciccarelli, 14th place Lauren Blanding, 16th place Calista McGauley, 17th place Alliana Hoyer and 18th place Lanea Rohan.

Age 7 and under boys: 9th place Ian Black, 14th place Frank White, 15th place Nick Blanding and 17th place Evan Derrick.

8-year-old girls: 7th place Kate Blanding, 8th place Heather Claussen

and 10th place Caitlin McGauley.

8-year-old boys: 2nd place Niccolo Ciccarelli and 13th place Andrew Boelter.

9-year-old girls: 8th place Alaina Gacek and 9th place Mikayla Wellman.

9-year-old boys: 5th place Michael Black, 6th place Adam Solsrud, 12th place Paul White and 15th place Ryan Leciejewski.

10-year-old girls: 3rd place Courtney Schwartz.

10-year-old boys: 5th place Austin Gunderson, 6th place Christian Hoyer and 7th place Brock Carlson.

11-year-old boys: 8th place Alec Black and 10th place Warren Long.

12-year-old girls: 4th place Emily Petzel.

12-year-old boys: 4th place Tyler Stadler.

13-year-old boys: 2nd place Gino Ciccarelli.

14-year-old boys: 7th place Greg Long.

15-year-old boys: 6th place Patrick Black. -submitted

Three members of the Burnett County Bulldogs wrestled at The State Wrestling Gopher Tournament in Coon Rapids, Minn., on Sunday, March 4. Joseph Gaffney, fifth grade, Tristan Brewer, fourth grade and Joshua Glover, fourth grade.

Tristan Brewer placed fifth (pictured), Joshua Glover and Joseph Gaffney wrestled hard and were just shy of placing in the tournment. They will all be wrestling in the state qualifer in River Falls with hopes of traveling to Madison on March 24. - Photo submitted The Siren eighth-grade girls basketball team had a great season. The girls ended the season undefeated with a record of 13-0. This is the third season in a row that Siren has produced an undefeated eighthgrade team, and coach Brad Morris says that it was the girls’ hard work and determination in practice and in games that helped them accomplish the remarkable season.

Front row (L to R): Daphne Hubbell and Daniel Keller. Middle Row: Brittany Moose, Rhiannon Honeysett and Carley Emery. Back row: Coach Brad Morris, Jayme Mitchell, Kristen Sexton, Stephenie Taylor and Ashley Guevara. – Photo submitted

The Burnett County Bulldogs wrestled at Luck, Saturday, March 3. They placed second as a team. Pictured are as follows: Coach Jake Nichols, Coach Joel Glover, Brett Anderson, third grade, second place, Joseph Gaffney, fifth grade, first place, Dakota Schultz, second grade, first place, Austin Swenson, fifth grade, third place, Cory Peterson, fifth grade, second place, Josh Glover, fourth grade, first place, Coach Tori Jeske. Next row: Elliot Swenson, kindergarten, second place, Colin Jeske, kindergarten, first place, Luke Anderson, kindergarten, first place, Tristan Brewer fourth grade, first place, and Lane Johnson, kindergarten, second place. Not pictured are: Tony Britton, fourth grade, second place, Mitchell Daniels, PreK, third place, Andy Gorr, kindergarten, third place, Brent Johnson seventh grade, second place, Spencer Louis, third grade, second place, Coleton Peterson, PreK, first place, David St. John, Jr., fifth grade, third place, Collin Daniels fourth place.

The Wisconsin State Qualifier is next Saturday in River Falls where a number of the Bulldogs will wrestle with hopes of going to state. - Photo submitted Grantsburg Youth Hockey Weekly Results Blizzard Pewee 3A Peewee 3, DC Everest 1 Goals: Tyler Richison, Joe Engelhart (2) Assists: Matt Larson Goalie: Jimmy Richison 9 saves Tomahawk 4, Peewee 1 Goals: Anthony Dietmeier Assists: Shay Johnson Goalie: Jimmy Richison 14 saves Peewee 2, Sheboygan 1 Goals: Anthony Dietmeier, Joe Engelhart (OT) goal Assists: Aaron Dietmeier Goalie: Jimmy Richison 9 saves

Blizzard Pewee B State Tournament Beaver Dam 8, Blizzard 3 Goals: Ryan Curtis (3) Assists: Brett Richardson 1 Goalie: Paige Youge 15 saves Sheboygan 5, Blizzard 1 Goals: Ryan Curtis (1) Assists: Max Norman (1) Goalie: Paige Youge 21 saves West Bend 7, Blizzard 4 Goals: Ryan Curtis (2), Conner McGinnity (1), D.J. Hunter (1) Assists: Ryan Curtis (2), D.J Hunter (1) Goalie: Paige Youge 6 saves

The Burnett Blizzard Pewee 3-A hockey team placed third at the state championship in Merrill on Mar. 3-4. After falling to DC Everest in their home tournament the previous weekend, they faced them again the following Saturday and won 3-1.

The Blizzard lost to Tomahawk with five minutes left in the third period after Tomahawk shot two goals to win. The Blizzard won in double overtime against Sheboygan to take the third-place finish.

Pictured are goalie Jimmy Richardson, second row (L to R): Matt Smith, Alex Hopkins, Ashley Dietmeier and Aaron Dietmeier. Third row (L to R): Gino Lonetti, Matt Larson, Shay Johnson, Anthony Dietmeier Tyler Richison, Joe Engelhart and Jacob Swenson. Coaches in back row include Mark Swenson, Greg Engelhart, Gary Smith and Jim Richison. – Photo submitted

Leader Sports: What other paper covers seven hometown schools?

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The doctor is in.

With surgical precision, Webster head coach Randy Hedrick and his squadron of talented, poised, unselfish, h a rd w o r k i n g , and well-conditioned athletes neatly dissected perennial power Glenwood City night.

Monday (see Matt “Hello Country” Blumkin’s game account elsewhere on these pages). The Tigers controlled the contest from the outset and are expected to fare well in Thursday night’s game against the Cameron Comets. If the Tigers win they’ll play Saturday night for a date at the Kohl Center.

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Bleak Morning in Prescott The Cardinals, coached by exFrederic coach Corey Morning, lost a 36-33 thriller to Eau Claire Regis Monday night.

Night and day Some fans who watched Saturday’s Luck-Webster game and Monday’s Webster-Glenwood City game were quick to point out the difference in officiating styles.

“Saturday the refs seemed to inject themselves into the game from the get-go, and they never stopped blowing the whistle,” said one fan, shaking his head.

Consequently, well over 40 fouls were called and the Cardinal-Tiger clash plodded along at a choppy pace. Monday night was a different story, as the game flowed more smoothly and was just as well controlled, yet only 30 fouls were called.

(A half-dozen or so of the infractions were whistled in the late going when the frustrated Hilltoppers opted to send the Tigers to the free-throw line.)

“Most fans would much rather watch a game where the players, not the refs, take center stage,” said the above zebra-critiquing fan.

The bank was open Last Saturday Webster seemed to be spinning their wheels as Luck maintained a seven to 10 point margin (which could’ve been larger) into the third quarter. But when Webster’s Peter Walsh banked in a long 3-pointer off the right elbow, you could feel the momentum start to change. Up until that shot, Walsh was best known as a cross-country runner and the little brother of ex-Tiger runner, politician, actor and columnist Ryan Walsh.

Don’t forget Clear Lake The Warriors will be Polk County’s sectional hoop representatives as they square off against Gilman Friday night in Spooner. Clear Lake, 17-6, is coached by one of the region’s most successful mentors in Jason Sargent.

The Cornell native has amassed 114 wins in eight seasons at the helm, an average of over 14 wins per season.

South Shore and tiny Butternut (enrollment: 57) battle in the earlier game.

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Bright future for Saints St. Croix Falls informants say 1000point scorer Katie “The Kid” Weinberg, who missed her senior hoops season due to a knee injury, is progressing well in rehab and preparing for a return to the softball diamond this spring. Weinberg hopes to resume her basketball career at either UW-La Crosse or UW-Eau Claire next fall. Meanwhile, champion Saints’ wrestler Dustin Raygor just might be taking his intellectual and grappling skills over to Collegeville, Minn., next year to perform for St. John’s University.

Sid Luckman award Adam Brekke, offspring of 1970s Frederic multisport legend Jim Brekke, was named the Columbia University Sid Luckman award winner for 2006. Brekke earned the MVP honors with his stellar play at linebacker for the Lions. Old-timers remember Luckman as a hall-offamer for the Chicago Bears after his college career at Columbia.

Seminole wins Florida State’s baseball team was 17-0 and Mark Hallberg was batting .372 with a bunch of RBI’s and runs scored as this column was written.

It’s a long season, so fans are encouraged to follow the former Unity littleleaguer’s progress by logging on to the FSU athletics Web page. Hallberg, incidentally, is a first cousin of Grantsburg assistant hoop coach and ex-Eagle Nick Hallberg.

Ice forming in Hades Some fans were surprised when they read in last week’s Leader that Grantsburg baseball coach Pete Johnson made a pitch for his Pirates to join the ranks of high school teams playing WIAA spring baseball. Look for Siren, Webster, Frederic and Luck to be involved in cooperative spring baseball programs in the future.

Trivia returns This week’s trivia exercise focuses on the Webster Tiger boys basketball “brain trust.” (i.e. head coach Randy Hedrick and assistants Jim Sorenson and Mark Elliott) 1) Which of the above three coaches did not star in the 35-E softball league back in the 1980s. ______ 2) Even though he was quite young, when Randy Hedrick reached base back in his days playing softball for Dudley’s or Northwest Passage back in the 1980s, he was usually replaced with this: ______ 3) Mark Elliott made his college basketball splash at this University. ______ 4) Of the three WHS coaches, who has become most well-known for his prowess as a hunter and angler.______ 5) Of the three coaches above, which is the only one with an offspring on the current Tiger roster.______ Correct answers: 1) Jim Sorenson 2) courtesy runner 3) UW-Stevens Point 4) Jim Sorenson 5 ) Mark Elliott

Read Leader Sports at www.the-leader.net

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LEADER SPORTS S C O R E B O A R D BOYS BASKETBALL Scores

Friday, March 2 (#1) Glenwood City 60, (#4) Cumberland 54 (#1) Eau Claire Regis 82, (#4) Unity 53 (#2) Prescott 52, (#3) St. Croix Central 36 Saturday, March 3 Division 3 Regionals (#2) Webster 37, (#3) Luck 36, (OT) Monday, March 5 Division 3 Regional Final (#2) Webster 41, (#1) Glenwood City 32 (at Amery) (#1) Eau Claire Regis 36, (#2) Prescott 33 (at Ellsworth)

Coming up

Thursday, March 8 Division 3 Sectionals (#2) Webster vs. (#1) Cameron, 7 p.m. (at Rice Lake) (#1) Eau Claire Regis vs. Osseo-Fairchild, 7 p.m. (at Chippewa Falls) Saturday, March 10 Division 3 Sectional Final Webster/Cameron vs. Regis/Osseo-Fairchild, 7 p.m. (at Eau Claire North)

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Next: Cavaliers, Raptors, Spurs The Bucks begin a long seven-game home stretch this week, which begins with the Lakers on March 7, and ends with the Pacers on March 25. Out of those seven teams only two have below .500 records. Michael Redd was as impressive as always last Sunday, but his 52 points, including eight of 13 3-pointers wasn’t enough to thwart off Chicago in their 126-121 overtime loss. This is the second time Redd has scored more than 50 points in a game. The last time was in November when he scored 57 against Utah, which was a franchise record for the Bucks. With their loss against the Bulls, Milwaukee has started a two-game losing streak, which could continue in the coming weeks. – Marty Seeger

Next: @ Heat, @ Hawks, vs. Pacers The Wolves hit the epitome of humiliation in losing to the Boston Celtics at the Fleet Center. With the tradition the Celtics have, it’s hard to believe that could ever be written, but the Celtics have been the NBA’s doormat this year with an 18-game losing streak. They nearly beat the Wolves in their previous meeting. Yet, their one sign of hope was a 26-point performance by Troy Hudson. Coach Randy Wittman plans to start Hudson at point guard now, and they’ll need a spark as their playoff hopes continue to slide. With 33 losses already and two months to go, that’s what the Wolves need - a big spark. They’ll have couple of tough games against the Heat and Pacers coming up though. – Matt Blumkin

Swami The ended his prediction season with a bit of controversy.

He petitioned to claim last week’s column statement for his win column. Said statement was: “Flambeau will destroy Minong by at least 35 p o i n t s ” (Flambeau won by 41).

After some discussion, Leader editors eventually concurred.

than any other,” he said. “Until this year, no local prognosticator has dared to openly compete against me. This year they tried, but as usual, I rose to the occasion and left them in the dust.

And I predicted actual scores, not just point spreads,” he added with pride.

The Swami THE SWAMI

PREDICTS

Similarly, he tried to count Monday’s Webster victory over Glenwood City on the plus-side since he had already forecast Glenwood City to lose to Luck in the regional final. This, however, was not approved by the Leader staff.

Hence, he ends the season with a 4-2 record and a tremendous overall mark of 151-31, or 83 percent. “I am more proud of my performance this year

PREPS

On Saturday night, friends and family will once again gather as they have for 13 consecutive seasons to formally crown The Swami as “The Prediction King.”

In keeping with tradition, he will not predict sectional basketball action. “I helped Webster get this far. From now on they don’t need my help,” he said.

And with that, the old hippie started his 1959 Chevrolet Apache and drove away from the Leader office. He won’t be heard from again until the 2007 football season.

Even though he’s back in his reclusive mode, the Swami will still answer all emails. He can be reached at predictionking@yahoo.com.

OF THE

NAME: Kevin Ingalls SCHOOL: Webster YEAR: Senior COMMENTS: Kevin Ingalls had the openings on offense for the Tigers against Glenwood City in the regioinal finals, and he made the Hilltoppers pay.

Ingalls slashed inside and shot from outside to rack up 13 points in the Tigers’ Kevin Ingalls win. He also got physical on defense with four boards and a block. Ingalls helped the Tigers hold the Hilltoppers to an impressive low of 32 points. – Matt Blumkin

WEEK

NAME: A.J. Holmquist SCHOOL: Webster YEAR: Junior COMMENTS: This Webster junior showed recently that he can light it up on offense with 18 points in a late-season against Grantsburg. In addition, he can hit from long range as he demonstrated against A.J. Holmquist Glenwood City with a near half-court shot, which gave the Tigers extra cushion and momentum going into halftime. Holmquist finished with eight points in the contest. – Matt Blumkin

MARCH 7, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 23

O UTDOORS INTER- COUNTY LEADER

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

Mellens big gator hunt

Hello friends, From 1993 to 1998 I called Ashland County home. I purchased a house and five acres of land near Copper Falls State Park for $10,000 and Mark truly loved living in Walters the area.

When I started seeOUTDOORSMAN’S ing my wife, Laurie, in 1997, I was faced JOURNAL with the decision of having a long-distance relationship or starting a life together and both of us relocating to Necedah.

That decision to move away from Mellen was tougher than most people are aware, but in the big picture, the right decision.

This past weekend I returned to Mellen to take part in an annual fisheree held on Lake Galilee. I camped on the lake with my buddy Chuck Rieb, and as usual we had lots of fun.

Saturday, Feb. 24 High 22, low 16 I stayed at Chuck and Caryn Riebs last night. The Riebs live in a large log cabin that they built themselves, have raised three boys in all without the luxury of electricity or modern plumbing.

Where the Riebs live is so remote that no power is available and that fact has helped to keep their location remote.

Speaking of remote, Chuck, who’s word is good as gold as far as I am concerned, had a several-minute-long encounter with a wolverine from

Eight-year-old Renee Edwards, of Baraboo, and her father, Scott Edwards, with Renee’s first fish caught through the ice on Lake Galilee. – Photo submitted point-blank range a few weeks back, and now says no matter what anyone thinks, Wisconsin does have at least one wolverine.

The sparkle of The Mellen Rod and Gun Club’s annual fisheree on Lake Galilee is the northern pike bet. The first gator that measures 33 inches brings the winner $800.

The bet, or should I say prize, actually started at $200 back in 1993 and has gone up $50 a year ever since because the required-sized fish has not been caught.

Chuck and I built camp this afternoon while dealing with very strong winds. We used both of our pickups to try to block the wind while we set up my 10x10-foot tent. We anchored the tent to the ice by drilling a hole on each

corner with my Jiffy auger and placing a piece of firewood under the ice that was tied to the tent. That little trick works well. Chuck and I have been on plenty of adventures together, so setting up camp was not a big deal.

Sunday, Feb. 25 High 25, low 19 Today kind of started like last night ended. Last night Chuck kind of burnt a hole in my tent wall with my propane lantern. Today I burnt a bigger hole in my tent door with my tent heater. I might add that my old buddy was severely ill early this morning, and after setting out his first tip-up had to retreat to his truck. After some verbal abuse from his partner, he toughed it out and was feeling fine by midmorning.

Long after sunrise, another one of my old buddies, Mark Jaeger, decided to get out of bed and hit the ice. The first thing “City Boy” did was come to our camp and make sure we had a big fish bet for a buck. Then sometime close to noon, he joined family and friends at their ice camp. Fortunately for City Boy, his brother was just getting ready to leave the ice. Instead of City Boy putting out tip-ups he just took over his brother’s, and 10 minutes later caught a 25-inch northern which would land him big fish for the fisheree and, most importantly, win him the buck in our side bet which he had a camera crew take pictures of me paying him.

Once again today I learned just how important a winter fisheree is to a local area, as it truly is a way for friends to get out and shake off the winter blues.

I made some new friends today and had plenty of old ones come by camp to visit. It was also really cool to watch the Mellen kids as they were having a blast in the fresh snow with their fourwheelers and snowmobiles.

I also had the pleasure of watching 8year-old Renee Edwards catch her first fish on the ice. Renee was with her father, Scott Edwards, and a large group of friends all from Baraboo. I watched from a distance as she played all day and truly seemed to enjoy her time on the ice. It was a pretty cool to be able to take a picture of her with her trophy which was maybe a 16-inch northern pike but as big as a whale in her eyes.

The big gator was not caught. Next year it will be worth $850. If Travis is not wrestling in the state tournament, I will be back.

Play outside! Sunset

Brought to you by the following sponsors:

Huge laker iced by local

On track...

Hunter education courses are starting to take place across the area, and those in the Grantsburg and Frederic area will want to take note of the courses that will begin on March 15.

The South Fork Sporting Club will hold its hunter education courses on Monday, Thursday and Saturday evenings at 6:30 p.m. The course begins March 15, and ends on March 31. For more information contact Thomas Lemieux at 715-653-4253.

The Grantsburg DNR Friends of Crex will host its hunter education courses from March 15 through April 14 on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7 p.m. For more information contact Don Erickson at 715-463-8368 A hunter safety course is required in Wisconsin for anyone born after Jan. 1, 1973, before they may purchase any hunting license.

Anyone 12 years of age or older is eligible to take the class and receive a safety education certificate. – Marty Seeger with info from the DNR

•••

How does an evening spent looking at the stars of the spring sky sound to you? Join Greg Furtman for a tour of the spring night sky at Hunt Hill Audubon Sanctuary in Sarona on Saturday evening, March 17, at 8 p.m. Learn the names of the stars; hear the mythological stories of the constellations; explore other astronomical sights of the night sky. Cost is $5 per person and free to members of Hunt Hill Audubon Sanctuary. Please call 735-6543 or e-mail program@hunthill.org for more information. - Submitted

•••

Ben Jensen, 13, Webster, landed this huge lake trout on a Canadian lake last weekend. The eighth-grader’s trophy measured 37.5 inches with a 24-inch girth and weighed 25-pounds. The laker also was reported to have nine lawyers (bait fish) in its belly. - Photo submitted

The 2006-2007 hunting and fishing licenses go on sale Friday, March 9, and ice shelters on lakes north of Hwy. 64 need to be removed before March 15.

Hunters looking for action still have time to go crow hunting. The season closes on March 20.

PAGE 24 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - MARCH 7, 2007

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Bowhunter education courses offered MADISON – Practice and preparation are critical for a safe and successful bowhunting outing, according to state hunting-safety specialists, who are reminding active or aspiring archers that bowhunter-education classes are being offered in some areas of Wisconsin in March.

“Shooting with archery equipment is not something that comes back to you just like that,” says Tim Lawhern, hunter education safety administrator for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. “You use specific muscles in archery that have to be conditioned.”

Lawhern, himself a bowhunter, advises people who haven’t been practicing shooting with a bow to get out their equipment, inspect the bow limbs, string, handle and other parts to make

sure everything is in sound condition and properly working.

Start practicing once the equipment checks out. Practicing will help bowhunters get their arm, shoulder and finger muscles accustomed to the task of shooting and will help improve accuracy. Lawhern advises practicing 20 minutes every day.

DNR safety specialists also recommend that bowhunters take a bowhunter-education course to reduce the potential for hunting accidents and to promote a fun and responsible experience. Hunters who have had a basic hunter education course are not required to take a bowhunter education course. However, the Wisconsin bowhunter Education Course is approved by the National Bowhunter Education Foundation and the course certificate is

accepted in other states where bowhunter certification is required.

In Wisconsin, anyone born after Jan. 1, 1973, is required to be certified in either basic hunter education or bowhunter Education before purchasing any hunting license, including an archery license. Anyone 12 years of age or older is eligible to take the class and receive a safety education certificate.

The course teaches the history of modern-day bowhunting and our hunting heritage, bowhunter responsibilities, preparing for the hunt, equipment selection and care, marksmanship fundamentals, bowhunting methods, handling outdoor emergencies and field care of harvested game.

The course averages 10 to 18 hours and costs $10. Bowhunting courses are listed on the Upcoming Safety Course

page of the DNR Web site. In Burnett County a bowhunter education course is being offered at the Grantsburg DNR Friends of Crex. Classes begin on March 15, every Tuesday and Thursday at 7 p.m. and classes end on Saturday, April 14. For more information contact Don Erickson at 715-463-8368.

In Polk County a bowhunter education course is being offered at the South Fork Sporting Club, which starts March 15 every Monday, Thursday and Saturday at 6:30 p.m. Classes will end on Saturday, March 31. For more information contact Tom Lemieux at 715653-4253.

Other questions regarding bowhunter education should contact Tim Lawhern at 608- 266-1317. – submitted by DNR

New Web site to help public hone in on birds across the state MADISON — How many bird species were seen in Dane County last year? Where can one go to find a boreal chickadee in February? When do sedge wrens begin arriving in southern Wisconsin?

Searching for answers to these and other questions about birds in Wisconsin is now only a mouse-click away at Wisconsin eBird (ebird.org/wi/), a new Web site devoted to tracking bird sightings and bird activities in the state.

“For centuries people have been keeping track of the birds they’ve seen, and where and when they’ve seen them,” says Andy Paulios, coordinator of the Wisconsin Bird Conservation Initiative for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

“Oftentimes those records are kept in a field notebook or another place where they can easily be lost, and which are unavailable to others. With eBird, this critical information is both secure and immediately available to researchers, educators, conservation biologists and other birders.”

Wisconsin eBird is an online database for recording and exploring bird sightings in the state of Wisconsin.

Wisconsin eBird is the product of a partnership between the Wisconsin DNR, the Wisconsin Bird Conservation Initiative (www.wisconsinbirds.org) and the Wisconsin Society for O r n i t h o l o g y (www.uwgb.edu/birds/wso/).

“If you are interested in keeping track of your personal sightings or you are

curious about the locations, migratory timing, or other aspects of birds, eBird is a great tool for you,” Paulios says.

The Wisconsin eBird Web site will be routinely updated with stories about bird identification, rare bird alerts, monitoring programs for birders to participate in, birding events and the latest bird research and monitoring efforts impacting “our” birds. From the Web site, visitors can surf online to explore any and all bird sightings in Wisconsin, as well as keep track of the sightings they have submitted.

The data compiled in eBird will be used to map and inventory species distributions, phenology, and populations and to plan management activities.

The Wisconsin Society for Ornithology has also begun incorporat-

ing eBird records into its records system. WSO members who regularly use eBird can now be assured that their eBird records are being used by WSO and all of its partners. “eBird is free and can be used by beginners and experts alike,” Paulios says. “People can start now by entering their latest sighting or by exploring the interactive mapping tools and histograms. For example, you could create a seasonal checklist for your backyard, your neighborhood, or your county!

Wisconsin is currently one of the most active eBird states in the country…let’s make sure we stay that way!”

For more information contact Andy Paulios at 608-264-6137. – submitted by DNR

Boat registration renewal notices in the mail MADISON – Owners of approximately 280,000 boats registered in Wisconsin should begin receiving renewal notices this week reminding them that current registrations expire March 31. 2007. The 2007 - 09 registration period starts March 15.

“We would like to encourage our customers to renew their registration online with a credit card,” said Penny Kanable of the Department of Natural Resources Bureau of Customer Service

and Licensing. “Boat owners who use our safe, easy and convenient online renewal can also print a validation receipt that will allow them to operate their boats while they wait for their new registration certificate and decals.”

The online renewal, which carries a $1 processing fee, is found on the recreational vehicle licensing page of the DNR Web site, and is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Customers who choose not to renew over the

Internet should submit the coupon and their renewal remittance as soon as possible by mail or in person at a DNR service center and the registration certificate and decals will be mailed back to them, usually within seven to 10 days.

Wisconsin boat registrations last for three years. There are currently more than 627,000 boats registered in the state. Renewal notices are staggered over the three-year cycle, depending

Pair O’ pike

upon when the boat was originally registered.

March is the month for license and registration sales and renewals, with 2007 hunting and fishing licenses also going on sale Friday, March 9, and more than 43,000 remaining spring turkeyhunting permits going on sale at 10 a.m., Friday, March 23.

For more information contact Penny Kanable at 608-264-8985. – submitted by DNR

Butch’s Northwest Archery Bowhunting League

Howard Haaf (L) of Webster caught a 22-pound pike in the Webster area recently.

Andrew Sund (R), 13, caught a 31inch, 9-pound northern on Feb. 11 on Big Butternut Lake. The fish was caught just 20 minutes after the icefishing contest ended on Sunday, Feb. 11. - Photos submitted

Week 8 A&H Country Market: 544 White Birch Printing: 535 Gronning’s Tree Service: 530 Knoop Construction: 520 Whitetail Lodge: 517 Dill Weeds: 516 Bank of the West: 515 A&H Taxidermy: 505 B&B Disposal: 499 Melton Sandblasting: 497 Becky’s: 486 Bulldog Taxidermy: 483 Century 21 Siren: 460 Theoutpostmall.com: 429 Snags Sports Bar: 410 The Shop: 402 Gluek: 362 Big Mike’s Sport Shop: 342 Women’s Teams Chicog Pub: 412 Wild Bill’s: 391 Bass Lake Inn: 194

Father son-daughter team Glennco Transmission: 486 Boom Truck Service: 445 Dan King Agency: 416 Weis Guys: 394 Juniors Lipsie Pines: 316 Husband & wife teams Bluegill Bar: 507 Scenic View Campgrounds: 479 Audie’s Barn Board Crafts: 470 Sportsman’s Headquarters: 469 Larsen Chev: 426 Parson’s Auto Body: 390 Traditional Teams Wishful Thinking: 356 C&J Sport Shop: 332 Shell Lake Pharmacy: 331 Peterson Construction: 311

MARCH 7, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 25

Burnett County road accidents

On Saturday, Feb. 24, Linda L. Robinson of Danbury was north bound on East Bass Lake Road in the town of Union when her car was hit by Jerome J Blatt of Webster. Blatt was south bound on East Bass Lake Road when he lost control on a curve and slid into Robinson. - Photo from Burnett County Sheriff’s Department

Come and meet your local EMTs and paramedics And get your blood pressure taken to boot BURNETT COUNTY - In an effort to enhance injury prevention programs in Burnett County, North Memorial Ambulance Service has begun to provide complimentary blood pressure checks at many local businesses.

“Our 2007 injury prevention initiative has been to focus on hypertension Grantsburg: Webster: Siren: Danbury: A&H:

or high blood pressure”, states Joe Walsh, manager for North Memorial Ambulance operations in Wisconsin.

“Risk of heart disease and stroke can be significantly reduced if high blood pressure is treated early and effectively.

If our EMS staff can help people recognize this potential risk factor and steer them toward their physician, then we have accomplished what it was that we set out to do”.

Blood pressure checks are provided once a week at the following locations:

U.S. Bank – Fridays, 11 a.m. – noon.

Grantsburg Family Foods – Wednesdays, 3:30-4:30 p.m.

U.S. Bank – Wednesdays, 11 a.m. – noon.

Wayne’s Foods Plus – Tuesdays, 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Bremer Bank – Mondays, 11:00-12:00 Noon Four Winds Market – Thursdays, 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Bremer Bank – Tuesdays, 10 – 11 a.m.

A&H Country Store – Mondays, 11 a.m. - noon

If no ambulance personnel are present during their posted times, they are probably out on an ambulance call. – from North Ambulance

Edina announces awards ST. CROIX FALLS - Edina Realty, the Midwest’s largest residential real estate firm, recently announced that the following realtors from the St. Croix Falls office have been named members of Edina Realty’s Charimans, Masters, Presidents, or Leadership Circles: Masters – Doris Schmidt, Gwenn Baker

Presidents – Illean Weber Leaderhip – Shelley Museus “Becoming a Circle member takes consistent hard work and exceptional customer care,” said Bob Peltier, Edina Realty president. “We are proud that our agents’ expertise and hard work make us one of the leading and most respected real estate companies in the industry.” —Submitted

Housing grant received BURNETT COUNTY – The Indianhead Community Action Agency has received a HOME Single Family Housing grant from the Wisconsin Department of Commerce, Division of Housing and Community Development.

This grant has been used to establish a Housing Rehabilitation Loan Program to conserve, rehabilitate and improve

residential property occupied by lowand moderate-income residents of Burnett County.

Through this program the agency will provide a no-interest, deferred-payment home repair loan to qualifying applicants.

For additional information or for an application please call 715-532-5594. – from ICCA

On Monday, February 26, John E. Carlson, 76, of St. Paul pulled out from a stop sign into the path of Carrie L. Hunter, 39, of Webster, whose vehicle is shown above. Carlson then left the scene of the accident and went to his cabin on Herman Johnson Road before reporting the accident. He was issued two citations for failure to stop and endangering the safety of persons. - Photo from Burnett County Sheriff’s Department

Polk County civil court Deutsche Bank National Trust Co., plaintiff.

Eric Peterson, St. Croix Falls, defendant. Plaintiff starting foreclosure proceedings for sum of $168,255.21 plus interest.

Deutsche Bank National Trust Co, Milwaukee, plaintiff. William and Kimberly Rovney, Luck, defendant. Plaintiff seeks mortgage foreclosure for sum of $317,082.82 plus interest.

Household Finance Corp., Virginia Beach, Va., plaintiff. Valerie Harry, Centuria, defendant.

Capital One Bank, Norcross, Ga., plaintiff.

Steven Gaustad, Clayton, defendant. Plaintiff alleges default on charge account and seeks payments of $7,204.43.

Sun Trust Mortgage, Inc., Richmond, Va., plaintiff. Tanya Anderson, St. Croix Falls, defendant. Plaintiff seeks mortgage foreclosure for payments of $120,000 plus interest.

Wells Fargo, Houston, Texas, plaintiff. Sarah Weinzirl, Milltown, defendant. Plaintiff seeks mortgage foreclosure for payments of $133,496.92.

Citi Mortgage, Inc., Coppell, Texas, plaintiff.

Debra Bell, New London, defendant. Plaintiff seeks mortgage foreclosure on property at 248 E. Kentucky St., St. Croix Falls for sum of $144,313.37.

Criminal Walter Tudahl, 44, Osceola, disorderly conduct.

Adjourned initial hearing set for March 12.

Shannon Shafer, 31, Amery, pled not guilty to disorderly conduct, knowingly violating order.

Signature bond set of $1,000.

Berwin Badhorse, 30, Luck, pled not guilty to disorderly conduct. Review set for May 18.

Jacob Farah, 19, Centuria, pled not guilty to theft. Signature bond set of $1,000. Review set for May 18.

Steven Sellman, 45, Wyoming, Minn., violating restraining order. Signature bond set of $1,000.

Dallas Johnson, Menomonie, 35. Court dismissed issue of worthless checks charge without prejudice and without costs.

Anthony Haugley, 21, North Branch, Minn., pled not guilty to possession of drug paraphernalia. Signature bond set of $1,000. Review set for May 18.

Charity Shafer, 23, Amery, received a 12month deferred prosecution agreement for a charge of disorderly conduct and violating a court order.

Gordon T. Johnson, 30, Luck, pled not guilty to disorderly conduct. Review set for March 23.

Jay Rogers, 24, Luck, pled not guilty to disorderly conduct. Review set for April 3.

Aaron Merrill, 20, Luck, pled not guilty to disorderly conduct. Review set for April 27.

Kenneth Carlson, 22, Balsam Lake, pled guilty to OWI. Court accepted guilty plea. Sentencing hearing set for July 27.

Ryan Davison, 31, Centuria, pled not guilty to OWI, operating with a prohibited blood concentration of .08 or more, possession of marijuana.

Signature bond set of $1,000. Court review set for March 20.

Jeremy Swenson, Osceola, pled guilty to OWI. Court accepted plea and dismissed charge of operating with a PAC of .08 or more. Sentencing hearing set for July 27, after defendant has gone through treatment program. Cash bond set of $500.

Robert Ness, 26, Osceola, pled guilty to OWI. Court accepted plea dismissed charge of operating with a PAC of .08 or more. Sentenced to 30 days in Polk County jail and fined $1,209. License revoked for 24 months.

Thomas Dobbert, 59, Frederic, pled not guilty to operating vehicle while revoked. Will meet with district attorney’s office to try to settle case. Court review set for May 5.

Burnett County criminal court Dawn L. Anderson, 45, Webster, issue worthless checks, $218.94 restitution, $249.00.

Kendra K. Drake, 24, Siren, issue worthless checks, $249.00.

Bradley K. Chenal, 22, Tampa, Fla., issue worthless checks, $249.25 restitution, $249.00.

Ashly M. Hughes, 24, Dairyland, issue worthless checks, $249.00.

Anthony W. Pewaush, 39, Webster, disorderly conduct, $249.00.

Bruce A. Bellanger, 31, Webster, OAR, $413.00.

James L. Turner, 54, Danbury, theft, $6,600.00 restitution, $709.00.

Nicholas L. Goertz, 29, OWI, $1,209.00, 60 days’ jail time, license revoked for 24 months.

Samuel T. Shellito, 50, Grantsburg, fail to prepare storm water pollution plan, fail to evaluate nonstorm water discharges, fail to perform annual facility inspection, fail to perform quarterly visual

inspection, fail to perform storm water sampling, $2,605.00.

Richard E. Southerton, 51, River Falls, OWI, $1,967.00, alcohol assessment, 110 days’ local jail time, license revoked 30 months.

Aaron D. Farb, 25, Lake Tomahawk, construct or use elevated device, $113.00.

Thaddeus J. Baasch, 17, Shell Lake, speeding, $160.80.

Keith R. Tourville, 20, Star Prairie, speeding, $160.80.

Anita J. Crandell, 44, Frederic, speeding, $160.80.

William M. Goepfert, 35, Grantsburg, failure to notify police of accident, $435.00.

Elizabeth A. Squires, 39, St. Louis Park, Minn., fail to stop at stop sign, $160.80.

Jacob H. Joachim, 32, Grantsburg, unsafe lane deviation, $160.80.

Polk County divorces Donna and Gerald Maypark, Osceola. Married 2000. No children.

Jessica and Donald Lieffring, Osceola.

Married 2004. Two children.

PAGE 26 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - MARCH 7, 2007

Polk County sheriff’s report Accidents: Feb. 22, 8:18 a.m., Farmington Township, Hwy 35, .10 mi N of 10th Ave., DAVID S. THURS, 42, Rice Lake, was south on Hwy. 35 when the vehicle crossed the center line and struck a mailbox (owner Shawn

R. Rivard, Osceola). The vehicle then went into the ditch and came back out of the ditch. The vehicle then turned onto 10th Avenue, stopped and the driver fled. Operator cited for failure to report accident to police.

Feb. 22, 4:51 p.m., Balsam

Lake Township, 160th Street at CTH I, #1 - KERISSA E. NELSON, 19, Grantsburg; #2 JUSTIN J. ECKEL, 20, Luck; Unit 2 was stopped at the intersection, heading northbound.

Unit 1 was also heading northbound and stopped behind unit 2. Unit 1 began to drive straight, failing to notice unit 2 was still stopped. Unit 1 collided with the back bumper of unit 2. Both units 1 and 2 pulled to the side of the roadway and parked. Unit 1 driver was cited for failure to yield from a stop sign.

Feb. 24, 1:38 p.m., Milltown Township, Hwy. 46 N, .5 mi S. of Hwy. 35; #1 - KEVIN D. JENSEN, 31, Luck; #2 - RAYMOND O. LANGNESS, 37, New Richmond. Unit 1 was southbound on Hwy. 46. Unit 2 turned northbound onto Hwy. 46. Driver of unit 2 lost control after attempting to make the corner. The front of unit 2 struck the edge of the plow on unit 1. Unit 1 came to rest at the point of impact. Unit 2 was moved to the east shoulder of the road. Driver of unit 2 was cited for seat belt violation and driving too fast for conditions. Driver of unit 2 received a minor injury (not wearing seat belt), transported

by EMS. Feb. 24, 4 p.m., city of Amery, Hwy. 46/Keller Ave. at 623 Hwy. 46/Keller Ave.; #1 - RICHARD J. MUELLER, 42, Milltown; #2 - Hit

and run driver (tan minivan).

Unit 1 was a northbound tow truck on Hwy. 46. Unit 2 was an older, tan-colored minivan traveling southbound on Hwy. 46.

The van lost control on the slippery road surface and crossed into the northbound lane of traffic. Unit 1 could not avoid colliding with unit 2, entered onto property at 623, striking a tree and coming to rest on the driveway of 617. Unit 2 continued on.

Witness verified unit 1 driver’s claim. Feb. 24, 5:44 p.m., Alden Township, CTH M, 300’ S of 40th Ave., CHRISTOPHER J. KAMRSULA, 35, Somerset, was southbound on CTH M. Unit 1 lost control on snow-covered roadway, approximately 100’ south of 40th Ave. Unit 1 went off the roadway and struck a culvert. Unit 1 overturned and came to rest on the south side of the culvert, upside down.

Feb. 25, 2 p.m., Farmington Twp., 240th St, .25 mi N of Cherry Drive, ADAM M. JOHNSON, 17, Osceola; Unit 1 was northbound on 240th Street, negotiating a curve north of Cherry Drive. Unit 1 lost control on snow-covered roadway, spins 180 degrees and enters the right hand ditch. Unit 1 struck a tree on the driver’s side and bounced off, coming to rest facing southwest.

Feb. 25, 7:50 a.m., village of Clayton, Prentice St, 10’ N. of Clayton Ave.; #1 - RYAN D. ASH, 23, Amery; #2 COLLEEN S. CROWLEY, 39, Chippewa Falls. Unit 1 was traveling northbound on Prentice St, following behind unit 2.

When the vehicles reached Clayton Ave., Unit 2 began to slow and pull to the right, however, failed to indicate a turn. As Unit 1 began to pass on the left, unit 2 began to make a left turn. Driver of unit 1 braked but could not stop. The vehicle crashed. Driver of unit 2 admitted to not using her signal but said she had to pull right to make it over a plowed drift.

Driver of unit 1 cited for passing at an intersection; driver of unit 2 was cited for failure to give signal.

Feb. 25, 3:23 PM, Milltown Twp., State Hwy 35, .1 mi N of Stokely Rd.; #1—BRITTANY L. VOLLRATH, 17, Milltown; #2— LUCILLE M. ALLEN, 68, Milltown; Unit 1, a snowmobile, entered the road, traveling east from the west ditch. Unit 2 was northbound on STH 35. Unit 1 struck unit 2 at the front and rear driver side doors. Unit 2 continued northwest in direction, entering the west ditch before coming to rest. Driver of unit 1 received a minor injury (wearing helmet), transported by EMS, and cited for failure to yield right of way to a person not on a snowmobile.

Feb. 25, 7:50 AM, Osceola Twp., County Rd MM, .25 mi N of 90th Av, GINA M. MOLINE, 33, Dresser, was southbound

on County Rd MM. Driver of unit 1 states she lost control due to ice on the roadway. Unit 1 slid back and forth and entered the west ditch just north of fire #905. Unit 1 struck a barbed wire fence, damaging approximately 10 feet of fence (owner Michael W. Korhonen, Dresser), causing damage to the front of unit 1.

Feb. 27, 6:19 AM, Luck Twp., State Hwy 35, .5 mi N of 160th St; #1—MICHELLE L. ANDREWSON, 51, Danbury; #2—RENEE R. OTTO, 48, Centuria; Unit 1 was southbound and unit 2 was northbound on State Hwy 35. A deer ran across State Hwy 35 and both unit 1 and unit 2 lost control on snow/ice and crashed into each other.

Feb. 27, 7 PM, Milltown Twp., State Hwy 46, .1 mi N of 190th Av, #1—RUSSELL A SHINGLETON, 29, St. Croix Falls; #2— KRISTINA L DUMIRE, 22, Luck; Unit 1 was turning south out of a parking lot. Unit 2 was northbound on STH 46, directly behind three vehicles turning right into the parking lot. Unit 1 pulled onto the roadway in front of unit 2, which was continuing northbound. Unit 2 struck unit 1 on driver’s side. Unit 1 spun 180 degrees before coming to rest on the road. Unit 2 continued into the west ditch. Both drivers received minor injuries (wearing seat belts). Driver of unit 1 was transported by EMS. Driver of unit 2 was not transported by EMS. Driver of unit 1 was cited for operating after suspended and failure to yield.

Feb. 27, 10:08 PM, Alden Twp., CTH K/60th Av, .98 mi W of 180th St, BRANDI K. BIERBRAUER, 16, Osceola, was eastbound on CTH K/60th Av at a high rate of speed. The driver reported a deer in the roadway that caused her to swerve into the opposite lane. Driver lost control of vehicle.

Vehicle struck a plastic garbage can at th 1898 60 Av and then overturned. Driver received a minor injury (wearing seat belt, no EMS), received a citation for driving too fast for conditions.

Feb. 28, 6:30 PM, Lincoln Twp., 110th St, 100’ N of 95th Av, DAVID W. GAETZ, 39, Amery, was traveling southbound on 110th Street when his vehicle went off the roadway, through a fence for the Fox family cemetery. The subject then backed up and made several runs at the fence in an apparent attempt to get back on the road.

More of the fence was destroyed (owner Merlin R. Fox, Amery) by the attempts to get out. The vehicle eventually became stuck. Driver fled the scene. Driver later cited for criminal damage to property, failure to report an accident to police and obstructing.

Feb. 28, 7 PM, Georgetown Twp., CTH I, .15 mi N of 200th Av, STEVEN E SCHULZE, 20,

Balsam Lake, was northbound on CTH I when the vehicle hit a patch of snow. Vehicle began to turn in a counter clockwise motion, entering the west ditch before coming to rest in a snow bank. Vehicle struck a fence when the vehicle entered the ditch.

Feb. 28, 8:50 PM, St. Croix Falls Twp., STH 35, .2 mi N of 160th Av, BRUCE A. CAMPION, 42, Circle Pines, MN, was southbound on STH 35, lost control and went into the east ditch. Unit 1 struck an old, unused utility pole.

March 1, 10:18 AM, Georgetown Twp., CTH E at Short Street, #1—WYNN L MERRILL, 42, Cumberland; #2—BRANDON LOWE, 24, Luck. Unit 1 was traveling north on CTH E. Unit 2 was traveling eastbound on Short Street. Unit 1 collided with unit 2. Unit 1 ended facing south on the northeast corner of CTH E at Short Street. Unit 2 traveled north on CTH E and parked. Both drivers were cited for operating after suspension.

March 2, 4:45 PM, St. Croix Falls Twp., USH 8, .10 mi E of County Rd Y, DANIEL E. SZYMANSKI, 56, Centuria, was westbound on USH 8 when the driver side wheel malfunctioned.

Driver lost control and vehicle slid into the north ditch, striking a highway sign.

March 2, 1:35 PM, Osceola Twp., 93rd Av, .25 mi E of CTH S, BRANDEN A. KRATOCHVIL, 22, Osceola, was traveling eastbound on 93rd Av from CTH S. The passenger side tires went into the left ditch.

The vehicle collided with the ditch and then collided with a tree, causing the vehicle to stop.

March 3, 3:21 PM, Beaver Township, CTH T at 135th Av, #1—ACSIA M. LEAF, 21, Turtle Lake; #2—RONALD D. SCAMP, 63, Beldenville, WI; Unit 1 was traveling northbound on CTH T. Unit 2 was turning eastbound on 135th Av from CTH T. Unit 1 attempted to pass in a no passing zone, colliding with unit 2. Unit 1 came to rest in the west ditch of CTH T. Unit 1 driver cited for passing in a no passing zone.

March 4, 2:40 PM, Clam Falls Twp., CTH E/350th Av, .6 mi W of 100th St, GALEN W. DANIELS, 52, Frederic, was westbound on CTH E, passed by a non-contact vehicle approx ? mile west of 100th St. Noncontact vehicle was eastebound. Unit 1’s windshield was sprayed with slush from the noncontact vehicle. Driver of unit 1 lost control on the slush-covered roadway. Unit 1 crossed the lane of traffic and entered the eastbound ditch, overturned and came to rest on the driver’s side.

Driver and passenger, KAY E. HELENE, 45, Frederic, received minor injuries (both wearing seat belt/no EMS).

Burnett County sheriff’s report Accidents Town of Webb Lake, Feb. 25: Earnest E. Swenson, 47, Minong, was northbound on Namekogon Road when he lost control on a curve and struck several trees. The driver was cited for failure to report an accident.

Webster Village, Feb. 27: Driving a Burnett County plow truck, John L. Hennessey, 28, Grantsburg, was attempting a right-hand turn onto CTH X from Hwy. 35. Daniel L. Thill, 54, Webster was stopped at the stop sign on CTH X. The driver at the stop sign started to pull away from the stop sign, but stopped again. The driver of the plow truck didn’t expect the second stop and proceeded to make a right-hand turn. The plow nicked the rear tire of the vehicle at the stop sign, bending the rim and flattening the tire. The Burnett County Highway crew changed

the flattened tire.

Town of Swiss, March 2: John F. Klaas, 58, Danbury, was plowing snow from a driveway when he backed into a truck owned by Bruce Wicklund, Oakdale, Minn., damage to both vehicles was light.

Town of Meenon, March 1: Margaret M. Alden, 57, Siren, was northbound on Hwy. 35 and was making Left hand turn onto Midtown Road. The car behind her slowed to make a right-hand turn onto Midtown Road. Kristi L. Hutton, 32, Frederic, was too close to the car making a Right hand turn, and to avoid hitting it, she went into the other lane and hit Alden. There were no reported injuries.

Warrant arrests/other arrests Town of Grantsburg, March 2: Matthew F. Phillips, 20, Grantsburg, put a vehicle in the ditch and then attempted to flee

the officer who was attempting to assist him. He was attested on a probation violation and obstructing an officer.

Town of Oakland, March 1: Dale R. Polaski, 43, Webster, crashed a snowmobile on Lone Pine Road. He was arrested for operating a snowmobile under the influence. He was also cited for refusal to take intoxicated snowmobile test.

Town of Meenon, Feb. 27: Jason C. Keim, 25, Webster, was cited and arrested for battery.

Town of Meenon, March 1: Thomas J. Easland, 40, Webster, was cited and arrested for domestic battery.

Other incidents Town of Union, Feb. 28: Thurston A. Fankhauser, 33, New Richmond , reported his father-in-law’s cabin was broken into.

Burnett Co. deaths James C. Plain, 71, West Marshland, Feb. 18.

MARCH 7, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 27

Burnett County warrants Kassandra J. Flake, 18, River Falls, warrant – failure to appear, Feb. 28.

Guy D. Goodwin, 56, Mahnomen, Minn., warrant – failure to appear, Feb. 28.

Gerald E. Hubbell, 36, Hayward, warrant – failure to appear, Feb. 28.

Siren police report Village of Siren, Feb. 23: Michael L. Miller, 18, Danbury, lost the brakes of his truck in the Dairy Queen parking lot and hit the building. The vehicle was towed, and the driver was issued a citation for nonregistration as he received a warning to register the vehicle approximately a month ago.

Village of Siren, March 4: Tonia J. Rightman, 35, Webster, was cited and arrested for possession of marijuana and paraphernalia.

Jeromy M. Lambert, 22, Webster, warrant – failure to appear, Feb. 28.

Vincent M. Monacelli, Hibbing, Minn., warrant – failure to appear, Feb. 28.

Lenay E. Phillipps, 46, Grantsburg, warrant – failure to

appear, Feb. 28.

Kobi C. Phillips, 46, Grantsburg, warrant – failure to appear, Feb. 28.

Kenneth S. Rogers, 24, Shell Lake, commitment, Feb. 28.

PAGE 28 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - MARCH 7, 2007

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MARCH 7, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 31

Children at risk for gambling addictions GREEN BAY - This week is National Problem Gambling Awareness Week. A Wisconsin organization that helps people shake gambling addictions says the problem has gotten worse among young people.

The Green Bay-based Wisconsin Council on Problem Gambling says a few years ago, about 6 to 12 percent of teenagers nationwide were addicted to high-stakes poker, betting and similar

activities. Now Rose Gruber, the council’s executive director, says the high end of that range is at 20 percent.

Gruber says a reason for that spike is the prevalence of gambling in popular culture. She says with the increase of gambling on the Internet, and especially with all the Texas Hold’em and celebrity poker tournaments on TV, it’s glamorized and “really sucks kids in.”

Gruber says research indicates that

the younger someone starts gambling, the higher the risk is of getting addicted.

She warns parents against even letting their kids handle lottery tickets. She says while most kids are going to be able to get that one or two lottery tickets, and are going to be able to scratch them off and it’s going to be fun and not a problem, one never knows who the kids are that are going to be high risk, and for whom this may start very inno-

cently, leading into something else down the road.

Gruber says children often don’t understand the odds and how unlikely it is that they’ll actually win. Also, those that do win big could take on an especially strong gambling addiction that will disrupt their schooling, relationships, and ability to handle money responsibly. - Wisconsin Public Radio (Brian Bull)

DOT uses cell phones to measure traffic flow MADISON - Your cell phone may be doing more than helping you kill time in traffic. It could also help highway officials measure traffic speeds.

The state is testing whether cell phone signals in cars traveling between Madison and Waukesha can help measure traffic speed. They’re also using GPS

data from trucks traveling between Milwaukee and Green Bay to determine how fast traffic is going.

Doug Dembowski is the operations engineer at the Department of Transportation’s traffic operations center. He says if the two-year pilot programs prove to be reliable, they could

Snow holiday!

James Crawford was out in front of his parents’ café in Shell Lake shoveling snow Thursday instead of being in school. Shell Lake gave students the longawaited snow-day holiday as they called off school Thursday, Mar. 1, and Friday, Mar. 2. — Photo by Larry Samson

Scouts/from page 1 Warm the Welcome, will include making some bedrooms and bathroom in the shelter feel warm and homey. Currently they are all white.

“We would like to add color, borders, curtains, rugs, photos, towel rack and other little touchups,” noted the sisters.

“The shelter also needs a vacuum cleaner and a refrigerator.”

The girls, daughters of Dick and Vickie Bauer, belong to local Girl Scout Troop 190. They are asking for help from the people in the community for donations of money or volunteering at a garage sale to be held May 11 and 12 at the Webster Community Center.

Volunteers are needed to bake items for a bake sale and donations of items to sell at the garage sale, along with volunteer help to run the sale, are needed.

Their mother, Vicki, a Burnett County Sheriff's dispatcher, gave her daughters the idea for helping the shelter and said they even toured the shelter before coming up with the project, which if completed, will earn them the highest award presented in the Girl Scouts. It required girls to meet three prerequisites in leadership, skill development and career exploration and to design and implement a significant leadership project involving 50 service hours over four months.

“We would like to finish the bedrooms/bathroom to make the whole place feel like home,” the Bauers note.

“Each bedroom (there are six) is named after famous women in history.” - Gary King with information from Bauer family

help expand traffic information across the state. That’s because traditional traffic monitoring systems in cities use microwave sensors under the pavement to gather the travel speeds. He says in rural areas, the cost for putting that infrastructure in is so much that it is not really feasible.

Dembowski also said the DOT is considering a 511 telephone number that people could call to get travel information. He says the 511 system probably won’t be ready until at least summer of next year. - Wisconsin Public Radio (Katie Fischer)

Private pesticide applicator training to be held SPOONER — The Spooner Area UWExtension Office will conduct a private pesticide applicator training session on Wednesday, March 14, from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Spooner Ag Research Station.

People who participate in a training session and successfully complete an evaluation will be certified as private pesticide applicators by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection. Certification allows applicators to purchase and use restricted-use chemicals such as atrazine, alachlor and others. Certified applicators are also allowed to spray up to 500 acres each year for hire without having to be a licensed commercial applicator.

The training fee is $30 per private applicator. This amount covers training materials and certification for five years, with no additional fees incurred during the certification period.

Registration for the March 7 session will begin at 9 a.m. with the training/testing session beginning promptly at 9:30 a.m. Materials for the general farming category can be picked up at area county UW-Extension Offices and at the Spooner Ag Research Station.

For private applicators specializing in fruit crops, greenhouses or nurseries, training materials and registration must be purchased through the Private Pesticide Applicators office in Madison.

For those who can’t come to the session, but are interested in becoming certified, individual testing opportunities are also available. The fee for either certification method is the same. For more

information about the private pesticide applicator training call Kevin Schoessow or Otto Wiegand at 635-3506 or 1-800-528-1914. — from Spooner Ag Research Station

“Proof”

Bob Tisdel (Hal), Bob Olsgard (Robert), Stacie Hammersberg (Claire) and sitting Alyssa Tisdell (Catherine) during last weekend’s performance of “Proof” at the Erika Quam Memorial Theatre. “Proof” is a play about a brilliant but troubled 25-year-old woman trying to deal with her father’s bouts with mental illness. The play, sponsored by Theater in the Woods, will be on stage once again Friday, Mar. 9, and Saturday, Mar. 10, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Mar. 11, at 2 p.m. — Photo by Larry Samson

PAGE 32 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - MARCH 7, 2007

Return of the snowman!

RIGHT: Now that's a snowman!

The great snow was celebrated last weekend with a snow party in Milltown. Scott Marek, owner of Krysandi Kabinets, said five families got together to celebrate and build Frosty because we finally got some snow in Northwest Wisconsin. Darin, Lola, Elise, Lindsey, Shannon, Kelsey, Emma, Adrian, Angie, Alex, Marcus, Andre, Carl, Kyle, Krystal, Brandi, Brandon and Ethan (with help from Yvette and Scott Marek) made this giant 15-foot snowman to greet people at Krysandi Kabinets, a custom cabinet and furniture company, as they head north on Hwy. 35. - Photo by Gregg Westigard LEFT: With tires for a hat, this snowman in McKinley looks a litle bit like the Michelin Man. - Photo

by Gary King

Beat the Winter Blues fund-raiser

An appreciative crowd gathered in the Siren High School auditorium Sunday afternoon for the Beat the Winter Blues concert sponsored by the Siren/Webster Rotary Club. The concert was a benefit to help raise funds for the construction of a multipurpose bandshell at the Crooked Lake Park in Siren, the Rotarians latest community project. Pictured above is The Daniels 4, one of the musical groups performing. Three cousins, Adam, Troy and Courtney Daniels (left to right), were accompanied on the piano by Nancy Daniels. Daniels No. 4, Dayna, is in college at Drake University and was unable to be part of Sunday’s performance. - Photo by Carl Heidel

Daylight-saving time is arriving early STATEWIDE - Starting this year, daylight-saving time has been changed from its traditional calendar dates to a start three weeks earlier, Sunday, March 11, and a finish one week later, Sunday, Nov. 4.

Daylight-saving time is practiced in order to gain an extra hour of daylight during the early evening, resulting in the conservation of energy by substituting natural sunlight for electrical lighting.

According to The Old Farmer's Almanac, daylight-saving time first began in 1918 during World War I to allow for more evening light and save

fuel for the war effort. Since then, daylight-saving time has been used on and off, with different start and end dates.

Benjamin Franklin first suggested the idea in 1784. It was later revived in 1907, when William Willett proposed a similar system in the pamphlet The Waste of Daylight. The Germans were the first to officially adopt the light-extending system in 1915, followed by the British, and in 1918, the United States, when Congress passed the Standard Time Act, establishing our time zones. from the Old Farmer's Almanac

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Protest Iraq war The break in the weather Sunday afternoon gave local peace activists a chance to stage a demonstration in Siren. Asked about response from passing motorists, they said it seemed to be about equally divided with a few more supporters than opponents. - Photo by Carl Heidel

Kortelopet Kate

Frederic graduate and former Leader reporter Katie Blake was welcomed to the finish line of the Kortelopet race at Cable – part of the annual world-famous Birkebeiner cross-country race – by her friends. – Photos submitted

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Mar ch 7, 2007 • 2n d Se c t i on B• I nter-Co unty Le a de r

Jenny Goalen: Capturing nature in pottery and paint

by Sherill Summer SIREN - Imagine a steaming cup of coffee at a campsite, watching mist lift from still waters, listening to morning noises in crisp air.

That kind of an experience, one of many experienced while on camping trips, resulted in watercolors of spruce on the edge of northern waters, flowers and fish painted on silk banners, clay pots with the slender forms and slight irregularities found in young trees.

Often these pots have branches or pine needles pressed into the clay.

Much of Jenny Goalen’s art shows a strong influence of the outdoors.

Interest in the outdoors and art came early for Goalen. Her mother loves the outdoors, and she quickly passed her enthusiasm on to her daughter. Goalen’s father was an oil painter who taught his daughter early on to look for the beauty in the world. He also taught her that the artist leaves traces of their soul in their art, and when you look at art you should look for the artist’s soul.

Because Goalen is carrying on much that she learned growing up, she signs her art G David G, emphasizing her maiden name, the name she shared with her mother and father. Incidentally, the first G is for Genevieve, her given name that is shortened to Jenny.

Goelen is both a potter and a painter.

Besides the tall, slender pots described above, she makes a wide variety of wheel-thrown bowls and vases. Often the glaze is drizzled and dripped on, resulting in an effect similar to her watercolors. Goelen explains that she only controls the clay so far, enjoying surprises as she works. She is equally experimental with watercolors, especially her more abstract works that are influenced by looking into shimmering,

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translucent water. She is also paints on silk, depicting bright flowers that meander up and down a long banner.

Besides being an artist, Goalen is a dedicated teacher. She knew as a junior high school student that she wanted to teach, and after graduating from UMD, she found her first teaching job on the Alaskan Bering Sea coast, in an Eskimo village. Goalen taught multiple subjects in a high school with 30 students, and it was there that she was first impressed with how art can be integrated with life.

Later on, she was an exchange teacher in Australia, and again she was struck with how art can be integrated with life, something she thinks is missing in much of America.

Goalen is currently teaching in the Siren Schools. She taught art for six years before Siren created an art position. For the last three years she has taught junior high science.

Although she is now teaching science, she still tries to give the kids an opportunity to use creative problem-solving skills. Goalen believes that once kids have a successful experience using the creative process, they will gain the confidence needed to use the skill throughout life, everywhere in life. She believes that everyone is an artist, and she is dedicated to helping art and life coexist.

Goalen has always dreamed of a community art center where anyone, young or old, can take classes to develop art skills; a place where artists can meet

Goalen shown with a popular type of pot she began making last year. other artists to support and inspire each other. In 2005 she opened North Wind Arts in Siren with her husband, Tim, who has an eye for picking the perfect frame to compliment artwork. Besides framing, North Wind Arts has art classes and art supplies. There are shelves full of books and magazines that artists can borrow to gain new techniques or ideas.

Last year, part of the space was converted into a gallery to display and sell local art.

Not content to simply open a community art center, Goalen turned her attention next to area artists. She joined with Thom Scott to create the Burnett Area Arts Group, so that local artists can have a group for support and inspiration.

North Wind Arts became the natural place for BAAG artists to meet and hold activities. Piece by piece, Goalen’s dream of a community art center where art is integrated with life is becoming a reality.

Photos by Sherill Summer This watercolor is titled “Autumn Journey.” Goalen creates two basic types of watercolors: conventional landscapes and watercolors where the point-ofview is from above, looking down into the water. This watercolor is of the second type, and often the painting is nearly or completely abstract.

Austin Tinman, 7, a first-grader at Siren, shows off what he made at North Wind Arts.

PAGE 2 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- MARCH 7, 2007

of the time. If our horses don’t do this…then to my standards the horse is not properly halter taught.

Is your horse halter taught properly?

You might be tempted to pass over this article thinking…of course my horse is halter broke. But read on.

Tying a horse up is the test to see how well the foundation work of the proper halter teaching has been done.

Signs your horse might not be halter taught are: 1) If you are leading at an event (or at home) and he stops without you asking.

He drags you off or whirls away from you.

Stops while leading to get a blade of grass or to do his thing.

Occasionally pulls back and doesn’t give when being tied.

Remember your horse needs to give 100 percent of the time or he is not halter taught properly.

Signs that your horse is properly halter taught are: Your horse will trailer load easily 100 percent of the time. Without any hesitation to follow your lead, to into or out of the trailer at any given moment.

Your horse will follow the lead rope to pick you up off the fence for mounting. All with no hesitation and with a

willing attitude.

Your horse will do just about anything and You ride the horse you lead. everything you ask, beAs you can see, halter teachcause he trusts that you ing might be the most imporwill be leading him tant activity you undertake Cathy away from trouble and with your horse. The purposes have his best interest in of properly halter teaching Larsson mind. your horse are many, and not Defining proper all revolve around handling halter taught the horse on the ground.

Proper halter teaching Proper halter teaching sets the to my standards may be stage for you and your horse as of the upper a little different than the to what you will expect under Midwest norm. The definition of saddle. If you allow your “proper halter taught” is horse to be nonresponsive on a horse that responds to the halter, he will be the same the handler immediately upon any pres- in the bridle. Also when distractions sure on the rope without any resistance. come into play, your horse will be listenTo be more specific, the handler can ing to them instead of being consistent place the horse’s feet anywhere, with the halter request from you. whether he is at shoulder distance or 12 feet or more away from the horse.

What not to do…

The horse also remains at the desired A lot of horse teaching is knowing speed, without dragging behind, what not to do. crowding or running ahead of handler.

There needs to be slack or drape in the In a nutshell, the horse yields to the halter rope between you and your lightest pressure without hesitation and horse. Holding on at the knot, or where the horse remains attentive. the rope connects to the halter will set All of the above described 100 percent you and your horse up for failure. It

HORSE WHISPERER

will cause your horse to walk on you, become stiff, pushy, dull and braced…all undesirable manners. So if you remember this one thing, you have come a long way already.

Also teaching the north, south, west and east exercise I teach at my clinics will greatly help.

Leading beautifully correct The picture of a horse that leads properly is beautiful. The handler can lead the horse by the end of the halter rope from either side or in front without the horse crowding the handler. When the handler stops, the horse stops, stays put and doesn’t move forward, regardless of the distance between them. Then he leads up again when the handler moves off. The handler can lead at the horse’s side with or without a halter rope on the horse at advanced leading stages.

Remember; take the time to create a solid foundation in you and your horse’s relationship.

Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; Teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.

Proverbs 9:9

Beach Day at the Frederic Elementary School Frederic Elementary students participated in a Beach Day as part of their study of the Australian culture. On Beach Day, the students had what the Australians call a “barbie” lunch!” A barbie lunch is known to us as a barbecue lunch! The boys and girls dressed in their summer clothes and sat on beach towels to eat their barbie lunch in the mall area of the school.

The students thought of the warm, sunny climate in Australia while they ate a summer meal of corn on the cob, hot dogs, chips, applesauce and cookies. After lunch, the boys and girls changed back into their winter clothes and snow pants for recess in the snow.

It was G’day for all. - Photo courtesy Frederic Elementary School

be happy in this life. What makes your soul smile and your heart sing for joy? Could many dreams have you it be belly dancing, a spur-ofabandoned and how the-moment road trip, singing much of yourself have in the shower, writing a book, you compromised purely embracing your soul mate or because of self-doubt and having the relationship of your fear? dreams? The glorious possibiliIn each given moment Jane F. Meinz ties are endless. Writer Anais we are alive we can make Nin said, “The fiery moments only one of two possible of a passionate experience are choices. We choose to remoments of wholeness and tospond to life from our autality.” thentic, passionate self or If you haven’t visited your we choose to respond heart for a while, gently knock from our fearful, limited on the door and ask to be inself. In either choice we, vited in. Feel what’s there inand we alone, create our own experi- side of you. Experience it. Then ask ence of ourselves and of our life. yourself, “What is my heart’s desire Living a passionate, authentic life can about in this moment (job, relationship, be scary. We want guarantees about our color of bedroom walls, etc.)?” Listen choices — that we won’t fail or look stu- quietly and let yourself hear the answer pid, different or weird, that we won’t that is there. If your heart says, “Paint get hurt or be alone. All these fears ap- the room red!,” start painting! If your pear to us to be very real and so we talk fear won’t let you, at least throw some ourselves out of our dreams, desires and highlights into that beige room like red visions. Find, instead, the courage pillows, red curtains, red anything! within you to do what you have to do to Challenge your fear. Experiment with

Are you living it?

Webster’s Dictionary defines passion as a “deep, overwhelming feeling or emotion.” It also defines passion (and I love this one the best!) as “boundless enthusiasm.” Boundless enthusiasm! How many of us can honestly say we have that going on in our lives?

Most of us desire to feel vibrant, to feel full of ourselves, to live passionate lives, but it is our fear that holds us back. In our fearless heart-space we long to soar, to rise courageously to challenges, to risk and to take life head-on with robust fullness because we know doing so means living a life of authentic fulfillment. We know too, that not doing so means a life of too many “If only I would have …” and regrets for missed opportunities.

Have you ever stayed in a loveless, indifferent relationship because you were too scared to leave? Or kept plugging along at the same job because you thought you weren’t young enough, smart enough or talented enough to quit and find the job of your dreams? How

Sky’s the Limit

your passions. Risk being happy. I encourage you to find a way — any way, big or small — to honor your heart’s passion. It is a choice between living fully and living in numbness. This marvelous definition is found on the Tazo brand tea bags called Passion: “True passion is intoxicating and invigorating, soothing and sensuous, magical and mystical. I just thought you should know what you’re in for.”

Editor’s note: Jane F. Meinz, M.A., is a therapist with 16 years’ experience assisting individuals who are searching for their answer to the question, “Who am I?” She works with issues such as depression/anxiety, life transitions, spiritual direction, recovery from childhood traumas, and relationship and couples counseling. Jane maintains a private practice at Equinox Natural Health Center in Taylors Falls. She also combines her background in psychotherapy with her experience and love of horses to assist individuals in gaining insight into themselves. She has worked with horses for 10 years, training, breeding and learning relationships-centered horsemanship. She can be reached at 651-465-7504.

MARCH 7, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 3

Cold Weather

by John A. Kallevig We are having a cold snap. The TV weathermen keep talking about an arctic front or some other such nonsense.

They even convinced the schools to close on Monday. Why? Because it was going to be cold.

The truth is we are spoiled. I have not seen really cold weather for quite a few years. We also hear about “global warming. Now that is a fact. However, I think it just a natural phenomenon and the effect of greenhouse gases or other nonsense is very small. The lowest temperature that I have recorded at my house this year is minus 21.5 degrees F. That is cold and it can be dangerously cold if we are not prepared and equipped for it. But, if we consider the temperatures recorded in the past, this is nothing to write home about.

I peddled papers in Eveleth, Minn., for about nine years, starting when I turned 10. My first route was an evening route, the Virginia Daily Enterprise, which became the Mesabi Daily News. I peddled it to between 70 and 100 customers. I also carried a bundle of papers to Nancarrows and another to the Midget News. I was paid 7 cents a week for each customer.

A couple of years later I took on a morning route for the Duluth News Tribune, seven days a week. I quit the

Mesabi when I was 16 because working in Toivo Maki’s Buick Garage paid better.

My folks didn’t own a car. When we had to go someplace, we walked or ran.

There were no taxis or bus service, either.

When I was 16, I purchased a 1935 Olds and from then on furnished the family car until I left for the University of Minnesota.

Eveleth is called the Hilltop City for good reason. The top of Eveleth’s hill is about the highest elevation in Minnesota. On the north and east sides of town there are only fields. Grass doesn’t do a very good job stopping the wind and the wind blew all the way from Hudson Bay. We never heard of wind chill in those days. Oh, we felt the wind all right. Wind chill is not someone’s imagination. We just didn’t have a name for it back then.

Almost every winter there would be a month where the high was minus 10 degrees F. The low could be minus 40 or colder. I’m not talking wind chill either.

On my morning route, I typically left home at 5:30. I usually returned home

Writer’s Corner

about seven. I had four customers who left their porches unlocked so that I could go into those unheated enclosures to warm up. On one particular morning I used all four. In addition, I had three hot breakfasts. Now, I didn’t need three breakfasts but I did need to get warmed up. As result I got home after eight, just in time to grab my books and head for school which started at 8:25 a.m. It was a short walk of about half a mile.

On the lawn of the school there was an enclosure on a post. It was about 12 inches by 18 inches and about 18 inches high with slatted sides and a thermometer inside. I stopped by a drum recorder in the building and looked in to read the outside temperature. I might add, there was a tag on the recorder that stated, “This thermometer was calibrated by the U.S. Weather Bureau.” At 8:20 a.m. the temperature was minus 56 degrees F. The coldest was minus 72 F. at about 4 a.m. When I left home at 5:30, it had “warmed up” to about minus 66 degrees F. Clothing is much better today than in those days. That day I probably wore my father’s parka which was awesome.

School was never canceled due to weather. However, when we had a ter-

rible blizzard, although the buses might stay in the garage, we city kids were expected to be there, on time as usual.

One time about 3 feet of snow fell.

The plows didn’t get the roads cleared, much less the sidewalks, so a bunch of us skied or snowshoed to school. A couple of days later a picture in the paper showed a whole row of skis and snowshoes stuck in the snow in front of the school. But close the schools?

Never!

Writer’s Corner contest LEADER LAND – Do you have a fish tale to tell? The Writer’s Corner is looking for the best fish story to feature in May 2 issue, just before the fishing opener. If we receive several good stories, we will run a series during May. So sharpen your pencil and send or e-mail your stories to the Leader office.

If you e-mail your entry, put Writer’s Corner in the subject box.

Stories should be 800 words or less and be submitted by April 2.

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

Over $2,500 collected for leukemia OSCEOLA– Elementary students in Osceola collected Pennies for Patients throughout the month of February.

Second-grade teacher Barbara Jorgensen organizes the pennies for leukemia campaign every year, since 1996.

She began the penny collection after her brother, Mark, had fought a long battle with the disease. He passed away, but his legacy lives on through his family, and through his sister Barbara, who brings awareness to the disease and helps make a difference each year.

The students raise between $1,000 and $3,000 every year. Last year, students raised $2,050, which is a lot of pennies. The amount raised this year surpassed last year’s total.

“I am happy to tell you that the total amount collected for Pennies for Patients this year is $2,500,” Jorgensen said. “Overall, for all of the years we have been collecting, the total is $23,703. I am so proud of the students and their families, the community and special people who save all the pennies.” –Tammi Milberg

Local author’s book released FREDERIC – Local author Brad Ayers’ nonfiction book “The Zenith Secret – A CIA Insider Exposes the Secret War Against Cuba and the Plot that Killed the Kennedy Brothers,” is now in print in expedited initial-release form.

While Ayers has expressed his frustrations with the handling and production of his work by New York startup publisher Vox Pop, he stands firmly behind his account which is expected to become a focus of controversy and debate on the decades-old questions surrounding the death of the Kennedys and related assassination conspiracy issues.

The book is available at bookstores or can be reviewed and ordered on the Internet.

Editor’s note: Ayers is a native of Stillwater, Minn., and now resides in Clam Falls near Frederic

w w w. t he-lea d er.n e t

Wisconsin Interstate Park news ST. CROIX FALLS – Join Naturalist Julie Fox at 10 a.m. on Thursdays through March at the Ice Age Center at Wisconsin Interstate Park for a story and activity chosen especially for 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. For more infor-

The Leader is a cooperative-owned newspaper cept to accept, but there were times when I didn’t have the answer and didn’t know where to look.

The group has set goals and met them.

When I named this column, I wonThey have set higher goals and met them dered if anyone or everyone would know also.

There seems to be no end when there what it means. In a sentence, it means if are so many in need. We have no federal, you give you will receive. If you give, state or county funding. At this time, we you get. have no grant money and work entirely on Seems simple enough, but some peoprivate and corporate donations. ple don’t have the concept of how much Barbara When there is a need, God has provided. giving to others returns to you over and We are able to keep giving, and in turn, we Blodgett over. I love giving Christmas, birthday, are getting. valentines, anytime gifts. I don’t often The smile on a lady’s face when we fix a need a reason because I just love doing it. problem in her home is a great gift. A Receiving is difficult for me. I get embar“thank-you” is a great gift and the satisfacrassed and don’t know what to say when tion of a job well done is the best gift.

“Thank you” does not seem enough. I Interfaith The young men from Northwest Pasam sometimes left speechless and, believe Caregivers sage are an asset we could not do without. me, that does not happen often to me.

We are so fortunate to have them working Any doubts about that just ask Denny, with us. my husband.

Our volunteers are the greatest people ever. We Years ago, Denny and I joined Interfaith Caregivers because we had some time on our hands. We had don’t always have projects they can do, but when one hobbies and many things we loved doing but when comes along they are “Johnny on the spot.” (Boy, I we joined this group we found a new love. It wasn’t have not heard that said since my grandmother was long before we were spending every spare moment alive !)

I promise in the coming months to tell you some on an Interfaith project. It was easy to fall into the wonderful stories about the gifts we have given and habit of giving to the elderly.

As our group grew so did our goals. We soon cared received. Right now I have my little dog jumping and not only for the elderly but for the young, house- whining to go out. If I don’t give her a walk, she will give me something I don’t want to receive and then bound or ill, and anyone in need.

I became part of Information and Assistance and hide under the bed, ashamed. Can’t have that, can when Interfaith could not give answers or help out, we? So I will close by saying call if you need anything then, I through I & A would try to find an answer for or if you would like to give. someone with a problem. Suddenly, retirement God Bless, meant I was working 40, 50 or even 60 hours a week, See you next month loving every single moment of it for the most part.

Not being able to help someone was a difficult con-

So many in need

GIVING’S GIFTS

PAGE 4 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- MARCH 7, 2007

River Road Ramblings Albert Baker’s Blacksmith Ship Albert and Christine Baker came to Trade Lake from Stillwater, Minn., in 1915. Albert had worked at the Ryan Blacksmith Shop in Stillwater. In Trade Lake, they moved into the house formerly occupied by Mrs Albertina Blom, who had died in 1914. Albert Baker’s first blacksmith shop was in the former Joel Brattley garage building, owned by William Norine, who rented it to Baker until the Modern Woodmen of America built a new blacksmith shop for Baker in 1917. The new blacksmith shop stood a short distance west of the creamery and remained at this location until Albert’s death in 1932.

Blacksmiths were a necessary part of early rural life. They could make many useful tools out of iron.This was done by heating pieces of wrought iron or steel in a forge to make them soft enough to be bent or shaped with a

Square nails being made with hammer and anvil.

hammer. Blacksmith shops were somewhat dark inside, lighted only by window light.

However, this allowed the blacksmith to clearly see the color (and temperature) of the heated iron. The forge was a raised brick hearth outfitted with hand-operated bellows or rotary blades that forced a steady stream of air into a coal-burning fire bed.

As iron gets hotter, it first becomes red, then orange, yellow, and finally white. Ideal forging heat is yellow-orange. A large hammer was used to shape the hot iron by pounding it against a heavy steel anvil,causing the grain to run primarily in one direction, strengthening it. This process is known as forging, resulting in iron that is strong and malleable, without brittleness. When hot steel needed to be casehardened, such as with plowshares, it was usually dipped in water or oil.

Baker’s primary tools were a forge and anvil, hammers, tongs, vises and files. He made agricultural tools, horseshoes, plowshares, and a wide variety of small useful items. He could repair broken iron using a blacksmith’s welding process. He also made many new iron rims for wooden wagon wheels.

According to his son Art (who also became an excellent blacksmith), Albert at times made steel rims for wheels up to six feet in diameter. Because the entire rim had to be heated red-hot, and was too large to place on the forge, a circular wood fire was built all around the rim. The fire had to be maintained long enough for the entire rim to get red-hot and expand.

Art said it was his job, together with his brother Archie, to keep the fire burning at the temperature required to ex-

collected by Russ Hanson

View from northwest showing the Baker house and Albert’s first blacksmith shop. – Photos submitted pand the rim enough so that it could be slipped around the wheel. When the steel rim cooled, it resulted in a very tight fit. Art recalled that one day they heated enough rims for his father to shrink onto 15 wagon wheels!

Horseshoes were necessary to prevent sore feet when horses were required to walk on hard surfaces. It was the blacksmith’s job to custom-make a horseshoe to fit a particular horse’s hoof, and then attach it using soft iron square-nails. As roads improved, their surfaces became harder which resulted in a greater need for horseshoes. Albert Baker made

countless horseshoes in the 17 years he was a blacksmith in Trade Lake.

NOTE: SELHS March 15 meeting, 6 p.m. and program 7 p.m. at Cushing Community Center. Dottie Adams from the Polk Co. Genealogical Society will present “Beginning Geneaology” with information, resources, how to get started with your own family’s history. We are encouraging members and guests to bring their works in and any information they have already done, to share.

Blacksmith Albert Baker and his wife Christine.

Horseshoe sign made of wood by Albert Baker which was displayed on the front of his shop.

Albert Baker’s blacksmith shop 1917-1932. Built by MWA. Photo taken about 1934.

We’re on the Web: www.the-leader.net

MARCH 7, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 5

Homestead in Wisconsin – Up Hill – Down Hill All the Way

by Carl Kuhnly, Siren We tried homesteading in Burnett County. A land of plenty? For starters there were forest fires, poverty, horse flies, diphtheria, pregnancy, open-air toilets and “blood, sweat and tears.”

My dad was the son of a German emigrant family.

His dad was a very cruel man, so Dad ran away from home when he was 10 years old. He worked at farming, in logging camps and in sawmills, did carpentry and drove a horse-drawn street car in Minneapolis, Minn. So he was well qualified for what was ahead.

Mother’s folks are part of the Lewis family, and famous by the Lewis and Clark expedition. She was used to privation and hard work, pioneer-style, and was able and willing to tackle anything that came her way.

It was a bright spring morning in 1897. Dad hitched Mary and Prince to the lumber wagon, loaded up his wife and four children, and headed north.

We are on our way to our new “homestead,” and it’s a 50-mile drive, so we got started early. It would be necessary to stop and feed the horses once, and that gave us time to stretch our legs, answer nature’s call and have lunch.

The sun is now getting low, so we must be nearly there. Us kids are getting excited because we had been looking forward to this day for a long time.

Finally Dad shouted, “Here we are!” We all stood up to look, and there it was, our brand new log cabin.

I don’t remember anything else that happened that day, but I was less than 2 years old.

I remember the next spring, the forest fires that almost got us. One stump about 30 feet from the house kept burning for days.

The folks sure worked hard that spring to get a garden in and raise some fodder for the livestock. I think it was the same summer that Dad found time to build the outhouse, which for a family of six sure came in handy.

That was my hangout on rainy days. There were large cracks between the horizontal boards, and the raindrops would run along them like so many lady bugs looking for a place to get off.

Our neighbors were few and far between, but if one should stop in, I would run and hide under the table.

For this I was kidded a lot.

My dad was no hand to kid and play with us children, but I remember one time when he and Mom were kidding me about being a bed wetter. They said that if I did not quit it they might cut it off, to which my reply was, “I’ll go to town and buy a new one!”

The next few summers were a boy’s paradise. There was always a toad or frog to play with, and, on rare occasions, a friendly tortoise would stop by.

The first three winters Dad worked in the logging camp. He would walk about 10 miles to come home on a Saturday evening, then back again on Sunday evening.

Mother had her hands full, with five children to care for, wood and water to carry in, shoveling a path to the barn. Now we have four cows and two horses. She must feed and water them, and clean the barn. And then she has to plan and prepare three meals a day for six people (one in diapers) and on occasion do a “big” family washing on the old washboard.

That was homesteading in old times.

(Note: The above account was printed in the July 1985 Senior Citizens newsletter, Siren. Stories like these make history come alive.)

Bird brain Sometimes we hear the expression “bird brain” used in a Bernice derogatory manner as in, “she’s Abrahamzon such a bird brain.”

Actually birds are pretty smart! It’s snowing today and almost blizzard conditions and I am watching all the birds flocking to the long tube bird feeder. They are hungry now, but they also know the worst part of the storm is still coming.

So they are filling up.

They fly in, fly out, one after another, taking turns.

Sometimes a bird waits on the roof of another feeder until there’s an empty perch at the long tube. Perhaps it is a natural instinct.

Where do the birds go for the night? Perhaps they take refuge deep in our spruce trees.

Yesterday we saw a bird pick up a tiny scrap of paper. I thought to myself, “It’s not nest-building time now!”

Birds instinctively know spring means nest-building time. Sometimes they raise more than one brood a year. It’s not just the mother bird that does all the work. Often the male takes his turn sitting on eggs, and later helping feed all those demanding open mouths. That’s real parenting!

“Hope is a thing with feathers” chirps the poet.

Brave, little creatures that they are, they brave the storm and don’t just wait it out.

As I watch them through my kitchen window, I admire them. They set a good example for us. Keep going. Don’t give up. Follow your regular routine. Fly in the face of the storm.

A black squirrel frightens them away. He is hungry, too, and he takes his turn at the bird feeder. We don’t begrudge him a few sunflower seeds. He’s doing the best he can, too, on a wintery day in March.

BEHIND THE

SIGNPOST

Over the Hill and on a Roll (Excerpts from book of that name) “Show me a wrinkle and I’ll show you the nick of time.”

“Things would be a lot nicer if antique people were valued as highly as antique furniture.”

“Nobody grows old by merely living a number of years. People grow old by deserting their ideals.” Samuel Ullman “There are people whose watch stops at a certain hour and who remain permanently at that age.” – Sainte Beuve “The person who says he is too old to learn new things probably always was.”

Until next week, Bernice

Polk County Tourism at Minneapolis Convention Center Dean Dversdall, Roxanne White and William F. Johnson IV (L to R) worked in a booth at the Bicycling, Travel and Fitness Expo held at the Minneapolis Convention Center over the weekend. The booth, promoting recreational opportunities in northwestern Wisconsin, was sponsored by Polk County, Burnett County, the Ice Age Trail Park and Trail Foundation, Silent Sports magazine, the WiSport Cycling Series, Trollhaugen, Eric’s Canoe Rental and the city of St. Croix Falls. Many cartons of tourism-related information from this area were handed out, as well as the newest Polk County Guidebook. Polk County will have a booth at the Sportsman’s Show at the Minneapolis Convention Center, running from March 28 until April 1.

Discount admission tickets are available at the Polk County Information Center, 1-800-222-POLK. – Special photo

Do you remember ?

Compiled by Bernice Abrahamzon

50 Years Ago The film “The True Story of Jesse James” was playing at the Auditorium Theatre, St. Croix Falls.-“The Last Wagon Train” was playing at the D’Lux Theatre, Luck.-The Frederic Farm Family meeting was held Tuesday, Feb. 26, with a program for men at the recreation hall and a program for the women at the Frederic Grade School.-Specials at Route’s Super Market, Frederic, included russet potatoes at 10 lbs. for 39¢, carrots at two bags at 19¢ and Jell-O at 5 pkgs. for 39¢.-The Men’s Group of the Siren Methodist Church served a pancake supper Feb. 27, in the church basement.-A wedding dance was given at the Hertel Country Club on March 2 for Mary Pierce and Robert Reese, with music by Ted Hunter’s orchestra.-A free wedding dance was given by Joyce Rohde and Clifford Sutherland on March 2 at the Indian Creek Hall.The film “All That Heaven Allows” was playing at the Frederic Theatre, starring Jane Wyman and Rock Hudson.-A 4-H and FFA calf sale was set for Balsam Lake on March 23.-Nearly 1,000 members participated in 4-H Club work in Polk County.-Plans were being made for the completion of the Frederic Country Club.-An anniversary sale was held Friday, March 8, with free coffee and donuts at Jensen Furniture & Appliance, Luck.-Shoholm’s, Grantsburg, wanted good quality saw bolts.

40 Years Ago Obituaries included William Clausen and Thatcher Atkinson.-The World Day of Prayer was held at Pilgrim Lutheran Church, Frederic, on Feb. 10.-The Luck Lions Club sponsored a pancake and sausage breakfast on Sunday, Feb. 19 at Wilson’s Resort on Bone Lake at a charge of $1 for adults and 50¢ for children under 12.-Perry Lee, 83, of Clam Falls, died Feb. 13, at the Shell Lake Hospital.-Paradise Lodge was open again after a closed period for a change of ownership.

It is now being operated by Tom and Doug Hallberg, residents of Balsam Lake.-The Frederic Board of Education heard a plea for more study of history in school.-Macalester College, St. Paul, Minn., picked a Frederic girl for a summer study abroad. She was Lorna Grindell, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Grindell.-Larry Nelson was pictured with a 70-lb. beaver he had trapped on the Clam River, but discovered by John Boyer of Frederic.-Specials at the Clover Farm Store, Frederic, included coffee at 2-lbs. for 99¢, grapefruit at six for 39¢ and fish sticks at three pkgs.

(8-oz. each) at $1.-The spring opening of the Frederic Dairy Queen was held on Wednesday, Feb. 15, with a special on Dilly Bars at 13 for $1.-Obituaries included Tamala Beaufeaux, Katherine Graf, Harry Mitchell and LeRoy King.-The film “The Appaloosa” in Technicolor was playing at the Frederic Theatre.-Walt Disney’s “Follow Me Boys!” was playing at the Auditorium Theatre, St. Croix Falls.-Olson & Son Drug, Frederic, had a sale, and one of the specials was four toothbrushes for $1.

20 Years Ago A 5-year-old boy received $12 million in a rare injury suit after he was severely injured when a stock car struck him at Centuria Speedway on July 21, 1984.-The Luck Winter Carnival was held Feb. 12-15.A surprise party was held for Ray and Evelyn Moats, for their 45th wedding anniversary at the 300 Club, Frederic. The party was given by their six children on Feb. 8.-Obituaries included Oscar Klas, K. Algot Johnson, James Jensen and George Danielson.-Wanted was a part-time office person at Bernick’s Pepsi Cola, Frederic.-Indian fishing negotiations fell apart after first day at Hertel.-Over $12,000 in furs and ammo were taken from Danbury fur trader. They were stolen from a building on the grounds of the Log Cabin Store.-Camp Burnett, on Lake 26, was made new by the WCC crew. It was first constructed over 45 years ago and needed repairs. It had been constructed by the WPA in the summers of 1941-1942.-A bomb threat at Osceola remained under investigation.-New royalty at the Luck Winter Carnival included Little Miss Luck Susie Carlson; First Princess Michelle Boileau; Queen Dawn Holdt; Second Princess Polly Dowd; Miss Congeniality Lisa Berg.

PAGE 6 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- MARCH 7, 2007

Stereotypes I don't know anyone who hasn't at some point bought into a stereotype. I do my best not to let it color my perceptions, but it's hard to do in some situations. As a waitress, I get to interact with many people, and I do my best to treat every customer I wait on with the same level of service, regardless of what stereotype they could fit into. It's a touchy topic that I've wanted to write about it for a long time.

It's also loaded with emotion; these examples work just as well as any.

There is a company (I'll call them ABC Sales) that has several salespeople who frequent the restaurant in various groups or alone. The server experience with them has overall been disappointing. There is one who will come in, grunt an order for coffee, take up a table for an hour or so, and leave either a quarter or no tip at all. He came in one day shortly before lunch and when I brought him water and a menu, he told

me he didn't want anything, he was just "borrowing the table" for a while.

Kris Another ABC Emerson Sales rep came in during a busy lunch shift. She was on her cell phone and completely ignored me when I set the table up, not even answering my query of whether she wanted coffee or not. My second attempt was met with a dirty look and a wave for me to go away. So I took an order at a table that had arrived just ahead of her. Three minutes later, I'm heading back to her and my coworker stops me. The woman had hung

AS

LUCK

WOULD HAVE IT

up from her call and started having a fit - "this is just ridiculous!!!" - because I hadn't stood there and waited. She tipped the same way she acted.

It would be easy, based on these examples and many like them, to stereotype anyone walking in with this company's binder. I don't, because there are courteous, polite, aware salespeople working for this company as well. There are others who come in, always eat something, know what they want, realize they're not the only customer in the restaurant, and tip with a smile.

In other words, ABC Sales is not at fault. There are problem children in every crowd.

Children. There's another stereotype!

It's not unusual for us to be dodging kids who are running around the dining rooms, or trying to take an order while the child at the table next to us is throwing flatware and/or screaming at the top of their lungs. Not too long ago, I saw a not-yet-walking child crawl across the dining room and into the

entry.

These are the families that create the collective groan, and make it easy to be pleasantly surprised.

There is a family with three young children, 6, 4 and 2, who first came in a few weeks ago. To be honest, I expected the usual; smeared butter on the table, a disaster zone on the floor, minimal tip because kids are expensive. Instead, I discovered three wonderful little people and two awesome parents. As they were wrapping up, I complimented them on their family. It's a shame they were so surprised.

It's easy to notice when things go wrong with any particular group.

I'm beginning to believe that perhaps the problem lies more in our failing to notice the good and well-behaved. What if we learn to focus on that instead?

It's worth a try, and the payoff would be priceless.

Blessings.

(You can reach Kris via e-mail at maddi-

MARCH 7, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 7

TOWN TALK/COUNTRY CHATTER Engagement

Happy Tails Await McKenzie/ Wickman

Dennis and Connie McKenzie of Frederic would like to announce the engagement of their daughter, Angela McKenzie, to Dustin Wickman, grandson of Marilyn Wickman, formerly of Siren.

McKenzie is a hairdresser at The Cut Above in Amery. Wickman is at St. Croix Valley Concrete out of Centuria. A June 9 wedding is planned at Pilgrim Lutheran Church in Frederic. The couple resides at their home in Milltown.

349-2964

Siren

A good old-fashioned blizzard, the ones many of us older folks remember from our childhoods, crossed our paths this past Thursday and Friday, putting a halt to everyone’s activities. Even the mail didn’t go through. It was kind of nice to just stay home and sit and watch the snow falling.

Remember Old Mother Nature still is in control. Area snowmobilers are now in hog heaven, so to speak. After about three years of little or no snow they have earned their time to enjoy. Off in the distance, you can hear the whine of their machines.

Enjoy, spring can wait for a little while.

Don’t forget to take in the nnnual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Siren on Saturday at 2 p.m. While you’re there, stop in several of the area businesses. They are serving the traditional corned beef and cabbage.

Take time on Friday or Saturday and stop in at Siren School and take in the ninth-annual Home Sweet Home show. Lots of booths, demos, raffles, drawings and give-

Bev Beckmark

aways to make everyone happy. A great way to spend a few hours. Sign up and maybe you’ll win something interesting.

Sympathy is extended to the family of Mabel Sutton, who passed away last week.

Bev Beckmark talked to her cousin, Craig Anderson, and his wife, Linda, of Monroe, N.C., this past weekend and they reported the snowstorm we had they were getting in the form of freezing rain with some ice covering the roads.

The Siren Lioness still have a good supply of yarn in at the Siren U.S. Bank for all of you knitters and crocheters to make into hats, mittens and scarves for next years, mitten tree.

Don’t forget that you turn your clocks one hour ahead on Saturday night. Daylightsavings time is once again here.

Daniels Townships snowplower, Jim Kolander, did a great job getting the roads and driveways cleared after the two-day storm.

Siren Senior Center

349-7249

Barb Munger

Of course the major news this week is all that white stuff piled up outside. I am wondering if I will ever see civilization again.

But I am also thankful for my computer, furnace and electricity to keep me sane and safe. I keep telling myself that spring is just around the corner.

Due to the weather, not too much has occurred at the center the last few days. We had a nice turnout for dime bingo on Tuesday, five tables, the most we have ever had. Everyone is invited to join in the fun at 1 p.m. every Tuesday.

We had a special delivery from Texas with donations for our craft room. Millie hasn’t unloaded the boxes as yet, but there might be some really nice buys in them, so stop in and see what she has to offer.

Thank you whoever dropped off another bag of books for our library and also some recycled greeting cards. It is nice to know that all you folks are still keeping us in mind with your donations. We really appreciate it.

We only got a chance to play cards on

Wednesday last week and the winners at 500 were, Lola Hinschberger, Ed Berdal, Walt Nelson, Dave Peterson and Clara Palomaki. As usual Marge Nyberg treated the players with a cake and other treats.

The tax assistants will be at the center on the 8th and the 22nd this month from 1 – 4 p.m. Reservations aren’t necessary as it is on a first-come first-serve bases.

Our next big project will be the Good Friday Breakfast to be held on April 6, so be sure and put that on your calendar.

Remember we are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.

Dime bingo on Tuesday afternoon and cards on Wednesday and Friday, so please join us.

Also by the time you read this, St. Pat should have been at the center to decorate for the month of March so be sure and drop in and see his handiwork.

Birthdays for the month of March are: Myrna Thomas, Ann Smith and Don Oltman. Happy Birthday to you all!

Happy Corners Vern Catlin and Patricia Richards were in Barron on Thursday afternoon.

Mardel Barnette and Shawn and Patti Richards were in Rice Lake on Saturday afternoon.

Vern Catlin visited at the Amanda Catlin

home on Saturday forenoon.

Vern Catlin visited his granddaughter in Spooner on Sunday afternoon.

Mardel Barnette and Shawn and Patti Richards visited at the Gene Doster home on Saturday afternoon.

Howard is a 5-year-old neutered male white shepherd mix. He has a medium-length bleached white coat; one ear stands up, the other flops over.

Howard came to the shelter as a stray; he was running down the middle of Hwy. 46 without his collar. He is used to the good life. You can tell by his treat-induced midsection. Howard knows some commands and is most at home being a friend and companion.

He would prefer a plush rug at your feet, but carpeting will do. He would make a great companion for an elderly dog lover.

It has been a busy week at the shelter. Three of the four shar pei puppies were adopted. One of them went to a home in Milwaukee. Our newest batch of puppies, the less-than-socialized ones, have been making great progress. Volunteers have been sitting with them and introducing them to treats and toys. They are brave in a pack, but lack courage when on their own. It will come with time.

A huge cheer went out on Saturday when a family adopted Angie, a black retriever-springer-mix pup. Angie had been at the shelter since Jan. 10. Her Hello, Fritz here! Woof, I hope everyone is enjoying the snow! My friends and I here at the shelter have been. None of my friends went to new homes last week so we’ve been playing all sorts of games in the snow. Maybe the snowstorm kept most humans from visiting us at the shelter, but we are full of friendly, wonderful canine companions waiting for a good home.

Travis, the young terrier is still here, all the angels ooohh and aahh over him and he loves the attention. Zeik and Valentine are so gentle and kind, they can’t wait for a loving family to go home with. Nawty and Bobo are 3- to 4-month-old German shepherd-mix pups, they are so well behaved for puppies! And there’s Barney the beautiful, young, yellow Lab. He’s very athletic and loves to play ball.

The “maternity ward” as I like to call it, is still a very busy place. Abigail and Honey are taking good care of their six and seven puppies. They keep each other company comparing mom notes and telling stories about their pups.

We all agree that spring is a great time to adopt a puppy and we have the best ones here at the shelter! Honey’s pups are short haired, black and white. They are about 3 weeks now and are starting to wobble around and play with each other. Abigail has a variety pack, with

Howard guardian angel Sarah gave her extra attention and training that ultimately impressed her adoptive family so much, they couldn’t leave the shelter without her. All dogs should be so lucky. Also adopted were Snookers, 9year-old schnoodle, Mya, 7-year-old bichon and Mugsy the cat. All in all, a pretty good day. Thank you to all who remember our shelter animals when looking for a furry friend.

Arnell Memorial Humane Society, 185 Griffin St. E, Amery, 715-268-7387 (PETS) or visit our pets online: www.amhs.petfinder.com.

two brown, three black and one gray.

Half of them are short haired, the two brown ones look a bit shaggier and Peggy, a black pup has longer, wild hair. They are all Fritz adorable. Aroooo, keep up the good NEWS FROM work Abigail and Honey!

Finally, I’ve had three new friends join me at the shelter this week. Cat and DeeDee are yellow malamute-mix puppies. They are about 4 months old and wonderful fluffy, balls of fur. Also, Duchess is about 2 years old, she’s a yellow lab. She doesn’t have puppies but is happily spending time in the maternity ward with Abigail and Honey!

That reminds me, I need to ask for puppy food again. We sure have had a lot of puppies lately and they eat quite a bit. So if you have a bit of room in the shopping cart, please add a bag of puppy food for our little ones here at the shelter! Have a great week, enjoy the snow before it melts away!

With your help HSBC is saving lives, one at a time. www.hsburnettcty.org, 715-866-4096.

YOUR SHELTER

St. Croix Valley Senior Center What a beautiful snowstorm. Everything is so white and clean looking. So many people had the opportunity to go out and play in the snow. The cross-country skiers, the snowmobilers, the folks who like to go snowshoeing. It was great.

The March birthdays are Irene Campbell, Donna Lunde, Margie Beyl and Joe Kadramas. A happy birthday to you all.

Tuesday afternoon domino winners were Martha Lindstrom in first place, Janice Mevissen in second place, Ione Meixner in third place. 500 card winners were: Charles Zeigler in first place, Jack Lund in second place, Vern Lindstrom in third place, Marion Edler in fourth place.

Our senior center is a team member of Relay for Life, American Cancer Society.

The walk will take place on June 15 and 16 at the high school track.

The tax aides will be at the center on March 21 from 9 a.m. to noon.

Dottie Adams

The center is open for rentals for your summer get-togethers, graduations, family reunions, birthday parties and weddings.

Just call Joyce at 483-3466 for your reservation.

The winter Expo is March 24 at the high school. We will have a food booth there.

Stop by and say hello.

Do you remember when? When a quarter was a decent allowance? You’d reach into a muddy gutter for a penny? It took minutes for the TV to warm up? Laundry detergent had free glasses, dishes or a towel hidden inside the box?

Middle age is the time of life when work begins to be a lot less fun and fun begins to be a lot more work. You’re reaching middle age when it takes longer to rest than it did to get tired.

When you feel like criticizing the younger generation, just remember who raised them. Have a great day!

PAGE 8 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- MARCH 7, 2007

TOWN TALK/COUNTRY CHATTER Lewis

653-4281 The funeral for Mary Ann (Adrian) Ulick was held Saturday at 2 p.m. at the Lewis Memorial United Methodist Church with Pastor Mike officiating. Mary’s obituary with photo was in last week’s Leader. Interment was at the Lewis Cemetery. Lunch was served afterward by the Lewis United Methodist Women. Sympathy is extended to the family.

If anyone is praying for snow, you can stop now. It took some doing to plow out the town and church for Saturday’s funeral. Hard to believe that two weeks ago, there was mostly bare ground. How quickly conditions can change!

The Lewis Cemetery was also quite snowy.

Sympathy is extended to the family of Mable Sutton, who passed away last week at the Frederic Care and Rehab Center. Sympathy is extended to Jody and Glenn Pearson, family and many friends. Mabel, who recently turned 95, had spent the last few months in and out of hospitals and living centers. She designed and made many

Bernice Abrahamzon

beautiful quilts, was a local historian, especially of the small community of Lewis, and will be greatly missed.

It was Communion Sunday at the Lewis church on March 4 and also a pancake breakfast with the United Methodist Women in charge of serving the breakfast.

This week’s Lenten service will be held at 7 p.m. at the Lewis church with Pastor Freddie of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church giving the message. The service will be preceded by a soup and sandwich supper at 6 p.m. The welcome mat is out for all.

Last week and this week have been especially busy at the Lewis church.

The NW Regional Writers will meet this Friday, March 9, at 1 p.m. at Big Gust Apartments. The assignment is to write on “____miles to go.”

Get-well wishes to Clarice Nelson of Golden Oaks, Frederic, who underwent throat surgery on Friday. Reports indicate that she is doing fine and is recuperating at the

home of her daughter, Laurene Edge.

Sheila Staples and Rick Abrahamzon went to a Pigeon Club meeting Sunday afternoon at Lino Lakes, Minn.

Because of the Lenten service next Wednesday, March 14, the Lewis UMW will meet Tuesday, March 13, at 6:30 p.m. at the church.

Anyone interested in playing Scrabble is welcome on Mondays at 12:30 p.m., Community Room, Sunrise Apartments, Frederic. Prizes, sparkling company and a great challenge. Also, coffee and a sweet.

Interested in a book club? The Frederic Library has both a morning one and an evening one. Half the fun of reading a book is to discuss it afterward. Inquire at the library, where the selected books are available.

LaVerne Leep visited at the home of Carol and Lee Mangelsen on Sunday afternoon where the Krist Midbrod family, plus Tom and Lisa, gathered to have fun in the snow.

Webster Senior Center

The Sunday service at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church on Feb. 25 took a dramatic turn away from the normal following the Pastor’s sermon. According to instructions, Pastor Siedschlag announced that the choir had a special vocal presentation. Then Virginia, Pastor’s wife, replied “Well…not really,” and invited pastor to join her in front of the congregation. What followed was a surprise celebration of the 25th anniversary of Pastor Siedschlag’s ordination into the public ministry of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. To mark the occasion, the special banner Virginia had made for the day of ordination was hanging in the church, special flowers were on the altar and a surprise guest was seated in the last pew.

Pastor had not noticed the banner nor asked about the flowers, and was completely stunned when the special guest, friend Peter Nehlsen of Washington Island (upper Door County) came forward. Peter had written and sung a special song for the day of ordination on Feb. 28, 1982, and had journeyed to Webster to sing the song once again. Just as it did 25 years ago, the song “Set Aside” filled Pastor’s eyes with tears of joy. Peter had been a guest in the home of members of Our Redeemer the night before and deeply enjoyed their hospitality.

Following the song, the president of Our Redeemer congregation presented Pastor with a special stole made by another member of the congregation. It is a beautiful stole adorned with eagles, trees and Pastor’s favorite verse: Isaiah 40:31 – “Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings of eagles.” After

the service a fellowship meal was served by the ladies of the congregation and a display of pictures, ordination stole and other items were available for viewing.

In the planning and execution of the surprise celebration, many people found it necessary to bend the truth a bit and in the spirit of the day, Pastor Siedschlag absolved the entire assembly for their sins tied to their act of love and respect for their pastor. The deception included the canceling of services at Trinity-Danbury, allegedly due to a furnace malfunction, so that the members of both congregations would have the opportunity to share in the events. The service was to have included the baptism of the Siedschlag’s first great-grandchild, but due to the weather that event had to be postponed. Pastor was not only surprised but he was deeply moved, and thankful for all those who had worked out the details for the observance, especially for the efforts put in by his wife, Virginia.

Our own Klondike Sam and Mert Kisselburg attended the Boy Scout Blue and Gold Banquet on Monday evening at the Webster Community Center. This ceremony is when the Scouts advance from one rank to another and receive earned rewards. The event was well attended by Scouts, parents and leaders.

Twenty-two members of the Ravishing Rubies Red Hat Society met for a private-party lunch on Tuesday at the Wild Waters Sports Bar & Restaurant in Danbury and enjoyed the food and hospitality offered by Carrie, Celia and Deb. I highly recommend this newly remodeled restaurant as the interior is so open and light and the food and atmosphere are excellent. After singing their Red Hat Song, everyone sang “Happy Birthday” to Queen Mother Mary Klar, Eldora Brown, Lucille Chelmo and Donna Lehman and each birthday lady received a gift. The traveling purple birthday hat was passed to Dee Trautman to wear in March.

QM Mary Klar read two actual clippings from church newspapers: “Irving Benson and Jessie Carter were married on Jan. 24 in the church. So ends a friendship that began in their school days;” and “Weight Watchers will meet at 7 p.m. at the First Baptist Church. Please use large double doors at the side entrance.” Mert Kisselburg had us solving riddles; Mary Poretti gave a reading about 7-Step Stress Management; and Virginia Siedschlag read a little boy’s school report about his retarded (retired) grandparents. We look for anything to give us a good laugh! Door prizes were won by Gladys Beers, Donna Lehman, Janet Snelson and Mary Lou Peterfus.

The next Ravishing Rubies Red Luncheon will be at noon on Tuesday, March 27, at The Channel House located at 6699 Hwy. 70 East, Siren.

Tuesday was the birthday of our site manager/cook Deb Korhonen, and her sister, Judy Baker, joined the group of

Frederic Senior Center Written for last week Saturday weather was not very nice, but 18 seniors enjoyed our Share A Lunch. Clarice Marek furnished her Saturday cake.

Monday, Feb. 19, spades winners were: 1. Stub Ruhn, 2. Roy Magnuson, 3. Carmen Marek, 4. Clara Palomaki.

Wednesday the gals played pokeno at 1 p.m.

Thursday night 500 card winners were: 1. Duane Rolfs, 2. Myrna Wyte, 3. Lorraine Youngren, 4. Deloris Potter.

It’s been good to see the pool table being used. So good to have Dave Petersen and his buddies having good games.

Friday, March 2, at 1:30 p.m. is our monthly meeting. All members are urged to attend.

Written for this week Monday spades had the following winners: First, Ray Magnuson; second, Eleanor Bonneville; third, Don Danielson and fourth, Shirley Sandquist.

Ardyce Knauber

Wednesday Pokeno players had an enjoyable time.

Thursday 500 was cancelled due to the snowstorm.

The center was closed Friday and our monthly meeting was cancelled, so we will have our monthly meeting on Friday, March 9, at 1:30 p.m. Pokeno starts at 12:30 p.m.

Saturday Share-A-Lunch was enjoyed. The center is decorated for St. Patrick’s Day, which we all are enjoying.

Monday, March 20, the aging agency is holding their quarterly meeting at Golden Oaks Community Room. All seniors should support this group.

March 15 Tax Aides will be at our center from 9 a.m. to noon.

March 22 the foot-care nurses will be here.

Jean Hinrichs made the most beautiful pillow for our center.

We have missed Frances Kurkowski as she has been ill. We are happy that she is feeling better and hope to be back with us soon.

Remember daylight-saving time starts March 11, 2 a.m.

Mary Klar diners to surprise Deb with a party honoring her big “60th” birthday. The home-delivered meal clients didn’t get neglected as they were sent out chocolate cake with homemade chocolate frosting.

Wednesday was Liver Lover’s Day and Dolly Peterson was sub-cook in Deb’s absence. (Deb has this thing about liver.) After lunch there were 12 dime bingo players and they all had a great time playing and enjoying the goodies at intermission.

Since Thursday was such a snowy day, none of the ladies played cards in the evening, and only Pat O’Brien, Harold Peterson, Dave Wardean and Sam Williamson were brave enough to go out in the blizzardlike weather for their weekly evening pool. Deb was very thankful that Lily Gleason, Leon Mansfield and Les Garbe were still able to get out the home-delivered meals. Deb and her crew all sang “Happy Birthday” to Harlan Pygman whose 87th birthday was that day.

The center was closed on Friday due to the bad weather and all of Burnett County schools were closed.

Our gratitude is extended to the gentleman from the DNR, Harold Peterson, Bruce Behrens and Lily Gleason who all took a turn at snowblowing and shoveling our walks front and back; Judy Baker- pail of ice cream; Lily Gleason-box of chocolate candy; and Harold Peterson for repairing a kitchen cabinet.

Our get-well wishes and prayers continue to go out to Norma Martin, Jack Witzany, Kathy Beyer, Ray Hammerschmidt, Mary Heier, Jack O’Brien and Katie Johnson who is at BMC Continuing Care Center-Grantsburg recovering from a fall.

This past week while getting snowed in and before being plowed out, I had the momentarily feeling of being trapped in my own house and not being able to get the car out of the garage and driveway. I really didn’t have any special place to go, it was just the feeling I couldn’t get out if I wanted to. Often people with health problems or after suffering the loss of a loved one, allow themselves to become isolated and stay at home alone allowing depression and sorrow to take over their lives. They need to get out of the house and be with people to socialize and let them share their depression and grief. “God hath not promised skies ever blue, flower-strewn pathways all our lives through; God hath not promised sun without rain, joy without sorrow, peace without pain. But God hath promised strength for the day, rest amid labor, light for the way; Grace for the trials, help from above, unfailing sympathy, undying love.”-Annie Johnson. “Weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.”-Psalms 30:5.

“I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow.”-Jeremiah 31:13. See you at the center!

The Leader is a cooperative-owned newspaper Fran Krause

Orange

LaVonne O’Brien

The Webster boys basketball team won over Boyceville and Luck last week. Monday they will play Glenwood City at Amery.

Mary and Kent Krause and Kris and Karl Peterson returned from a week golfing in Florida.

John and Reeny Neinstadt spent the weekend in Cadott visiting daughter Sandy and family.

Budd Flagstad plowed snow at the Neinstadt’s and for Fran Krause.

Jack O’Brien is home recovering from surgery. Visitors were Pat O’Brien, Kelley O’Brien, Jim Brickle and Mike and Tylyn O’Brien.

MARCH 7, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 9

TOWN TALK/COUNTRY CHATTER Cloverton - Markville

320-242-3933 Amidst all of the grumbling and disappointment with the second snowstorm of the season, there is also a beauty and serenity that a beautiful covering of snow brings to the little townships of Arna and New Dosey.

The East Pine County Wanderers, our senior group, met at the end of the month.

Pine County commissioners Roger Nelson and Doug Carlson, as our guests, did an excellent job of explaining the workings of the county board. Included in the topics under discussion were 911 calls going into Wisconsin, the county junkyard ordinance, improvements to Hwy. 25 and budget issues, including a possible gasoline tax.

The cake and door prize were provided

by Ruth and Gary Ament. February birthdays were Gary Ament, Don Mishler and Rosie Yaekel. Emma Fornengo won the door prize, a nice, big doormat.

It was off to Grand Marais again for another course at the North House Folk School for Pam Berg. Accompanied by her daughter, Deb Peterson, from the Twin

468-2520

Cities, she took a course on Textiles for the 21st-century nomad. They enjoyed it very much.

Speaking of courses, Fran and Dave Baker finished a four-session class on immigration – past and present via East Central Community Education. Arla Budd, Askov city clerk and former high school English teacher, again did an exemplary job of coordinating the discussion.

Dave read “Roots” by Alex Haley, while Fran read “Tortilla Curtain” by T.C. Boyle and “The Settlers” by Vilhelm Moberg in preparation for the class.

In keeping with Lent, Sandi Drake took her turn in serving soup and sandwiches for the Wednesday service at the Zion Lutheran Church in Markville.

A trip to Danbury gave Deloris Schirmer the chance to once again stock up on goodies in anticipation of our second snowfall.

The big news at the Brewster-Koehler home is that Patty purchased a huge loom from one of her classmates at the Spooner

Dewey - LaFollette

Dick Benzer called on Karen and Hank Mangelsen Monday afternoon.

Congratulations to LeBulls Rant-n-Raven Chats, a French Bulldog owned by MerriAnn Gonzakez, who had four major wins at shows in Denver, Colo., and at the International Kennel Club at Chicago McCormick Place recently. Raven is now an AKC champion.

Hank and Karen Mangelsen visited Inez and Arvid Pearson Wednesday morning.

That afternoon they called on Donna and Gerry Hines.

Karen Mangelsen

Don and Lida Nordquist visited John and Diana Mangelsen Saturday and had supper with them.

Beverly Brunclik and Donald Albee were Saturday evening visitors of Judy Albee.

Karen and Hank Mangelsen were supper guests of Jake and Holly Mangelsen Sunday. Other family members were there also and they celebrated Grace Mae Mangelsen’s first birthday.

John and Cheryl Gozdzialski visited Judy Albee Sunday afternoon.

A Waiting Child Leland

Date of birth: July 7, 1994 Leland is a great 12-year-old boy searching for his own “forever family.”

Leland is charismatic and has a wonderful sense of humor. Leland enjoys basketball, soccer and baseball. He is fascinated by automobiles and, as a hobby, enjoys taking toy models apart and rebuilding them. Leland wants to own his own auto body shop where he can design and rebuild cars, making use of his exceptional drawing skills. His foster parents describe him as a very outgoing, talented and expressive child who takes a great deal of pride in his artistic abilities. In addition, Leland is gentle with pets and younger kids.

Leland is in the sixth grade. At school he enjoys math, physical education and art classes. Leland has the potential to excel academically; however, he currently struggles in the classroom because he is

easily distracted and fidgety. He would benefit from a smaller classroom environment where he can receive academic and behavioral support.

For more information about Leland, or other children waiting for adoptive homes, call Adoption Resources of Wisconsin, 800-762-8063, or visit the Web site at www.wiadopt.org.

SCF/Taylors Falls rotary student ST. CROIX FALLS/TAYLORS FALLS, Minn. – St. Croix Falls/Taylors Falls Rotary February Student of the month for St. Croix Falls High School is Mary Ryan. Ryan, daughter of John and Peggy Ryan, is not only a fine student but also is active in drama, this year playing Rose in “Bye Bye Birdee.” Ryan is allconference volleyball, and has received state honors in choir and is a national forensic medalist. Ryan is Sharlene Pinson and Mary Ryan the St. Croix Falls yearbook editor and is the class vice president. where she is also the sophomore class adRyan’s goals are to study in Latin America visor and advises the clowns, the culture club and is the assistant drama director. or Spain as a part of her college work.

Sharlene Pinson was chosen by Ryan as She has received national professional the Teacher of the Month. Pinson teaches recognition as well as in Wisconsin for Spanish at St. Croix Falls High School teaching of foreign language. - submitted

Weavers club. It is the size of their kitchen table, about 5’x3’x4’.

Emma and Peter Fornengo attended the funeral for Ed Arndt at Swedberg Funeral Home in Webster, then went to the luncheon at the Northland Community Center in Cozy Corner. They said there was so much food served that they saw nothing but roasters from one end of the table to another.

Other than shoveling and trying to stay ahead of the snow, Mary and Frank Schaaf have been doing indoor activities.

Fran Levings Carol and Gordy Haslendalen had a wonderful weekend staying with son, Scott, and his wife, Brenda, in Pine City recently. They participated in the 16th-birthday celebration of their granddaughter Ariel while there.

My sister Alice Miller and her daughter Shelloy Miller came down from Superior on Tuesday for waffles, coffee, good conversation and a few Yahtzee games.

Pick up a cup of tea, snatch a book, cuddle your cat and enjoy the lovely snow wherever you are.

PAGE 10 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- MARCH 7, 2007

POLK COUNTY LIBRARY NEWS

Amery Public Library

Story time Story time will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday mornings. Everyone is welcome to come for songs and stories. The Otaku Club meets every Tuesday at 5 p.m. to discuss manga and anime. If you are teen who is interested in these subjects stop by and check it out.

The Friends of the Library book group will read “King Solomon’s Mines” by H. Rider Haggard. This classic adventure tale will keep you on the edge of your chair. We have lots of copies, so pick up one at the circulation desk if you want to join us on March 19 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

two teenage sisters, one battling leukemia and the other a possible donor.

Pick up a copy at the circulation desk and join us for snacks and exciting book talk.

The Great Stories Club meets from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. on March 12 to discuss “A Walk to Remember” by Nicholas Sparks.

The Amery Public Library has tax forms; Federal, Wisconsin and Minnesota. We have the elusive telephone tax form if you are looking for it.

The History Group will begin meeting in March to discuss “American Exwith Professor Herb ploration Cederberg.” They will be meeting in March, April and May, reading three books, one on Viking exploration, one on Jamestown and one on Lewis and Clark. If you are interested in joining these discussions, stop in and pick up the books before we are out of copies.

Teens Read book group Teens Read book group meets on March 26, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. to discuss “My Sister’s Keeper” by Jodi Picoult. This riveting book tells the tale of

Library Hours Mon. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Tues. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Wed. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thurs. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Fri. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sat. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Library Notes The Amery Public Library Friends of the Library meeting will be held at the library at 5:30 p.m. on March 19. If you are a member of Friends, you are welcome to come to the meeting and help with wrap-up after the book sale.

Dresser Public Library Dresser Public Library is located at 117 S. Central Ave., Dresser, WI 54009. The Dresser Public Library Board of Trustees holds its monthly meeting on the last Monday of each month at 6 p.m.

Library hours Monday 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Tuesday noon–5 p.m., Thursday 10 a.m.–noon and 1–7 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Federal income tax forms are available at the library. The Internet is a great source for downloading additional forms you need for only 5 cents per copy!

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.

Story time Lapsitter and preschool story times begin at 10:30 a.m. Join us for stories, songs, fingerplays, crafts and more!

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. also has information about story times, days closed, reference links, library policy and much more.

Osceola Public Library

noon to 5 p.m., Thursday from noon to 7 p.m., closed Friday, and open 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday.

Hours The Centuria Public Library is open Monday from noon to 5 p.m., Tuesday from noon to 7 p.m., Wednesday from

Clear Lake Public Library Knitting and crocheting group Join the most creative group in Clear Lake at the library on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month at 4:30 p.m. Experts and beginners alike are invited. If you’re in the middle of a project and are looking for help or just want to stay motivated while you finish that sweater, hat, mitten or whatever, come join us on March 14. Beginners are welcome. Free lessons and materials are provided.

Seed Exchange Program It’s time to start seeds for vegetables and flowers for your garden. Do you have too many seeds? Looking for some

variety? Bring your extra seeds to the Clear Lake Public Library and exchange them for seeds that you don’t have.

Story time Every Thursday morning at 10 a.m. and again at 11 a.m., we offer a fun and exciting time for younger children.

Come and hear a wonderful book and enjoy coloring and word puzzles afterwards.

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.; Saturday: 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

St. Croix Falls Public Library Saturday Talk about the Book Club “Antelope Wife” by Louise Erdrich is the selection for the month of March.

The book club will meet the second Saturday of the month, 9:30 a.m. at Goochy Noochy’s in downtown St. Croix Falls. See you on March 10.

Story hour Listen to stories, create great art and have fun with other kids and parents every Wednesday, 10:30 a.m. at St. Croix Falls Public Library story hour!

Hours, contact Our hours are Monday and Wednesday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Saturday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Did I read this already?

Now you can track what you have read through the MORE system’s My History. Check it out on the Web site.

Frederic Public Library

Join us for Dr. Seuss story time It’s the 50th birthday of “The Cat in the Hat,” the lovable character created by Dr. Seuss! Preschoolers and their caregivers are invited to a special story hour at 10:30 a.m. March 14, when we will have stories and activities all about “The Cat in the Hat,” as well as other beloved your museum and your event. Show Seuss stories. your support – be there.

New materials have arrived at the li- What are the book groups reading in brary. If you need a few more weeks of March? winter to get your indoor projects finThe evening book group will meet ished, It looks as though you’ll have March 15 at 7 p.m. to discuss “All the them. If you want to start a new project, Pretty Horses” by Cormac McCarthy, a come and see our new selection of knit- coming-of-age tale set in Texas and Mexting, crocheting, beading, gardening, ico that won the National Book Award in sewing, baking and cooking books. So 1992. The Thursday morning reading many of you have asked for up-to-date group will meet Thursday, March 22, at collecting price guides and I can say 10:30 a.m., to discuss “Man and Boy” by Kovel’s has finally come out with one. Tony Parsons, a novel described as a “Kovel’s 2007 Price Guide for Antiques story with universal appeal. Copies of and Collectibles” is available at the Luck the books are available at the library, and Public Library. Check out our new se- new members are always welcome! lection of audio books as well. They really make the indoor chores go a lot March is National Craft Month faster.

If you like to work with beads, there Preschool story hour is held Wednes- are more than 120 titles in the MORE catdays from 10 – 11 a.m. All preschool- alog all about beadwork, including at aged children are welcome. We focus on least a dozen books on making jewelry early literary skills, story sequencing, with beads. Interested in knitting? The emergent phonics, the alphabet and MORE catalog has 176 entries on the other prereading skills. We hope to see subject. Are you a beginning quilter? you there.

Choose from nearly 400 quilting titles to learn all about it. Looking for birdhouse patterns? There are more than 100 titles about birdhouses and birdfeeders for our

Luck Public Library The Luck Library / Museum will be holding its fundraising kick-off event Saturday, March 17. It will be dubbed Live at the Lot and, while it is not a fundraiser, it will be a chance for the entire community to celebrate the coming of the new Luck Library and the Historical Society Museum. The event will begin at 1 pm. We invite everyone to join us on our lot for an historic commemorative photo. We will then retire to the DBS hall for corned beef sandwiches, chips, soda and dessert. While at the hall we will enjoy a program by Leona Cummings and a costume contest. Kids and adults alike can come dressed as your favorite historical figure or literary character. The costume contest will be for children between the ages of 2 and 18. Cash prizes will be awarded for the most creative, the most original, and the cutest in three age categories. If you haven’t seen our new building yet and want to get in on the excitement, we would love to have you at the event.

This is your community, your library,

Centuria Public Library

feathered friends. Choose your materials by visiting www.more.lib.wi.us, or visit the library and we’ll help you order materials for your next craft project.

Support your food shelf in March and April During March and April, the more food donated to the local food shelf, the more money they will receive from the Feinstein Foundation, a group dedicated to alleviating hunger. When you come to the library, be sure to bring some nonperishable food items – you will help keep the food shelf stocked, and the weight of your items will count toward receiving a larger monetary donation from the Feinstein Foundation.

Tax forms are available The basic tax forms are here, including the Wisconsin homestead credit and rent certificate schedules. We will also be happy to download other tax forms from the Web for you.

Library hours at a glance Regular library hours are Mon. 10 a.m.

- 7 p.m.; Wed., Thurs., Fri. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Sat. 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. The library is closed on Tuesdays.

How to contact the library Frederic Public Library, 127 Oak St. West.

715-327-4979. fredericpl@ifls.lib.wi.us.

Dresser Public Library

MARCH 7, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 11

POLK COUNTY LIBRARY NEWS Balsam Lake Public Library Story time Help us celebrate Dr. Seuss’ birthday during story time on Wednesday, March 7, with special stories, crafts and snacks.

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. Please join us for this fun-packed hour.

Special event Beginners Rubber Stamping class will be held Saturday, March 24, from 10 a.m.

- noon. All ages welcome. Learn how to start to make your own cards, invitations and book markers. Class instructor has years of experience with rubber stamping.

Knitting group Join us for an evening of knitting and crocheting. Beginners encouraged and welcome, lessons will be given. Bring a project or start a project here. Good conversation and helpful hints are guaranteed. We meet every other week.

Book club Will meet Wednesday, March 21, at 3 p.m. Our next book is “Shadow Divers - The True Adventure of Two Americans

Who Risked Everything to Solve One of the Last Mysteries of World War II”

by Robert Kurson Kurson's “Shadow Divers,” about the divers exploring a sunken shipwreck off the New Jersey coast, is a gripping account of real-life adventurers and a reallife mystery. In addition to being compellingly readable on every page, the book offers a unique window on the deep, almost reckless nature of the human quest to know." —Scott Turow, author of “Reversible Errors.”

Friends of the Library Friends of the Library book sale last Saturday was a great success. Many books found new homes, and we still have a good start for our July book sale.

We will still take donations.

Hours Balsam Lake Library, (under the water tower) at 404 Main St., Balsam Lake.

Hours are Monday 10 a.m. – 8 p.m., Tuesday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Wednesday 10 a.m.

– 8 p.m., Friday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. E-mail: balsamlakepl@ifls.lib.wi.us Web site www.balsamlakepubliclibrary.org.

Milltown Public Library 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.

Osceola Public Library 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.

Polk County Library Federation Jump into the first day of spring with heirlooms and herbs seed starting demo On Tuesday, March 20, from noon - 1 p.m., the Polk County Library Federation will hold an introduction to starting your own garden.

Join us over the lunch hour and learn how easy and economical it is to start your own garden and bedding plants from seeds.

Have you heard all of the rage about heirlooms? What makes them so special? Where can you find these special

seed varieties? Do you have questions about genetically modified seed?

Join Master Gardener Vicky Cichon to learn more about heirloom vegetables and herbs, reasons why they are sought after by gardeners, how to keep the varieties alive and thriving, and sources of heirloom seed. Vicky will also give a seed-starting demonstration.

Take the first step towards preparing your summer garden! Prime tomato seed starting is in the month of March!

Don’t wait…learn now!

Call the library to register: Polk County Library Federation 485-8680 or gifford@ifls.lib.wi.us.

Burnett Community Library New arrivals: Abraham’s Well (Sharon Ewell Foster) The author takes a look back to 1838 in order to tell a story of black Cherokees forced along the Trail of Tears. Schemes for the land by whites and a danger of slavery as well as death on the trail were a reality. One will read about the trials and tribulations the Cherokees went through. This book does not sugar coat their forced removal from the Southeast to Indian Territory - modern day Oklahoma. This book is a novel of courage and faith of a woman who struggles to overcome it all.

Key Lime Pie Murder (Joanne Fluke) This novel is another of the Hannah Swensen mysteries with real good recipes. In the novel there is a contest

judge, a chamber of commerce booth at the fair, contestants and a murder to solve.

Sugar and Spice (Fern Michaels) Fern Michaels has written another good novel. This one is about two strangers snowed in after a Tennessee storm.

Hell Hath No Curry (Tamar Myers) This is another Pennsylvania Dutch mystery, with recipes, humor and folksy tales to keep your interest from beginning to end.

Sun Kissed (Catherine Anderson) One of the novel’s characters, Samantha, is accused of something she did not do, put in jail and becomes the prime suspect of a crime. How will she prove her innocence?

PAGE 12 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- MARCH 7, 2007

Breaking the addiction

by Mary Stirrat POLK COUNTY – It’s a Saturday afternoon. The kids are in the living room, putting puzzles together, and the wife is reading a book. Heading quietly for the basement, the husband takes out the paper bag hidden behind his toolbox.

As silently as possible, he takes the contents out of the paper bag, and consumes as fast as he can.

Suspecting nothing, one of the kids runs downstairs. Interrupted in the midst of the binge, the man yells at his little daughter, telling her to get out and leave him alone.

It’s a Tuesday evening. I won’t stop tonight, the woman tells herself as she gets into her car to drive home from work. Pulling out of the parking lot and onto the road, the craving grows. Not tonight, she tells herself again. But the more determined she is not to stop, the more the craving grows.

Maybe we need some milk at home, she thinks. Maybe I should just pick up some milk. I won’t go into any other aisle.

As she enters the store, she decides she should see what other kinds of sales there are, and finds herself in the one aisle she promised she wouldn’t go.

Well, it probably wouldn’t hurt to pick up one or two, in case company comes.

She has the clerk bag the items separate from the milk. One bag is empty by the time she gets home.

You may be thinking that these two people are alcoholics. But that’s not the case.

It’s true that they have an addiction problem — but they are addicted to food rather than to alcohol.

Many people are concerned about their weight, some with reason and some without. Many wish they could just cut out the second scoop of ice cream, or maybe the third scoop. Many wish they could stick with just the medium-size popcorn at the movie theater, or three of the Thin Mint Girl Scout cookies.

But there are some that don’t have a “full gauge,” as one food addict put it.

They never feel full. If they have one bite of a food that triggers the cravings, the obsession to eat is relentless.

Maybe a whole box of cookies isn’t enough, or a half-gallon of ice cream, or a party-size tub of popcorn.

It’s beyond self-control. It’s a physical and emotional addiction, a spiritual malady.

For the compulsive overeater, food takes control of every aspect of their lives, just as alcohol does for the alcoholic. There is always a way to rationalize going after the next bite. It is an illness that can be arrested but not cured.

Like the alcoholic, the obsession of compulsive overeaters interferes with relationships and with the ability to properly interact with others, including one’s own children.

Food takes priority over all else, yet the compulsive overeater is often a “master of masks” to the point that most

The Overeaters Anonymous group that meets in Wyoming, Minn., sets the room up in classroom fashion.

Other groups meet in a circle or other setting, based on the decision of the members.

Overeaters Anonymous is a 12-step program that utilizes the same philosophy as Alcohol Anonymous. Members and individuals interested in learning about the program have a wealth of written resources available to them. of his or her acquaintances would never guess the furtive binges or the secret purges. The body, however, never lies, and gross dysfunction occurs.

Even the sufferer is sometimes unaware of the depth of the problem, as denial leads to ever-decreasing standards and an increasing acceptance of the behavior.

But there is hope. Like the alcoholic who has found recovery and relief through Alcoholics Anonymous, the food addict can find recovery through Overeaters Anonymous.

••• The nearest OA meetings are in New Richmond, Baldwin, and Wyoming, Minn., but the drive is well worth it, said a Polk County woman we’ll call Grace. * Plagued with compulsive eating for years, Grace celebrated two years of “abstinence” at an OA meeting in Wyoming last week. Abstinence means following a food plan individually designed for her by a nutritionist. No alcohol is to be consumed, nor is sugar unless it is fifth or beyond on the ingredient list.

The day’s menu, including portion size, is written down each morning and called in to her sponsor. Three additional calls are made to other members during the day. The calls hold her accountable to her sponsor and to other members, providing support and strength during times of problems and issues.

Having boundaries for food, said Grace, freed her from constantly thinking about it. Her boundaries included confining it to three meals and one snack a day, with definite portions, and not including historical binge foods.

Food now has a very specific purpose in her life — to nourish her body, not be a comfort or escape. Her nutritionist, her food scale, measuring cups and spoons, her sponsor, and her other OA contacts gave her the tools to keep food in its proper perspective. It is finally “rightsized” for her, said Grace.

“Compulsive overeating is a disease of isolation,” said OA member Jane. “The telephone is our lifeline.”

“I knew I needed it,” said another OA member about the discipline of a food plan and sponsor. “I didn’t know what was normal. I needed the boundaries.

“If I’m not abstinent, I don’t care about my higher power, or anybody or anything, but my food.”

Central to OA is the 12-step process that has brought recovery to millions of alcoholics, adapted to compulsive eaters.

This process includes acknowledgement

of the problem, which OA believes is a three-fold illness that encompasses the physical, emotional and spiritual person.

The 12 steps promote inner change through dependence on a power greater than oneself. For many people who start OA, that power is found in the support of the fellowship. It may expand to include the God of their understanding, but there is no religious requirement for 12-step recovery.

According to OA’s Web site, as the new principles are applied and old attitudes are discarded, there is often no longer a need for excess food.

Anonymity is such a key component of the program that some members only know each other by first name. They don’t always know each other’s employment or family situations, unless revealed in the confidential setting of the weekly meeting or by mutual agreement. They do not even know who is sponsor to whom.

What is said at the meeting stays at the meeting.

Anonymity allows each person to stand and tell their story, said Jane, often for the first time without judgment or criticism.

“We’ve come in at rock bottom,” she said. “And we are lovingly told, ‘Your secrets are safe.’“ The common experience of compulsive overeating, the humility — and freedom — of admitting the problem, the sharing of struggles and successes, and the continual encouragement, creates bonds that, in some cases, are stronger than blood.

••• The OA group at Wyoming is relatively new, although some members were involved in the program in other areas. Not all groups have an abstinence component, but the members here feel it necessary to keep their illness under control.

As with all OA groups, there is no fee to join and no recurring dues. A basket is passed at each two-hour weekly meeting, with attendees putting in what they choose.

The only requirement for attending is a desire to stop compulsive overeating.

Information is presented at every meeting on the philosophy of OA, on the 12 steps and the 12 traditions that are central to the program, on sponsorship and the other tools for success, and on the importance of anonymity.

These boundaries and the path to recovery are laid out each week, both as a reminder and encouragement to those

who have attended before and to provide a framework for newcomers. Once that is done, members have the opportunity to applaud success and foster hope.

As an encouragement to others and to strengthen themselves, sponsors share with the group how long they have been

Some of the Overeaters Anonymous “tools for success” include a food scale and measuring utensils.

The tools help provide food boundaries. abstinent, and how it has affected their weight. Twelve people — almost half of those at the meeting — stood as sponsors.

It was this moment at an OA meeting, said Grace, she realized for the first time that it is possible to recover from compulsive overeating. It was the first time she heard from people who were successfully fighting their addiction, and it gave her hope in her own situation.

She was able to share the hope at Tuesday’s meeting, when she was honored for two years of abstinence. For Grace, that meant she had not eaten sugar unless it was fifth or beyond on the ingredient label, had eaten no wheat, and had only eaten according to her meal plan back to back for two years. It also meant that she was maintaining a healthy body weight for the first time in her adult life.

In honor of her two-year anniversary, Grace shared her own story.

Grace grew up with what she called a “magical” family life. But much of that family life was about appearances, about not showing vulnerabilities, and about knowing that, whatever happened in life, a person should be strong enough to handle it on their own.

“I don’t remember not thinking about food,” she said about her childhood.

After being sexually abused, she said,

See Addiction, next page

MARCH 7, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 13

Addiction/from page 12 “food became a big, big element in my life.”

By the time she was 19 she was 30 pounds overweight, caught in a web of overeating then attempting to purge her system of the food. Irritable bowel syndrome, which has been under control since she has been abstinent, was one result of the way she abused her body, eating quantities of fatty foods and knowing that within 30 minutes she would most likely have diarrhea.

Grace moved to this area after a devastating relationship. At this time Grace attended Alanon and began to develop a relationship with her higher power. Step four, however, was a “searching and fearless moral inventory” of herself, which she was afraid to do, so she left the program.

However, said Grace, she came to see the difference between the God of her understanding (a fallacy and a crutch), and the God of her experience (God who rescued her from a threatening relationship, who brought her to husband, a man she describes as “wonderful”, and bright, healthy children).

Despite this, because she had not made the commitment to trust God with her overeating, the problem continued. Time after time she would promise herself that it wouldn’t happen again, but then would find herself in the same cycle of overeating, trying yet another diet that would fail. The despair would grow deeper.

“The me in public was very different from the one my children saw,” Grace said. “My thoughts were never free of

the next bite I was going to eat. I was always a mask-wearer.

“I remember the first time I stood here and said, ‘I am a compulsive overeater.’

I almost threw up,” Grace said. Being able to admit she had a problem she couldn’t control, when she had been drilled her whole life on the necessity of being in control, was her first step to recovery.

“I now have integrity. I’ve never experienced that before. My children see that I am consistent in my behavior and that I can be trusted. I have made amends to my family and have relationships I never dreamed possible, without expectation.”

She came to OA, said Grace, living a life of lies and fear. Through the program and her reliance on God she is slowly taking off the masks behind which she hid, trusting that she will still be loved and accepted. It is an ongoing process, and she knows she is not free of the illness.

“While I was overeating, I saw myself smaller than I was. Now I see myself heavier than I am. I still need the sponsors, the phone calls, the reading and writing assignments,” she said.

Surrendering her weaknesses, admitting her failures, sharing her triumphs, and helping others do the same gives her the courage, strength, and humility that allow her, day by day, to follow her food plan and live a healthy life.

“I hope I never think I have arrived,” she concluded ••• Symptoms of compulsive overeating vary, but include obsession with size,

weight and body shape, eating binges or grazing, excessive exercise, inability to stop eating certain foods after taking the first bite, and constant preoccupation with food.

“We are all only one bite away from a binge,” said Jane. By sticking with the program, OA members keep from taking that bite.

By living one day at a time, relying on their higher power, being honest with themselves and their sponsors, OA members are able to refrain and recover from compulsive overeating.

Each day, by saying, “For today, I will write my food plan, which does not include foods which trigger cravings, and

I will call it to my sponsor,” OA members are reaching the one day, one week, one month mile-marker of abstaining from unhealthy eating.

Overeaters Anonymous meets at First Lutheran Church in New Richmond every Monday at 6:30 p.m., at Gethsemane Lutheran in Baldwin at 9:30 a.m. every Saturday, and every Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. at United Methodist Church in Wyoming, Minn.

More information can be found on the Overeaters Anonymous Web site at oa.org or oahow.org. * Names have been changed in keeping with OA’s precept of anonymit

The Overeaters Anonymous logo. This symbol indicates hope for thousands of overeaters across the country.

PAGE 14 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- MARCH 7, 2007

“Peter Pan” auditions scheduled FREDERIC – Auditions for Prairie Fire Children’s Theatre’s original musical production of “Peter Pan” will be held on Monday, March 12, at 3:35 p.m. at Birch Street Elementary in Frederic.

Up to 82 local youth are needed to play at the roles of Peter Pan, Wendy, John, Michael, Nana, Tinkerbelle, the Crocodile, The Pirates, The Lost Kids and other inhab-

itants of Neverland.

Auditions are open to anyone grade 2-12. This fun audition process lasts up to two hours and all auditioners are required to be in attendance the entire time. Rehearsals will be held after school throughout the remainder of the week, with performances scheduled for Friday and Saturday, March 16 and 17, at 7:30 p.m.

Two professional actor/directors from Prairie Fire’s staff will direct the production and play the roles of Tiger Lil and Captain Hook.

This weeklong theatre residency is being sponsored

by Frederic Community Education with help from Polk-Burnett Operation Round-Up. For more information contact Ann Fawver at 327-4868. – submitted

Refunds offered for UW band performance AMERY - The University of Wisconsin Madison Badger Band will not be rescheduled for the 2007 Amery show due to a full performance schedule. They plan to schedule a show for Amery in spring of 2008, but 2007 tickets cannot be saved for a potential show in 2008.

If you purchased tickets for the Feb. 25 show, you may do one of the following for a refund. If you reside in or near Amery, please choose options #1 or #2.

1. Bring your tickets to the Amery School District Office in the intermediate school between the hours of 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. during the weeks of March 7 to 9 or March 19-23 (closed for spring break March 12-16).

2. Bring your tickets to the Amery High School between the hours of 4:30 -8 p.m. on Thursday, March 8, during parent/teacher conferences or Tuesday, March 20, during the District Jazz Festival.

3. Send your tickets, name, address, phone number, and self-addressed stamped envelope to Amery Community Ed, 543 Minneapolis Avenue, Amery, WI 54001.

All tickets must be received for refund before 4 p.m. on Friday, March 23. Money from tickets not received for refund by March 23 will be used to cover promotional expenses from the canceled show and donated to the Amery Band Booster fund. - submitted

The Leader is a cooperative-owned newspaper

MARCH 7, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 15

Quilt raffle helps scholarship program ST. CROIX FALLS – The St. Croix Falls Dollars for Scholars committee reports that a quilt raffle raised $1,398 for the fund that makes scholarships available each year for SCF High School seniors and those who are already attending all secondary-education and technical-training programs.

Mary Anderson made and donated three quilt pieces. Materials were obtained from her quilt and yarn shop in St. Croix Falls, Pins N’ Needles.

The winners are: first place, queen-size quilt, Around the Barn pattern was won

by Judy DeMott from Lakeland, Minn.

She is a Vallee de Croix, Sweet Adeline buddy of committee member Wanda Brown. Second place, a flannel lap-size quilt, Yellow Brick Road pattern was won by Diane Minniat of rural Cushing.

Andrea Swiontek, committee member, sold the ticket. Third-place winner is Sally Buchanon of Taylors Falls, Minn.

She works at St. Croix Regional Medical Center with Barb Davidsavor, the committee member who sold her the winning ticket.

Scholarships are given at the annual

First-place winner Judy DeMott accepts quilt from Wanda Brown.

awards night at St. Croix Falls High School. Seniors are urged to complete their application forms they have already received. Between the generous organizations in our district and the funds from the St. Croix Falls district Scholarship Foundation, there are enough scholarships for all seniors who are willing to apply. All alumni of St. Croix Falls High School who are presently in any educa-

Third-place winner Sally Buchanan, left, and Barb Davidsavor. – Photos submitted

tional program can stop at the high school and complete a short informational sheet. The alumni scholarship winners are chosen by drawing out of a hat.

The SCF organization is affiliated with the National Dollars for Scholars program. – submitted

Diane Minniat, left, was the second-place winner with a ticket sold to her by Andrea Swiontek, right.

Piano recital honors

Special Achievement awards: Students pictured (L to R) are Matthew Gjovig, St. Croix Falls, excellence in piano and theory; Emily Prazak, Grantsburg, superior achievement in piano and theory and Justin Moore, Balsam Lake, excellence in progress in piano.

Medals for selection to Honors Rectial at River Falls: Students pictured (L to R) are Mitchell Gjovig and Matthew Gjovig, St. Croix Falls and Grace Corbin, Emily Prazak and Ellie Corbin, Grantsburg. – Photos submitted

Local Red Cross seeks coordinators, young adult volunteers

Award for original compositions: Students pictured (L to R) are Matthew Gjovig of St. Croix Falls and Olivia Ozmun of Milltown.

POLK COUNTY – North Central Blood Services is looking for new coordinators for the Balsam Lake Blood Drives.

Terry Anderson and Denise Williamson are retiring after their many years of service. The next blood drive is scheduled for July, and they hopefully will have new coordinators on board at that time. Many thanks go out to Anderson and Williamson. If you are interested in becoming a coordinator for the Balsam Lake bloodmobile please contact Terry Anderson at the Balsam Lake Red Cross of-

fice or call 715-485-3025.

The Red Cross is also looking for a couple of young adult volunteers to work with a youth program within the guidelines of the American Red Cross.

There are many opportunities for youth such as scholarships, bloodmobiles, fundraising and community outreach. If you are interested please call Terry Anderson at 715-485-3025 or stop in at the Balsam Lake office. – from the Red Cross

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Superior i m a g e s

Lake Superior was a scene of ice sculpture last weekend. Gale-force winds had piled and jumbled sheets of clear blue ice, attracting crowds of people to celebrate a winter weekend. Amid the mountains were clear patches of ice where one could look down through crystal water to see the rock bottom many feet below. People imagined what Will Steger is facing as he journeys to the North Pole.

The setting sun paints a pallet of color on the snow and ice of Lake Superior.

The colors on the frozen lake were more bright and varied than the colorful evening sky.

A solid ice cover gave way to open water south of Knife River last weekend. Ice mountains remained at Gooseberry Falls Park, attracting people on snowshoes and skis to views of ice magic.

An eclipsed, rising full moon lit a ski track last Saturday. The sunset event marked the end of a week of snow that drew area people outside to enjoy winter beauty. – Photos by Gregg Westigard

Children’s concerts added to Festival lineup ST. CROIX FALLS – For years, Festival Theatre has dreamed of offering more programming for children, and now that dream is beginning to come true. So far, four special concert events specifically for children are scheduled for 2007 and that’s four times more than ever before.

The children’s concerts are designed for young children, ages 3 to 8, and their families. About one hour in length, the programs will offer a great blend of stories, conversation about instruments, and - of course – mostly music. Providing live professional concert opportunity to young children, in some cases a first concert, is an exciting prospect for Festival Theatre and their goal is to make the experience accessible, fun and affordable.

Performing on Saturday, March 17, at 2 p.m. is Ring

Children’s concert pricing is $7.50 for youth and $12.50 for adults and all seats are reserved. The onehour concerts start at 2 p.m., except for the Pinery Boys who will perform three times on the Saturday of Wannigan Days, July 21, at 11 a.m., 3 p.m., and following the parade at 7:30 p.m.

To receive a 2007 season brochure, stop in at Festival Theatre or request on by phone or e-mail. Festival Theatre is located in downtown St. Croix Falls, at 210 North Washington Street. For more information, to order tickets or join the Festival Theatre mailing list, call 715-483-3387 or 888-887-6002. You may also send an e-mail to info@festivaltheatre.org.

Alice Peacock who grew up in Luck, performing May 5.

Ring of Kerry, performing March 17.

of Kerry. With a wide variety of traditional instruments and great Irish stories, this five-member group loves to help children connect to music making. Alice Peacock will offer her concert for kids on Saturday, May 5, and she is likely to share both her guitar and keyboard musicianship. In June, Pop Wagner will be in St. Croix Falls for a Father’s Day Eve concert, but earlier in the day he will take the stage with lasso in hand to tell cowboy stories, sing songs, and maybe even introduce his faithful dog, Wylie. And then in July, during Wannigan Days, the Pinery Boys will perform their collection of logging-era songs and stories for all ages.

Pop Wagner, performing June 16.

MARCH 7, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 17

Aussie Day at Frederic Schools

Among other instruments such as the Didgeridoo, Ian Lexen demonstrated the Bullroarer for the audience on Monday, March 5 at the Frederic Elementary School. The instrument produces an interesting roar when spun around quickly in a circular motion.

The students highlighted the importance of the wildlife on the continent of Australia, as they sang the song of the “Tiny Kangaroo.”

Some of the older students at Frederic Elementary School displayed and played the didgeridoo, which is a popular instrument in Australia. Pictured front (L) are Jaryd Braden.

Many of the elementary students celebrated the Australian walkabout by wearing various hats that are common in the australian outback.

Photos by Marty Seeger

The third-grade elementary class led the rest of the elementary students in the exciting song called “How Do Ya Do Today.”

At the start of the Australian program, students raised the Australian flag, and recited the Australian flag promise. The students also sang the Australian National Anthem.

The second-grade class recited similarities and differences with Australia and the United States.

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Lorie Line coming to Amery AMERY – Lorie Line will be performing in the Amery High School Auditorium, Amery, Thursday, June 14, at 7:30 p.m. Imagine the flamboyance of Liberace, the sincerity of Amy Grant, and the style of Shania Twain all rolled together...this describes pianist Lorie Line. And when you see her in concert, you quickly understand why she is billed as “America’s favorite female pianist.” Over the past 16 years, she has released 26 albums on her own independent label, selling over 5 million copies. She has published 20 books of sheet music and plays to over 100,000 people a year. Feature stories about Line have appeared nationally in Billboard, Nation’s Business, The Robb Report, Inc. magazine, Executive Female, The Wall Street Journal, Chicago Tribune, Better Homes & Gardens, Frontgate magazine, MORE magazine, and Midwest Home & Living. Her story has been featured on CNN, National Public Radio and Paul Harvey’s ABC News. Line will be playing with a small group of her favorite musicians for a more “unplugged” acoustic setting. It’s high interaction on the stage. She’ll be playing all the favorites from over the years, showcasing her original compositions and favorite standards, and sharing the personal stories that go behind the music. Tickets go on sale March 5 and are available at 1-800-801-5463 (LINE) or online at www.lorieline.com . All tickets are $32 and reserved seating. submitted

Festival of the Arts poster winners

Polk-Burnett brings safety message to local schools, fire departments

Schoolchildren from Siren/Webster were attentive and asked many questions during a power line safety demonstration by Polk-Burnett Electric Cooperative. Children were amazed with the flashes, flames, smoke and sizzles when contact was made with live power lines. They were entertained, but more important, they were informed about the dangers of power lines. Polk-Burnett also brought this important safety message to 300 local firefighters and first responders. – Photo submitted WEBSTER/SIREN – Linemen from Polk-Burnett Electric Cooperative brought a powerful message to local schools and fire departments. With a true-to-life series of flashes, flames, sizzles and smoke, they demonstrated that power lines are dangerous.

Polk-Burnett presented its power line safety demonstration at Webster and Siren schools last week and visited 11 local fire departments throughout the month of February. An actual 7,200-volt power line was used for each dramatic and realistic demonstration.

“The power line safety demonstrations excelled in meeting our goal of educating first responders, firefighters and local schoolchildren,” said Joan O’Fallon, director of communications for Polk-Burnett. “Schoolchildren were impressed by the safety equipment, gloves, goggles, hard hats and equipment used during the demonstration. Especially impressive was the use of actual energized power lines. You can tell that audiences were entertained, but more important, they were hearing and seeing a valuable lesson in safety.”

Topics for schoolchildren included keeping kites, toys and balls away from power lines, staying away from trees that contact power lines when climbing or building forts, and keeping clear of green transformer boxes commonly found in many rural backyards.

Topics for firefighters and first responders included knowing the difference between power lines that are energized and those that are not, providing assistance to someone who makes an electrical contact, responding to accidents involving vehicles that hit power lines or green transformer boxes, and learning safe ways to disconnect power during a fire. Presentations were made to about 300 local firefighters and first responders at local fire departments, including Webster, Jackson-Webb Lake-Scott, Grantsburg, Cushing, Loraine, Frederic, Luck, Centuria, Milltown, Balsam Lake and Garfield-Dresser-Osceola. – from PBEC

Church donates to CRA

Art students in the seventh and eighth grade at St. Croix Falls Middle School participated in a poster design contest to publicize the second-annual Festival of the Arts. This will be coming up on March 15 from 5-8 p.m. at the SCF Middle and High School. Contest winners are: front row (L to R): Nathan Barry (first place), Ryan Leach (second place); back row (L to R): Alicia Chelberg (third place), Lynell Packer (fourth place), and Elliott Frokjer (honorable mention). The winners and other participants’ posters will be on display at local businesses in the community. – Photo courtesy Jennifer Clemins, SCF art instructor

Jeanette Laqua (L) and Mary Wallin (R) from the Council of Catholic Women of St. Dominic Parish in Frederic, presented a check for $500 from proceeds of the holiday bazaar to LeAnn Mulroy from Safe and Stable Families of Burnett County to begin support programs for child victims of sexual abuse. If anyone would like more information on this very important program or to make a donation, please contact LeAnn Mulroy at 715-349-5545. – Special photo

MARCH 7, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 19

EDUCATION VIBRATIONS News from the Service SAN ANTONIO, Texas – Air Force Airman Thomas N. Wilson has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.

During the six weeks of training, the airman studied the Air Force mission, organization, and military customs and courtesies; performed drill and ceremony marches, and received physical training, rifle marksmanship, field

training exercises and special training in human relations.

In addition, airmen who complete basic training earn credits toward an associate degree through the community college of the Air Force.

He is the son of Jack Wilson of St. Croix Falls and Carol Wilson Moravitz of Roberts.

Wilson is a 2006 graduate of Valley Christian High School, St. Croix Falls. – submitted Wilson

The U.S. Army announces the enlistment of Lucas John Matthew Thompson, a 2007 graduate of Unity High School and the son of Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Jennrich of Milltown. Thompson will attend basic training in Missouri and advanced training in Oklahoma as a cannon crewmem-

ber. He received an enlistment bonus of $21,000 and $37,224 under the Montgomery GI Bill for his future educational expenses. His recruiter is SSG Jeremy Hetrick of the Rice Lake recruiting station. – from the U.S. Army

Kindergarten registration/screening set SIREN – Siren Elementary School will hold 4-year-old Kindergarten and Kindergarten Registration/Screening/Orientation on Friday, March 23.

The kindergarten registration and screening is intended for children who will enter kindergarten in the fall of 2007.

Children eligible for kindergarten placement must be 5 years old on or before Sept. 1. For an appointment time, please call 349-2278 prior to March 15.

Four-year-old kindergarten registration is for children who will be 4 years old on or before Sept. 1. Persons may call 3492278 for an appointment time.

The Wisconsin immunization law requires a booster dose of measles-mumpsrubella vaccine for children ages 4-6 years previous to entering kindergarten. Immunization records and a copy of the birth

certificate should be brought to your appointment. If parents have questions about immunization, contact your family physician or county health office.

If your child has attended the 4-year-old program or early childhood at Siren school, he/she will not need to be screened for kindergarten. He/she will need only to be registered for kindergarten. If your child has not attended either program here at Siren, please let us know when you call for your appointed time. We will need to screen your child during that time.

For questions regarding screening or any educational concerns, please contact the Siren Elementary School at 349-2278. – from Siren Schools

ACT test deadline set STATEWIDE – College-bound high school students can register by March 9 for the next national ACT test date. The test will be administered nationwide on Saturday, April 14. Students who miss the March 9 deadline can do a late reg-

istration for an additional fee. The late registration deadline is March 23. Students can register online at www.actstudent.org or they can get registration materials from high school counselors.

– submitted

Academic news MANKATO, MINN. – Cassondra Killeen of Inver Grove Heights, Minn., has been accepted for admission at Bethany Lutheran College in Mankato, Minn. She is the daughter of Thomas Killeen of Inver Grove Heights, Minn., and Bonita Kettula of Frederic. She is a senior at St. Croix Lutheran High School.

••• TROY, N.Y. – David T. MaidenMueller has been named to the fall 2007 dean’s list at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. The list recognizes fulltime students who maintain grade-point averages of a minimum of 3.0 out of a possible 4.0 and have no grades below C. Maiden-Mueller is a

sophomore majoring in aeronautical engineering. – from RPI ••• RIVER FALLS - Bachelor’s degrees were awarded to 330 students following fall semester at UW-River Falls.

Master’s degrees were awarded to 41 students.

Among local students receiving degrees were: Rolland Davison, Cushing (business administration); Sarah Nicole, Cushing (psychology); Laura E. Merrifield, Frederic (chemistry/animal science); Brandon Owens, Frederic (dairy science); Jamie Thompson, Frederic (biology/criminal justice/conservation). – from UW – River Falls

Attention: SCF grads ST. CROIX FALLS – Graduates planning secondary education and training may be eligible to receive a scholarship from the St. Croix Falls District Dollars for Scholars.

Those students are asked to stop by the St. Croix Falls High School office

and pick up an application or have a family member pick one up for them.

Contact Shelly at 715-483-9823 with any questions. All applications must be in the high school office by April 1. – from SCFDDS

Moore honored for sales LUCK – Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Northwoods of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan regional financial office has announced that financial consultant Cris Moore, FICF, has been named the RFO’s leading producer for 2006 as well as overall leader in Life, Risk and Annuity production.

Moore ranked No. 1 out of the 62 financial representatives in the Northwoods district. He serves the Thrivent Financial members and their families in Luck and the surrounding communities. He has worked for Thrivent Financial for Lutherans or its predecessor since 1991. – from TFL

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MARCH 7, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 21

OBITUARIES Ashley N. Severson

Charles W. Smith

Edna Gutierrez Jones

Ashley N. Severson, Amery, died March 1, 2007, in an automobile accident in rural Amery. She was 16 years old.

She was born Nov. 27, 1990, in New Richmond, the daughter of John and Jewel Severson. They have made their home in Deer Park since 1993. She was a student at Amery High School and was active in school activities. She was involved in choir, dance team, color guard, volleyball and was a cheerleader. She was the ultimate hockey fan and enjoyed four-wheeling, snowboarding and shopping.

She was preceded in death by her grandfather, John Severson.

She is survived by her parents, John and Jewel Severson; grandparents, Ruth Severson, Edward Jorgenson and Catherine Jorgenson; great-grandmother, Shirley Jorgenson; as well as other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held on Monday, March 5, 2007, at Our Saviors Lutheran Church with Pastor Terri Koca officiating. Music was provided by Patricia Fouks and Jeanine Carlson and the Amery High School Choir. Organist was Becky Sunde. Interment was at the Calvary Cemetery in Deer Park.

Casket bearers were Arlyn Severson, Greg Severson, Dan Severson, Brandon Severson, Mark Jorgenson and Mitchell Thompson.

The Williamson Funeral Home, Amery, was entrusted with arrangements.

Charles W. Smith 69, of Webster, previously of Aurora, Ill., died Feb. 22, after a two-year struggle from complications from a rare disease, polychoneritis.

He was born Jan. 27, 1938, in Aurora, Ill. Charlie was a graduate of West Aurora High School. After graduation, he worked for his father’s construction company, Charles J. Smith Construction/General Contractor. He played football for the Aurora Clippers and also played softball for the 3rd Ward Social Club. He was a member of the National Association of Letter Carriers Branch #219 Aurora, Ill. He was a member of the 3rd Ward Social Club, Phoenix Club, Aurora Moose, Italian American Club and The Lucky 50 Club. He was also a member of St. Nicholas Catholic Church, Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church and St. Peter’s during the years he resided in Aurora. Upon his move up north, he became a member of the Siren Moose Lodge, and also joined the Siren Lions Club, where he also held the position of president for two years, and received the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award. He was also a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Webster. He started his postal career as a city letter carrier for the Aurora Post Office in October of 1961 and worked as a city letter carrier until his retirement in October of 1992. During these 31 years as a letter carrier, he became a staunch union member. He joined the union in 1962, The National Association of Letter Carriers Branch #219 Aurora, Ill., a position he held until being elected as president for the Illinois State Association of Letter Carriers in 1985 a position he held until 1993. While serving in the capacity as the state president, he also served as a Local Business Agent. Before being elected as the state president, Charlie also served as an executive board member and chairman of the executive board for the Illinois State Association of Letter Carriers. He was also Aurora’s Union Man of the Year for the Labor Day Parade. He also served as co-chairman for the United States Postal Service/National Association of Letter Carriers Employee involvement process for the Central Illinois District. Charlie also tended bar for 35 years before his move up north for Stoncy’s Tavern in Aurora, Ill., where he worked for many great owners, and was fondly known as “Choo-Choo.” Upon his move up north he worked for the Clam Lake Association, tended bar at Sisters on the Shore and Jed’s Laker Lounge. He also worked at the Siren Glen Golf Course and Big Mike’s Bait Shop He is survived by his loving friend and companion, Faye Russ; Denise (Gerald) Lewis, Daniel (Jayne) Smith, Dodie (Dennis) Whitmer; five grandchildren, Aubrye Lewis, Dominie Lewis, Cody Lewis, Dekota Lewis and Grahm Smith. A great-grandson Gabriel Lewis; two sisters, Ruth Davis and Shirley Faultz; and his bestfriend from childhood, Lyle Massie.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Charles J. Smith and Florence (Ingraham) Smith; two brothers, Carl and Mike Smith; and one sister, Muriel McCrimmon and his beloved dog, Luke.

Funeral services were held on Friday, March 2, at St. Johns the Baptist Catholic Church in Webster with Father Michael Tupa officiating.

In lieu of flowers, active and retired letter carriers are asked to make donations to IPALC (Illinois Political Active Letter Carriers) in memory of Charles W. Smith.

IPALC, PO Box 561, Orland Park, IL 60462 The Swedberg - Taylor Funeral Home of Webster, was entrusted with arrangements.

Edna Gutierrez Jones, 83, lost her battle with cancer on March 3, 2007.

She was born Feb 29, 1924, to Abel and Ofelia Gutierrez in Old Town Albuquerque.

Edna graduated from high school, business school and worked for the U.S. Army Air Corp in Albuquerque. Immediately after WW II, she worked for the Quarter Master General in Washington for three years in the program to bring home the remains of our servicemen that were killed during the war. Most of the 407,000 men killed were buried in American cemeteries in the country where they were killed.

Edna returned to Albuquerque and worked in the U.S. Air Force, Office of Strategic Intelligence for 10 years. From there she joined the U.S. Foreign Service and was the Records Supervisor for the Agency for International Development and served at many different embassies around the world. One of them was Saigon, during the Vietnam war. She retired from USAID while she was posted in Bolivia, South America, in 1975, and married Samuel Jones in Chicago that same year.

She traveled with her husband to various cities where he was assigned by FAA throughout the Midwest, and almost a year in Washington D.C. This gave her the opportunity to renew old friendships from her postwar years and meet many of her foreign service friends that passed through Washington when they were reassigned from one post to another.

After her husband retired from FAA, she accompanied him to Botswana in Southern Africa where he took a two-year assignment with the United Nations. They traveled extensively throughout southern Africa from Cape Town to Victoria Falls spending considerable time in the game parks and desert in-between. After they returned to the U.S., they bought a home in Albuquerque and built a summer home on a lake near Siren that later became their legal residence.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Mary; and brother, Manny Gutierrez.

She is survived by her husband, Samuel Jones; sisters, Lupe Gutierrez and Emma De Raad; two stepdaughters, Joy Jones Meadows and Jackie Jones Elliott; and eight nieces and nephews.

Memorial service will be held at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Parish in Rio Rancho, N.M., on Friday, March 9.

Her remains will be interned at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis next summer.

Allen E. Warden Allen E. Warden, 69, a resident of Webster, died March 4, 2007, at Abbott Northwestern Hospital.

Memorial services will be held Saturday, March 10, at 1 p.m. at the Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home. A visitation will be prior to services from noon to 1 p.m.

The Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home, Webster, was entrusted with arrangements.

Myrtle (Wassbug) Schworer Myrtle Gladys Lurene Schworer, 88, died March 1, 2007, at the Good Samaritan Home, St. Croix Falls.

Gladys was born Oct. 9, 1918, in Polk County, to Enoch and Oline (Lomo) Wassbug. She was baptized Myrtle Gladys Lurene, but used Gladys L. as her legal name.

Gladys attended school in Balsam Lake. After graduation, she went to Minneapolis, Minn., to work. She moved to Chicago, Ill., where she and her sister, Ardyce, lived and worked. Gladys worked for many years as a bookkeeper for Wm. Dietz Co. of Chicago. She also volunteered at the mission.

Gladys married Theron Schworer on Aug. 1, 1971.

They moved to Los Angles, Calif., to work in a mission.

They moved back to the Midwest, settling in New Richmond and later moved to St. Croix Falls.

Gladys was always active in her church, singing, playing piano and helping with the children’s classes.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; brothers Milo and Russell; sisters Lucille and Ardyce.

She is survived by sister, Violet Waldenstrom; nephew, Steven Waldenstrom; nieces, Mary Lipert and Carol Ellis.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, March 7 at The Calvary Church of the Nazarene, St. Croix Falls, with Pastor Lori Ward officiating. A spring interment at Sand Lake Cemetery is planned.

Edling Funeral Home, St. Croix Falls, was entrusted with the arrangements.

EDLING FUNERALHOME 201 N. Adams St. St. Croix Falls, WI (715) 483-3141

E

EDLING TAYLOR FUNERALHOME 387 State Rd. 70 Grantsburg, WI (715) 463-2994

PAGE 22 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- MARCH 7, 2007

OBITUARIES

Pierre Schiebel

Noah C. Bibeau

Pierre Norbert Schiebel, Centuria, 91, died March 3, 2007.

He was born Dec. 21, 1915, to Etta Branham Schiebel and Perry Lyman Schiebel in Sioux City, Iowa. The family moved to Milan , Minn., where he started school, then to Centuria, where Pierre graduated from high school in 1934.

His barbering career started while working at St. Croix Falls in the CC Corps. In the early ‘50s he worked as a barber with his uncle Ollie Schiebel in Cumberland, while attending barber school in Eau Claire. He cut hair along side his son, Peter, for over 40 years in Luck, until he retired at the age of 86. Pierre was a gentle man who loved telling stories, and had a positive outlook on life.

He will always be remembered for his smile and hardy laugh. He loved the Lord and served on church boards, and as a Sunday school teacher for many years.

Pierre married his high school sweetheart in 1941 and to this union two children were born, Peter and Susan.

He served in the Navy during World War II. Pierre was preceded in death by his wife, Lois Schiebel; and his brother, Bill Schiebel.

Pierre is survived by his children, Peter Schiebel (Sharon) of Cushing and Susan Eliason (Elmer) of Luck; five grandchildren, Paul (Andrea) Schiebel, Steve (Lisa) Schiebel, Amy (Byron Moore) Eliason, Beth (John) Hudson, Leah Eliason; and ten great-grandchildren, and special friend, Bernice Olson.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 10, at Evangelical Free Church, Frederic.

Noah Bibeau, 92, Frederic, formerly of Bayport, Minn., died peacefully at St. Croix Regional Medical Center, St. Croix Falls, on Monday, Feb. 26, 2007.

Noah was born Jan. 9, 1915, in Stillwater, Minn., the son of Adolphus and Mathilda Bibeau.

Noah married Dorothy Rickers in 1938 and for most of their married life they resided in Bayport, Minn. He was employed by Andersen Corporation until his retirement in 1976. Together they had two sons, Henry Thomas and Richard Dean. They enjoyed 59 years together and lived life to the fullest.

Noah and Dorothy were active volunteers working with stroke patients at the Courage Center in Stillwater, Minn., for many years. He was an avid fisherman, enjoyed playing cards and reading westerns.

For the past five years, Noah has been residing in Frederic, with his son and daughter-in-law, Richard and Darla Bibeau. Noah was a member of St. Dominic’s Catholic Church in Frederic.

Noah was preceded in death by his father; mother; wife; three sisters, Elice, Gertrude and Lorraine; and two brothers, Ronald and Robert.

Noah is survived by his brother, Henry Thomas (Patricia) and family of Frederic; son, Henry Thomas (Marge) and granddaughter, Julie, of Neola, Iowa; son, Richard Dean (Darla) of Frederic; other grandchildren, Craig of Coon Rapids, Minn., Amy of Minneapolis, Minn., Kayla of Luck, Susan of Big Lake; great-grandchildren, Zachary Petersen and Ashley Moen; numerous nieces and nephews.

Vistation was held Saturday, March 3, at the Rowe Funeral Home, Frederic. A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Charles Catholic Church in Bayport, Minn., at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, April 17. Burial will follow at St. Michaels Cemetery in Bayport, Minn.

Memorials should be made to Courage St. Croix in Stillwater, Minn., in care of Richard Bibeau, 3034 180th Street, Frederic, WI 54837.

Nicole E. Peterson Nicole E. Peterson, Amery, died March 1, 2007, at Regions Hospital in St. Paul, Minn. She was 16 years old.

Nicole was born Jan. 10, 1991, in Maplewood, Minn., the daughter of Alan and Jane Peterson. She moved to Amery in 2001 and was a sophomore at Amery High School. She coached gymnastics for small children, was active on the dance team, cheerleading and choir. She was an outdoors girl and enjoyed hunting and fishing.

She was preceded in death by her father, Alan Peterson.

She is survived by her parents, Mike and Jane Ricci; sister, Jackie Peterson; grandparents, Clayton and Florence Peterson, Arlene Gorz and Ray and Diane Ricci; and other relatives and many friends.

Funeral services were held March 6, at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Amery with Very Reverend John Drummy officiating. Interment was at the East Immanuel Cemetery.

Casket bearers were Joe Vierkandt, Bill Vierkandt, Eric Christensen, Chance Green, David Carlson, Nathan Gorz and Adam Gorz.

The Williamson Funeral Home, Amery, was entrusted with arrangements.

Charlotte M. Selander

June K. Westlund June K. Westlund, 95, a resident of Siren, formerly of Minnetonka, Minn., died March 3, 2007, at the home of her daughter in Siren.

Jane was a past member of the Minnetonka Baptist Church and a member of the Falun Baptist Church in Falun. Jane was active in the American Red Cross, Youth for Christ and the American Swedish Institute.

She had been a Sunday school teacher for many years.

She was a longtime member of the Minnetonka Camera Club and the National Photo Association.

Jane was preceded in death by her first husband, Carl H. Westlund; and her second husband, Alfred Engdahl; and daughter, Barbara Bowman.

Jane is survived by her daughter, Cynthia (Steven) Thomas of Siren; and son, Mark Westlund of Minnesota; five grandchildren, Kent Wahlen, Kerry (Dr. Michael) Sherman, Robert (Bonnie) Bowman, Alison Bowman and Kate Westlund; three great-grandchildren, Brittaney (Erik) Rank, Brigitte Sherman and Ross Bowman; two great-great-grandchildren, Emma Jane Rank and Evan Michael Rank; one niece, Carol Wilson; and three nephews, Tom (Loretta) Chase, Jay Chase and Dennis (Nola) Chase.

Graveside services will be Friday, March 9, at 10 a.m. at Sunset Memorial Park in St. Anthony, Minn. Memorials are preferred to Regional Hospice, 2101 Beaver St., Ashland, WI 54806.

The Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home, Webster, was entrusted with arrangements.

Wilbur W. Tyson

Wilbur W. Tyson, 74, of Balsam Lake, died Feb. 21, 2007.

He was preceded in death by parents, C. Ernest and Evelyn (Tiffany) Tyson.

He is survived by wife, Nancy, of Balsam Lake; son, Todd of Downey, Calif.; three grandchildren; brothers, Floyd (Joyce) Tyson of Shullsburg, Keith Tyson of Lake Larry C. Gault, 42, of Balsam Lake, and formerly of City, Minn. and Bob Tyson of Mineral Wells, Texas; sister, Lois (William) Leahy of Shullsburg; many nieces, Wrenshall, Minn., died Saturday, Feb. 24, 2007.

He was born Sept. 11, 1964, in Cloquet on the Fond nephews; special sisters-in-law, Jean (Geo) Stanndard du Lac Reservation. Larry served with the United States of St. Croix Falls, Pat Johnson of St. Croix Falls and Army in 1984-1987 and worked as a truck driver for D. Karen Pitts of Blaine, Minn.

The Edling Funeral Home, St. Croix Falls, was enBiscoe Trucking. He loved Native American artwork trusted with arrangements. and drawing; and enjoyed working on cars. Larry especially loved spending time with his son, Jesse.

Larry is survived by his wife, Lisa Simon; his parents, EDLING EDLING TAYLOR Walter and Norma Gault of Wrenshall, Minn.; one son, FUNERALHOME FUNERALHOME Jesse Gault; one stepdaughter, Kassandra Simon; three 201 N. Adams St. 387 State Rd. 70 brothers, Dennis (Penny) Gault of St. Anthony, Minn., St. Croix Falls, WI Grantsburg, WI Paul (Sarah) Gault of Osceola and Ralph (Dawn) (715) 483-3141 (715) 463-2994 Reynolds of Barnum; two sisters, Barb (Steve) Hilton of Brookston and Kim Ammesmaki of Duluth, Minn.; a half sister, Yvonne (LeRoy) Shabaiash of Cloquet; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

Visitation was held Friday, March 2, at Nelson Funeral Care in Cloquet. A funeral service was held at the Nelson Funeral Care on Saturday, March 3. Spring interment services will be at Silverbrook Cemetery in Wrenshall.

Nelson Funeral Care, was entrusted with arrangements.

Larry C. Gault

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Charlotte M. Selander, 80, of Grantsburg, died on March 5, 2007, at Burnett Medical Center.

The visitation will be held Friday, March 9, from 5 – 8 p.m. at Bethany Lutheran Church, Branstad. Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 10, 2 p.m. at Jon A. Carson, 56, a resident of Siren, died March 2, Bethany Lutheran Church, Branstad. Visitation one hour prior from 1 – 2 p.m. at the church. Interment will 2007, at his home.

Services will be held at a later date. be at Riverside Cemetery in Grantsburg on Saturday, The Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home, Webster, was March 10, noon.

The Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home, Webster, was entrusted with arrangements. entrusted with arrangements.

Jon A. Carson

MARCH 7, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 23

CHURCH NEWS It’s Invigorating!

After my pup had been fed, pampered and petted, all she wanted to do was play. She had a box filled with toys that would have made any child drool. Every new toy became her favorite for a while.

Sometimes her obsession for toys was so great, it confused her, causing her to carry two toys around at once.

Her passion for play reminded me of my own propensity to seek out new PERSPECTIVES “toys.” At one time my obsession for quilting caused me to eat, sleep, and dream about quilts. At another time, it was shopping.

Once, it was cooking. And I still struggle with a couple compulsions.

Eating, for instance. And reading. I’d guess that each of you readers could substitute your own toy obsessions.

Watching TV. Sports. Partying. Hanging out with friends.

The list goes on.

There’s nothing wrong with hobbies or interests. It’s only when they become obsessive that we risk losing out on a close relationship with God our father and his son, Jesus Christ. Psalm 119 – all 176 verses – speaks about putting God’s word first. We know how easy it is to put other things first, don’t we? So the psalmist tells us to “turn (our) eyes from seeing vanity; in your way give (us) life.” (Verse 37) The message translation says: “Divert my eyes from toys and trinkets; invigorate me on the pilgrim way.”

I like the way the message translates vanity as toys and trinkets – things that give us fleeting satisfaction.

On the other hand, the word “invigorate” means to quicken, restore, revive or be whole. Unlike my pup, I’d rather opt for invigoration in my life than be obsessed about playing with toys. And that comes only from following God’s ways—the pilgrim way.

Lord, you know we all need play time. Point out our vanities to us and help us discern when to put our toys away and be invigorated by your presence and word. In Jesus’ name, amen.

(Mrs. Bair may be reached at sallybair@gmail.com)

Sally Bair

ETERNAL

OBITUARIES Patricia A. McDonough Patricia A. (O’Connor) McDonough, a resident of Capeside Cove, formerly of St. Paul, Minn., died Feb. 24, 2007, at the age of 85.

Patricia was born August 29, 1921, to Dorothy and Emmett O’Connor in St. Paul, Minn. She was a sister to Emmett, Peter, Barbara, Jerry and Jim. She attended Ames Grade School, Mounds Park Grade School and graduated from Harding High School in St. Paul, Minn. After graduation, she was employed by the Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company, and from there she found her vocation and first love as a sales clerk at the Emporium Department Store and Eastern Heights State.

She was a war bride, marrying John J. McDonough on Feb. 2, 1943. After John was discharged from the service they made their home on the east side of St. Paul, Minn.

Pat was an active member of the American Legion and president of the Auxiliary of Hazel Park for many years. She was also active on the St. Paul area Political Action Committee. She was an accomplished bowler, and learned the game of golf in her fifties.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, John and Peter; nephews, Dennis and Michael.

She is survived by brothers, Emmett (Bernice) of Webster, Jerry (Barbara) of Elk River, Minn. and James (Lorraine) of West St. Paul, Minn.; sister, Barbara Munger of Siren; many nieces and nephews; and many great and great-great nieces and nephews.

Memorial services will be held Friday, March 9, at Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home, Siren Chapel at 11 a.m. Visitation will be held prior to services at the chapel from 10 – 11 a.m. Pastor Mike Ascher will be officiating. Music will be provided by organist Fran McBroom and soloist Corrine Root.

The Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home, Siren, was entrusted with arrangements.

Kenneth O. Stonesifer Kenneth O. Stonesifer, 84, of West Sweden, died on March 6, 2007, at the United Pioneer Home in Luck.

Kenneth was a member of the Wisconsin and Illinois State Bar Associations, Wild River Shrine Club, Medina Temple Shrine and VFW of Lewis.

He is survived by his wife, Helen “Holly;” sons Mark and Kurt Stonesifer; daugher Margo Sandeen; four grandchildren and brother Donald Stonesifer.

The family will have private services. Rowe Funeral Home of Luck, was entrusted with the arrangements.

A Wise Choice

Spirit respected God’s Word as given by His Son, how presumptuous and foolish is it for man to (Part 9 in a series) feel that he can alter, change, add to, subtract from As mentioned in the last article, there are or substitute any of what God has given? some who would argue that they do not like This same principle is shown by the respect for what the Old Testament scriptures say about the Gospel, by both Angels and the Apostles.

God, and His demand for obedience to His “But though we (Paul is speaking of himself and commands. Some people only wish to read the the other apostles here), or an angel from heaven, scripture, “God is Love” (1 John 4:16) and nothpreach any other gospel unto you than that which ing else. While it is true that God is love, we we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.” must remember that the love of God is a bal(Galatians 1:8) Paul teaches that, neither the aposance. Love sometimes means affection, while tles nor angels have the authority to alter God’s other times it means discipline. “For we know word as it was given. If either of them attempted THE him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto to, they would face the same consequences. me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And We must understand that respect for God’s again, The Lord shall judge his people. It is a word is demanded and if we wish to enter into fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living Heaven and spend eternity with our Father in God.” (Hebrews 10:30-31) Heaven, then we must do His will “Not every one When we turn to the pages of the New Testament, we that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingcan see Christ’s continual obedience and respect for the dom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father will of God. “Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.” (John Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name and in thy 4:34; see also John 5:19,30; 6:38; 8:28; and 12:49-50). Sixteen name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many times in the Gospel account, Jesus referred to the impor- wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I tance of “that which was written”. Ten times He asked never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. them, in their ignorance; “Have you not read?” If Jesus, Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and who is one with God, felt the need to accept the word of doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built His Father exactly as it had been given, then how much his house upon a rock…” (Matthew 7:21-24) I believe we more important should it be for us to recognize the need are all familiar with the rest of this story. Will you be like ourselves? the wise man and obey the will of God? Or will you be Even the Holy Spirit, the third part of the Godhead, rec- like the foolish man and face God’s discipline? The choice ognized that He could not speak of His own accord, but is yours. only as designated from God the Father, through His Son, “For if we sin willfully after that we have received the to the Holy Spirit. “But the Comforter, which is the Holy knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall for sins” (Heb 10:26). teach you all things, and bring all things to your rememIf readers have questions or simply wish to know more brance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” (John 14:26) about the Church of Christ, we invite you to call 715-866and “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will 7157 or stop by the church building at 7425 W. Birch St. in guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; Webster. Office hours are Tuesdays through Fridays 9 but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he a.m.-noon. Sunday Bible class begins at 9:30 a.m., Worship will show you things to come.” (John 16:13) If the Holy is at 10:30 a.m. and Wednesday evening class is at 7 p.m.

Garret Derouin

PREACHER’S

PEN

Bethany makes chemo caps for cancer patients Silas Vasatka, age 6, and Marlene Crandall displayed a colorful array of handmade chemo caps following the 10:30 a.m. worship service at Bethany Lutheran Church in Siren March 4. The caps were made by members of the congregation and will be sent to cancer patients at United Hospital in St. Paul, Minn. The chemo cap project was inspired by Shari Nelson, who shared the pattern and project idea with the Bethany congregation. In another effort, Bethany will host a spaghetti supper to support youth attending Bible camp this summer. Dinner will be served from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, March 9.

Everyone is welcome to attend. The sermon for March 4, the second Sunday of Lent, focused on Luke 13:34, “How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings.”

Bethany holds worship services every Sunday at 8 and 10:30 a.m., with fellowship activities for all ages on Wednesday evenings. For more information, call 715349-5280. – from Bethany Lutheran Church, Siren

Ladies morning retreat set FREDERIC - The ministry of Ladies Morning Retreat at the Frederic Evangelical Free Church would like to invite all women to come March 16 at 9:15 a.m. Enjoy fellowship, discussion and reflection on the topic of “Pausing for Perspective” as we enter this season of

Lent and Easter. Please come for encouragement, support and a fresh spiritual and biblical perspective.

Child care is provided. – submitted

Girls Night Out at Bethesda Lutheran The first Girls Night Out was a great success with women working on many crafts. The get-together was from 4 p.m. to midnight and the projects featured knitting, scrapbooking, beading, quilting and embroidery. Of course, eating and laughter were also a big part of the evening. The next night out event will be March 9 from 4 p.m. to midnight. Please join us for an evening of fun and fellowship.

Questions? Call 755-2562. —Photo submitted

PAGE 24 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- MARCH 7, 2007

CHURCH NEWS

Education is inefficient, but its importance is beyond doubt Q: I've heard that we forget more than 80 percent of what we learn. When you consider the cost of getting an education, I wonder why we put all that effort into examinations, textbooks, homework and years spent in boring classrooms. Is education really worth what we invest in it?

DR. DOBSON: In fact, it is. There are many valid reasons for learning, even if forgetting will take its usual toll.

First, one of the important functions of the learning process is the self-discipline and self-control that it fosters. Good students learn to follow directions, carry out assignments and channel their mental faculties.

Second, even if the facts and concepts can't be recalled, the individual knows they exist and where to find them. He or she can retrieve the information if needed.

Third, old learning makes new learning easier. Each mental exercise gives us more associative cues with which to link future ideas and concepts, and we are changed for having been through the process of learning.

Fourth, we don't really forget everything that is beyond the reach of our memories. The information is stored in the brain and will return to consciousness when properly stimulated.

And fifth, we are shaped by the influence of intelligent and charismatic people who taught us.

I wish there were an easier, more efficient process for shaping human minds than the slow and painful expe-

rience of education. But until a "learning pill" is developed, the old-fashioned approach will have to do.

••• Q: My former wife and I were married for 13 years before we divorced two years ago. She has since remarried and has custody of our 12-year-old daughter.

Dr. James Recently, I've learned that my ex Dobson wife is saying things to our daughter that I feel are damaging to her spirit. She frequently blames her weight problem, smoking addiction and financial woes on our daughter ("I wouldn't be in this mess if it weren't for you"). She also has no respect for our daughter's boundaries, and routinely confiscates cash gifts that are received for birthday or Christmas presents.

Since I am no longer recognized as the primary care provider, I am somewhat hesitant to raise objections. Still, she is my daughter, and it pains me to see her subjected to this kind of abuse. Should I step in and make things right?

DR. DOBSON: I'm sure what you are witnessing is extremely distressing, and I wish there were legal remedies to help you protect your daughter. Within certain limits, however, your ex -wife is permitted by the court to be a bad mother and even do things that are harmful to the child. If you attack her or try to place her on the defensive, you could even make things tougher for your daughter. Apart from what you can accomplish with your wife through negotia-

FOCUS ON THE

FAMILY

tion and personal influence, then, your hands are tied.

There is, however, so much that you can do directly with your daughter, even though you don't have custody over her. Work hard on that relationship. Be there for her when she needs you. Give her the best of your love and attention when she visits. At 12 years of age, she is at the most vulnerable time of her life and needs a father who thinks she is very special. You can have a profound influence on her if you demonstrate your love and concern consistently during this difficult period of her life.

Remember too, that the present situation may be temporary. Teenagers are given greater latitude in deciding which parent they want to live with. By your daughter's choice, you might have custody of her in a year or two. Until then, all you can do is the best you can do. I pray that it will be enough.

••• Dr. Dobson is founder and chairman of the board of the nonprofit organization Focus on the Family, P.O. Box 444, Colorado Springs, CO. 80903; or www.family.org. Questions and answers are excerpted from "The Complete Marriage and Family Home Reference Guide" and "Bringing Up Boys," both published by Tyndale House.

COPYRIGHT 2007 JAMES DOBSON INC., DISTRIBUTED BY UNIVERSAL PRESS SYNDICATE 4520 Main St., Kansas City, Mo. 64111; 816-932 6600.

Brought to you by:

Siren Assembly of God Siren

MARCH 7, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 25

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Frederic Honor Roll Grade 7 April Halverson, Christopher Hopp, Seneca Lundeen Brooks, Megan Amundson, Jordyn Siebenthal, Erik Stoner, Corissa Schmidt, Lauren Domagala, Nicholas Rognrud, Leah Engebretson, Joseph Engelhart, Alexander Miller, Allison Martin, Bradley Knauber, Dayton Rivera, Sara Underwood, Danielle Swanson, Michael Tesch, Maria Miller, Waylon Buck, Alexandra Lundblade, Nicole Coulter and Autumn Schmidt.

Grade 8 Allison Anderson, Tanesha Carlson, Daniel Halverson, Sarah Knauber, Isabel Lexen, Samantha Nelson, Anthony Peterson, Ryan Anderson, Kayla Nelson, Jesse Chouinard, Ashley Bergeron, Tiffani Demarre, Kayla Karl, Vanessa Neumann, Jade Johnson, John Chelmo, Brady McWilliam, Ryan Phernetton, Abby Lindahl and Jimmy Richter.

Grade 9 Kendra Wells, Amanda Runnels, Nicole Root, Christine Chenal, Adam Hardenbergh, William Primm, Alexsandra Lonetti, Marissa Nelson, Bradley Thomas, Amber Boyle-Carlson, Sadie Kettula, Joel Anderson, Terri McKinney, Haley

Kurkowski, Baylee Heimstra, Danielle Peterson, Michael Elrod, Danielle Pearce, Cathryn McConnell, Joel Knauber, Cody Hallanger, Chad Chenal and Thomas Gravelle.

Grade 10 Megan Anderson, Adrianna Otte, Rebecca Anderson, David Harlander, Sarah Lexen, Bobbi Jo O’Brien, Brett Williamson, Zachary D. Anderson, Benjamin Knauber, Kelly Daeffler, Patrick Eaton, Candace Buck, Amy Jones, Chelsey Chute, Bryan Meyer, Peter Draxler and Orianna Tesch.

Grade 11 Megan Neumann, Kyle Swenson, River Karl, Alexandria Delosier, Amy Soppeland, Melanie Chenal, Jessica Owens, Ashley Heine, Michelle Owens, Yuting Wang, Holly Stoner, Paola Poliseno, Erin Schmidt, Lisa Chelmo, Savanna Pearson, Samuel Halverson, Perry Anderson, Benjamin G. Anderson, Danielle Gadbois, Christi Jensen, Dustin Gabrielson, Alicia Strenke, Kanan Hackett, Kendra Letch and Kelly Wondra.

Grade 12 Julia Haas, Traci Lundeen, Dawn Harlander, Lynnea

Chelmo, Kristen Anderson, Kelli Swenson, Amanda Jo Lindahl, Bryan Knauber, Jennifer Murphy, Jacob Schmidt, Anne Lexen, Emily Didlo, Ann Nelson, Chad Wondra, Kyung Chung, Elliott Lund, Donald Rogers, Steven Lake, Taylor Bergeron, Jacob Schommer, Rachel O’Brien, Joshua Nelson, Joseph McKinney and Alison Lake.

Academic news DULUTH, Minn. – Danielle Hischer, Luck, has been named to the 2006 fall semester dean’s list at The College of St. Scholastica, Duluth, Minn. Hischer is the daughter of Dan and Paula Hischer, Luck.

••• RIVER FALLS – Jennifer Rogers, Frederic, has been named to the 2006 fall semester dean’s list at UW-River Falls.

Rogers is the daughter of Roland and Charlene Rogers and a 2006 graduate of Frederic High School.

MARCH 7, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 27

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MARCH 7, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 29

Ongoing Events

AA Meetings: United Methodist Church, Danbury, 1 block north of Main Street on 1st Street.

Thursdays, noon.

AA and Al-Anon Meetings: Every Monday night at Frederic Pilgrim Lutheran Church basement at 7 p.m.

Amateur (Ham) Radio, holds its monthly breakfast the second Saturday of every month, 8 a.m. at the Fox Den in Balsam Lake with a meeting at approx. 9 a.m. at the Polk County Government Center.

Amery - Truckload of food provided each month by Polk County Christians in Action on the second and fifth Saturdays at the Congregational Church in Amery at 201 Harriman Ave. N, 268-7390. Donation of $10 per family requested. Persons will receive fresh fruits, vegetables, breads, and other food as available.

Amery - DivorceCare divorce recovery seminar meets Monday at 7 p.m., for 13 weeks, at Apple River Community Church, located on Hwy. 8. Call Bruce Tanner for information at 715-268-8360 or Gary Alexander at 715-2682724.

Balsam Lake Community Club meets the fourth Tuesday of every month, 7 p.m., at Balsam Lake Village Hall.

Boy Scout Troop #128 is holding an ongoing aluminum can collection fundraiser. Contributions can be dropped off at the trailer parked at Great Northern Outdoors in Frederic.

Burnett County Adult Day Care meets every Tuesday at Birchwood Manor in Siren from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. and every Thursday at Cedarwood

Manor in Webster from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Burnett County Citizen Patrol, meets the 4th Thursday of the month, 7 p.m., government center.

Burnett Community Library Adult Craft Club, meets every Thursday, 10 a.m. - noon at the library in Webster.

Caregivers Support Group meets every third Wednesday at Capeside Cove, 4 p.m.

500 Cards at Cushing Community Center, every Wednesday at 1 p.m.

Dresser - Tot-Time, an hour of Bible stories, music, crafts and a snack, is held at the first and third Tuesdays, Sept. through May, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Peace Lutheran Church.

Please contact the church office to register at 755-2515.

Family Child Care Professionals Network, meets the third Thursday of each month, 7 p.m.

Call 715-483-1482 for info. Family child care providers welcome!

Frederic American Legion Post & Unit #249, meets the third Monday of every month at the Legion Hall, 7:30 p.m., unless otherwise announced.

Frederic Booster Club meets the first Sunday each month at 6 p.m. in the high school.

Frederic Historical Society to meet the fourth Thursday of every month at the Golden Oaks Apartments, 6:30 p.m.

Frederic Senior Center welcomes everyone.

Hours are 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily except Sundays. Mondays, Spades played at 1:30 p.m., Wednesdays Pokeno played at 1:30 p.m., Thursdays 500 cards played at 6:30 p.m. Bingo at 1:30 p.m. and pool or other card games during the afternoon. Business meeting the first Fri-

day of each month.

Frederic TOPS meets 5:30 p.m. on Wednesdays at Comforts of Home community room, contact Nancy 715-327-8063 or tops.org.

Frederic Welcome Wagon, new residents who’d like community information, and businesses and organizations who’d like to offer coupons, discounts and promotions to new residents are invited to call 715-327-8972 or 715327-4271.

Gamblers Anonymous, every Monday, 5 p.m., New Beginnings Alano Club, 7707 Main Street, Siren, 715-349-2588.

Head Injury Support Group to meet every second Sunday at the Siren Covenant Church, 7686 Lofty Pines Drive, 1 - 2:30 p.m. Caregivers are welcome. For further information please call Jerry or Karen at 715-349-8985.

Humane Society of Burnett County meets the fourth Tuesday of every month, 6 p.m. at the Humane Society on Midtown Rd., Siren. We are collecting used printer ink cartridges and used digital cell phones. Call 715-866-4096.

Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry, open Tuesday & Thursday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., 400 Main St. So., Luck, go to back door.

Luck Senior Center, open Tuesdays 9:30 a.m.1:30 p.m. Open Wednesday through Fridays, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m., for coffee and fellowship. Come in and play pool, cards or work on a jigsaw puzzle. Everyone welcome.

Milltown Senior Center, open Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 9:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. 500 cards every Tuesday at 6:30 p.m.

Obesity Surgery Support Group of the River Valley, meets every 2nd Monday of each month, 5:30-7 p.m. at Adventures Restaurant, Hwy. 35,

North Osceola. For more info call 715-755-3474 or Jepsen@centurytel.net.

Osceola - DivorceCare divorce recovery seminar and support group meets at the First Baptist Church each Monday, 7 p.m. Sessions for adults and children. The church is located at 722 Seminole Avenue (Hwy. M). For information call 715-294-4222 or 651-214-5251 after 5 p.m.

St. Croix Valley Senior Center, open Monday - Friday, 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Regular meetings are the 3rd Thursday of every month, 11:30 a.m.

- 12:30 p.m. blood pressure checks; 12:30 potluck, followed by business meeting and entertainment. 500 cards and dominoes, and exercises by YMCA every Tuesday and Thursday, 10 a.m. Craft Making 1st, 2nd & 4th Thursdays at 11 a.m. and 500 cards at 6:30 p.m.

Siren Alano Club: Tuesday noon, women’s group; Wednesday, 7 p.m. AA; Thursday, 7 p.m., NA; Sunday, 9 a.m., AA; Sunday, 7 p.m. NA; First Saturday of the month, open meeting, 5:30 potluck, 7 p.m. speaker and pin night.

The Indianhead Barbershop Chorus practices every Monday at 7:30 p.m. in the lower level of the old courthouse in Balsam Lake, CTH I and Hwy. 46. Call 715-483-9202, 715-463-5202 or 715-327-8091.

Webster Area Chamber of Commerce meets the first Tuesday of every month at 9 a.m. at the Webster chamber office.

Webster Tops, Mondays, 9:30 a.m. at First Baptist Church.

Quakers. Northern Pines Friends Worship Group, 11 a.m. Every other Saturday, 6020 Peterson Rd., Webster, 866-8802 or 866-7798.

PAGE 30 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- MARCH 7, 2007

FINACIAL ASSISTANCE

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MARCH 7, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 31

Students of the Week GRANTSBURG

FREDERIC

Melana Nelson has been chosen Frederic Elementary School’s student of the week. She is the daughter of Jessica and Rich Nelson.

Melana works very hard at her schoolwork and is always prepared for class with a positive attitude.

She is a great helper too. Melana’s favorite subjects are math and reading. She enjoys playing with her dog, Riley, in her free time. She also likes to cook meals for her family.

Sarah Knauber has been chosen Frederic Middle School’s student of the week. She is in eighth grade and the daughter of Kevin and Donna Knauber. Sarah is on the honor roll. She is an excellent listener, pleasant, a positive school citizen and cooperative. Sarah enjoys riding horse. She is involved in cross country, basketball and track. Her future plans include going to college.

Nick Schlaeger has been chosen Grantsburg Middle School’s student of the week. He is a fifthgrader and the son of Michael Schlaeger and Kathy Lee. Nick is an outstanding student who always does his best work. He excels in all of his classes. His favorite class is art; he loves to draw. He also likes phy. ed. Nick plays the trumpet in band. He likes baseball, swimming and bowling. He enjoys riding his bike and playing outside.

Peter Draxler has been chosen Frederic High School’s student of the week. He is a sophomore and the son of Ray and Colleen Draxler. Peter is a well-rounded student with a variety of interests.

He is a good school citizen, a good thinker, is respectful of others and has a good work ethic.

Peter is involved in football, basketball and baseball. He enjoys reading and playing video games.

He plans to go to college.

ST. CROIX FALLS

LUCK

Erin Engstrand has been chosen as Luck Elementary School’s student of the week. She is in second grade and the daughter of Todd and Leah Engstrand. Erin is a very bright student with excellent work habits. Erin has a positive attitude toward school and is always cheerful. She loves all school subjects, but especially likes music.

After school Erin likes to ride her bike, play Game Boy, read and help out at the farm.

Ashlyn Petersen has been chosen Luck Middle School’s student of the week. She is in eighth grade and the daughter of Kent and Rachel Petersen. Ashlyn is a hardworking and dedicated student. She completes her work on time and turns in quality work.

She participates and is a benefit to the class. Ashlyn is involved in choir, softball, volleyball and basketball. In her spare time she enjoys hanging out with friends, singing and being outside.

Jake Monahan has been chosen Luck High School’s student of the week. He is a freshman and the son of Michael Monahan. He is a hard worker, motivated, reliable and always quick to help other students. He’s not afraid of a challenge and is willing to work hard towards a goal. He has a positive attitude and a fun personality. Jake is involved with pep band, jazz band and part of the yearbook staff. He enjoys playing any sort of instrument, snowboarding, skateboarding and snowmobiling.

Dalton Langer has been chosen St. Croix Falls Elementary School’s student of the week. He is in third grade and the son of Gayle and Joel Langer. He has one brother and two sisters. Dalton’s favorite subjects are math and science because he likes learning and knows it will help him in other things. He enjoys playing with his siblings, making creepy crawlers and collecting football and race cards. Dalton also collects and polishes rocks.

SIREN

Alex Litz has been chosen Siren Elementary’s student of the week.

He is in sixth grade. He was nominated for using his class time wisely and for completing his assigned work during work time.

Alex enjoys school. His favorite class is language. Alex enjoys spending time with his friends.

His favorite sport is boxing. He has been very successsful in this sport, winning two medals and two trophies.

Isaac Wegner has been chosen Siren Middle School’s student of the week. He is the son of Dave and Janis Wegner. Isaac is very active in school. He is involved in football, basketball, track, band and choir. In his free time Isaac likes to play video games and watch sporting events. His teachers say Isaac is a pleasure to have in class and is always willing to help out in any way that he can.

Austin Eskola has been chosen Grantsburg High School’s student of the week. He is a freshman and the son of Diana and Terry Eskola. Austin is an excellent student. He is very respectful to others and is fun to be around.

Austin likes to work on his old truck in his spare time. He enjoys baseball, wrestling, fishing and hunting. He likes to go snowmobiling and four-wheeling. He would like to go to college to become a veterinarian.

Autumn Erickson has been chosen St. Croix Falls Middle School’s student of the week. She is in sixth grade and the daughter of Rich and Kate Erickson and Laurie Everts. She has one brother and one sister, three cats and one dog.

Her favorite hobbies include swimming, playing tag and knitting. History is her favorite subject. Autumn enjoys her teachers and friends in middle school. She is always eager to help when needed.

Paige Maret has been chosen St. Croix Falls High School’s student of the week. She is a sophomore.

Paige is a winter sports cheerleader, in forensics, NHS, SOS, class vice president, in yearbook, youth service and S club. She is also a tutor and in the spring play.

Paige enjoys riding her horses and playing polocrosse. She is always willing to help a staff member or one of her classmates. She brightens up the hallways with her cheerful smile.

WEBSTER

Allison Didier has been chosen Siren High School’s student of the week. She has worked extremely hard and has maintained an A average in science. She is the daughter of Jeannie Schumann.

Kaitlyn Moser has been chosen Webster Elementary School’s student of the week. She is in third grade and the daughter of Troy Moser and Miki Geisler. Kaitlyn is always willing to help her classmates and teachers. Kaitlyn is a hard worker when it comes to completing her assignments. She is learning to play the piano and is involved in Girl Scouts.

Felicity Bell has been chosen Webster Middle School’s student of the week. She is in sixth grade and the daughter of Richard and Mary Bell. Felicity is a new student this year. She has been able to manage the difficult tasks of moving into a new class, meeting and making new friends and still being able to produce quality work in the classroom. Felicity is bright, kind, funny and a joy to have in class.

Kyle Godfrey has been chosen Webster High School’s student of the week. He is a sophomore and the son of Peggy and Tom Willams Kyle is modest, polite, friendly, respectful and quick with a big smile.

He is involved in choir, student council, business club, football, basketball and track. His hobbies include paintball and snowboarding. Kyle plans to attend college.

His greatest infludence is his uncle, because he never gives up and works hard for everything.

UNITY

Congratulations students!

Cole Garvey has been chosen Unity Elementary School’s student of the week. He is in third grade. He shows exceptional leadership ability and is an excellent role model for his peers. Cole has a great work ethic and excels in math.

Bryanna Petersin has been chosen Unity Middle School’s student of the week. She is in eighth grade and the daughter of Laurie Turnblom and Robert Petersin.

Bryanna was chosen because of her hard work and effort in class.

She has also shown excellent leadership qualities and is extremely kind to her classmates.

Bryanna is a great role model for other students.

Stephanie Lobert has been chosen Unity High School’s student of the week. She is a sophomore and the daughter of Bill and Darla Lobert of Milltown. Stephanie has shown outstanding pro-social and public health efforts over the past two years. She has put in many hours working to prevent youth from smoking and educating the public. She enjoys art and making and listening to music.

PAGE 32 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- MARCH 7, 2007

MARCH

Coming events

THURSDAY/8 Balsam Lake

• Youth Enrichment Partnership Forum, 1-3 p.m. at the government center. Call 715485-8600 for more info.

Dresser

• NARFE Indianhead Chapter 1581 meets, noon, at Village Pizzeria. All Federal and retired employees welcome.

Coming event items are published as a public service. Items must be submitted by 10 a.m. on Mondays to be assured of publication in that week’s issue. apppointment, 715-349-2140.

Spooner

• Private Pesticide Applicator Training, register at 9 a.m., class 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Ag Research Station. Call 715-635-3506 or 800-528-1914 for more info.

Frederic

• American Cancer Society Run/Walk Finish Line committee meeting, 5:30 p.m. in the Upper Fireside Room at Pilgrim Lutheran Church. Anyone interested in helping with the walk is invited.

THURSDAY/15 Frederic

• 500 Card Night, 6:30 p.m. at the senior center.

• 500 Card Night, 6:30 p.m. at the senior center.

Grantsburg

Hinckley, Minn.

• Burnett County Bowhunter Education Course, begins at 7 p.m. at Friends of Crex.

Call 715-463-8368 for more info.

FRI.-SAT./9 & 10

• Polk County Bowhunter Education Course, begins at 6:30 p.m. at South Fork Sporting Club. Call 715-653-4253 for more info.

• 12th-annual Equine meeting, registration 5:30 p.m., dinner 6:30 p.m., meeting 7:30 p.m. Topics: Colic & West Nile, RSVP 800924-0588 or 715-463-2536.

Lewis

Siren

• 9th-annual Home Sweet Home Show, Fri. noon-8 p.m., Sat. 8 a.m.-4 p.m. at the high school gym.

Luck

Unity

• ALPHA Celebration Dinner and Video & discussion, 6:30-8:45 p.m. Faith Fellowship. For info contact Pastor Maggie at 715825-3559.

FRIDAY/9

• American Legion & Auxiliary Unit 255, 6:30 p.m. at the village hall. Potluck supper and birthday party.

• “Night of the Lving Beauty Pageant” 7 p.m. at the high school.

Balsalm Lake

• Poco Penners meet, 2 p.m. in the County Board Room at the Government Center. For more info, 715-483-9738 or 715-269-5456.

Frederic

This watercolor, titled “Northwoods Lake,” by local artist Jenny Goalen, can be • Coyote & Crow Siren Hunt, at Coyland Creek. seen at North Wind Arts in Siren. See Currents feature, front page.

Call 715-349-8445 or 715-653-4273 for more

• Pokeno played, 1 p.m. at the senior center.

Grantsburg

• NW Regional Writers meet, 1 p.m. at Big Gust Apts. Community Room. Assignment: Write on ”___ miles to go.” (Reminiscent of Robert Frost’s poem).

Rice Lake

• “Going Green: Bio-energy Opportunities for Northwest Wisconsin at WITC, 9 a.m.3:30 p.m. Call 715-537-6250 for more info.

St. Croix Falls

• Fish Fry, 5-7:30 p.m. at the American Legion Post 143. Everyone welcome.

Webster

• Benefit for Amy Mangelsen, 6 p.m. at Black and Orange Bar.

SATURDAY/10 Comstock

• Benefit Radar Run, registration 10:30 a.m.noon, at Nashville North on Staples Lake for Ficocello family. Call 715-205-2376 or 715-4583763 for more info.

Frederic

FRI., SAT./16 & 17

• Noon Potluck Lunch, at the senior center.

Bingo, cards, pool or fellowship begins at 1:30 p.m.

Milltown

• 500 Card Party for Cancer Aid & Research Fund, 2 p.m. at VFW Post 6856.

Siren

• St. Patrick’s Day celebration, St. Paul Winter Carnival Royalty at Capeside with Valentine K and Q at about 11:30 a.m. followed by parade at 2 p.m.

SUNDAY/11 Baldwin

info.

TUESDAY/13 Luck

• Take Off Pounds Sensibly, 5-6:30 p.m. at the senior center. Contact Ellen Jepsen, 715472-2877 or use 715-294-3750 as contact for other areas.

St. Croix Falls

• SCRMC Auxiliary meets, 11:30 a.m. at the Loggers Restraurant for installation of officers.

Learn some tips for stress relief. Call Kathy at 715-483-1061 for reservations.

Siren

FRIDAY/16 Frederic

• Pokeno played, 1 p.m. at the senior center.

Milltown

• Fish Fry, 4:30 p.m.-?, at the United VFW.

SAT.-SUN./17 & 18 Rice Lake

• Rod & Gun Club Gun Show, at UW gym.

Sat. 8:30-5, Sun. 8:30- 3.

SATURDAY/17 Frederic

• Noon Potluck Lunch, at the senior center.

Bingo, cards, pool or fellowship begins at 1:30 p.m. Birthday cake at 3 p.m.

• Hugh Craft/Home-Based Business Show, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at Coachman Restaurant. Call 715-523-9264 for more info.

• Burnett County VFW Post 1256 meeting, 7:30 p.m. at the VFW Hall.

Unity

Amery

• All-You-Can-Eat Corned Beef & Cabbage Dinner, 4 p.m. until gone, at the American Legion.

Frederic

• Library/Museum Kick-off Event, 1 p.m. Attend for a commemorative photo. Costume contest, refreshments and program follow.

• “Night of the Lving Beauty Pageant” 1:30 p.m. at the high school.

MONDAY/12 Frederic

• Spades played, 1:30 p.m. at the senior center.

WEDNESDAY/14 • Cattail ATV Club meeting, 6:30 p.m. at Uncle Bob’s. Call 715-268-6215 or 715-2684240.

• Pokeno played, 1 p.m. at the senior center.

Siren

Grantsburg Luck

• Cholesterol & Diabetes Screening, call for

Unity presents “Night of the Living Beauty Pageant” Unity students have been practicing for weeks in preparation for this weekend’s production of “Night of the Living Beauty Pageant,” a two-act comedy to be presented Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Mar. 9 – 11, at the Unity High School auditorium. Tickets are $5 and performance times are 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 1:30 p.m. Sunday. The play is the story of two hucksters who decide to stage The Miss Venus Beauty Pageant in order to attract sponsors and hundreds of high school lovelies who will pay a large entry fee and make them rich. Unfortunately, only seven girls enter and there are no sponsors. Complications abound for the con men—from a theater owner who wants them evicted to Knuckles Skinnner who wants what he’s owed.

Lunatic action and a slapstick plot. At left, abov e, contestants discuss their events back stage (L to R): Beth Rice, Paige Andrews, Angela Berthold, Laura Kruger and Danielle Morgan. At left, below, the play cast. – Photos submitted