Leader|may 28|2008

Leader

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

W EEKEN D WA TCH : Humane Society Fundraiser @ Trade Lake • Bloodmobile collections @ Frederic and St. Croix Falls • Lions Club 39th Anniversary @ Siren See Coming events and stories

Frederic pool is closed for season

INTER-COUNTY

Serving Northwest Wisconsin

$1

Head-on crash is fatal

Memorial Day Weekend accident claims life of Minnesota man PAGE 3

A da y f or r e me m be ring

School board to look at options PAGE 14

Minnesota man found with $10,000 worth of stolen goods Stolen property found at his Burnett County property PAGE 3

244 years

Total of 8 staff members retired from Unity Schools this year, representing more

than two centuries of service PAGE

5

Airport expansion now slated for 2010

Conflicts delay project PAGE 3

A member of Boy Scout Troop 160 at St. Croix Falls placed poppies on American Flags on the graves of servicemen and women at St. Croix Falls Cemetery, during Monday’s Memorial Day service. More photos inside. - Photo by Gary King

S P OR T S:

Co -o p pr es e nt s s ch ola rs hi ps The Inter-County Cooperative Publishing Association, publisher of the Inter-County Leader, presents $6,000 to area graduates

Vikes nab first-ever regional title!

Pirates on to Arcadia

FREDERIC - This is the 10th year the InterCounty Cooperative Publishing Association, publisher and printer of the Inter-County Leader and Washburn County Register newspapers and the Advertisers, has presented scholarships to graduates at schools in the area.

This year the cooperative presented $6,000 in

See Scholarship, page 2

Leader reporter Marty Seeger (R) presents a $750 scholarship to Mitchell Klatt, a graduating senior at Luck High School. - Photo by Lori Nelson

T hi s w e e k ’s e -e d iti o n o ff e r s 2 e x tr a p a ge s of ne w s / ph oto s • w w w .th e -l e a de r . ne t

The Inter-County Leader is a cooperative-owned newspaper

PAGE 2 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - MAY 28, 2008

Leader

Serving Northwest Wisconsin

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

MANAGER Doug Panek dougpanek@centurytel.net EDITOR Gary B. King, Editor gbking@centurytel.net STAFF Nancy Jappe njappe@centurytel.net Tammi Milberg tammi@centurytel.net Marty Seeger mseeger@centurytel.net Brenda Sommerfeld brendals@centurytel.net Sherill Summer the-leader@centurytel.net Gregg Westigard greggw@lakeland.ws Carl Heidel cheidel389@centurytel.net Priscilla Bauer the-leader@centurytel.net EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Raelynn Hunter rael@centurytel.net

HOW TO REACH US Web page: www.the–leader.net E-mail: the-leader@centurytel.net

Scholarship/from page 1 scholarships to eight area schools - Frederic, Grantsburg, Siren, Webster, Luck, Shell Lake, St. Croix Falls and Unity.

The cooperative has presented at least one scholarship to area graduates since 1989. In 1998 the cooperative began giving its $300 scholarship to a graduate at each of the seven public schools in Burnett and Polk counties, and the cooperative’s board of directors voted that same year to raise the amount to $750, beginning with the 1999 scholarships.

In 2005, Shell Lake became the eighth area public school to receive the cooperative’s yearly award.

Recipients scholarships are chosen based on academic excellence, an interest in journalism or photography and on recommendation by scholarship committees.

Receiving the Inter-County Cooperative Publishing Association scholarships this year were: Madison Graves, Grantsburg; Andrea Thompson, Unity; Mitchell Klatt, Luck; Amy Rinmann, Webster; Marcus Morris, Siren; Samantha Claussen, St. Croix Falls; Kanan Hackett, Frederic; and Jacob Kunselman, Shell Lake.

Members of the cooperative's board of directors are Vivian Byl of Luck, chair, Charles Johnson of Trade Lake, Janet Oachs of Grantsburg, Harvey Stower of Amery and Merlin Johnson of Grantsburg. The manager of the cooperative is Doug Panek. - Gary King

Madison Graves

Andrea Thompson

Marcus Morris

Samantha Claussen

Jacob Kunselman

The first issue of the Inter-County Leader was printed in 1933

Editor’s note: Scholarship winners from the seven public schools in our coverage area will be published in next week’s Leader.

Mitchell Klatt

(send all news releases here)

Subscription concerns: subscriptions@centurytel.net Advertisements: addept@centurytel.net Deadline for ads and copy:

Kanaan Hackett

Gas vent

10 a.m. Tuesdays

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Unemployment rates drop locally NORTHWEST WISCONSIN – April unemployment rates are lower in all 72 Wisconsin Counties and metro areas than rates a month ago according to the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development.

Workforce Development secretary Roberta Gassman said that we are seeing the expected seasonal job increase that occurs when the weather warms and spring hiring begins.

Even so, the Workforce Development Web site shows a lower unemployment rate this April compared to a year ago in Polk, Burnett and Washburn counties.

The April unemployment rate in Polk County was 6.0 percent in April, down from 7.5 percent a month ago. Last year in April, the Polk County rate was 7.5 percent.

Washburn County had a 6.4-percent rate in April, down from 8.2 percent last month and 8.0 percent a year ago.

Burnett County has the highest unemployment rank of the three counties in April at 7.2 percent. This number is down from 9.2 percent in March and 7.7 percent a year ago.

Menominee County had the highest unemployment rate in April at 10.0 percent. Dane County had the lowest at 2.9 percent.

Overall, 69 counties recorded decreases in the unemployment rate from a year ago. Two counties had increases and one county had no change from last year. – Sherill Summer with information from the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development Web site

Frederic P.O. Box 490, Frederic, WI 54837 (M-F, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)

715-327-4236 Fax - 715-327-4117 (news copy) Fax - 715-327-4870 (ad copy)

Siren 24154 State Road 35, Siren, WI 54872 (M-F, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)

715-349-2560 Fax - 715-349-7442

St. Croix Falls Box 338, St. Croix Falls, WI 54024 (M-F, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

715-483-9008 Fax - 715-483-1420

How to subscribe: The Inter-County Leader [ISS No. 87509091] is published weekly. Subscription prices are $32/yr. in Polk and Burnett counties; $36/yr. in Barron, Chisago, Washburn, St. Croix counties; $39/yr. anywhere in the United States $22/yr. for servicemen or women; $22/yr. for students or schools (9 months). Payment is needed before we can start the subscription. No refunds on subscriptions. Persons may subscribe online at www.the-leader.net, write us at Inter-County Leader, Box 490, Frederic, WI 54837, or stop by one of our three offices.

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

An award-winning newspaper

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

County not interested in Capeside Cove building

Member

• National Newspaper Association • Wisconsin Newspaper Association

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

Amy Rinmann

Gas cost an arm and a leg at the Oakland Store south of Danbury this past weekend. Mark Helin, who works at Oakland Store, said that a little humor has helped customers adjust to the price of gas, and many stopped to take a photo of the rather unusual sign. It is not just the customers that need to adjust to the rise in gas prices. As with many older gas pumps, the pumps at Oakland Store do not go above $4 a gallon.

There is now such a demand for newer pumps that will fix this problem that Oakland Store will have to wait an estimated 13 weeks before their pumps can be retrofitted to handle the current price of gas. Until then, Oakland Store will charge by the half gallon. - Photo by Raelynn Hunter

by Sherill Summer SIREN – On April 16, the Burnett County Infrastructure Committee toured the empty Capeside Cove building in Siren to see if the building could resolve any of the county’s space needs.

Discussion of the Capeside Cove building was again on the infrastructure committee’s agenda on Wednesday, May 21.

The consensus among committee members was that while the building would make an ideal assisted living facility, it was not ideal for county needs and voted not to pursue the idea.

Briefly WEBSTER - Gas reached the $4-a-gallon mark by Memorial Day weekend in our area - or at least as close as you can get. A Webster service station advertised regular unleaded for $3.999. Gas prices rose 15 cents in the last week with the national average for a gallon of unleaded regular now at a record $3.95, according to the Department of Energy.

••• SIREN - The Siren School board voted Tuesday evening to have their school operate junior high baseball during the summer of 2008 for an amount not to exceed $2,000. This was done with the understanding that the Siren Athletic Association would pay another $2,000 (50 percent of the cost), and that the program would be looked at under the budget for next summer. The board also ratified the final settlement agreement with the certified staff for the 2007-2009 contract at a 3.8percent salary and benefit package in year one plus a .2-percent increase to the total cost in year one for increases to the extracurricular expenses, and a total package increase in year two of 3.8 percent. In a closed session meeting Tuesday night John Ruud resigned his position as girls varsity basketball coach and has been hired as the new boys varsity basketball coach. A full story will be published in next week’s Leader. - with information from reporter Nancy Jappe ••• NORTHWEST WISCONSIN - The St. Croix Valley Orchestra will be presenting summer concerts in this area during the first week of June. The program will include marches of wide variety, waltzes from Europe and America along with some other exciting dances, folk tunes from Sweden, Russia and England, and tunes from the musical theater. This is the orchestra’s 17th season featuring musicians who come from about a 30-mile radius to rehearse in St. Croix Falls and perform three sets of concerts throughout the St. Croix valley each year under the direction of Randolph Elliott. This summer’s performances will begin Monday, June 2, at 7 p.m., at Meadows on Fairview senior home near the hospital in Wyoming, Minn., followed by Wednesday, June 4, at 7 p.m., at the orchestra shell at Lions Park in Lindstrom, Minn. Next will be the St. Croix Falls Overlook Park at 7 p.m. on Friday, June 6. On Saturday, June 7, the orchestra will be performing at Michael Park on the Apple River in Amery at 2:30 p.m., followed by their first appearance as part of Big Gust Days in Grantsburg, playing at Memory Lake Park at 7 p.m. The public is welcome at all these locations. For more information see the orchestra’s Web site at http://www.scvorchestra.org.- with submitted information ••• HUGO, Minn. - Former Burnett County resident Karen Vitez, who used to live on Devils Lake near Webster and now lives in Hugo, Minn., sent out an e-mail this past week to let everyone know she’s fine in the wake of the tornado that hit that community over the weekend. “The tornado hit between sister Pat's home and ours,” she wrote. “Pat reports major damage, broken siding, shed ruined, cars dented and windows smashed, and all her screens on the house are in shambles. We were much luckier, our siding was pelted and will have to be replaced. Hail at Pat's was golf ball size, hail here was about 1/2-inch in size. I have never seen anything like it before. It was 2 inches deep after it all stopped.

Anyway, we are all OK and alive. Just in case any of you are wondering....” - with submitted information.

••• CORRECTION: State Rep. Ann Hraychuck was inadvertely referred to as Sen. Hraychuck in a caption in last week’s Leader. We apologize for the error.

•••

Inter-County Leader

Our 75th year

MAY 28, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 3

Head-on crash fatal for driver POLK COUNTY – A 27-year-old Minnetonka, Minn., lost his life and a 19-year-old Edina, Minn., man was hospitalized in critical condition following a head-on collision Saturday evening.

John Robert Bryan, driver of one of the vehicles, was airlifted from the scene but died later from his injuries.

David S. Reimann, driver of the other vehicle, was airlifted to a Duluth hospital and then to Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis where he remained in critical condition early this week, according to authorities.

Reimann’s passenger, Kristen E. Jacobson, 24, Minneapolis, was taken by ambulance to a local hospital for treatment of injuries.

A police report by the Polk County Sheriff’s Department states that Bryan, driving a 2005 Ford F-350 truck was northbound on 120th Street near the Georgetown/Milltown town border and crossed the centerline and was traveling completely in the southbound lane when it collided with a southbound 1998 Honda Accord driv-

en by Reimann.

The accident occurred at approximately 11:20 p.m. on a straight stretch of road, according to the report.

The report states that Bryan’s truck ramped up the Honda and sheared off the vehicle’s hood and roof. The truck then barrel-rolled, ejecting the driver and coming to rest on its roof.

The impact pushed the Honda backwards and off the road into a ditch.

The cause of the accident remains under investigation and alcohol does not appear to be a factor in the crash, according to Polk County Sheriff Tim Moore.

Airbags in both vehicles deployed.

The report states that Bryan was not wearing a safety belt while Reimann and his passenger, were.

Luck, Amery and Milltown ambulances were dispatched to the scene, and two helicopter transports were involved. Milltown Fire Department also responded to the scene. - Gary King with information from Polk County Sheriff’s Dept.

Minnesota man found with $10,000 of stolen property TOWN OF LA FOLLETTE – John M. Peterson, 37, Rosemount, Minn., was found with more than $10,000 worth of stolen property at his Burnett County property in La Follette Township, Monday, May 19.

Peterson works for County Joe’s Home as a trimmer. They build homes in Minnesota and had noticed property was being stolen from job sites. Because Peterson was suspected of taking the property from the job sites, the owner’s son visited Peterson with serial numbers of items known to be missing.

Peterson was cooperative in showing the owner’s son around the property.

When a furnace box with serial numbers matching a missing furnace was found in the garage, the sheriff’s department was called. Peterson admitted stealing the furnace and he was arrested.

A search warrant was obtained and more stolen property was discovered.

Among the recovered items were two water heaters, an air compressor, several ladders, copper tubing, ductwork, wire, two chain saws, insulation, kerosene heaters and more.

It was noted that Peterson is on probation for second-degree homicide in Dakota County, Minn., - Sherill Summer with information from Burnett County Sheriff’s Department.

Airport construction now slated for 2010 The Honda driven by David Reimann (above) had its hood and roof sheared off by the Ford pickup truck driven by John Bryan (below) as the truck ramped up the Honda during the head-on collision. Bryan died in the accident. - Photos by Polk County Sheriff’s Dept.

SIREN – Burnett County Airport manager Jeremy Sickler told the infrastructure committee that the airport expansion project will be delayed yet another year.

This time the delay will allow the USDA to conduct a wildlife hazard study to look at the potential impact of wildlife on planes and vice versa.

A recent FAA study identified conflicts between the expanded Burnett County Airport and the nearby Amsterdam Sloughs Wildlife Area as a leading cause for continued delays to the expansion project. This study will explore this conflict further.

Construction is now scheduled for 2010. - Sherill Summer

Man arrested after firing shots to scare neighbor SWISS TOWNSHIP – Burnett County Sheriff’s Department was called to Bass Lake Landing Road for a report of shots fired on Thursday, May 22.

Arthur Sundstrom, 51, of Danbury met the police officers and informed them that a neighbor had shot a gun in his direction.

The neighbor, Louis A. Porter, 52, of Danbury admitted shooting his gun into the air to scare his neighbor who he said was making too much noise after 10 p.m. working on the property.

Porter was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident and was arrested for disorderly conduct and endangering safety by intoxicated use of a firearm. – Sherill Summer with information from the Burnett County Sheriff’s Department The scene of the fatal accident in Polk County, Saturday evening.

Luck, Amery and Milltown ambulances were dispatched to the scene and two helicopter transports were involved. - Photo from Polk County Sheriff’s Dept.

Inter-County Leader

1933-2008

PAGE 4 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - MAY 28, 2008

B U R N E T T

C O U N T Y

H E A D L I N E S

Sky is limit for retiring teachers

by Nancy Jappe SIREN – Although making the decision to retire was painfully difficult, Siren Elementary School teachers Donna Tjader and Chris Erickson are comfortable with that decision.

When talking about the decisionmaking process, Tjader quoted a verse from Ecclesiastes in the Bible that refers to everything having its season. “I never thought it would be easy to leave teaching. I am doing it when I can, when I can still do other things,” she said, adding that leaving good teachers behind makes the choice easier.

Teaching has always been the career goal for both women. They remember playing school when they were children. As part of an eighth-grade autobiography assignment, Erickson wrote that she wanted to be a teacher.

“Knowing what you want is a blessing.

I never doubted it. It was a gift,” Tjader said. “It took me a while to get there,” Erickson added.

Erickson waited until her daughter, Tina, finished high school before she went back to school, as a nontraditional student at UW-Superior. She started at Siren Elementary School in 1991, putting in 16 years with first-graders, and this past year as Title I reading teacher.

Also on her resume, Erickson has a summer of teaching in New Zealand and one in Costa Rica. She was a teacher’s aide in Black River Falls at one time, and said she has spent 25 years in education.

Both women credited their school teachers for encouraging them to pursue education. Erickson, who grew up in rural Grantsburg, cited Helen Tyberg as a teacher she called “awesome in the way she encouraged kids.”

Tjader’s aunt, Doris Turnquist, taught in a one-room school. Hazel Fletcher, Tjader’s eighth-grade teacher, was also mentioned as another role model.

Tjader, who grew up in Siren, has been a teacher for 35 years, starting in the Anoka-Hennepin District in Minnesota, then in Eau Claire and Dairyland in Wisconsin. For the past 29 years, she has taught at Siren Elementary School. During the years at Siren, she taught grades one through

Siren Elementary School teachers Donna Tjader (L) and Chris Erickson are retiring this year after giving the district and its students a total of 45 years of their lives. The two, who students often think are sisters, faced a hard decision in going for retirement, saying it was horribly painful. They are very much aware that the sky is the limit for what they can do next. – Photo by Nancy Jappe five. She went back and got her master’s degree a few years ago, proving that you are never too old to go back to school.

For two years, Tjader and Erickson team-taught 45 first-graders in one room during the early 1990s. Students often believe that they are sisters, and the two have done things together, as sisters might do. They biked the MS Tram together in Minnesota one year, going from Ortonville on the South Dakota border to Red Wing on the east.

They have taught together, worked together on getting their students involved, first with nursing home residents and later with people at the senior center.

“Donna is so good in incorporating the community, senior citizens and veterans (with the school),” Erickson said.

“I think it is good for kids to connect with the world and other people. This is a thing I am really proud of,” Tjader commented. “The kids learn not to be afraid of nursing homes and frail people when they are young.”

Tjader praised Erickson’s ability to reach the students through the Title I reading program. “The kids say, ‘Now I get it,’” she said. “They are like sponges, soaking it up. It’s fun to prepare lessons, come up with ideas and don’t do the same things twice.”

The advance of technology is seen as

the biggest change during these teachers’ tenure. They have seen students that have had a lot of life experiences, and many of them have traveled. technology, they are “Through informed on what is going on. They are much more technology savy than I am,” Tjader said.

“The bottom line is: Kids need to feel good about going to school and feel good about their connection to teachers,” Erickson commented. “We have an even-structured environment, one that is consistent, safe and comfortable.

That hasn’t changed,” Tjader added.

Two incidents were mentioned as special happenings in the classroom, although there are no doubt many more than could be included. Erickson remembered the time a woman brought a snake, rapped around her neck under her poncho, to school for show and tell.

Tjader remembers the time a parent brought a live donkey to school, a donkey that pooped on the carpet in the classroom.

Just this month, the two teachers went with their classes on a one-day field trip to Madison, leaving school at 6 a.m. and getting back at 10 p.m. There were also other field trips to Duluth and Superior.

A retirement party will be held for the two teachers Thursday, May 29, at the Lodge at Crooked Lake. They didn’t really want a party, but decided it was

time for the all the teachers to get together for something special. Tjader and Erickson volunteered to prepare some of their common memories for presentation that night.

This will be the last of the retirement parties for a few years as the two women leaving now are the last of their era to do so. “We are passing the torch to some very (capable) people. It feels good to know they are doing a good job,” Tjader said.

Both women anticipate that they will have some nightmares when fall rolls around and they won’t be heading back to the classroom. They mentioned dreaming about not coming back to school, getting there late and not being ready for the first week of school.

They have plans, however, to counteract any worries about the future out of the classroom. Tjader is going to Thailand in October. She will live there for seven weeks with her brother, Randy Ellis, and his wife, and will be teaching conversational English in a Thai school.

She is looking forward to working on hobbies, camping in a new travel trailer, sitting down and playing the piano, reading, knitting, continuing with her Kinship partner, being active in her church and volunteering at school.

Erickson will be traveling to Norway this summer. Next April she, her husband, Don, and two friends will be going to Namibia, Africa. “They are going hunting,” she said in referring to the men. “I will be hunting with a camera.” A teaching trip to Thailand may become reality at some point.

Erickson is anxious to do more with her hobbies and different art work, work in the garden, read, and being involved in church and other volunteer activities. Both she and Tjader agreed they couldn’t go cold turkey from the classroom, and will try to come up with volunteer activities to keep in touch.

Spending time with grandchildren is another joy to come for these teachers.

Erickson is “Camp Grandma” to her three grandchildren, and she looks forward to them coming up to stay with her at the lake.

Tjader’s first day of retirement falls on her birthday, giving her another occasion to celebrate. She and Erickson are looking forward to sitting on the porch and having coffee, without having to think about going back to the classroom.

“Who knows what is ahead,” Tjader said. “It will be interesting to see what the future holds. The sky is the limit.

There are a lot of things I am thinking of doing that are not committed. I’m keep-

Lions present check to Men’s Ministry

Looking back in their files, Donna Tjader pulled out this 1993 photo of herself and fellow teacher Chris Erickson. The two have similar plans for their retirement, including travel, enjoying time with grandchildren, reading, working on hobbies and volunteering, in some capacity, for the school district. – Photo submitted

(L to R) Dave Doty, president of the Siren Area Lions Club, presented a check for $1,000 from the Lions to Gerry Potvin, president of the Siren Covenant Men’s Ministry, and Rick Highstrom, director of Ruby’s Pantry distribution in Siren and Covenant church member.

Siren Covenant Church has been sponsoring Ruby’s Pantry in Siren. They pay for the cost of deliveries, which at the present time amount to $475 per delivery.

The donation from the Lions, which is much appreciated, will take care of about two months of deliveries. The Siren Lions have been helping in other ways with Ruby’s Pantry distribution, with some of them volunteering their time. The next distribution will be Thursday, July 10, at a location as yet not secured. – Photo by Nancy Jappe

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MAY 28, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 5

H E A D L I N E S

R et i r e e s a t U ni t y : 2 3 3 co m b i n ed y e a r s o f s e rv i c e Alleva, Morris, Mathson among list of eight school staff members now retired BALSAM LAKE – Nearly 2-1/2 centuries of service to Unity Schools is represented by the careers of eight educators who are retiring this year.

And some of the names are somewhat iconic in local sports history and certainly within the walls of Unity elementary, middle and high schools.

Jackie Reynolds, elementary phy ed teacher, leads the pack in the number of years of service with 37, followed by high school principal Bill Alleva and high school math teacher and coach Mike Morris, each with 36 years of service.

Also retiring are middle school teacher and coach Chuck Holicky (35 years), high school tech ed teacher Brent Mathson (33 years), elementary counselor JoAnne Lilyquist (23 years), elementary teacher Joey Nelson (17 years) and gifted/talented teacher Nancy Glaim (16 years).

Total years of service: 233.

Friday, May 23, the evening’s graduation ceremony offered the opportunity to pay special tribute to the high school’s retirees with the most years of service – Alleva, Morris and Mathson.

Superintendent Brandon Robinson paid tribute to all three men during commencement.

“His (Alleva) leadership has been integral in the establishment of many district programs, from the grad party to the Alternative Diploma Program,” Robinson said. “He has also coached Tball and never turned down an opportunity to visit with elementary students or help a struggling high schooler. By conservative estimates, he has affected the education of 4,000 students at Unity.”

Alleva, who announced his retirement in April, has served as high school principal for 25 years and before that as a social studies teacher and baseball coach.

Brent Mathson began his career as tech ed instructor back when it was called “shop,” Robinson noted. “He is not only a master builder, he is an eloquent writer – he can plan, design and construct everything from bread boxes to homes, but his keen sense of observa-

Retiring Unity school administrator Bill Alleva (L) welcomes fellow retiring staff members Mike Morris and Brent Mathson to the stage at Friday’s commencement program as the men were about to be honored for their years of service to the school district. Alleva and Morris each served 36 years with the district and Mathson 33.

Commencement included tribute to all three men, who were part of the high school experience at Unity for so long.

They were among eight staff members to retire this year at Unity Schools. - Photos by Gary King

Graduating senior Andrea Thompson thanks retiring administrator Bill Alleva for his support and guidance during Friday’s commencement program. tion brings out some wonderful wit and wisdom. An ‘F’ in Mr. Mathson’s classroom never meant failure…it meant something needed to be fixed.”

“A desire to inspire,” is how Robinson described the teaching style of Mike Morris.

“His teaching philosophy is like his

Teachers Brent Mathson and Mike Morris (photo at right) spoke words of appreciation for the years they spent at Unity Schools and for the special recognition during Friday evening’s commencement program. coaching philosophy – practice every day – his logical approach and attention to detail is a benchmark in his classroom. His passion, intelligence, common sense and dry sense of humor always kept his students engaged…and…if he gave you the one raised eyebrow look…well, those of you that have been in his classroom know the answer to that.”

Morris has been recognized statewide for his educational and coaching leadership abilities, Robinson said. He added that Morris might be seen “dressed up as a zebra running up and down a floor or field next year,” referring to his job as a referee. – Gary King with information from Unity Schools

P a u l s e n , W h i t e l a te st i n d u c te e s t o U n i ty ’ s W a l l o f H o n or Elliott Paulsen and Luann White are the latest inductees to Unity’s Wall of Honor BALSAM LAKE – Two Unity graduates were welcomed into the elite group of Unity’s Wall of Honor inductees during the school’s graduation ceremony, Friday evening.

Luann White and Elliott Paulsen spoke words of gratitude for being selected for the honor in a brief ceremony prior to the presentation of diplomas to this year’s graduating seniors.

White has served as Milltown Village President for 16 years and has served as a member of the Milltown Community Club for 37 years. She founded and coordinates the Kids Night Out project and coordinates the spring and Halloween dances for the Polk County disabled adults. She is past president and coach for the Polk County Special Olympics, founded the Angels in Waiting nonprofit home for

Elliott Paulsen

Luann White

disabled adults and serves on the board for National Mutual Benefit Insurance, the Community Referral Agency, the Polk County Adult Development Center and the Polk County Economic Development board.

A 1968 graduate of Unity High

School, White currently works at Jensen-Sundquist Insurance Agency in Milltown and is an owner of the Village Market in Milltown.

Elliott Paulsen taught in the Unity Elementary School for 34 years and served as Centuria Elementary School

principal for 16 years. He coached high school baseball, fifth-grade basketball, middle school and Little League baseball, eighth-grade girls basketball and was the “official timer” for the high school basketball games for 26 years.

Paulsen was also a Boy Scout Leader, Sunday school teacher, Luther League advisor, a Polk County Kinship board member and mentor, a charter member of the Balsam Lake Rod & Gun Club, a hunter safety instructor, a trustee for the village of Balsam Lake for nine years, a 14-year member of the Balsam Lake Fire Department, president of the Balsam Lake Cemetery Board, the Faith Lutheran Church Council and a life member of the National Education Association. He is known as an “extraordinary educator” and an outdoorsman.

White and Paulsen will now be profiled with a special plaque to be displayed with dozens of other Wall of Honor inductees in a hallway of the high school. – Gary King with information from Unity Schools

PAGE 6 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - MAY 28, 2008

S T .

by Tammi Milberg ST. CROIX FALLS-The city council for St. Croix Falls was enlightened Tuesday night about a geo-cache event planned for the City of Trails weekend as a firsttime event this year.

The event is going to take place June 7, and several Geocache containers will be placed throughout the trails system in the city. The event is expected to bring in 50-100 people on the conservative side, with more attendance expected.

Mayor Darrell Anderson asked for enlightenment on the event. The event was explained as a GPS treasure hunt of sorts. People have taken these events as hobbies and bring their families for a day of hiking and finding the Geocache,

C R O I X

V A L L E Y

Geocache event gets support

which is filled with items that can be exchanged once the cache is found.

Some people do not exchange or leave items but just sign the log that they have found it.

Persons bring an item of their own to put into the cache and take an item with them. The event usually has door prizes and a large draw.

City councilman Paul Kuhlman stated that the event could receive $200 in support for door prizes from the impact park and rec fees.

The Geocache phenomenon began in 2001 with one cache and now is global with 15 million caches. There is a Web site people visit and log into after they find the cache and there are blogs posted on the site as well. The Web site is

Theatre report, library bids discussed

by Tammi Milberg ST. CROIX FALLS-The city council for St. Croix Falls met May 27 due to the holiday weekend. On the agenda, a report from Festival Theatre, library bids and a request for raising hens in city limits.

A report from Festival Theatre wrapped up the $50,000 Master Plan Study they had done. The major indication of the study is not new information, but an old issue with attention needed.

This issue being upgrades to the HVAC system. The city council directed Festival to develop a business plan and move towards self-sufficiency. The city shares the building with Festival as a lease agreement in which the city library is located in the building. The plan to self-sufficiency suggested by the council is due in part to the city library moving out once the library location in the Holiday store downtown is complete.

The city council approved bids from A1 Excavating for State Street and the library parking lot. The council post-

H E A D L I N E S

poned approval for construction of the public plaza.

The council decided the parking lot will be concrete as there was only a $20,00 difference from asphalt and a life cycle analysis determined it was the better option for the money spent.

The council is waiting to approve bids for a public plaza until results from a geothermal test well come in. If geothermal is feasible the well field would be constructed in the public plaza.

The plaza itself will be rebid with a new, more simplified design to save costs.

The council amended the ordinance allowing for persons to raise hens in the city limits. Up to five hens for egg laying are permitted per residence with an annual permit and inspection. No roosters are permitted and the ordinance also provides specs for penning the chickens properly.

www.geocaching.com.

Kuhlman said he is hoping the event takes off and can be held annually and bring in many visitors to St. Croix Falls.

Councilman Brian Blesi suggested that the city's tourism committee (room tax) also donate $200 to up the ante on door prizes and make the event a success so that people will come back next year. “I think it's a great opportunity,”

he added.

The council approved park funds and tourism funds for the door prizes and publicity for the event, which will take place Saturday, June 7, at 11 a.m., beginning at the Lions Park. Some of the caches will be along the Ice Age Trail and others will be in the Wert Nature Preserve, across from Lions Park.

Quick meeting for school board

ST. CROIX FALLS-A short all-business meeting for the St. Croix Falls school board took place Tuesday, May 27.

The agenda included approving vouchers and electing officers.

The board elected Ken Stensven as board president and Bruce Paulsen as vice-president. These offices were previ-

ously held by the same individuals, respectively.

The board elected Max Fehrenbacher as the treasurer. Fehrenbacher previously served as the clerk.

The new board clerk elected was newly elected board member Patricia Mitchell. -Tammi Milberg

Wastewater treatment update

by Tammi Milberg ST. CROIX FALLS-The city council for St. Croix Falls heard an update on the wastewater treatment plant facility plan Tuesday.

Dan Grevy with MSA discussed how the city got to the plan they are looking at currently, which is to build on the existing site to a capacity of 3,500 persons.

The population statistic of 3,500 should carry the city out for 50 to as much as 75 years if the growth trend continues to be at a low.

The site plan has not room for expansion, but in 50-plus years’ time, it will allow for technology upgrades like a membrane system which uses the same amount of space but can increase capacity.

The city is then not limiting itself in the future for expansion, and the cost of membrane technology will likely be

affordable to a community the size of St. Croix Falls should that need to expand arise.

Grevy stated that the design flow of 467,000 gallons of flow per day is the design and that is what was originally proposed. He said that the cost projected in 2006 when the city decided to choose the option to build on the existing site by River Street was $5.7 million.

“Unfortunately, I do not have an updated cost at this time,” he said. It was indicated that the cost would likely be around the $6 million mark with cost increases in construction since the original estimate was provided.

“I would ask the city set aside a considerable contingency,” he advised.

The city next has to hold a public hearing for the recommended facility plan and by Oct. 30, 2009, according to Grevy, the plans and specifications are due to the DNR.

B U R N E T T C O U N T Y H E A D L I N E S

Chattering Squirrel goes into new hands

Jean and Peter Koelz (L), along with Holly and Jake Mangelsen, are the new owners of the Chattering Squirrel Coffee Café in Siren. “We are building off what Jim and Peggy (Tolbert) built up,” the Koelzes said. “It is a solid business, and we won’t be doing much changing but enhancing.” A grand opening is planned for later in the summer, perhaps around Siren Summerfest time. – Photos by Nancy Jappe

Enhancing, not changing, is planned

by Nancy Jappe SIREN – Wednesday, May 21, was Jim and Peggy Tolbert’s last day as owners of the Chattering Squirrel Coffee Café, a business they have built up over the past eight years in Siren. The last day was a hard day, as the realization dawned that the days at the Squirrel were over.

However, both of the Tolberts are involved with other activities. Peggy is working at the Burnett County Government Center, with a shared position in the county clerk’s office and for UW-Extension. She is looking forward to having more time with her grandchildren, gardening, traveling and having her weekends free.

Jim Tolbert is an emergency medical technician, and is hoping to pick up more hours doing that. This is his third retirement so he is used to changing time schedules and commitments.

“We have had a lot of fun,” Peggy said. “Where else could you meet the whole community except in a place like this? The people who bought it have fresh ideas. They know where the resources are.”

Wednesday, May 21, was Jim and Peggy Tolbert’s last day as owners of the Chattering Squirrel Coffee Café in Siren after eight years. “We had a lot of fun. That’s the hard part of leaving,” Peggy said. “How else would you meet all the community except in a place like this? The people who bought it have fresh ideas, new food ideas. They know where the resources are.”

New owners Holly and Jake Mangelsen bought the Acorn Pantry from Peggy Tolbert some time ago. Jake works for Avion Accounting in the same complex as Chattering Squirrel, The Shops at the Lodge. He grew up in Siren, and in April was elected to the Siren School Board.

Their partners, Peter and Jean Koelz, have had a place by Mallard Lake for the past seven years, and lived in the Twin Cities before that. They owned Carbone’s Pizza, and met while working at a Poppin Fresh Restaurant before that chain changed to Baker’s Square.

They also worked in a catering business and Jean in advertising.

Because the liquor license for Chattering Squirrel was issued to both the business and the individual owner, a wine bar will no longer be offered, at least for the near future. The new owners hope to expand on the menu, keeping the favorites and expanding to offer more options.

“We are building off what Jim and Peggy (Tolbert) have built up,” the Kolzes said. “This is a solid business.

We won’t be changing, but enhancing and upgrading. We need to learn to make coffee.”

A grand opening is planned for sometime later in the summer, probably over Siren Summerfest weekend.

MAY 28, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 7

PAGE 8 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - MAY 28, 2008

L e a d e r

We b Po l l

Last week’s poll results

Total votes: 32

Plans for Memorial Day changed by gas prices?:

47% 15 votes

Yes

9%

3 votes

No

9%

3 votes

I had no plans

F O R U M Storm season is here

This week’s question:

What’s your mileage?

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

8 to 12 mpg 13 to 20 20 to 30 30-plus I’m not driving

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

J o e H e l l e r

past weekend delivered us our first tornado watch of the season - and T his it’s probably fair to say that it caught some of us unprepared - even though

it turned out to be a false alarm.

The tornado that devastated the small community of Hugo, Minn., reminds us that our region certainly isn’t immune to severe weather and particularly not in this year of the funnel cloud nationwide.

And we don’t need to remind anyone in southern Burnett County about monitoring the skies in May and June and beyond. It’s been seven years now since the F3 tornado ripped through the Siren area and beyond on an otherwise tranquil Monday evening in June.

According to media reports, there was plenty of warning by way of tornado sirens (sounded 11 minutes before tornado hit) and radio and TV weather newscasts - but eyewitness and survivor accounts indicate there wasn’t a lot of time to prepare for the worst.

There never is, it seems.

Sky watching is a diligent job and until we’re in the midst of a storm, we don’t care to think about experiencing the deadliest weather system, outside of flooding, that our area is likely to ever see.

But we’re in the heart of tornado and severe storm season - and it’s not a bad idea to formulate a home plan to keep your family safe should a twister arrive - and keep an eye on the weather forecasts and threatening skies.

A

W h e re t o Wr i t e

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

Governor Jim Doyle 115 East, State Capitol Bldg.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Views expressed on these pages do not necessarily represent those of the

T h e

Fuelish talk

lot of talk comes with a gas crisis.

Some claim the longer the gas crisis goes on, the more it forces us - the masses - to look beyond fossil fuel a little bit more with some focus. Sure, you may have bought the subscription to Mother Earth News. Now, how about following through with one of the alternative energy projects the magazine has been so good at explaining.

And there’s distrust of government and big oil. What happened to all those plans for a carbeurator that would get us 75 to 100 miles per gallon? Bigwigs bought off those inventors to protect their self-interests.

That theory has yet to be disproven, at least for all of us who feel more manipulated each year as a just another cog in the wheel.

Although short of hysteria, the current gas prices are opening opportunities for entreprenuers and other opportunists.

UW-Extension recently issued a press release to set the record straight on cars running on water. Yes, water.

People are talking about the plans to increase a car’s mileage at least 25 percent by purchasing devices and then simply adding water. The Internet, says the release, has thousands of listings for these devices.

But when Popular Mechanics magazine put a $399 “water car” device to the test, the vehicle “gave 20 fewer horsepower and about 20 percent poorer fuel economy.”

Your father read Popular Mechanics. This is a reliable source.

Although there are practical steps you can take to increase gas mileage, says Janice Jenkins, administrator of Trade and Consumer Protection at the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, “ be wary of any gas-saving claims for automotive devices or oil and gas additives.”

Here’s what the DATCP recommends: • Stay within posted speed limits. The faster you drive, the more fuel you use. For example, driving at 65 miles per hour (mph), rather than 55 mph, increases fuel consumption by 20 percent. Driving at 75 mph, rather than 65 mph, increases fuel consumption by another 25 percent.

• Use overdrive gears. Overdrive gears improve the fuel economy of your car during highway driving. Your car’s engine speed decreases when you use overdrive. This reduces both fuel consumption and engine wear.

• Use cruise control. Using cruise control on highway trips can help you maintain a constant speed and, in most cases, reduce your fuel consumption.

• Anticipate driving situations. If you anticipate traffic conditions and don’t tailgate, you can avoid unnecessary braking and acceleration, improving your fuel economy by 5 to 10 percent.

• Avoid unnecessary idling. Turn off the engine if you anticipate a lengthy wait. No matter how efficient your car is, unnecessary idling wastes fuel, costs you money and pollutes the air.

All great ideas. But we know what consumers are thinking. Where are those plans for the 100 mile-per-gallon carbeurator?

All editorials on this page by editor Gary King

Fe e d b a c k The following are Web site comments in response to the recent story “Group challenges contitutionality of sheriff''s prayer breakfast in Burnett County”: “‘Gableman's campaign consultant Darrin Schmitz responded by saying Gableman was looking foward to sharing his faith with those in attendance at the breakfast and that ‘the anti-faith crowd will not be able to bully justiceelect Gableman.’

“God Bless Justice-elect Gableman !!!”

••• “There is a clear separation of church and state in government. It is frightening that our justice-elect will neither recognize nor abide by that distinction.

He supposedly was elected as a high court justice to uphold state law, not as a spiritual leader. Shows how the influence of outside special-interest money in our state's elections have lasting impact not necessarily in the best interests of our people. But, we're too easily led astray by attack TV ads, and that is nobody's fault but our own. We get the government we deserve.”

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

MAY 28, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 9

$4 and rising

As gas rolls toward the $4-per-gallon mark, Congress is “investigating” the oil companies and suggesting that we up the taxes on their profits.

Oil companies are supposed to make a profit—they are in business to make a profit. That isn’t evil.. What is evil is government denying the role it plays in rising fuel costs. The government has been “taxing” oil company profits for years.

Both corporate income taxes and the– always-available “windfall profits taxes” that are again being proposed by the incompetent boobs we send to Washington year after year, create expenses that are treated the same way as the phone bill by the oil company accountants: It ads to their costs, which causes them to raise the price of the fuel they sell to the consumers – that’s us.

When government taxes businesses, businesses collect it from the consumers. That creates a higher per-gallon pump charge for fuel, which generates even more tax revenues for the government. State and federal governments love higher fuel costs. It generates more tax revenue for politicians to waste on there pet social programs.

It isn’t the oil companies that have prevented drilling for oil in the United

States or off of the continental shelf. It is the government. It isn’t the oil companies that have decreed impossible standards on refineries to the degree that it has become impossible to build an oil refinery in the U.S for 40 years. It is the government. That same government is willing to waive those standards if we will convert food products into a lowquality, inefficient fuel that not only drives up the cost of fuel but also drives up the cost of food and, in the process, creates another set of different environmental concerns.

It isn’t the oil companies that have created such a mixture of fuel formulation regulations that the distribution of fuel has become an expensive nightmare. It is the government.

China is drilling in the Gulf of Mexico off of Cuba in an area where domestic drillers are banned because it is to close to Florida.

This crude oil is then transported to China where it is processed in refineries that have no environmental standards burdening their operation. What’s wrong with that picture? I would think true environmentalists would want oil to be pumped and refined in the United States under the watchful eye of people with an environmental conscience as opposed to being sent to the Far East to pollute the atmosphere and poison the

B a c k i n "# $$

water.

The worst news of all is that none of the three stooges that are running for president offer any evidence that they understand the problem, let alone possess the courage to propose any sensible solutions.

I’ll bet that the price of fuel will drop significantly after Labor Day and before Thanksgiving. There are elections to be won this fall. Rest assured that after the incompetent incumbents are safely back in office, the price will skyrocket again.

Bob Blake Frederic

Save: Money, health, dandelions I have a great idea for property owners to help reduce costs, preserve their health, and care for the environment: Maintain a natural, chemical-free lawn and an organic garden! They require no costly and dangerous chemical fertilizers, herbicides or pesticides. They are free of toxic poisons that can contaminate groundwater and edible plants or harm beneficial insects, birds, animals, pets and people.

Naturally, lawn and garden chemical companies will tell you their products are safe because they are trying to sell them. There is a large body of evidence that suggests otherwise. Some of the chemicals are known carcinogens and documented hormone disrupters.

Environmental causes of cancer, birth defects, infertility, gene mutations, immune system disorders, and other illnesses are on the rise due, in part, to chemicals and pollutants. There are serious immediate dangers caused by direct, acute exposure as well as dangers from long-term exposure.

What many people don’t realize is that tests to determine the effects of exposure to these chemicals suggest what levels adults can withstand.

Children are not miniature adults. The hazards of chemical exposure are many, many times greater for their little growing bodies.

Insects, birds, wild animals, pets, and young children cannot read the warnings on those minuscule signs posted by lawn chemical application companies, nor are they always noticed.

Please consider keeping your lawn and garden chemical free, and ask public places like schools, health care facilities, churches, and local businesses to do the same. We have to remember that what we do to our environment we do to ourselves. We are all interconnected.

Disregard the notion that the only attractive lawn is one with uniform blades of upright green grass. Keep a natural lawn and an organic garden.

Let’s make them the new signs of status, progress and enlightenment.

Deb Johnson, Dandelion Enthusiast Grantsburg

Letters The year the Leader was born produced headlines not unlike today’s, with graduation and storm coverage. These headlines are from May 1933.

The story on the Frederic High School graduation notes that the class was warned that it was a “buyer’s market to which they are being graduated and that it will be necessary for them to fit themselves in an exceptional manner if they are to succeed in life.” The Inter-County Cooperative Publishing Association began its existence in 1933 in Centuria, publishing the first issue of the Inter-County Leader that fall. The cooperative is marking its 75th anniversary this year.

The Inter-County Leader • 1933-2008 • 75 years

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

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

Laird biography popular STATEWIDE - There’s one book topping the summer reading lists of political junkies in Wisconsin. “With Honor” is a critically acclaimed biography of Marshfield native Melvin Laird.

Author Dale Van Atta had a professional reason and a personal reason for writing his book about Melvin Laird.

Van Atta says he wanted one of the most influential political figures of the 20th century to finally get the credit he deserved.

As for the personal reason, Van Ata says he’s a baby boomer, and the draft lottery that Laird instituted saved him from going to Vietnam. Also, he says since Laird withdrew troops so quickly, he saved a lot of lives of baby boomers and obviously their future children.

Laird served for more than 15 years as a central Wisconsin Congressman before becoming President Richard Nixon’s defense secretary because, in his words, no one else would take the job.

At the height of the Vietnam War, with 700,000 protesters on the streets of Washington, Van Atta says Laird displayed an unusual openness and ran into the future governor of his home state. Van Atta says Nixon was “kind of holed up” in the White House, and Laird sent a couple of his people out to see what was going on and then he met with the protesters, two of whom were Jim and Jessica Doyle; Jessica Doyle is Laird’s niece. They explained their concerns to him, and Van Atta says Laird was always willing to listen.

Van Atta says Laird was also listened to – and feared – by Nixon and his national security chief Henry Kissinger.

He says Laird was the only person in the whole administration they were both afraid of. Nixon and Henry Kissinger did not begin to have the friends that Laird had on Capitol Hill or in the press.

“With Honor: Melvin Laird on War, Peace and Politics” is published by the University of Wisconsin Press. – Wisconsin Public Radio (Glen Moberg)

Main Street Wisconsin at 20 STATEWIDE - Wisconsin’s Main Street Program is marking its 20-year anniversary. In that time, supporters say, they’ve helped save old buildings and pump up the economy.

The program began in the early 1980s, when the National Trust for Historic Preservation decided something had to be done to improve conditions in the nation’s downtowns. By that time many cities saw retailers move out to the suburbs.

Wisconsin got on board in 1988. The State Department of Commerce helps volunteers come up with comprehensive plans to build on their cities assets and helps with marketing advice.

Other than that, department spokesman Tony Hozeny says it’s up to organizations in the 38 participating cities to make things happen. He says over the past 20 years, there’s been much more of a realization that a downtown is a valuable asset and should be preserved.

Hozeny says the Main Street Program has generated almost a billion dollars public and private reinvestment and created 3,500 new businesses. He also indirectly credits the program for helping to build Wisconsin’s movie industry, by winning the approval of location scouts for the movie “Public Enemies.”

As for the next 20 years, Hozeny expects more people will be drawn to downtowns because they want to live closer to where they work. – Wisconsin Public Radio (Patty Murray)

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

PAGE 10 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - MAY 28, 2008

L e a d e r Presidential race ignores arms race

s the U.S. presidential race continA ues, so does the arms race world-

wide. People -- civilians, children - are being killed and maimed, on a daily basis, by unexploded cluster bombs and land mines.

Thousands of nuclear missiles remain at hair-trigger alert. The U.S. government rattles its saber at Iran, alleging a nuclear-weapons program, while at the same time offering uranium to Saudi Arabia. And with the war in Iraq well into its sixth year, one of its architects, Douglas J. Feith, the former undersecretary of defense for policy under Donald Rumsfeld, has predictably penned a revisionist history of the war and the decisions behind it.

Feith said this week: "So while it was a terrible mistake for the administration to rely on the erroneous intelligence about WMD -- and, I mean, it was catastrophic to our credibility -first of all, it was an honest error and not a lie. But even if you correct it for that error, what we found in Iraq was a serious WMD threat. Even though Saddam Hussein had chosen to not maintain the stockpiles, he had put himself in a position where he could have regenerated those stockpiles in three to five weeks."

I asked Hans Blix about Feith's com-

ments. He was the United Nations' chief weapons inspector, in charge of the WMD search. I interviewed him from Stockholm, S w e d e n .

Reflecting back Amy five years, he Goodman said: "To prove that there is nothing is almost impossible. I think that if we had been in Iraq for a couple of months more, it would have been enough to make it extremely clear to everybody that the chances were real that there were no weapons of mass destruction." Instead of waiting for the inspections, the Pentagon was busy trying to discredit Blix. I asked him about the allegations that the U.S. was bugging his office and home. He said, "I wish to heaven that they had listened a little better to what I had to say, if they did listen."

Blix describes the current state of the world as a "Cold Peace": "It is hard to avoid the impression that -- almost 20 years after the end of the Cold War -military calculations still dominate the long-term thinking about major global

F O R U M relations. Terrorism is formally made the chief enemy, but precautions are taken against the growing power of China and Russia." President Bush's nuclear-cooperation pact with India, Barack Obama's stated willingness to unilaterally strike nuclear-armed U.S. ally Pakistan, Hillary Clinton's promise to Iran to "totally obliterate" the nation of 70 million (should it attack Israel), and John McCain's hard-line position on Russia, including the deployment of a missile defense in eastern Europe, all point to a reliance on military solutions that Blix sees as a path to conflict and war.

In a remarkable demonstration of hypocrisy, the Bush administration has pledged to deliver enriched uranium to Saudi Arabia. Anti-nuclear activist Harvey Wasserman said: "The idea of giving enriched uranium to the Saudis while threatening war with the Iranians for enriching uranium is astonishing.

The idea that the Saudis are going to somehow lower the price of oil on the basis of possibly getting nuclear reactors in the future is just almost staggering to think about."

I asked Blix what is the single most important thing the U.S. could do to support world peace. Sign the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, he said: "Then I think it's very likely that the Chinese, who have not ratified, will follow. If China does it, maybe India

does. If India does, Pakistan does, etc.

And the treaty would enter into force. It would be a great thing if we outlawed any nuclear-weapons tests in the future."

Nuclear weapons are not the only weapons of mass destruction. As I spoke to Blix, hundreds of people were meeting in Dublin, Ireland, to craft an anti-cluster-bomb treaty, the cause Princess Diana championed in the last years of her life. The Dublin Diplomatic Conference on Cluster Munitions is dedicated "to negotiate a new instrument of international humanitarian law banning cluster munitions that cause unacceptable harm to civilians."

The conference in Dublin has 128 participating nations. Absent is the leading producer of cluster munitions, the United States. Russia and China are also not there.

From nuclear proliferation to the use of cluster bombs -- coverage of the presidential campaign should focus more on the arms race, less on the horse race.

••• Amy Goodman is the host of "Democracy Now!," a daily international TV/radio news hour airing on 650 stations in North America. Her third book, "Standing Up to the Madness: Ordinary Heroes in Extraordinary Times," was published in April 2008.

Senate follows Obey’s lead, includes new GI Bill WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week the U.S. Senate gave its approval to a measure that Seventh District Congressman Dave Obey, D-Wis., sponsored and pushed through the House to provide the largest expansion in educational benefits for veterans since the creation of the GI Bill at the end of World War II. “Our service members and their families have been the only ones asked to sacrifice for this war, and they’ve been asked to sacrifice again and again and again. They deserve more than just a salute for their service,” said Obey. “So I’m glad to see that the Senate agrees that investing in the future of our veterans is not just the right thing to do for them, it’s the right thing to do for our economy too.”

New GI Bill for the 21st century Enacted in 1944, the original GI Bill was intended to thank U.S. troops for their service and help support the economy as it shifted away from a wartime footing. The GI Bill paid the full load of a returning veteran’s education at a college or technical school and provided a monthly stipend. By 1956, nearly 8 million World War II veterans had taken

advantage of GI Bill education and job training, and the record shows that every dollar spent on the program created a seven-fold return for the economy.

However, over the years, GI Bill benefits have not kept pace with the rising cost of college education. Today, veterans education benefits cover only about 60 percent of the cost of a public-school education

The New GI Bill pushed by Obey is intended to return educational benefits to the level they were for the WWII generation, to give our troops the tools to succeed after military service and strengthen our economy in the face of increasing global competition. It provides service members, including reservists and National Guardsmen who have served on active duty since

Sept. 11, 2001, benefits to cover the costs of a four-year education up to the level of the most expensive in-state public school, along with a stipend for housing, books and other expenses. It is estimated that the first two years of the new GI bill would cost what the U.S. spends in just two days in Iraq. - from the office of Congressman Obey

Ruling threatens new Stillwater Bridge Sen. Harsdorf frustrated

by Sierra Club legal maneuvers MADISON – A federal judge has enabled the continuation of a Sierra Club lawsuit that attempts to stifle the construction of a new Stillwater Bridge between Oak Park Heights, Minn., and Houlton. State Sen. Sheila Harsdorf, an active proponent of a new bridge, expressed her frustration with the ongoing legal maneuvers by the Sierra Club that have thwarted a critical project for

western Wisconsin.

“The Sierra Club chose to go to court instead of cooperating with regional stakeholders toward an agreement that would benefit commuters, our environment, and ensure the safety and viability of our highways,” said Harsdorf. “A new bridge is needed and these tactics are only increasing the costs of the project to taxpayers by millions upon millions of dollars.”

The Sierra Club originally blocked a new bridge effort via lawsuit in 1998.

Following that action, stakeholders from both Wisconsin and Minnesota worked to create a new proposal

through collaboration.

The U.S. Institute of Environmental Conflict Resolution facilitated action between local, state and federal governments as well as environmental and development organizations to reach a historic agreement in 2006 that would have allowed the new bridge to move forward.

“Diverging interests have worked across state lines to put this project back on track,” said Harsdorf. “Lost work and lost time as a result of these court actions has escalated the cost of this project to taxpayers dramatically.” – from the office of Sen. Harsdorf

%& t h A s s e m b l y D i s t r i c t New law to regulate scrap metal sales Recent headlines in our local newspapers about a copper theft investigation that led to the arrest of five people in Polk County demonstrate the need for the new Scrap Metal Bill passed by the Legislature this session. Over the past few years, the price of metal has gone up which has led to an increase in theft of metals such as copper, aluminum, iron and steel. According to law enforcement officials in Polk and Burnett counties, scrap metal theft has become one of the most prevalent crimes in northwestern Wisconsin.

Within construction sites, homes,

businesses and cabins is the treasure that thieves are after—electrical cable, plumbing fixtures, siding, and even beer kegs.

Scrap metal criminals also steal manhole covers, sewer gates, street lamps and guardrails, putAnn the safety of Hraychuck ting our communities in j e o p a r d y .

Defendants in the latest rash of burglaries and thefts confessed to cutting overhead power lines at a home and removing the copper tubing and wiring out of the basement

of a vacant home.

All of this destruction for some quick and easy money. But with the passage of Senate Bill 473, thieves looking to make a fast dollar will have a tougher time cashing in on scrap metal.

Senate Bill 473 was signed into law

by Gov. Doyle on March 11, and will require scrap metal dealers to ask for identification and proof of ownership before purchasing scrap and certain other metal items. Dealers will have to maintain records of scrap metal sales for at least two years and allow law enforcement access to their records for theft investigations. It also allows victims of metal theft to file civil suits to recover costs related to the theft.

A scrap metal dealer who knowingly breaks this law could be fined up to

$1,000 or jail time up to 90 days. The second violation qualifies a dealer for up to 90 days in jail and a fine as high as $10,000. Breaking this law for a third time and any additional violations after that is classified a felony.

That charge carries up to a $10,000 fine or imprisonment not to exceed three years and six months.

Many of these thefts are coming from people who need money to fund their drug addictions. Making scrap metal yards accountable will eliminate easy sources of income for criminals.

Please feel free to contact me with questions about this or any other legislative issue by calling toll-free 1-888529-0028 or via e-mail at rep.hraychuck@legis.wi.gov.

MAY 28, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 11

"' t h S e n a t e D i s t r i c t Wisconsin enacts Great Lakes Compact Wisconsin has officially joined a regional effort that would protect the Great Lakes from water diversion. The Wisconsin enactment of the Great Lakes Compact is a proposed agreement amongst eight states and two Canadian provinces bordering the Great Lakes to manage these water resources. To date, five states have officially enacted the agreement. All eight states must adopt the agreement before it would be sent to U.S. Congress for ratification.

Water levels of the Great Lakes are threatened by new external demands.

As the world’s largest source of freshwater, the Great Lakes are one of the nation’s most treasured resources which demands Sheila careful manageHarsdorf ment. However, other states that have poorly managed water resources are eyeing the

Great Lakes for water diversion.

Protecting our environment demands forward-looking policies. Under the Great Lakes Compact, any one state or province can object to water diversion out of the basin area. States are granted such a veto to ensure cooperation in a fashion that does not jeopardize the environment or our economic wellbeing.

I was pleased to join a bipartisan effort that helped enact this agreement and look forward to other states and the federal government ratifying it.

The Compact could prove to be one of the most significant long-term environ-

Area Ne ws at a Glance Tornado strikes Hugo HUGO, Minn. - Damage was being assessed Monday morning from a tornado that plowed across the northern part of the Twin Cities Metro area Sunday afternoon, killing a 2-year-old child and seriously injuring eight people in Hugo. At least 50 homes were destroyed and another 100 were seriously damaged. Houses lay splintered and smashed in a long swath of the small Washington County city. Hailbearing thunderstorms formed west of the Twin Cities, spawning tornadoes between 4 and 5 p.m. as the system rolled eastward across the area and into western Wisconsin. Power lines were downed, golf-ball-size hail damaged buildings and cars, and toppled trees blocked roads in communities from Coon Rapids to Centerville to Forest Lake. A 6-year-old girl who had been severely injured and whose heart had stopped was revived in an ambulance on the way to St. John’s Hospital in Maplewood and later transferred to Regions Hospital in St. Paul, said hospital spokeswoman Anne Sonnee. St. John’s treated and released three other people. Eight people – the transferred 6year-old girl and seven adults – were transported to Regions, said that hospital’s spokeswoman, Jessica Flannigan.

Others with minor injuries were treated at an emergency clinic set up in an elementary school. Eyewitnesses said that the dead child and sibling were blown out of their house, one of them into a pond. As many as 20 people were initially unaccounted for, but by 10 p.m. officials said all were located. Many were away from home for the Memorial Day weekend, an official said, who added, “It’s probably a blessing in this case.” – Minneapolis Star-Tribune Gas prices HAYWARD - As gas prices continue to climb in northern Wisconsin and elsewhere around the nation, local tourism agencies and a number of businesses are reporting that Hayward and Sawyer County visitor traffic continues to be strong. This week in Chicago, gas prices are the highest in the nation at over $4 a gallon, which has meant some change to how agencies are marketing the area as a tourist destination. The Hayward Lakes Visitors and Convention Bureau, the cornerstone of tourism marketing of the area, reports that they have “pulled in” many advertising dollars to smaller, closer markets such as La Crosse, Eau Claire and Duluth. – Sawyer County Record Sheriff to step down BARRON COUNTY - Barron County Sheriff Tom Richie is turning in his badge later this summer to take a teaching job at WITC. Richie, 35, made the announcement Monday, May 19, during the county board’s public comment portion of its regular session. The appointment for a new sheriff will be made by

Gov. Jim Doyle. Richie is in the second year of a four-year term. He said he will turn in his formal resignation to Doyle in about two weeks. He said he made the “difficult and challenging” decision for his family and other personal reasons. He has been sheriff just over five years. Richie said he planned to serve as sheriff for most of the summer. He said he does not have an official start date for his new job. “I have enjoyed all fiveplus years that I have been sheriff—the challenges and the ups and downs,” Richie said. He said he has been in law enforcement for over 12 years.

Previously, he served as village of Cameron police chief. But, Richie said, he has a “passion for teaching” and had a great opportunity because the oneyear law enforcement program will now become a two-year program enabling students to get their full police officer education in Rice Lake. Richie first took office in January 2003. Under his tenure, the county’s new 192-bed jail opened its doors in the justice center on Hwy. 25 in Barron in May 2004. – Rice Lake Chronotype Arson investigation continues PINE CITY, Minn. - Right before Memorial Day weekend, a time when many families enjoy the extended weekend fishing and barbecuing, owners of the burned cabins along Big Pine Lake are wondering: “What was the sense of it?” Cabin owner Bill Ludtke wants to know. It has now been over a month since the Big Pine Lake arson spree, and Pine County Sheriff Mark Mansavage said that investigators have exhausted over 100 leads. “The investigation is at a standstill,” Mansavage said. Mansavage announced at a news conference that Crime Stoppers out of Bloomington have signed on to help with the investigation. Crime Stoppers have added $1,000 to the reward for information leading to arrest, making the total reward $11,000. Mansavage said the reward, which started with a base of $5,000 put up by Pine County, has been gradually added to by area organizations and individuals. On Sunday, April 13, 10 buildings were set on fire and three burglarized outside of Finlayson, as well as two fires in Northern Kanabec County and at least two burglaries in Aitkin County. A home near Willow River was burglarized and set on fire in the early morning of Wednesday, April 23. – Pine City Pioneer Sunday storm brings huge hail STAR PRAIRIE - Star Prairie resident Kim Palmer and Trevor Gibson, a bartender at Fonda’s Bar and Grill in Star Prairie, said the village got 10 minutes of hail that was golf-ball-sized or sometimes bigger, and it left large numbers of dents in many cars about an inch deep.

Numerous windshields also were broken out, they said, and other reports stated hail in the immediate area got up to baseball-sized. There were high

winds, as well, and trees down, but it was the hail that did the damage.

Although her garden was left intact, Palmer said at least one of her cars was “totaled” and that she will need repair to her roof. “The deck was turned really white,” she said regarding the hail.

Gibson said that all 20 cars in the bar’s lot received hail damage when the storm hit about 6 p.m. Sunday. This was the same eastward-traveling storm system that produced a tornado and killed a baby in Hugo, Minn., almost an hour earlier. It also destroyed 43 homes there.

Once on the Wisconsin side of the St. Croix River, the storm moved through an area between East Farmington and Somerset, then passed through Star Prairie and on toward Amery.

Somewhat smaller-sized hail also was reported later in the early evening in Houlton. – rivertowns.net Wardens seize, kill deer LADYSMITH - State conservation wardens recently entered the fenced property of Roger E. Hattamer, 51, Holcombe, in northern Chippewa County with search warrants and seized 19 illegally possessed white-tailed deer, which were later killed, according to the Wisconsin DNR. Co-mingling wild and captive deer violates laws designed to prevent the spread of transmissible diseases such as Chronic Wasting Disease and tuberculosis, according to Department of Natural Resources Chief Warden Randy Stark. Stark said wild deer were being mixed with unlicensed, untested deer of uncertain origin and were being kept behind a substandard fence. The risk this situation poses to Wisconsin’s wild deer population and farm animals is unacceptable.

Chippewa County District Attorney Jon Theisen said Friday that he believes there is probable cause for criminal charges in the case, but none have been filed at this time. – Ladysmith News Storm strikes Barron County BARRON COUNTY - Severe weather, which hit northwestern and Barron County late Sunday afternoon, was responsible for minor damage to approximately 30 homes in the southern part of Barron County, according to Randy Books, Barron County’s Emergency Management Director. The heaviest damage was in the Prairie Farm and Dallas area. The Prairie Farm Fire Department and the Dallas Fire Department assisted township crews with removing debris from the roadway. Numerous residents were reported to be without power. High winds did not hit the city of Barron, although the storm alarm siren was activated.

Approximately an inch of rain fell in a half-hour period. – Barron News-Shield

mental legislative accomplishments.

Western Wisconsin is proud home to pioneers in our state’s environmental movement. Former Governors Warren Knowles of New Richmond and Gaylord Nelson of Clear Lake share the name of our state’s stewardship program that sets aside open space for conservation and recreation.

The Stewardship Program was recently reauthorized through 2020 and has had a longstanding positive environmental impact for future generations.

Hopefully, the enactment of the Great Lakes Compact will be of similar benefit for Wisconsin citizens in the future.

Stop sticks, taser used to bring suspect into custody ST. CROIX FALLS - A 33-year-old Clear Lake man is facing possible charges of knowlingly feeling an officer - felony and OWI, second offense, following a police chase May 25 in the city of St. Croix Falls.

Joseph A. Byers was driving a Buick on Hwy. 8 near 200th Street when police received reports he was driving while intoxicated. Byers drove into the WalMart parking lot where police caught up to him and ordered him to stop, using red lights and pulling up alongside Byers’ vehicle.

Byers stopped and the police officer got out of his car and approached Byers who then looked at the officer and then drove acros the parking lot near the front doors of Wal-Mart where there were several pedestrians present.

The officer later reported that he yelled for Byers to stop and then pursued him in the squad car with red lights and siren. Byers drove south on Glacier Ave. where he failed to stop for a stop sign. He then swerved at another squad car who had responded to the scene. Byers then drove over stop sticks deployed by a third squad car.

Byers then failed to stop for the red light on Hwy. 8 and began to drive west on 8.

Police pursued him at speeds up to 100 miles per hour. Byers then turned north on Glacier after three tires had deflated. Byers exited the vehicle and refused commands to get down and comply with handcuffing procedures.

An officer deployed a Taser twice before Byers would comply, according to a police report.

Byers’ eyes were “bloodshot and glassy,” according to the police report, and there was an empty container of alcohol on the passenger seat of the vehicle he was driving. He was taken to the emergency room at SCRMC where he refused a blood draw.

Byers, who had a previous OWI conviction in 1999 in Minnesota, told an officer he normally would not run from police and he admitted to consuming alcohol prior to the traffic stop. - Gary King with information from Polk County Sheriff’s Dept.

Follow the Leader.

PAGE 12 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - MAY 28, 2008

Grantsburg first-graders present…

First-graders performed “The Three Little Pigs” on Thursday, May 22.

Shown are McKenzie Rombach as the first little pig, Elizabeth Snow as the second little pig and Dawson Roberts was the third litle pig.

L i n d a Harmon was the narrator for the play “Goldilocks and the Three Bears.” Tanner Berger, Katie Zeiler and Gracie Gerber notice that someone has been eating Grantsburg first-graders performed “The Three Billy Goats Gruff” on their porridge.

Thursday, May 22, in Mrs. Lee’s classroom. Jonathon Michaels played the – Photos subgrumpy old troll, Evan Harmon, Dawson Roberts and Timothy Gadwa were mitted the three goats. – Photos submitted

MAY 28, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 13

BAAG hosts arts and crafts fair Katy King was at the Arts Alive on 35 event hosted by BAAG with her latest book, the third in her Brigid series, along with her many other books.

Photos by Sherill Summer

David Hakseth demonstrated his painting skills at his booth at the Arts Alive on 35 event held in Siren.

This pot was one of the many arts and crafts for sale at the BAAG event held outside of North Wind Arts in Siren.

Lions donate to SCF Public Library

The St. Croix Falls Lions Club presented a check for $3,000 to the St. Croix Falls Public Library May 21. The library is raising funds for the new library location at the old Holiday grocery store on Main Street. Bremer is matching donations up to $50,000 for two years for the library capital campaign. The library has collected approximately $30,000 so far for the first year of the match and is actively seeking donations that can be matched. Pictured (L to R) are: Librarian Sarah Adams, library employee Eloise Anderson, Lions member John Clayton and Lions president Paul Gilbert. –Photo by Tammi Milberg

Ben from Minneapolis, Minn., painted a pot and planted a flower at the kid’s make-andtake table at the latest BAAG event held last Saturday, May 24.

WOW Award

Elvira Schmidt (L) was presented with the WOW (Wonderful, Outstanding Women) award

by Pat Chuchwar, president of Psi Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma. This award was given to Schmidt by the Signa State Association at their recent state conference held in Racine.

Schmidt was mainly chosen for this award for all the assistance she has given the local Psi Chapter in writing grants which have impacted particularly foster students and graduates, as well as Spanish-speaking children. – Photo submitted.

PAGE 14 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - MAY 28, 2008

P O L K

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Frederic pool closed for season School board to look at options

by Gregg Westigard FREDERIC – The Frederic School Board voted Friday to close the school swimming pool for the season. The decision was made after the board received a new report that identified additional problems with the 50-yearold structure. The board will now await more details on those problems and the expense of correcting them before looking at future options.

The new report is an evaluation of the pool prepared by a state pool expert, David Pluymers, of the Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services. He identified some 15 state code issues that need attention before the pool can be operated. Pluymers made his evaluation based on information provided to him by Polk County Environmental Health Specialist Brian Hobbs. Hobbs presented the evaluation to the board.

While some of the issues might be easy to resolve, a few might be difficult and expensive. The biggest issue, according to Hobbs, is the pool turnover time, the length of time it takes to exchange the water in the pool. State codes say that the turnover rate must be six hours or less. It takes eight hours to exchange the water in the Frederic pool.

Turnover time is an essential factor in maintaining proper water quality, the report states. Hobbs told the board it may not be able to make this change.

Some of the other items listed in the evaluation include removing the pool slide, reviewing use of the diving board, extending gutters around the entire pool and repairing cracks on the pool floor. School maintenance director Warren Peterson said it costs from $5,000 to $8,000 to paint the pool floor.

He said that the turnover rate and a similar problem of skimming the surface water may be unfixable.

Pool issues time line:

Two reports identify problems

Frederic superintendent Jerry Tischer (standing, background) watches as Polk County Environmental Health Specialist Brian Hobbs (kneeling) inspects the pool as school maintenance supervisor Warren Peterson (L) and school board member Terry Taylor (R) look on. - Photo by Gregg Westigard “I want to know the cost of fixing the pool,” board member Terry Taylor said.

“We must draw the line somewhere. We are cutting teachers for next year.”

Elementary principal and summer school teacher Kelly Steen said she wants to know the long-range plan for the pool. She noted that the pool is used for only two months a year maximum.

Both Hobbs and Pluymers, in his report, advised the district to consult its

attorney and its insurance carrier regarding health and safety factors and risk issues. “You might lose really, really bad if something happens,” Hobbs said.

“We may be able to help you,” Hobbs concluded. “I am willing to work with you. You may be able to fix it for three or four years. But the pool will be more and more of a liability over the years.”

FREDERIC – The report presented last Friday was the second in recent months to identify problems with the Frederic swimming pool. Here is a time line.

Spring 2007 – Friends of the Pool community support group contracts with Water Technology, Inc. to evaluate the pool and present options for a new pool.

September 2007 – Tim Gremmer of Water Technology completes his report. It lists six recommendations to be implemented before the pool opens in 2008. It also lists 34 code deficiencies in Department of Commerce Code 90.

Dec. 17, 2007 – Gremmer report given to the school board.

January 2008 – District administrator Gerald Tischer and maintenance director Warren Peterson each talk to Polk County Environmental Health Specialist Brian Hobbs. Hobbs consults David Pluymers, a pool specialist with the Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services.

March 24, 2008 – Gremmer report presented at a community meeting at the high school.

Spring 2008 – Once the pool is snow-free, Hobbs sends photos and information to Pluymers in Madison.

May 22, 2008 – Pluymers sends Hobbs an evaluation that cites 15 issues with HFS Code 172. This is a different code from the Department of Commerce Code 90 that Gremmer cited. – Gregg Westigard

Burnett County Sheriff’s report Accidents Town of Oakland, May 23: Timothy A. Riffe, 55, Shakopee, Minn., attempted to stop in a parking lot but was unable to do so and hit the building. There were no reported injuries and very minor damage to vehicle and building.

Town of Grantsburg, May 24: Kathleen J. Larson, 60, Grantsburg, was southbound on Larson Road, attempting a lefthand turn onto Grell Road, when she turned into the path of Lydia J. Benge Briggs, 17, Grantsburg. Larson commented that the other vehicle must have been going faster then she thought. Both vehicles were

severely damaged. Briggs and a passenger reported injuries.

Larson was cited for failure to yield right of way.

Arrests Town of Union, May 18: Jason A. Johnson, 24, Grantsburg, was arrested for disorderly conduct.

Town of Daniels, May 19: Mary A. Byers, 51, Frederic, was arrested on a Polk County warrant.

Town of Wood River, May 22: Mary E. Olson, 26, Grantsburg, was arrested for battery.

Town of Daniels, May 23: Cassandra R. Isker, 19, Grantsburg, was arrested for underage drinking and criminal

trespass to dwelling. Jon G. Isker, 41, Grantsburg, was arrested for operating after revocation, nonregistration, display of unauthorized license plates and criminal trespass to dwelling.

Town of West Marshland, May 24: Earl J. Baker, 21, Siren, was cited for operating after suspension and driving without wearing a seatbelt. He is suspected of siphoning gas from Soderbeck Landing. The incident is under investigation.

Town of Grantsburg, May 25: Nicholas K. Smith, 18, Grantsburg, was arrested for disorderly conduct and a warrant.

Burnett County warrants Michael J. Bearheart, 38, Webster, failure to pay fines, May 19.

Melissa M. Booth, 38, Superior, warrant – failure to appear, May 23.

Alex M. Bowlin, 17, St. Paul, Minn., failure to pay fines, May 19.

Daniel W. Bugg, 44, Luck, failure to pay fines, May 19.

Michelle L. Buskirk, 29, Webster, failure to pay fines, May 19.

Tanereika M. Celestine, 36, St. Paul, Minn., failure to pay fines, May 19.

Joy C. Ellis, 23, Des Moines, Iowa, failure to pay fines, May 19.

Tracy L. Fisher, 31, Grantsburg, failure to pay fines, May 19.

Darlena K. Glonek, 27, Grantsburg, failure to pay fines, May 19.

Jerry D. Gullings, 23,

Redding, Calf., failure to pay fines, May 19.

Jeffery W. Hanvelt, 33, Dresser, failure to pay fines, May 19.

Kevin H. Hass, 43, Siren, failure to pay fines, May 19.

Jeremy J. Johnson, 20, Webster, failure to pay fines, May 19.

Darold B. Lindman, 46, Grantsburg, failure to pay fines, May 19.

Scott E. Luther, 31, Coon Rapids, Minn., failure to pay fines, May 19.

John W. Lynch, 23, Spooner, failure to pay fines, May 19.

Jackson J. Merrill, 24, Cumberland, failure to pay fines, May 19.

Hope A. Miller, 28, Hayward, failure to pay fines, May 19.

Heather A. Mulroy, 24, Almena, failure to pay fines, May 19.

Michael T. Paffel, 26,

Comstock, failure to pay fines, May 19.

Bevan D. Pillar, 48, Danbury, warrant – failure to appear, May 23.

Wahbimigisi P. Robertson, 20, Hinckley, Minn., failure to pay fines, May 19.

Danielle D. Rodriguez, 19, Danbury, failure to pay fines, May 19.

Betty Shearen, 53, Spooner, failure to pay fines, May 19.

Richard K. Stensrud, 45, Rice Lake, failure to pay fines, May 19.

Mark A. Stoner, 37, Webster, warrant – failure to appear, May 19.

David L. Taylor, 30, Sandstone, Minn., failure to pay fines, May 19.

Debra L. Wicklund, 41, Webster, failure to pay fines, May 19.

Town of Oakland, May 25: Diann L. Jensen, 42, Danbury, was arrested for domestic disorderly conduct.

Robert L. Jensen, 46, Danbury, was arrested for domestic disorderly conduct.

Town of Oakland, May 25: Jonlee J. Goers, 26, South St. Paul, Minn., was arrested on a Polk County warrant.

Village of Webster, May 26: Shaun J. Belisle, 21, Webster was arrested for obstructing an officer and not wearing a seatbelt. Michelle M. Parsons, 22, Hertel, was arrested for not wearing a seat belt and open intoxicants – passenger. Sean T. Reynolds, 20 was arrested for underage drinking, not wearing a seat belt and obstructing an officer. Chelsey M. Staples, 19, Webster, was arrested for

not wearing a seat belt, underage drinking and obstructing an officer.

Mia F. Taylor, 27, Spooner, was cited for not wearing a seat belt and possession of open intoxicants - passenger.

Town of Meenon, May 27: Cordell A. Benjamin, 42, Shell Lake, was arrested for drinking on a no-drink probation.

Other incidents Town of Lincoln, May 16: Peter D. Polaski, 79, Webster, reported a portable drill taken property. The incident is under investigation.

Town of Swiss, May 17: Burl G. Johnson, 33, Danbury, reported a boat and trailer taken from his from his driveway. The incident is under investigation.

Town of Siren, May 17: William Brice, 60, Shoreview, reported toolbox, flashlight,

stereo taken from property. The incident is under investigation.

Town of Lincoln, May 18: Jean M. Smith, St. Paul, Minn., reported a door busted in at a cabin. It is unknown if anything is missing. The incident is under investigation.

Town of Roosevelt, May 19: There was a report of copper wire cut from a cabin owned by Alan D. Polsky, Shell Lake. The incident is under investigation.

Town of Swiss, May 23: Tobias C. Nichols, Lakeville, Minn., reported the theft of a 4by-8 foot utility trailer. The incident is under investigation.

Town of Wood River, May 24: Robert C. Mattson, Roseville, Minn., reported four solar lights taken from dock. The incident is under investigation.

Webster municipal court Byran E. Boehne, Lino Lakes, Minn., DOC with motor vehicle, $109.00.

Dimitri J. Audie, Danbury, resisting an officer, $361.00, DOC, $203.50.

Sherry Benjamin, Danbury, failure to pay, $83.80, warrant issued.

Jessi R. Bremer, Webster, theft, $568.50; theft, $243.50.

Austin D. Buchanan, Webster, violation of seat belt requirements, $58.60.

Nicole D. Cadotte, Webster, speeding, $83.50.

Christina Cherney, Webster, failure to pay, $235.00, warrant issued.

Erye J. DeMarre, Webster, disturbing the peace, $109.00.

Dylan A. Geske, Siren, endangering safety, $172.00

and throwing missiles, $172.00.

Ken N. Hinze, Webster, dog running at large, $109.00.

James B. Kroplin, Webster, failure to pay, $583.50, warrant issued.

Steven R. Lang, Webster, failure to pay, $109.00, failure to pay, $83.80, warrants issued.

Tyler J. Macke, Webster, operating w/o valid license, $109.00.

Matthew Matrious, Danbury, possession of THC, $172.00.

Tony Mattie, Webster, worthless check, $302.50.

Tabatha Mitchell, Webster, NSF checks, $387.98.

Jeffrey JE Olson, Webster, nonregistration, $83.50.

John P. Polski, Webster, failure to pay, $203.50, warrant issued.

Lori A. Prelgo, Danbury, violation of seat belt requirement, $58.60; violation of seat belt requirement, $58.60.

Phillip A. Preston, Webster, disturbing the peace, $109.00.

Shawn D. Rachner, Webster, disturbing the peace, $109.00.

Megan N. Sartwell, Danbury, unsafe backing, $83.80.

John Shabaiash, Webster, theft-rental property, $714.21.

Monica Skille, Hayward, failure to pay, $336.50, warrant issued.

Lester D. Sutton, Danbury, no valid driver’s license, $109.00.

Jack L. Winslow, Webster, failure to play, $383.90, warrant issued.

MAY 28, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 15

Burnett Co. criminal court Gina J. Ricci Simon, 33, Cumberland, speeding, $211.20.

Samantha M. Buchanan, 18, Frederic, speeding, $113.00.

Dbekgeshek Alloway-Isbell, 38, Sharptown, Md., disorderly conduct, $249.00.

Jaimi R. Roy, 21, Balsam Lake, disorderly conduct, $249.00.

Carole D. Lunsman, 69, Danbury, OWI, $665.50, alcohol assessment, license revoked six months.

Phillip C. Snyder, 23, Winona, Minn., OWI, $793.00, alcohol assessment, license revoked eight months.

Amanda R. Bildeau, 20, Minocqua, operate without valid license, $186.00.

Violet S. Reynolds, 28, Webster, disorderly conduct, $249.00.

Eowynn S. Shannon, 25, Webster, disorderly conduct, $249.00.

Aaron M. Skinaway, 24, Danbury, disorderly conduct, 18-month probation, obtain mental health evaluation and comply with all treatment recommendations, alcohol assessment, $88.00; bail jumping, 18month probation, $88.00.

Craig A. Stevens, 34, Webster, disorderly conduct, $249.00.

Shawn M. Songetay, 33, Siren, disorderly conduct, oneyear probation, alcohol assessment, $163.00.

Shad A. Spafford, 37, Siren, disorderly conduct, no contact with victim, $215.00 restitution, $88.00.

Matthew J. Worcester, 23, Cedar, Minn., disorderly conduct, $249.00.

Teri E. LaSarge, 20, Sandstone, Minn., possession of switchblade knife, one-year probation, obtain valid drivers license, alcohol assessment, $88.00.

Kelvin J. Buskirk Jr., 32, Danbury, manufacture or deliver amphetamine, three-year probation, license suspended six months, 90-day jail sentence, permission to go to Chippewa Valley Treatment Facility, provide DNA sample, alcohol assessment, $363.00; possession of THC, three-year probation – concurrent, license suspended six months – concurrent, alcohol assessment, $113.00.

Daniel A. Vinar, 30, St. Paul, Minn., possession of cocaine / coca, one-year probation, license suspended six months, alcohol assessment, $88.00; OWI, $894.00, alcohol assessment, 10-day jail sentence, Huber privileges granted, license revoked 12 months.

Bryan L. Belisle, 22, Webster, OWI, $1,030.00, alcohol assessment, 20-day jail sentence, eligible for community service, license revoked 16 months.

Burnett County civil court Bayfield Financial LLC vs. Dennis R. Glienke, Danbury, $2,863.91.

Bayfield Financial LLC vs. Patsy L. Lokker, Webster, $1,941.89.

Capital One Bank vs. Pearl M. Burnett, Siren, $3,547.35.

Burnett County deaths Karin I. Greenberg, 82, Trade River, May 12.

Glenn C. Retzer Sr., 89, Grantsburg Village, May 14.

Burnett Co. marriage licenses Caleb J. Wistad, Rusk, and Morgan M. Kaefer, La Follette, May 22.

PAGE 16 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - MAY 28, 2008

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H E A D L I N E S

Unity senior graduation party

Mike Morris and Bill Alleva auctioned off prizes that all seniors received who go to the senior grad party at Unity following graduation on Friday night.

Leon Redbone to perform at Festival Theatre

Tiffany Larson was at the Unity senior grad party following graduation last Friday evening and enjoyed having herself made into a cartoon.

Unity graduates at their grad party enjoyed playing casino games, swimming, and a live auction where everyone won a prize from mountain bikes, to microwaves, from -Pods to laundry baskets. (R) Amy VanDeBrake, Dan Livingston and Brian Mabry were among those that had a great time at the event.

Follow the Leader.

Murder case still open MADISON - Among the Memorial Day services being held Monday, May 26, is one for a murder victim whose case remains unsolved, 40 years after her body was found on the UWMadison campus.

Another student discovered Christine Rothschild’s body outside Sterling Hall on May 26, 1968. The 18year-old freshman had been stabbed and strangled.

The organizer of the service is

Rothschild’s college friend, Linda Schulko. She says she’s frustrated that the case has remained open all these years. Schulko says investigators could make progress if they use more sophisticated forensic testing methods that weren’t available 40 years ago.

Schulko says Rothchild’s parents died without any closure on the case.

She says she hopes that families of other Madison-area murder victims, including Joel Marino and Brittany

Zimmerman, don’t have to go through the same ordeal.

The campus carillon bells were rung in Rothschild’s honor Monday. Among those sharing memories at the service are a former detective who worked on the case, the daughter of Rothchild’s Sunday school teacher and one of her professors. – Wisconsin Public Radio (Jesse Boyett-Anderson)

Watercross board busy at work

by Brenda Sommerfeld FREDERIC – The Frederic Watercross Board is busy promoting the first-annual National Championship race to be held in Frederic June 28 and 29. The board has been meeting every other Wednesday since January and will go to every Wednesday starting June 4.

Many aspects of the race have been discussed over the last six months.

One of major changes to this year’s race is the board has decided to hold the competition’s first queen pageant.

It involves four towns and will give away four scholarships to different individuals. The board is still looking for more sponsors of the scholarship fund.

Individuals interested in being part of the pageant may have graduated school this year or in past years. Interested parties may get more information from www.fredericwatercross.com or e-mail aeelec@centurytel.net. All entries for the pageant are due by June 6.

The Frederic Watercross Board members are busy preparing for the National Championship race to be held June 28 and 29. The board members include front row (L to R): Lauri Nelson and Karen Carlson, secretary. Back row: Danny Carlson, president, Kevin Knauber, vice president, Steve Baillargeon, treasurer, Arlen Peterson and RJ Severude. — Photo submitted

Leon Redbone will be performing at the Festival Theatre at St. Croix Falls, Sept. 20. Redbone may not think of himself as an accomplished musician, but musicians certainly do. He may not cater to categorization, but his audiences pigeonhole him firmly in the category of “great.” And while he claims to have no desire to entertain, it is inevitable that when exposed to Leon Redbone there is no other option than being wholly entertained. Even though his iconic white fedora, jacket and sunglasses has been thoroughly satirized (anybody remember the “Leon Redbone workout” Far Side cartoon?), it’s easy to overlook what a genuinely gifted artist he remains — a role he inevitably tries to downplay.

Reserved seating for this special event is $30. “I’ve been working on this concert for nearly two years,” said Danette Olsen, executive director at Festival Theatre. “It’s such an honor to know that the infamous Leon Redbone will perform on our stage.

It’s also wonderful to provide yet another way to thank our subscribers with advance purchase prior to the general public sale which begins on June 15.” 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.

- Special photo

MAY 28, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 17

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Vikings clutch first-ever regional title!

Frederic gets win in 11 innings over Northwood Frederic 5, Northwood 3

by Marty Seeger MINONG – It went 11 innings in total, but when the dust finally cleared the Vikings came out on top on one of the best finishes in Vikings softball history.

The win is a sweet deal for the Frederic team, since last year’s regional final loss to Elmwood in five innings 11-0. The volleyball and basketball teams both made it to the regional finals as well this past season, but both ended with a loss.

Needless to say, coach Erin Hansford and the rest of the Vikings team are thrilled to have an opportunity to play in the sectional semifinal.

“We’ve never been to sectionals, so the girls kind of have the attitude that we have nothing to lose, they’re just going to go out and play,” Hansford said.

The Vikings will have a bit of home field advantage in the sectional semifinal against the No. 2 seed, Hurley, who made it to the state finals game last year, but lost by one run to Williams Bay. The game will be played on Thursday, May 29, beginning at 1 p.m. in Luck. But to get to that point, the Vikings had to get through a tough Northwood team.

The Frederic softball team proudly holds up their first ever regional championship. The school van says “sectionals here we come, Frederic Softball” in the background. – Photo by Kelly Schmidt Hansford said that might not have happened if the team hadn’t turned around defensive mistakes and a slow beginning.

“Northwoods is a great team, and they have a great coach. They had some errors and we had some errors, but after

that fourth inning it had to be tight,” Hansford said.

The first inning started off hot for Frederic as Lisa Chelmo singled, followed by a Melanie Chenal double,

See Frederic/next page

Grantsburg earns another trophy Next stop, Arcadia Grantsburg 2, St. Croix Central 1

The Grantsburg Pirates group together around their regional championship plaque after winning the final game against St. Croix Central Thursday, May 22. – Photo by Brenda Sommerfeld

by Brenda Sommerfeld GRANTSBURG – The closest game of the season for the Grantsburg Pirates softball team so far was the regional championship game. The Pirates pulled it off, 2-1, against the St. Croix Central Panthers on Thursday, May 22. This added another regional championship title to their collection.

“That was a typical fast-pitch game,” coach Don Bjelland said. “The type of game you want to have, where everybody plays well.”

It was one of the quickest games all season with each team’s defense going one, two and three outs with the batters.

Michelle Lund may have been sick on Wednesday but was showing no signs of it while pitching against St. Croix Central.

The first round for the Panthers yielded two strikeouts, a single hit and a caught fly to second baseman, Alyssa Ryan. The single hit was put to right field where the sun was blinding outfielder Tiffany Meyer, who missed it.

The first three batters up for Grantsburg each hit a fly ball to a ready St. Croix Central player.

The first hit to put a Pirate on base was when Annie Palmquist hit one to center field where the outfielder dropped it. Even with Ingrid Ame’s sacrifice bunt, no hitter could bring in

See Grantsburg/next page

Extra Points ••• LA CROSSE – On WXCE 1260 AM updates from the WIAA state track and field meet can be heard from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. on May 30 and 31.

••• MILWAUKEE – Milwaukee Brewers games featured on WXCE 1260 can be heard on the following dates: The May 29 game featuring the Braves at Brewers begins at noon. The Houston Astros series at Brewers can be heard on May 30 and 31 at 7 p.m. and 6 p.m. respectively.

The June 1 game against Houston can be heard at 1 p.m. The June 2, 3 and 4 games against the Diamondbacks can be heard at 7 p.m., 7 p.m., and 1 p.m. respectively.

••• MINNEAPOLIS – Minnesota Twins games featured on WLMX 104.9 FM can be heard on the following dates: The May 29 Twins at Kansas City game can be heard at 7 p.m. The Yankees at Twins series taking place on May 30 and 31 can be heard at 7 p.m. and 6 p.m. respectively. The June 1 and 2 games against the Yankees can be heard at 1 p.m. nad 6 p.m. respectively. The Baltimore at Twins series on June 3 and 4 can be heard at 7 p.m. both nights.

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

S PORTS RE S U LTS DEADLI N E S: WE DN E S DAY - MON DAY: 1 p.m. the following business day. TU E S DAY: 7 a.m. on Wednesday. Missed deadlines mean no coverage that week!

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

PAGE 18 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - MAY 28, 2008

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Erin Schmidt safely slides into third against Frederic’s opponent.

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came up huge at just the right time.

“For us we were so pumped up and the girls felt like we’d won, and then we had to set back and say, ‘wait a minute, now we have to hold ‘em,’” Hansford explained.

And the Vikings did manage to hold as they worked a flawless 1-2-3 inning in the bottom of the 11th. Northwood flied to right field, grounded out to the pitcher and grounded to second. The win is Frederic’s first-ever regional championship in softball.

“I was so proud of them, they were so excited,” said Hansford, who is celebrating her first regional championship as second-year head coach of the Vikings.

Frederic/continued which sent Chelmo to third. Erin Schmidt hit a sacrifice fly to center field to give the Vikings a 1-0 lead. Frederic stretched the lead to two runs in the third, but the Vikings defense created errors in the bottom half of the inning, and Northwood retook the lead 3-2.

None of Northwood’s runs were earned.

“If we wouldn’t have given away a few runs in the beginning, it would have been done in seven,” Hansford explained.

Frederic came back to tie the game in the top of the fourth inning after Vanessa Neumann reached first on a third baseman’s error. Alex Lonetti walked, and Michelle Owens singled to load the bases. Terri McKinney then took one for the team after getting hit by a pitch and that run helped to tie the game. Unfortunately for both teams, that’s where the game remained until the bottom of the 11th inning.

Schmidt was the starting pitcher for the Vikings, and both Frederic and

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Frederic teammates celebrate after winning in the 11th inning of their regional final game against Northwood on Thursday, May 22.– Photos by Kelly Schmidt Northwood changed pitchers at about the third and fourth inning. Chrissy Chenal pitched the following eight innings of the game, bringing heat the entire time, whereas Schmidt threw a lot of off-speed pitches.

“Erin throws a lot of junk, and she doesn’t always get the calls if you don’t have an umpire that’s going to call the corners,” Hansford said. In this case, Hansford said it was very similar to what Schmidt has been dealing with all season long. Schmidt exited the game with three very solid innings allowing four hits, one walk and had four strikeouts. Chrissy Chenal came in and threw hard and fast, which turned out to work in the Vikings advantage. Hansford felt that the Northwood team hadn’t seen too much speed over the course of the season. Since Chrissy Chenal has been throwing harder since the beginning of the year, Hansford felt that Chenal might change the pace of the game.

“I don’t think they’ve really seen anybody like Chrissy, so I decided to throw

her in and I just told her to throw hard,” said Hansford.

It wasn’t until the top of the 11th inning that things finally opened up for the Vikings. Hansford said the Vikings were hitting the ball hard, but it just happened to be hard hits right at the Northwood defense. Then in the top of the 11th, after a strikeout and groundout to the pitcher, the Vikings were faced with two outs, and batters at the bottom of the order. But before the inning ended Alex Lonetti tripled, and Michelle Owens singled to center field to bring in the first run of the game in seven innings. Owens eventually reached third base on a fielding error by the Northwood center fielder.

McKinney was next to bat, and brought Owens home on a fielder’s choice.

Krysta Laqua also singled in the inning, but the inning ended with the Vikings getting two big runs courtesy of a pair of unlikely athletes. Hansford said that the bottom of the batting order has been struggling to hit the ball all season, but

Alex Lonetti stands ready on third after hitting a triple in the top of the 11th inning.

Grantsburg/continued Palmquist’s runner Sarah Wald.

The first run was by Michelle Davidsavor in the fourth inning, when she got to third off her hit and an error on St. Croix Central’s outfield.

Davidsavor looked as if she might have been injured taking a while to get up after the slide into third. After Davidsavor recovered, Melissa Burton brought her in with a single.

For the Pirate’s second run, Amanda Durand was brought in by Lund in the fifth to put them up 2-0.

Michelle Davidsavor makes it to third on her hit and is scored for Grantsburg’s first run by Melissa Burton. – Photos

by Brenda Sommerfeld

Amanda Durand crosses home plate for Grantsburg’s second and final run of the game in the fifth.

Things were looking up for St. Croix Central at the top of the seventh. They scored a run with their first batter getting a triple and the second a single base hit.

The second batter was on third and there were two outs. St. Croix Central’s next batter was at the plate hitting foul ball after foul ball until she was finally struck out swinging.

“We played better defense, got some breaks,” said Bjelland. “Like everything, you have to get the breaks sometimes to win games.”

Lund, Davidsavor, Burton, Durand and Heather Davison got the five hits

by Grantsburg, while St. Croix Central knocked six off.

Grantsburg will make their way to Arcadia for sectionals on Thursday, May 29.

Pitcher Michelle Lund and catcher Sasha Chell hug as Sarah Wald comes up to join in the excitement after winning the game.

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Webster, Frederic lead way to state Wondra, Tanesha Carlson and Sage Karl.

Grantsburg, Luck, Siren and Unity sending athletes to La Crosse

by Marty Seeger COLFAX – There are plenty of reasons to get excited about the upcoming state track meet set to take place in La Crosse this weekend beginning May 29 through Saturday, May 31. Area schools will be sending at least 17 different individual boy and girl athletes to compete, not to mention the schools that will be sending at least six teams who will compete in different relay events.

Five individual boys from a stacked Webster team qualified for the state meet after solid performances at the Division 3 sectional meet in Colfax last Thursday, May 22. Josh Johnson will be competing in the discus and shot put events, while A.J. Holmquist will be competing in the pole vault. Johnson finished second in the shot and first place in the discus event. Holmquist took third overall in Colfax in order to qualify.

Peter Walsh qualified for the state tournament by taking firsts in the 1600and 3200-meter run. Brian Thill qualified for state in the 400-meter dash, and Nick Krinkie will also be competing with Walsh in the 3200-meter run.

The Webster boys are sending three relay teams in the 4X200, - 4X400-and 4X800-meter relay. The 4X200 meter relay features Jules Zappa, Chaz Heinz, Quentin Johnson and Dan Pope. The 4X400-meter relay features Heinz, Johnson, Brian Gibbs and Thill. The 4X800 team includes Walsh, Asa Olson, Gibbs and Quentin Johnson.

Other individual girls to compete COLFAX – Senior Katherine Krause of Webster will be competing in the 800meter run at state this weekend. Krause finished second among 16 competitors in Colfax to achieve this goal.

For Siren girls, it will be Sarah Howe and Kendra Jones who will be making a trip to state in La Crosse. Howe will be competing in the 3200-and 1600-meter run, while Kendra Jones will be competing in the discus event.

Frederic’s 4X100-meter relay team placed first over all other teams during the sectional track meet in Colfax on Thursday, May 22. The relay team is (L to R) Sage Karl, Kelly Wondra, Tanesha Carlson and Candace Buck. – Photos

by Larry Samson fied. The Vikings are sending a 4X100- Frederic girls sending six COLFAX – The Karl family will not meter relay team as well as a 4X800meter relay team, with the 4X800 only be sending its own River Karl to including River Karl, who qualified for the state tournament but Sage and Calla two other events as an individual. Karl Karl as well. Sage qualified for the 100will be competing at state in the 800-and meter dash, and her sister, Calla, will be competing in the 400-meter dash.

1600-meter run.

The 4X800 team consists of Ben Samantha Nelson has qualified for the Nelson, River Karl, Kyle Swenson and 3200 meter run and Kelly Wondra is Ben Anderson. The 4X100-meter relay making it to state in the triple jump.

Two relay teams will be representing team consists of Matt Alden, Tyler Calabria, Peter Carlson and Perry Frederic, in the 4X800- and the 4X100meter relays. The 4X800 team includes Anderson.

Calla Karl, Sarah Knauber, Megan Anderson and Samantha Nelson. The 4X100 team includes Candace Buck,

Two move on from Medford MEDFORD – Two area individuals will be representing their schools from the Division 2 sectional meet, which was held last Thursday, May 22. Senior Chad Strilzuk of Unity will be moving on in the long jump, while Grantsburg senior Shawn Pavlik will be competing at state in the high jump.

Strilzuk took third place out of 16 competitors in the long jump, while Pavlik finished second out of 16 competitors in the high jump.

Frederic boys finish well COLFAX – Zach Anderson qualified for the state track meet in three events including the triple jump, 110-meter hurdles and the 300-meter hurdles, while two boys relay teams also qualiDivision II Regional Meet (5-22-08) Medford High School Boys Top Four Team Results Place Team Points 1st Osceola 58.33 2nd Spooner 56.50 3rd Stanley-Boyd 54.50 4th Hayward 52.00 Area individuals advancing to State High jump - 2. Shawn Pavlik, G, 6-02.

Long jump - 3. Chad Strilzuk, U, 20-02.

Division III Regional Meet (5-22-08) Colfax High School Boys Top Four Team Results Place Team Points 1st Webster 112.0 2nd Frederic 58.0 3rd Fall Creek 43.0 4th Regis 41.0 Area individuals advancing to Sectionals 100-Meter dash - 4. Nick Morgan, L, 11.87.

200-Meter dash - 2. Brian Thill, W, 23.50; 3. Nick Morgan, L, 23.54.

400-Meter dash - 2. Brian Thill, W, 51.26.

800-Meter run - 1. River Karl, F, 1.59.30.

1600-Meter run - 1. Peter Walsh, W, 4.24.30; 2.

River Karl, F, 4.26.39.

3200-Meter run - 1. Peter Walsh, W, 9.56.03.

110-Meter hurdles - 4. Zach Anderson, F, 16.43.

300-Meter hurdles - 4. Zach Anderson, F, 43.17.

4X100-Meter relay - 3. Frederic, 45.94 (Matt Alden, Peter Carlson, Tyler Calabria, Perry Anderson).

4X200-Meter relay - 1. Webster, 1.33.58 (Jules Zappa, Chaz Heinz, Quentin Johnson, Dan Pope).

4X400-Meter relay - 1. Webster, 3.31.86 (Chaz Heinz, Brian Gibbs, Quentin Johnson, Brian Thill).

4X800-Meter relay - 1. Webster, 8.16.42 (Peter Walsh, Brian Gibbs, Asa Olson, Quentin Johnson); 2. Frederic, 8.24.00 (Ben Nelson, Kyle Swenson, River Karl, Ben Anderson).

Pole vault - 3. AJ Holmquist, W, 11-09.

Triple jump - 3. Zach Anderson, F, 40-10.25.

Shot put - 2. Josh Johnson, W, 49-05.25.

Discus - 1. Josh Johnson, W, 147-00.

Luck’s Landon Strilzuk long jumped during the sectional competition in Colfax.

Division II Regional Meet (5-22-08) Medford High School Girls Top Four Team Results Place Team Points 1st Osceola 62.00 2nd Hayward 61.00 3rd Stanley-Boyd 60.50 4th Ellsworth 58.00 Division III Regional Meet (5-22-08) Colfax High School Girls Top Four Team Results Place Team Points 1st Regis 109.0 2ndT Drummond 61.0 2ndT Colfax 61.0 4th Frederic 59.0 Area individuals advancing to Sectionals 100-Meter dash - 3. Sage Karl, F, 13.51.

400-Meter dash - 3. Calla Karl, F, 1.02.28.

800-Meter run - 2. Kathryn Krause, W, 2.28.61.

1600-Meter run - 1. Sarah Howe, S, 5.18.92.

3200-Meter run - 1. Sarah Howe, S, 12.01.51; 3.

Samantha Nelson, F, 12.06.37.

100-Meter hurdles 4X100-Meter relay - 1. Frederic, 52.28 (Candace Buck, Tanesha Carlson, Kelly Wondra, Sage Karl).

4X800-Meter relay - 3. Frederic, 10.12.27 (Calla Karl, Megan Anderson, Sarah Knauber, Samantha Nelson) Triple jump - 1. Kelly Wondra, F, 33-09.

Discus - 3. Kendra Jones, S, 108-06.

Frederic’s Jade Johnson received 11th place in the triple jump sectional competition.

Siren’s Sarah Howe placed first in both the 1600-meter and 3200-meter runs to advance to state.

Webster’s Shaina Pardun placed six, accomplishing 7 ft., 6 in. in the pole vault event.

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Luck movin' on after win over Solon Springs Luck homers help, while Saints make it go eight innings Luck 9, Solon Springs 2

by Marty Seeger LUCK – The Cardinals had no trouble in their first round of regional action on Tuesday night against Solon Springs at home. Luck continued to keep pressure on the opposition with solid hitting and a team total seven hits to the Eagles’ three.

Dingers from both Harry SeversonDickinson and Jamison Gross in the first and third innings helped Luck to at least three of their nine total runs.

Jordan Gross doubled in the first inning, which set up SeversonDickinson’s two-run homer that cleared the fence in left-center field. In the second inning the Cardinals went down easily 1-2-3, but in the bottom of the third Jamison Gross smashed a solo shot that gave the team a 3-0 lead.

The Eagles scored a run in the fourth inning after a walk was given up by starting pitcher Casey Hatten. A single from Solon Spring’s Kyle Polzin eventu-

The Cardinals hit well against Solon Springs Tuesday night in their first regional playoff game. Harry SeversonDickinson smashed a two-run homer in the bottom in the first inning, and lead-off hitter Jamison Gross hit a solo shot in the third. - Photos Marty Seeger ally brought that run home to bring the walk as well. Klatt stole second base score as close as it would get for the rest after nearly getting tagged out by a of the game. throw from the catcher, and reached Luck picked up a total of six runs on third on a single from Brett Holdt. four hits in the bottom of the fourth Derek Letch followed that with an RBI inning. With one out Mitchell Klatt single, and Jamison Gross brought two drew a walk, and Harlan Opitz drew a runs home with his single. Cody Richert reached base on an error, and Jordan Gross hit another smash for a double, but was tagged out after rounding second base to end the inning, but not before he had brought in two RBIs with the hit.

Solon Springs threatened in the top of the seventh by loading the bases, but Luck ended the inning with the help of two strikeouts from Hatten, who struck out eight and walked five.

The Cardinals battle Shell Lake in the regional final at home Wednesday, May 28. The Lakers defeated Northwood 3-2 Tuesday to advance to the regional finals against Luck.

Luck's Mitchell Klatt gets down in a slide to second in the fourth inning.

Klatt scored one of the Cards six runs in the inning.

Casey Hatten pitched a complete game with eight strikeouts.

Saints stunned by Osceola in the bottom of the seventh inning after Gus Koecher walked, and with one out Jake Larcom was hit by a pitch. Trygve Chinander singled to score Koecher and Marcus Campbell hit an RBI single to tie the game and score Larcom.

Osceola bounced right back in the top of the eight and took a 4-2 lead with the help of two singles and three walks, but the Saints came charging back in the bottom of the eighth. Matt Vold helped with an RBI single, but the Chieftains made a great play in the end to defeat the Saints, according to Randolph.

“We scored one and were ready to score the tying run in the eighth…unfortunately a sharp-hit ground ball resulted in a 5-3 double play,” he stated.

Although Randolph was saddened by the loss, he was pleased with the progress his team has made and proud that they’ve grown to be competitive.

“Regardless of the outcome something has changed…we believe we can succeed and will not surrender,” Randolph said.

Saints, Chieftans go six scoreless innings before going extra Osceola 4, St. Croix Falls 3

by Marty Seeger ST. CROIX FALLS – The Saints fell to Osceola in eight innings on Tuesday in their first appearance in the WIAA playoffs. The Saints received a first-round bye before facing the Chieftains, who defeated Somerset 5-3 in the first round last week.

Both the Saints and Chieftains played a scoreless six innings before Osceola took a 2-0 lead in the top of the seventh inning. Osceola singled twice and drew three walks to help the cause. Saints coach Paul Randolph thought both teams played well, and the Saints team kept their hopes high for a win until the end.

“To the credit of our players and their positive thinking, we thought we were going to win the game in both the bottom of the seventh and eighth innings,” Randolph stated.

The Saints came back to tie the game

Saints sophomore Cory Gebhard connects with the ball during the regional game against Osceola. Both teams were scoreless until the sixth inning.

- Photo by Tammi Milberg

MAY 28, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 21

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Pirates bat down Eagles in regional

Face St. Croix Central for the regional title Grantsburg 9, Unity 1

by Brenda Sommerfeld GRANTSBURG – The Pirates took the Unity Eagles out of the regional running, winning 9-1 on Tuesday, May 27.

Thane Larson pitched all seven innings for Grantsburg, striking out six Unity batters and only allowing one run.

Larson and Trent Bonneville each got three hits of the Pirates 11 total.

Cory Tunheim scored the only run for the Unity Eagles in the seventh inning.

He was hit by a pitch and brought in by Seth McKenzie’s single hit.

Ryan Flaherty finished out the season pitching for the Eagles, striking out five Grantsburg batters.

Grantsburg will now move onto the regional finals played on their home field against St. Croix Central Wednesday, May 28 at 5 p.m.

Jamie Robb was called out at first in an attempt to slide, while Unity's Seth McKenzie scoops up the ball. - Photos

by Brenda Sommerfeld

Good eating

Unity senior Aaron Schmidt scooped up a ball in right field on Tuesday night against Grantsburg.

Schmidt had the teams only double of the night, and the Eagles piled on seven hits.

Grantsburg's Jake Ryan slides safely into second base as Cory Tunheim leaps for the ball. Justin Bader looks on in the background.

Chinander fires away

Saints pitcher Trygve Chinander pitched 7-1/3 innings against Osceola on Tuesday, May 27. Chinander had two strikeouts, four walks and gave up seven hits, but six scoreless innings. - Photo by Tammi Milberg

When you’re age 2-1/2 and your name is Spencer Hinze, you’re much more interested in the hot dog than you are in the high school baseball game. - Photo by Carl Heidel

PAGE 22 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - MAY 28, 2008

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Win gives Eagles a crack at Grantsburg Unity beats Boyceville in first round of regionals Unity 12, Boyceville 5

by Marty Seeger BALSAM LAKE – With it being the seniors’ last day of school on Thursday, May 22, Unity coach Matt Humpal wasn’t exactly sure how his team would focus in on the game. But when it was all said and done, the Eagles came to play.

Ryan Flaherty’s two-run shot in the first inning and his 13 strikeouts on the mound definitely helped the Eagles cause for victory. Despite Boyceville taking a 1-0 lead in the first inning, Unity settled in and was able to get things moving early.

“You know [with the] seniors’ last day of school I wasn’t sure what was going to happen,” said Unity coach Matt Humpal. “They come out struggling and looked nervous again, but came out and played well after that.”

Two of Flaherty’s three walks in the game came in the first inning, and an error eventually gave Boyceville the

Eagles Ryan Flaherty gets congratulated after he hit a two-run home run in the first inning of Unity’s win over Boyceville on Thursday, May 22. – Photo

by Marty Seeger early 1-0 lead. But in the top of the first, Dennis McKinney singled with just one out, and Flaherty’s homer carried over center field to give the Eagles a 2-0 lead.

“They (Boyceville) got a kid throwing pretty hard, and coming up, Flaherty

hits a two-run home run… That’s huge,” Humpal said. “That was probably the turning point of the game right there in the first inning.”

Brady Flaherty and Eric Goulet both singled in the second inning, and

McKinney reached first on a throwing error to quickly load the bases. Ryan Flaherty hit an RBI single, and with the bases still juiced, Aaron Schmidt cleared the bases with a smash to the gap in left center field.

“That was a huge hit. We talked about staying inside and going and getting the ball, and he went and got that one,” Humpal said.

The Eagles fell into a little bit of trouble in the fifth inning when an error eventually got the first Boyceville runner on board. Two consecutive singles loaded the bases, and Boyceville catcher Andy Polonec jacked a grand slam to bring the Bulldogs five runs closer. But it would be all Boyceville would get.

The Eagles continued to hit well into the sixth when Cory Tunheim led off with a single, followed by a sacrifice bunt by Luke Nelson. Eric Goulet and Brady Flaherty singled and Aaron Schmidt doubled on a hard-hit ball to short.

Schmidt led the Eagles with three hits and four RBIs, while Ryan Flaherty picked up four RBIs to go along with two hits. Flaherty also closed out the sixth inning with two strikeouts, and shut the Bulldogs down in the seventh with three consecutive strikeouts to end the game.

Siren-Webster stays close with Northwestern top of the fifth. They added up five runs of their own to restore their two-run gap.

Siren-Webster’s sophomore Christian Hall hit a solo home run in the bottom of the fifth to close it up to 7-6 in favor of Northwestern.

Northwestern scored one more in the seventh, to bring it back within two.

Siren-Webster’s Spencer Peterson singled, and Jordan Potvin doubled, scoring Peterson to make it a one-run game.

The potential tying run was on third base with two outs but was left stranded with a fly out to right field.

“This was a good ballgame,” coach Greg Sears said. “I am proud of how far we came this season. Despite only two wins, we did not lay down for anybody.”

“Our season had its ups and downs, but I’m glad the kids stuck with it and hopefully it will pay off down the road for the Siren-Webster baseball program,” Sears added.

Potential tying run left stranded on third Northwestern 8, Siren-Webster 7

by Brenda Sommerfeld WEBSTER – The Siren-Webster baseball team’s season ended in an 8-7 loss to Northwestern on Thursday, May 22.

Close games were a pattern for the new co-op team. Siren-Webster only won two games this season, but seven of the lost games were only lost by one or two runs.

The Northwestern game started out with a 2-0 gap early on for Northwestern off Jesse Hinze’s pitching.

Hinze only allowed those two during his five innings of pitching.

Siren-Webster stepped up to the plate in the fourth inning, and making it through the entire lineup, scored five runs.

The Northwestern team took advantage of three Siren-Webster errors in the

Siren-Webster’s Christian Hall is met by team at home plate as he comes in with a one-run home run in the fifth inning. – Photo by Carl Heidel

Vikings ship overturned by Lakers “We left a lot of opportunities, but we didn’t quit,” coach Troy Schmidt said.

“We battled back.”

Battling back couldn’t keep Shell Lake from scoring three more in the fifth, but does keep their hopes up for next season.

With the Vikings only losing two seniors, they will have four returning juniors and many underclassmen to keep going for seasons to follow.

“We gained a lot of experience,” Schmidt said.

Matt Norsten had two RBIs while Trae Gehl had one against Shell Lake.

Andrew Kurkowski, Kanan Hackett, Nolan Neumann, Ben Ackerley and Gehl were the Vikings to make it to home plate throughout the night.

Frederic scores all five runs in fifth inning Shell Lake 15, Frederic 5

by Brenda Sommerfeld SHELL LAKE – The young Frederic Vikings baseball team’s season was ended by the Shell Lake Lakers on Thursday, May 22. The Lakers won, 155, during this first round of regionals.

It was counting by doubles for the runs in each inning that Shell Lake scored. Two were scored in the first, four in the third and six in the fourth, giving them a comfortable cushion over the Vikings.

Frederic did rally back in the fifth with five of their own runs, but left runners stranded on base during other innings.

Frederic’s Ben Ackerley gets on base during the game against Shell Lake.

Vikings Ethan Cook steps up to bat. Cook also pitched for Frederic.

– Photos by Regan Kohler

MAY 28, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 23

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Cards season ends at sectionals in Cadott

Grantsburg takes sixth overall, Webster lands in ninth place

by Marty Seeger CADOTT – After another memorable season, the Luck boys golf team cut their season just short of their goal of reaching the state tournament in Madison. Both Grantsburg and Webster teams also made it to the sectional tournament that took place at the Whispering Pines Golf Course in Cadott on Tuesday, May 27.

Luck golf team members, Travis Close and Kody Erickson, take a minute during competition. – Photo by Marty Seeger

St. Croix Falls’ Blake Yunker was the only member of his team that made it to the Division II sectional in Somerset. – File photo by Brenda Sommerfeld Sectional Tournament (5-27-08) Somerset Golf Course Team Scores Place Team Score 1st Rice Lake 329 2nd Mosinee 342 3rd St. Croix Central 344 4thT Black River Falls 349 4thT Amery 349 6th Somerset 355 7th Ashland 358 8th Medford Area 362 9th Aquinas 365 10th Cumberland 368 11th West Salem 373 12th Osceola 391 Area Golfer Score Name Score School Blake Yunker 94 St. Croix Falls Sectional Tournament (5-27-08) Cadott Golf Course Team Scores Place Team Score 1st Eleva-Strum 325 2nd Osseo-Fairchild 332 3rd Luck 335 4th Washburn 346 5th Stanley-Boyd 356 6th Grantsburg 358 7th Ladysmith 359 8th Birchwood 371 9th Webster 373 10th Prentice 383 11th Augusta 385 12th Clear Lake 418 Area Golfer Scores Name Score School Travis Close 78 Luck Dylan Fultz 84 Luck Kody Erickson 86 Luck Tony Folk 86 Grantsburg Karl Weber 86 Webster Noah Thatcher 87 Luck Carson Giller 87 Luck Brad Berner 87 Grantsburg Connar Goetz 91 Grantsburg Scott Stromberg 91 Webster Mitchell Elliott 93 Webster Tony LaMere 94 Grantsburg Derek Sando 96 Grantsburg Dan Erickson 103 Webster Dakota Gardner 107 Webster

Luck’s Dylan Fultz sizes up the hole during a previous game this season. – File photo by Brenda Sommerfeld

“A good season that ended on a sour note,” said Luck coach Rick Giller. A great group of kids. They were fun to coach, they all worked hard, [and] played some great golf during the year.”

The Cardinals fell into third place behind Eleva-Strum, who took first place, and Osseo-Fairchild who took second. Osseo-Fairchild scored just three points ahead of the Cardinals.

Travis Close led Luck with the best team score shooting a 78. Dylan Fultz scored an 84 on the day, and Kody Erickson shot an 86. Noah Thatcher and Carson Giller both shot 87.

The Grantsburg Pirates landed a sixth-place finish overall in Cadott with a total score of 358. Tony Folk finished the day with a score of 86, while Brad Berner shot an 87. Webster placed ninth among the 12 team’s that competed, and Karl Weber shot the teams best score with an 86. Scott Stromberg ended the sectional meet with a score of 91.

Somerset sectional meet SOMERSET – Blake Yunker of St. Croix Falls was the only golfer to qualify from the area in Division 2. Yunker advanced from the regional tournament in Prescott a week earlier with a score of 82, while Josh Yunker shot 89, John Mikl

Webster’s Mitchell Elliott scored a 93 in Cadott. – File photo by Brenda Sommerfeld

Grantsburg’s Tony LaMere golfed with his team at the sectional meet in Cadott Tuesday, May 27. – File photo

by Marty Seeger

SCRMC Golf Classic to be held June 13 at Frederic Golf Course

ST. CROIX FALLS – This year, spring has been cooler than normal and was a long time coming, but by now surely golfers have swept the dust off their clubs and the rust off their swing—just in time to participate in the eighthannual St. Croix Regional Medical Center Golf Classic. Participants will compete for prize money and have a chance to win new cars (courtesy of Larsen Auto Center and Johnson Motors) in two hole-in-one contests.

More important, all proceeds from this fundraising event, which is sponsored by friends at The RiverBank Insurance Center in partnership with the St. Croix Valley Healthcare Foundation, are earmarked for the purchase of additional specialized medical digital radiography equipment..

SCRMC would like to extend gratitude to each participating golfer, corporate and hole sponsor, and to all those who are working so hard to plan and organize this event. Last year’s Golf Classic participants raised more than $15,166 which was used to purchase Dexascan equipment for bone density screening, and ICU remodeling. For

Pictured are Dan Reeves and the RiverBank team. – Photo submitted information or to register a team, contact Sarah Heintz at the RiverBank Insurance Center, 715-483-9800 or Sandra Williams at SCRMC, 715-483-

0247. You may also contact Heintz by email: sheintz@theriverbank.com. – submitted

PAGE 24 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - MAY 28, 2008

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Local Division II track athletes compete at Medford

Unity’s Dylan Hendricks pole vaulted during the sectional meet held in Medford on Thursday, May 22. He completed 10 ft.

Unity’s Lance Peper competed at the Medford sectional competition in the triple jump. He received 13th place with a 38 ft., 4-1/2-in. jump. – Photos by John Reed

Grantsburg’s Angela Gaffney ran in the 1600meter run at the the sectional competition. She received 16th place with a time of 6:00.38.

Grantsburg’s Shawn Pavlik received second place in the high jump accomplishing 6 ft., 2 in. He advances on to the state competition in La Crosse this weekend.

Grantsburg’s Lukas Olson received seventh place in the 200-meter dash with a time of 23.8 seconds.

Unity’s Samantha Ince was the only Unity girl to go to sectionals. She competed in the 200-meter dash receiving 10th.

MAY 28, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 25

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Ride, Woolly racers, ride!

ST. CROIX FALLS - On Saturday, June 7, bicycle riders from western Wisconsin, the Twin Cities and the greater Midwest will compete in the Croix Valley Woolly Mountain Bike Race in St. Croix Falls.

Registration runs from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at the St. Croix Falls High School at 740 Maple Drive, with racing getting under way at 10 a.m.

This second-annual event offers both women’s and men’s comp classes in a mammoth run of 18 miles over a gorgeous course in St. Croix Falls. Over hills and valleys, through fields and wooded single track, the Woolly racers will ride for cash prizes and custom-created awards from local potter Leif Bjornson.

Beginners and recreational riders will also compete for Bjornson’s awards in a 9-mile rec class. Kiddie races for the young allow everyone to enjoy this family-oriented, fun community event. Races will run rain or shine.

“We get our name, the Woolly Race, from the icon of the Ice Age Trail, which starts nearby,” said one of the organizers, Woody McBride. “I copied our woolly mammoth logo from a hieroglyph I found in a cave near the St. Croix River.

Whether it’s an ancient drawing or not, I don’t know...but it lends an excellent vibe to our ride.” Said fellow organizer Mark Fisk, “We’ve selected the first Saturday in June as our event day, because it coincides with National Trails Day. We hope to draw attention to local trails, for people seeking fun, fitness and adventure for their busy lives.”

Door prize drawings will wrap up the event, thanks to the generosity of the event sponsors including: Park Tool, Johnson Motors, the RiverBank, St. Croix Floral, Peace Coffee & Red Bull.

The Croix Valley Woolly Mountain Bike Race has a $25 registration fee, payable at the event. Located one hour northeast of the Twin Cities, St. Croix Falls, on Hwy. 8, offers great camping, hotel and bed-and-breakfast facilities.

Providing good, clean fun for the whole family, St. Croix Falls welcomes everyone to enjoy this great event and to absorb the sights, scene and society of their beautiful city above the St. Croix River.

For more info, call 651-226-1961 or log onto www.woollyrace.com. - submitted

2008 Division 3 Softball Playoffs The h ighest-seeded team will host t hrough the regional fi fin n al game, unless th eir fi fie eld is unavailable or unplayable. If the lower seed’s fi fie eld is playable th ey will host. If the lower seed’s fi fie eld is also un playable an alternate site can be used if agreeable t o both teams. Games should not be postponed if a playable fi fie eld is available.

Regionals Thurs., May 15

Tues., May 20

Sectionals Thurs., May 29

Thurs., May 22

@Grantsburg

Unity (#5) @Glenwood C ity Glenwood City (#4)

Glenwood City (7-0)

TL-Clayton (#7) @St. Croix C entral St. Croix Central (#2)

@St. Croix C entral

Regionals Fri., May 23

@Siren-Webster, May 22

Barron (#1)

@Amery Amery (#4) @Osceola Somerset (#6)

TL-Clayton (#7) @St. Croix Central St. Croix Central (#2)

@St. C roix Falls

Osceola (4-3(8)) @Bruce 4 p.m.

Tues., May 27

Wed., May 28

Sectionals Tues., June 3

Grantsburg (#1) Boyceville (#5)

@Grantsburg Unity (12-5)

Grantsburg (9-1)

WIAA State Tournament June 11 - Semifinals Sectional #1 vs. Sectional #2 approx. 1 p.m.

@Grantsburg

TL-Clayton (5-4) @St. Croix Central

St. Croix Central (7-6)

@Elk Mound

Regis (6-4)

Regis (5-0) @Osseo-Fairchild

Chetek (#3) SV-Plum City (5-3) @Arcadia, 3 p.m.

@ C hetek Colfax (#6)

Chetek (8-2) @Osseo-Fairchild

Osseo-Fairchild (3-2) @Bruce 4 p.m.

Osseo-Fairchild (#2)

Sectionals Thurs., May 29

Thurs., May 22

2008 Division 4 Spring Baseball Playoffs The highest-seeded team, in any presect ional game, serves as th e host school and will be disignated th e home team through regionals. The home team is determined by coin fl fliip in th e section al and state tournament games.

Regionals Fri., May 23

WIAA State Tournament June 6 - Semifinals Sectional #1 vs. Sectional #3 approx. 11 a.m.

Northwood (10-2)

Tues., May 27

Wed., May 28

Sectionals Tues., June 3

* All games are at 5 p.m. unless otherwise noted

@Northwood Frederic (5-3(11))

Luck (#1) @Luck

Solon Springs (#5) @Birchwood Birchwood (#4)

WIAA State Tournament June 11 - Semifinals Sectional #1 vs. Sectional #2 approx. 10 a.m.

Luck (9-2)

Solon Springs (4-0) @Luck

Shell Lake (#3) @Shell Lake, May 22

Frederic (16-1 (5)) @Shell Lake

Frederic (#6)

Frederic (6-3)

Shell Lake (15-5(5)) @Northwood

Shell Lake (3-2)

Northwood (#2)

Shell Lake (#2)

@Bruce, 11 a.m.

@Luck (w/Unity), 1 p.m.

@Glidden

Dummond (#5)

Hurley (#1) Glidden-Butternut (4-0)

Mellen (10-0 (5)) @Glidden 4:30 p.m. Hurley (4-1)

@Hurley Hurley (#2)

@Bayfi fie eld Bayfield (#4)

Hurley (8-4)

Bayfield (12-2(5)) @Hurley Drummond (#3)

Solon Springs (11-1 (5))

South Shore (#6)

@Hurley

Glidden-Butternut (#5)

Solon Springs (#3) @South Shor e 4 :30 p.m.

Osceola (5-3)

2008 Division 3 Spring Baseball Playoffs

Glidden-Butternut (#1)

@Mellen 4:30 p.m.

Mellen (#4)

@Barron

The highest-seeded t eam, in an y presectional game, serves as the h ost school and will be disignated the home t eam th rough regionals. The h ome team is determined by coin fl fliip in the sectional and state tournament games.

@Fall Creek Fall Creek(#4)

Frederic (#3) Winter-Lac Courte

Cumberland (6-4)

St. Croix Falls (#2)

Regis(#5)

Northwood (#1)

@Frederic

Barron (6-0)

Osceola (#3)

* All games are at 5 p.m. unless otherwise noted

Birchwood (6-2)

@Barron

Cumberland (#5)

Elk Mound (#1)

2008 Division 4 Softball Playoffs

@Birchwood Birchwood (#4)

Ashland (4-2)

@Barron, 11 a.m.

Arcadia (11-0 (5))

The highest-seeded t eam will host through the regional fi fin nal game, unless their fi fie eld is un available or unplayable. If t he lower seed’s fi fie eld is playable they will host. If t he lower seed’s fi fie eld is also unplayable an alternat e site can be used if agreeable to both teams. Games should not be postponed if a playable fi fie eld is available.

@Northwood

@Ashland Ashland (#2)

SV-Plum City (#2)

Luck (#5)

Spooner (12-11)

Rice Lake (#6)

@Marshfi fie eld, 11 a.m.

Prescott (18-0 (5))

Tues., May 20

@Hayward

St. Croix Central (#2)

Prescott (#3)

Regionals Thurs., May 15

Northwestern (8-7)

Spooner (#3) @Spooner

Glenwood City (#6)

@Arcadia SV-Plum City (2-1)

@S pring Valley

Sectionals Tues., June 3

WIAA State Tournament June 11 - Semifinals Sectional #1 vs. Sectional #2 approx. 6 p.m.

Hayward (7-2)

Siren-Webster (#4)

@Clayton, May 22

St. Croix Central (6-2)

Osseo-Fairchild (4-1)

@Prescott Mondovi (#6)

Wed., May 28

@Hayward

Northwestern (#5)

Arcadia (#1)

@Whitehall Whitehall (#4)

Tues., May 27

Hayward (#1)

@Arcadia 1 p.m.

Osseo-Fairchild (#5)

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St. Croix Falls (#6)

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@Unity, May 22 Unity (#4)

@Grantsburg Grantsburg (2-1)

Boyceville (#3) @Boyceville

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WIAA State Tournament June 6 - Semifinals Sectional #1 vs. Sectional #3 approx. 3:30 p.m.

Grantsburg (6-1)

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The highest-seeded team, in any presect ional game, serves as th e host school and will be disignated the home team fliip in the section al and state tournament games. through regionals. Th e home team is determined by coin fl

Regionals Fri., May 23

* All games are at 5 p.m. unless otherwise noted Grantsburg (#1)

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Hurley (28-0 (5))

@Mellen

@Luck (w/Unity), 3:30 p.m.

Mellen (#2)

Drummond (9-7) @Bruce 4 p.m.

PAGE 26 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - MAY 28, 2008

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In-VINCE-ible ST. CROIX FALLS – Summer finally arrived in time for week number three at Kopellah Speedway as race time temperatures hovered in the mid-60s. As is the case most Friday nights, excitement was the name of the game as the racers got the Memorial Day weekend off to a flying start.

The first WISSOTA Amsoil Dirt Track Series feature event was that of the Midwest Modifieds. It didn’t take long for the second row to find its way to the front. Blaine, Minn.’s Vince Corbin quickly jumped from his inside row two starting position and into the lead. Turtle Lake’s Bryce Johnson, Corbin’s second-row starting mate, was on Corbin’s rear bumper in second place by lap three, and from there, the race was on. For the final 17 caution-free laps, Corbin and Johnson slugged it out. On nearly every circuit, Johnson would flash his front bumper even with Corbin’s door. On lap eight, the pair crossed the start-finish line in a virtual tie.

Lap after lap, the two gladiators battled, with Corbin slightly faster and gaining an advantage in turns one and two, and Johnson fighting back and pulling even in turns three and four. With just two laps remaining, defending track champion John Remington broke free from a midpack battle and began reeling in the lead duo, but there was simply too much real estate to reclaim in order to be a factor. At the stripe, it was Corbin nabbing the victory by less than a car length over the #01 of Johnson, giving him a clean sweep.

Remington came home third ahead of Tim Swanson and rookie Josh Bazey.

The WISSOTA Street Stock feature was far less suspenseful, at least in terms of who the winner would be.

Three-time and defending track champion Jeff Heintz started on the outside of the front row and quickly established his position at the point.

The intensity behind him, however, was boiling hot. Pole starter Tim Baxter, Chanda Fjorden Nord and Clark Swartz were swapping lines and positions in the battle for second.

At about the halfway point, Baxter began to fade, making it a duel for the runner-up spot. In the closing laps, Fjorden Nord finally established position and began reeling in Heintz, but the checkers came too soon for her to make a legitimate challenge.

Heintz would take the win to complete his clean sweep ahead of Fjorden Nord, Swartz, Kyle Howland and Baxter.

After losing his primary power plant the previous Sunday, Luke Strandlund was using his tired spare motor to pace the first six laps of the WISSOTA Super Stock feature.

Strandlund finally succumbed to the #20 of Cory Davis on lap seven.

Next, John Remington would pass Strandlund, and then defending track champion Dan Gullikson. That would set up a duel between Gullikson and Remington for several laps. With only three laps remaining, Gullikson finally settled the skirmish and gained control of the runner-up spot. Gullikson quickly made up the ground between himself and Davis, but never got close enough to pose a serious threat to Davis, who picked up his first feature victory of the season. Gullikson finished second,

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

West Lakeland Conference Standings Team Grantsburg Luck St. Croix Falls Unity Siren-Webster Frederic

Conf.

9-1 8-2 6-4 5-6 2-10 0-10

Overall 11-1 17-2 10-9 8-8 2-11 0-15

Scores Thursday, May 22 Unity 12, Boyceville 5 Shell Lake 15, Frederic 5 Northwestern 8, Siren-Webster 7 Tuesday, May 27 Grantsburg 9, Unity 1 Luck 9, Solon Springs 2 Osceola 4, St. Croix Falls 3

SOFTBALL

West Lakeland Conference Standings

Scores

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

Overall 2-0 2-0 1-0 1-0 1-1 1-1 1-1 0-1 0-1 0-2 0-2

Scores

Coming up

Conf.

10-0 8-2 3-7 4-5 3-7 1-8

Falun Church League

Thrusday, May 22 Siren Assembly 17, Frederic Free 6 Siren Covenant/Bethany 14, West Sweden/Zion Luth. 7 Friday, May 23 Trade Lake Baptist 22, Webster Baptist 11 Calvary Covenant 21, Faith Lutheran 1

Wednesday, May 28 5 p.m.

St. Croix Central at Grantsburg Shell Lake at Luck

Team Grantsburg Frederic Siren-Webster Luck Unity St. Croix Falls

SLOW-PITCH SOFTBALL

Overall 16-0 14-3 6-10 5-9 3-10 2-9

Thursday, May 22 Grantsburg 2, St. Croix Central 1 Frederic 5, Northwood 3

Coming up

Thursday, May 29 1 p.m.

Grantsburg vs Spring Valley at Arcadia Frederic vs Hurley at Luck

TRACK & FIELD Coming up

Friday & Saturday, May 30 & 31 3 p.m.

Division II and III at State Meet in La Crosse

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

Overall 2-0 2-0 2-0 1-1 1-1 1-1 1-1 0-2 0-2 0-2

Scores

Wednesday, May 21 Fur, Fins & Feathers 21, Pour House I 17 Church League Team 8, Pour House II 7 Hole in the Wall 18, Chell Well 14 Century 21 17, Da Crew 8 Sundown 27, Gjonnes Construction 16

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

Overall 2-0 2-0 1-1 1-0 0-1 0-2 0-2

Scores

Monday, May 26 Coyland Creek 10, H Town Girls 6 Skol Bar 34, Maurer Construction 2 Smith Family Eye Care 14, Chell Truck./The Beehive 8

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ahead of Remington, Strandlund and Mike Bruggeman.

For the first two weeks of the 2008 Kopellah racing season, the WISSOTA Modified features trophies found their way to mantles of the Kelley family. Shawn Kelley claimed opening night honors, and Mike Kelley Jr., took home the hardware in week two. For week number three, a new sheriff had arrived. Making his first appearance of the season, Cameron’s Kevin “Buzzy” Adams started the main event on the outside of the third row, but he had no intentions of staying there. By the end of the first quarter mile, Adams had blasted up to second, and with just two laps in the books, the orange and black #40 was in the lead. Running his customary high line around the track, Adams began to stretch his lead over first heat race winner Mike Mueller, who had nabbed second place by lap three. Adams lead would steadily grow until a late race caution. The restart would place Mueller and week one winner Shawn Kelley on Adams’ rear bumper. With the speed of the high line also comes danger – and on the restart, Adams’ hot rod jumped the cushion allowing Mueller to claim the top spot, at least momentarily. By the time the field came around to the flag stand, Adams used the high groove to power back to the front. On another restart, this time with just two laps remaining, Adam’s again would bobble slightly, allowing Kelley to pull even. But once again, Adams collected his machine back up and rocketed back to the point. The final caution of the night came out for a multicar pile up in turn two of the last lap, and Adams took the checkers with the yellow also waving. The race reverted back to the white-flag lap scoring, with Kelley credited with second, Mueller third, Shaun Kreyer fourth and Marc Johnson fifth.

The Kopellah Hornets got the feature races rolling with their 12-lap main event. Kevin Bradwell and James Gregory paced the field to the green flag with Gregory holding down the point for the first three laps.

On lap four, Bradwell took over as the leader, but the big mover in the field was the #D-9 of Ryan McKenzie.

McKenzie started fifth and steadily closed in on the #95 of Bradwell, and although he applied heavy pressure, McKenzie could never complete the winning pass. Bradwell crossed the stripe first, but was disqualified for losing his muffler on the track. The safety rule infraction cost Bradwell his first victory of the season, and McKenzie was credited with his second win. In the official scoring, the rest of the top five were Mike Prebsh, Cole Cloutier, Pamela Lutgen and Gregory.

After an emotional week following a runner-up finish on May 16, Mike Dyrdahl finally broke through for his

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first career feature victory. Just one week removed from the untimely death of his sister, Barbara, the Cambridge, Minn. pilot quickly moved from his sixth-place starting position and into the lead of the Pure Stock main event. Numerous cautions meant multiple restarts with last week’s winner TJ LaMere right on his tail, but the stout #54M answered the call with each waving of the green flag. LaMere gave chase in the closing laps, but never could find enough speed to pass Dyrdahl, and he would have to settle for congratulating Dyrdahl parked in Victory Lane. Steve Baker, Don Swearingen and David Leaf made up the rest of the top five.

Next up for Kopellah Speedway is the track’s salute to the 2008 graduates. High school seniors will be admitted free with their student ID. Driver draw cutoff is 7 p.m., and as always, the first green flag waves at 7:30 p.m. For more information about Kopellah Speedway, race day weather updates and directions to the race track, please visit the track’s Web site at www.kopellahspeedway.net Race Summary Hornets, Feature: Ryan McKenzie, Mike Prebsh, Cole Cloutier, Pamela Lutgen, James Gregory, Jeremy Frendt and Kevin Bradwell.

Pure Stocks, Feature: Michael Dyrdahl, TJ LaMere, Steve Baker, Don Swearingen, David Leaf, Fabian Jackson, Rodney Jacobson, Bruce Lutgen, Skip Lutgen, Jesse Lutgen, Sonja Ellingson, Lance Halverson, Jason English, Steven Johnson, Kyle Finnegan, Ben Johnson and Vernon Lowe.

WISSOTA Midwest Modifieds, Feature: Vince Corbin, Bryce Johnson, John Remington, Tim Swanson, Josh Bazey, Corey Fogleson, Jim Schultz, Jake Miller, Michael Haseltine, Doug Merrill and Sam Nelson.

WISSOTA Street Stocks, Feature: Jeff Heintz, Chanda Fjorden Nord, Clark Swartz, Kyle Howland, Tim Baxter, Marcus Simonson and Kim Korstad.

WISSOTA Super Stocks, Feature: Cory Davis, Dan Gullikson, John Remington, Luke Strandlund, Mike Bruggeman, Brent Kobs, Cody Campeau and Tim Baxter.

WISSOTA Modifieds, Feature: Kevin Adams, Shawn Kelley, Mike Mueller, Shaun Kreyer, Marc Johnson, Jason Gross, James Cimfl, Mike Raboin, Mike Kelly Jr., Tim VanMeter and Jake Jay.

OF THE

NAME: Zach Anderson SCHOOL: Frederic YEAR: Junior COMMENTS: Zach Anderson was at peak performance last week during the Division 3 sectional track meet in Colfax on Thursday, May 22.

Anderson qualified for the state track meet this weekend in the triple Zach Anderson jump, 110-meter hurdles and the 300-meter hurdles. Anderson placed in the top four in each of the two hurdles events and third in the triple jump, but qualified for state in each event.

– Marty Seeger

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NAME:

WEEK Michelle

Davidsavor

SCHOOL: Grantsburg YEAR: Senior COMMENTS: During Grantsburg’s regional championship victory, Michelle Davidsavor hit a double in the fourth inning.

With the nickname Wheels being called from the audience, she got to third on Michelle Davidsavor an opponent error. She slid into the third baseman where she appeared to be injured. After getting up, Davidsavor was able to run in the first point of the game, helping her team to win another regional championship. – Brenda Sommerfeld

MAY 28, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 27

O UTDOORS INTER! COUNTY LEADER

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

More turkey, morels, and freedom to roam

Last week it was my hope that more memories would be forged during my second turkey season, which was slated for May 21-25. Even after typing the actuMarty al dates on a page last Seeger week it didn’t dawn on me until two days later that my second The season was already in progress.

Bottom Line A friend of mine called Thursday morning to tell me he’d harvested a large gobbler near St. Croix Falls. It was about 8 a.m. and not more than an hour before I had been awakened by a gobbler that decided to make his roost no more than 50 yards from the house. It was one of those sounds that come with the excitement of turkey hunting, but aren’t as exciting when you know your season doesn’t start for another week.

“Congratulations,” I said jealously to my friend.

After soaking in the details of how his hunt had gone I casually flipped open my billfold to gander at what I thought was a turkey tag for the following week.

“What’s the date today?” I interrupted quickly.

“It’s the 22nd,” he replied back.

Working for a newspaper can have an effect on remembering dates. Usually the only date I pay any attention to is the one that falls on Wednesday, which is deadline day at its peak here at the Leader. By noon Wednesday, however, the pressures from Monday and Tuesday usually begin to fade if everything goes as planned and I’m on schedule (Which is never the case).

But sure enough, my tag was for the exact same season, and not exactly what I wanted to hear. I spent the next

hour or so contemplating my next move, which eventually led to asking permission to hunt on land in zone 38, and luckily harvesting a bird the following morning.

Amazingly, the hunt was not only lucky, but my quickest one on record. I woke up late by accident, got to the woods just before the birds came down to roost, and called in a 20.4-pound tom with a 10-inch beard and 1-inch spurs.

The hunt lasted all of about 20 minutes, and my coffee was still warm when I got back to the house.

For many others out there, and myself, 20 minutes is never enough time to spend in the woods, no matter how many ticks and mosquitos are trying to stop you. And seeing as how the Memorial Day weekend is a great marker for the start of morel mushroom season, I used my free time to do a little scavenger search for mushrooms over the weekend.

My father-in-law was the first to show me what to look for when searching for the tasty mushroom, which was roughly five years ago. Since then, I’ve never fallen ill or have been sent to the emergency room, so he must still like me.

I’d never take advice from someone I didn’t know about gathering wild mushrooms, so it pays to get lessons firsthand about what to look for.

Fortunately, morel mushrooms are extremely distinct in looks, and only come out in a relatively short window in the spring. About a week prior to Memorial Day and after, is a good time to really hit the woods and look for morels, especially in this area. The further south you go the earlier the mushrooms tend to show up.

Even though the weather has been cool lately, mushrooms seem to be out in many areas, or at least in the one area I looked last weekend. The ones I found were located (in an undisclosed area, of course) near a location that appeared to be getting the most sun along the edge of the woods. Lessons from others who enjoy the morel, and a little research, have taught me that they can be found

At left: A morel mushroom tucked in among the grass and waiting to be picked. At right, a bowl of 18 morels sliced down the middle and ready to hit the frying pan. - Photos by Marty Seeger The past week has been a good time just about anywhere. In this area it seems that dead elm, or elm in the to be out and about. The cooler weathprocess of dying, is a great place to start er has kept the bugs down, which looking. Go right to the base of the tree means the woods are just a little more and use a stick to push aside the grass if comfortable. Not only had I enjoyed needed and look closely. Morels are another great turkey hunt, but found great at blending in to their surround- some time to look for a few morels, and even haul in a few decent crappies for ings There are other species as well such the frying pan. In the end though, as white oak or even apple trees to look Memorial Day weekend is more than under, but the funny thing is there’s no just a weekend holiday celebration.

Memorial Day is an important time real set area where morels can be found accurately. If you do happen to find a for millions of people across the nation. secret stash this year, mark it for next It affords all of us an opportunity to season. They’ll likely grow in that same thank, honor, and most importantly, spot next year. For those just starting remember the lives and sacrifices that out, try to stick to areas under a dead veterans have given us so that we may elm and go from there. Who knows, live in a country where we’re free to maybe you’ll locate a secret cove that search for morels, hunt, fish or do just nobody knows about, and each spring about anything we want to do.

Attending a few of the Memorial Day you’ll be able to enjoy the best tasting services on Monday was a sobering mushroom in the world.

Last weekend, I stumbled upon 18 experience for me, as it always tends to morels between three and four inches be. Even though Memorial Day has long, which was just enough to go with come to pass, it never hurts to keep a steak dinner on Sunday after thun- those sacrifices in mind as you’re out derstorms rumbled through the area. If enjoying some of the great freedoms of you love mushrooms, you know there’s our nation. nothing quite as good as a morel to top off a good steak.

It’s turtle nesting time again!

MADISON – During the prime turtlenesting season in Wisconsin, the remains of turtles killed on the road are an unfortunate, and all too common, sight. Each year, from late May through June, turtles leave the water, traversing back roads and major highways, to nest on land and encounter an ever-increasing number of vehicles along the way.

“This is particularly hard for turtles, because as a species they mature so slowly,” according to Bob Hay, an amphibian and reptile biologist with the Department of Natural Resources.

“Female turtles mature slower than males, and females are killed at much high rates because of their need to travel about on land searching for a suitable nesting place.”

Road mortality is particularly significant for two rare and threatened species: the Blanding’s turtle and the wood turtle, Hay said, adding that even

the more common species, like painted turtles or snappers, can experience locally heavy mortality on roads and highways and their populations suffer as a result.

Hay noted that the Blanding’s turtle takes 17 to 20 or more years to reach breeding age and it may take several decades for a road-killed female to be replaced in a population because hatchling and juvenile survival tends to be very low.

“Turtles are an important and fascinating part of a diverse food web necessary for other wildlife and plant life, and highway mortality continues to be one of the major threats to our native turtle populations,” Hay said.

Motorists are most likely to see turtles crossing roads near lakes, streams and wetlands this time of year because the roads separate the aquatic habitat, where turtles spend most of their lives,

from well-drained upland habitats where female turtles deposit their eggs.

A turtle is no match for an automobile tire. “If you see a turtle on the road — and only if it’s safe to do so — carefully pull over and help the turtle to the side of the road it is facing,” Hay said.

When helping an aggressive turtle, such as a snapping turtle, off the road, the safest way to avoid being bitten is to gently drag it across the road by its tail, leaving the front feet on the pavement.

It may help to use a stick that the turtle can bite to grab the tail more safely. Hay strongly cautions people to never put themselves or other drivers at risk when stopping to help a turtle. Turtles will generally stop when they notice a vehicle. Driving slower in areas where turtles have been observed and driving around them is another way to help, again, only when it’s safe and traffic conditions permit.

Turtles are up against tough odds even without highway mortality. Five of Wisconsin’s 11 turtle species are experiencing significant population declines.

Hay says that as few as 5 percent of eggs laid survive to hatch and of those, only very few may survive to reproductive age. Natural predators of turtles and turtle eggs are many and include raccoons, skunks, fox, opossums, herons, egrets, seagulls, cranes, crows and others.

People should be aware that the turtle season is closed each year from Dec. 1 until July 15, so taking turtles or their eggs for pets or for food is illegal.

Anyone who observes this being done should contact the DNR hotline at 1800-TIPWDNR 1-800-847-9367. For more information contact Bob Hay at 608-267-0849. – from the DNR

Boating safety class offered at Crex

by Marty Seeger GRANTSBURG – A boating safety class is being offered at the Crex Meadows Visitors Center in Grantsburg

during the month of June. Classes will be held June 10, 12, 17 and 19 from 6-8 p.m. each evening. The cost is $10 per person and anyone with questions or

that need to register can contact the visitor’s center at 715-463-2897.

Classes can also be taken online. Visit the DNR Web site at

www.dnr.state.wi.us and click on the boating safety item under the headline named “seasonal.”

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Forts Folle Avoine opens for the season quilt This made by Carol Fury and the nested boxes made by Loren Horton are two items that are being raffled at the Forts.

The three nested boxes are replicas of the traveling boxes that G e o r g e Wa s h i n g t o n had.

A large crowd attended the wild rice pancake breakfast on Sunday, May 25, during the opening weekend of Forts Folle Avoine near Danbury.

Photos by Raelynn Hunter

Some of the volunteers that in assisted serving pancakes were M a r i a n Johnson, Roy Hansen, Norm Bickford and Tony Rutter.

The brandnew museum at the Fort was a popular area on Sunday.

The volunhave teers designed the museum so it can be added to when new artifacts are found.

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Memorial Day: Northern Wisconsin Veterans Cemetery Steve Allen of Dairyland and his granddaughter, Kayla Haux, watch the veteran ceremony with special interest. His son, Marine Sgt. Chad Allen, died a little over a year ago while in a combat operation in Al Anbar Province, Iraq. The cost of freedom is a father who will never see his son again and a little girl who will never know her uncle. The sacrifices soldiers make are shared by their family and friends.

Photos by Larry Samson

Posting of the Veteran Service Organizations from Northern Wisconsin were the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Amvet and American Legion.

Representing the five branches of the military were the Coast Guard, Air Force, Navy, Marines and Army posting the colors.

State Rep. Mary Hubler quoted Thomas Jefferson, “‘The tree of Liberty must be watered from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants.’ Our patriots have nurtured that tree for two centuries, America is the most powerful nation in the history of the world. Those who can not understand that and the sacrifices of American men and women in uniform have missed the lessons of history, let use not be among them. Today we pray for the safety of those Americans in uniform while we salute those who have gone before us, let’s keep them in our hearts forever.”

Memorial Day: Milltown

The Milltown Boy/Cub Scouts and Unity Girl Scouts joined in the march with the flag corps during the Memorial Day service at the Milltown Cemetery. – Photos by Jeanne Alling

Wendall Johnson and Steve Williams of the Balsam Lake American Legion honored the soldiers missing in action by placing a gun and helmet at the beginning of the Memorial Day services.

Flags could be seen throughout the area cemeteries honoring the veterans who have served since the Civil War.

Polk County Sheriff Tim Moore shared what Memorial Day meant to him, by remembering those he knew who have served.

He thanked those who have served for allowing the rest of us to be able to enjoy freedom.

‘Follow the Leader’

Currents N O R T H E R N

May 28 , 200 8 2nd Se ct io n B Int e r-C o unty Lead er

News and views from the Northwest Wisconsin community Recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor

A tribute to my friend, Chief

As told by Robert J. “Bob” Richison, formerly with Co. G, 19 Infantry Regiment, 24th Division during the Korean War SIREN – In February, I received a telephone call from a member of the delegation that was instrumental in coordinating the awarding of the Congressional Medal of Honor posthumously to Master Sergeant Woodrow Wilson Keeble, the man who had been my platoon sergeant in Korea. I was told that arrangements would be made for me to attend the ceremony in Washington, D. C. Due to physical problems at that time, I was unable to go.

MSgt. Keeble was a North Dakota Sioux Indian. We all knew him as “Chief,” not because of his nationality, but because he really was our chief. Officers and enlisted men would generally ask Chief’s opinions in combat. We all respected and loved him as he was a great person and had an awesome knowledge of what to do in combat.

I enlisted in the Army and spent two years (1951-1953) overseas, much of that time in combat in Korea. Chief had been my platoon sergeant at different times. I got to know him well and as a friend.

In a battle near Sangsan-ni, Korea, we were pinned down by the enemy under heavy fire on Hill 765. Chief made the platoon stay back and, by himself, crawled forward. With grenades, he destroyed three machine gun bunkers, killing 16 enemy. He was wounded many times. Our platoon then moved forward to help. With much fierce fighting, we took the hill.

Chief lived from his wounds, and some months later, was rotated home.

He died in 1982 of strokes and war wounds. Nearly 60 years later, March 3 of this year, President Bush awarded MSgt. Keeble’s family with his posthumous Congressional Medal of Honor.

He was the first full-blooded Sioux Indian to receive this award.

A few weeks later, I got a call to attend

MSgt. Woodrow Wilson Keeble, the man known as “Chief” to his platoon during the Korean War, was presented posthumously with the Congressional Medal of Honor March 3 of this year. Keeble was the first fullblooded Sioux Indian to receive this award.

Bob Richison from Siren is shown at the headstone of his Korean War platoon chief, MSgt. Woodrow Wilson Keeble, in Sisseton, S. D. Richison took part in the headstone unveiling for Keeble, recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor, May 17, in Sisseton. - Photos submitted the May 17 Congressional Medal of Honor Headstone Unveiling Ceremony in Sisseton, S. D. My wife, Hazel, and I

went. This was an awesome and meaningful event that began with 114th Fighter Wing flying jets going over us.

Bob Richison (R) is shown here with two budThis photo from Bob Richison’s album shows him sighting in dies and some deceased Chinese that got close on a bunker with a “57” during the Korean War. but didn’t make it into their foxhole during the Korean War.

Many people from Washington, D. C., were there, and the group included senators, two generals, the North Dakota Lt. Governor and a representative from the South Dakota governor’s office. The U. S. Army Military Honor Guard was there and fired the 21-gun salute. The Sioux Honor Guards were dressed in native dress with full-feathered headdress.

There was also a Patriot Guard Unit and an Arlington National Cemetery Guard Unit.

Many speakers told of Chief’s exploits.

Special honor and dedication songs and music were done by the Buffalo Lake Drum Group. After the ceremonies, we were invited to attend a reception at a place near Wahpeton, N. D. During the dinner, the Keeble family thanked the CMH delegation and the Sioux Nation for the awards they had received. Then my wife said, “Bob, they are calling for you.” I was so surprised as I personally didn’t know anyone there, although I had talked to three other guys who had been in our company.

Because I had been Chief’s friend and with him in battle, I was awarded a beaded necklace medallion by Chief’s daughter and son, and by the Sioux people. They said it was the type that had been worn by Sioux warriors.

Also at that time, the president of the 24th Division magazine (my old division) gave me a bronze commendation medallion. It was overwhelming, and I was so honored by these gestures. I had to give a short talk, which was very emotional for me. It brought back some bad memories of a war which most have now forgotten.

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Frederic High School graduation 2008

The Frederic Class of 2008 stood after being announced during the Sunday, May 25, graduation ceremony. – Photos by Brenda Sommerfeld Megan Neumann was Frederic’s valedictorian this year. Neumann also served her class as their vice president as a senior.

Ashley Heine, senior class president, presided as the master of ceremonies introducing each occurrence.

Jeff Larcom, science teacher, was asked by the senior class to turn their tassels on stage after they received their diplomas. Kenneth Fowler is one of the first in line to walk across the stage.

Graduates, family and friends took time outside after the recessional to take photos and visit before leaving the school.

Kyle Swenson was this year’s salutatorian. He gave a speech of many things to be remembered over their years at Frederic schools.

MAY 28, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 3

A Frederic Lullabye

by Anonymous As if peering through golden glass, my memories of her become a haze of balmy afternoons floating on delicate wings of cardinals and tiger swallowtails.

Skunk cabbage cracking the frozen soil delivers spring dazzling with mystic hues for most, but for me, black crickets hide in their caves of music behind sequestered doors of trilliums, ladyslippers, wild lilac, and catalpa trees, whispering secrets of lost loves and broken dreams.

I met her in a church in Frederic, and the moment our eyes met, I knew I would love her forever. We talked and laughed, and talked some more before going to the piano together and singing “In the Still of the Night” and other doo-wops. And when we drove away in separate directions, I longed to call it love, but the winds of February cried out about my feet and the dead brown leaves could not remember summer.

For two wonderful years we were together—the two happiest years of my life. Hiking in the early winter woods at Sand Rock Cliffs near Grantsburg, we pledged to remain together forever while listening to the deer breathing blue myths. The day she showed me the new overlook at St. Croix Falls, we gazed at the swirling water and majestic bluffs, but my eyes were fixed on the beauty in her eyes and how I wished Rembrandt could have captured them on canvas. And her golden hair, framing her face, was unparalleled

PoCo Penners The PoCo Penners meet the second Friday of the month at 2 p.m. at the county boardroom in the government center in Balsam Lake. Contact Brenda Mayer at 715-485-3571 or Iris Holm 715284-3174 for more information. - submitted

Writer’s Corner masterpiece; her lips the uninvented sonnet of a nonexistent time. I was mesmerized by her face and the touch of her lips lightly grazing mine, like precious velvet or a longed-for silence. She was too soft and too quiet to be real, but I had reached out and put my heart inside her soul, extracting an unknown flower; and she, in turn, with eyes wider than any wonder, had brought her face so close to mine that I then knew what it felt like to be kissed by an angel.

It is difficult for me to write about her, or to her, these days, caught as my heart still is in her enchantments, my eyes still hypnotized by hers, my soul still bewitched by the powers she possess or invokes in me—She is so lucky!—to be a sun-gold butterfly, floating on the lazy, sultry breezes—Lucky and faire as the laughter of summer in fields of yellow, opal, and blood-red roses.

My hurried notes in a black ink are all that I have left of her now. I sit in my bedroom, the pages scattered disconsolately in front of me; a old diet cola for company. The hurried notes, the dead leaves, the melancholy cries of mice trapped in the tombs of night are all that I have left now; it will be a long, long summer, and I, turning gray, will not remember anything more than the last touch of her trembling lips the day before she left.

Cedar-wood, dried crushed rose petals, patchouli, wood smoke and dark tobacco—foggy rainy nights down leaf-strewn paths, the scent of her hair, jasmine perfumes, the light kiss of honeysuckle and lemon

verbena—footfalls melting into silence, the yellow lamplight across the faded rug, the brown, woven tapestry where her impressions remain like ghosts…in fog and night my footsteps drift through a dance of knives in the heart, black suns smoldering in the rain, bones seeking a forest ache with a dank, persistent memory. To wander these streets again and again alone without her is be a ghost immortal in a gray dream, spitting ashes and stones into October gardens. These memories prevail, the ones that poison me with roses and falter in a fleeting broken sun; these streets hold me the way bamboo bridges in the mist hold stone dragonflies—the way we would hold flowers turned suddenly to marble. Sometimes a poem such as this becomes trapped and must cry out again and again across the streets at night and feel a ghost in the bones like an old lover returned from the grave of nights holding a lamp at my window…reminding me of a ritual left unfulfilled.

Winter and autumn remain unchanged: my natural states, the bleak and lonely silences of dying years. I translate voices I hear and write them down in a broken tongue. My door remains open in the waning dream she will one day come back to me, for I care not who was right or wrong—only that I love her with all my heart. Lost in reverie over a book, I catch the golden summer moon and trap its light in bouquets of Wisconsin violet.

Northwest Regional Writers The Northwest Regional Writers meet at 1 p.m. the second Friday of the month either in Frederic or Grantsburg. Each month we have a topic to write about and read to the group. The following writing was read at the last meeting. Call Mary Jacobson at 715-349-2761 for more information about the organization.

Submissions should be typed, double-spaced on one side only of 8 -1/2 x 11 white paper, leaving a minimum of 1-inch margins all around. Handwritten submissions will not be accepted. Submissions should be no more than 800 words.

Submissions may be delivered to The Leader’s offices in Frederic or Siren, mailed to Box 490, Frederic, WI 54837 or e-mailed to the-leader@centurytel.net. We prefer e-mailed copy.

If hand-delivered or mailed, please write "Writers’ Corner" somewhere on the front of the envelope. If e-mailed, please use "Writers’ Corner" as the subject and include the submission as body text of the e-mail. No attachments, please. Your submission to Writers’ Corner grants The Leader one-time rights to publish the item in the weekly newspaper. The author retains the copyright and all future publication rights. The Leader may edit submissions for grammar and punctuation, clarity and length. If you have any questions about this new feature, please contact us at the-leader@centurytel.net or call 715-327-4236. - Editor

Burnett Community Library contributes significantly to economy BURNETT COUNTY – Return on investment to public libraries is more than $4 per taxpayer dollar. Wisconsin public libraries contribute more than $4 for every dollar taxpayers invest, according to an economic impact research report produced by North Star Economics Inc. of Madison.

Estimates of local public library impact are similar, according to library director Maxine Peterson, because the study estimated library value conservatively and did not factor in periodical subscriptions, electronic databases, or meeting-room space provided to the community. Burnett County Library provides those services and other services that the study did not use to calculate return on investment. The research showed the total economic contribution of Wisconsin public libraries is more than $750 million every year. The return on investment in library services is $4.06 for each dollar of taxpayer investment. Wisconsin public libraries serve a total state population of 5.6 million and use of public libraries by citizens of the state is growing. In the past 10 years, library visits have grown by 28 percent.

Other key measures, such as circulation of library materials, attendance at children’s programs, computer ac-

cess and electronic access to library catalogs, also have shown healthy growth. “This study clearly tells us that public libraries are a valuable tax-supported institution,” said Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction State Superintendent Elizabeth Burmaster. “Quantifying the economic impact of libraries on the local, regional and state economy adds another important piece of information regarding the value of public libraries.

Our public libraries nurture young readers, support K12 students, and provide access to information and technology necessary for lifelong learning. Public libraries are centers of their communities and daily make invaluable contributions to local and regional economic development.”

The Department of Public Instruction contracted with North Star to conduct a study to determine the economic impact of public libraries and library systems in Wisconsin and the taxpayer return on investment. Results showed that public libraries: • Create more than 3,200 jobs directly and more than 3,000 indirectly through economic activity.

• Provide $427.9 million in total economic value through services provided to Wisconsin residents.

• Make a direct economic contribution to Wisconsin’s economy of more than $326 million.

The research further indicates that Wisconsin public library users place a high value on the resources and services available and that as library users age, they value the library services not only for themselves, but also for their children and grandchildren. Additionally, libraries are considered a very good value by library users and nonusers.

“As we work to sustain public libraries in an increasingly competitive economy, we have proof of the solid economic contribution our libraries make and the value the people of Wisconsin place on library services,” Burmaster said. “Our libraries truly make a difference in our quality of life.”

The public library in Webster is open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Monday through Thursday, open Fridays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., closed on Sundays. Wireless services are available each day from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. – Maxine Peterson, Director Burnett Community Library/Webster

It is hard to believe that there are people who don’t know about Interfaith Caregivers. The organization has existed for more than 10 years and we do so much for so many. Our mission statement says, “We will help everyone we can and if we can’t help, we will try to find someone who can.”

Barb That is exactly what we have been Blodgett doing all of these years. Some of our accomplishments have been: We have built 27 wheelchair ramps, given countless rides, taken people grocery shopping, visited those who can’t get out, given furniture and clothes to those in need, shoveled snow, raked lawns, and given wood to those who can’t afford to heat their homes after their energy assistance runs out. True, we can not accommodate everyone, but we have resources we can refer people to. One of

our greatest accomplishments is our Helping Hands Christmas for Kids program. We have given new toys and clothes to children each Christmas. Last year we gave Christmas to 631 children and the number grows each year.

Our main source of income is private and corporate donations. Without these monies we could not do as much as we do. Every penny that is donated is used to help people. We do not use it for anything else. Our office expenses such as paper, ink, telephone, etc. is paid for by grants. What money we don’t use for office expenses is again used to help people. Our Christmas project last year needed a budget of $20,000 to supply food, toys and clothes to families. I don’t wait until November to panic about not making budget, I panic in January following the last year’s event and every month until the children get their gifts and families have the food they need for Christmas. We always have help with this project from churches, organizations and private patrons. We could not accomplish our goal without them.

We have fundraisers to raise money such as the rummage sale we are having May 30 and 31 at the Webster Community Center, the Big Band Dance we are having in October and the raffles we hold every other month.

We need volunteers. We don’t always have people who need rides, but when we do it is good to know I can call someone and count on them. We need handy men who can make small home repairs, people to mow lawns and people to help with mailings. We need people to bake for our bake sales. We need donations of gently used furniture and clothes. It seems we are always in need of something. The calls for assistance never stop.

If you have some time on your hands and want to do something good for someone, just call me at 8664970 and I will send you a form to fill out and brochure to show what we do.

Tell your friends and family about us. We need your support whether it be volunteering or donations.

Caregiver’s GIFTS

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River Road Ramblings

collected by Russ Hanson

Hoboes

by Vernon Peterson Off on a great adventure, George and I, just 18, climbed aboard a westbound freight train of the Great Milwaukee Railroad out of St. Paul to an unknown destination. We found hundreds of men on board searching for work, some to drop off to harvest fields in the Dakotas and Montana and some would go further in search of employment. This was in 1935 at the depth of the Great Depression. We were Hoboes, those of us looking for work. A smaller number of men were Bums, not looking for work but freeloaders looking for a handout; some were alcoholics.

And so we rolled across the prairies heading west, mostly in boxcars or Gondola Cars, standing on the catwalk on top of the swaying box cars showing our bravado going through the towns, kind of shaky but the better to wave at the girls, just waiting to wave back.

Our mothers worried about us, rightfully so. Eighteen years old and just graduated from high school, life was pleasant. Our mothers had packed a sizable lunch for us. Our first shock was the almost undrinkable alkaline water.

We were used to good Wisconsin water.

Most of the Hoboes looking for work dropped off in the Dakotas and Montana. I remember Cour d'Alene, Idaho, as the most beautiful location on the trip.

When the train stopped to take on water in a little mountain town in eastern Washington, I ran to a little grocery store to buy a can of beans and a loaf of bread. I paid for my purchase. The grocer said "How about a token?" I replied "No thank you" and ran to catch the train. Later I was sorry when I realized that he needed the little metal token as the sales tax in Washington State.

Heading west was uneventful. At eighteen, we were strong and agile to catch a moving train on the fly by the steel rungs of a ladder or the edge of a boxcar door. A dangerous lifestyle, as hundreds of men and boys died or lost limbs riding the rails. We rode "over the hump" on a tanker one night. The old tankers had a narrow 12-inch plank around the side to hang onto. I slept quite well, but poor George stayed awake with concern for us falling to my death, rolling off the plank. A nice clean boxcar was more desirable. When the weather was nice, an open gondola car was all right unless the load was unstable and dangerous. We never rode the rods underneath the trains—very dangerous.

Our first stop after the desert areas of eastern Washington was in the fertile Yakima Valley. We slept in a railroad culvert with the trains rumbling over us all that first night. Later we found the Hobo Jungle in Pasco-Kennewick. Most of the hoboes were older men riding the freights wherever the jobs were. They were mostly cheerful men with that indomitable human spirit that thrived (or survived) the Depression. Work was available part time in agriculture in those days before things were mechanized.

George and I found work immediately when the employers found out we were farm boys from Wisconsin. My first job was shocking hay. I drove a beautiful Clydesdale horse on a hay sweep and stacker. The other boy went to sleep behind a haystack. The boss found him there at noon. At the end of the day, I was paid double wages. The farmer's wife was a good cook and I ate double too.

No job was very permanent. The best I had was for a dairy farmer. We loaded empty ten gallon milk cans in a Model T

Vernon Peterson and his wife, Gwen, of rural Siren when they were married. At age 18, Vernon became a hobo during the Great Depression and rode the rails out West to find work. This story is excerpted from his autobiography still in progress.

Ford pickup and drove several miles to the Toppenish Indian Reservation where the cows grazed. We caught a bronco to round up the cows. We tied each cow to a fence post and milked it by hand while sitting on a wooden milk stool. We filled the cans with milk, loaded them in the pickup, and headed to the local creamery in town. We brought back a load of buttermilk, or was it skim milk, for the pigs back on the ranch. The rancher's wife cooked us a real good breakfast!

We left when the rancher's broken leg healed so he and his wife could do their own chores again. We hit the rails for Seattle. The waterfront there was fascinating—kind of a giant Flea Market— Farmers Market.

We saw the Pacific when we took the Puget Sound Ferry from Tacoma to Puyallup to pick hops, a curious fruit used to give beer its bitter taste. Talk about starvation wages—from dawn till dusk to fill a box for $1.50 until I was promoted to Hop Pole Man at 25 cents an hour for a fourteen hour day. Big Money! Hop Vines grew on wires attached to tall poles. The Hop Pole Man's job was to lower the wires so the pickers could reach them. Many families came to pick, staying in simple shacks. We became good friends while working there. They said Josie cried for a week when I left.

It was time to me to return home. I caught a short line to Division Point at Auburn, south of Seattle to catch an eastbound freight. I spent a pleasant evening while waiting in the switch yards. It seemed that all the girls in Auburn came down to visit the kid hobo from Wisconsin. The boys too, as they had their turf to protect. I caught my ride just at dark and was soon rolling home. George caught a north bound to Wenatchee to pick apples.

Nights were getting colder so I climbed down into the ice compartment at the end of a reefer, a refrigerated boxcar that was empty. The compartment was warm and darker than in the belly of a black cow. During the night, another hobo came down the ladder. In the morning, he said, "You know, I could have stuck my knife in you when you were sleeping." He was a roughlooking bum. He entertained me with stories of men he had killed. I was glad to part company with that old Bo and his knife in the morning. There were

other ways to die, of course. Sometimes that heavy trap door on top would blow shut, and no way to get out. Another hazard, when the train crew had orders to ice up, a 300-pound block of ice dropped eight feet could squeeze a poor hobo to death.

It was not a good idea to hobo alone. Coming home I put my money in my shoes. I thought I was smart, but no, the railroad Bulls know this trick of course. I was plain lucky.

Riding back "over the hump" through the mountains, I rode the "Blind Baggage". This is behind the Coal Tender back of the locomotive and very dangerous. I did get my hand squeezed in the coupling, but was lucky as I could have lost my hand. It was warm behind the locomotive, but smoky from those coal burners and the cinders burned you. It was either freeze from the weather or burn from the cinders.

Most of the railroad workers were kind to us hoboes. They did escort me out of the Blind Baggage when we got to Billings, Montana. Just too dangerous, they said.

I decided to hitchhike or walk the rest of the way to Wisconsin. I waded into the muddy Yellowstone River to

wash and shave in its icy mountain waters. I crossed the rest of Montana that day. The last ride was at Glendive, but I kept on hiking in the dark. Finally, I could see lights. Must be a town, but no, just the lights of a solitary airport out in the desolate landscape. So I kept walking until I came to the little prairie town of Wibeau. I found an abandoned shed to sleep in the rest of the night.

Up early the next morning, not knowing that my next sleep would be 48 hours later in my own bed at home, I started hitching. By a series of fortunate events and kind people, I made good progress. I got to Dickinson by a young man who had a friend going to Bismarck, and his friend going to Jamestown and another to Fargo after dark. I waited by the stoplight in Fargo for a Wisconsin car to stop. "Well sure, jump in." He bought me a real good supper, and then said, "You drive to Minneapolis" his destination.

He climbed in the back and went to sleep.

What wonderful people I have known in my 90 years! It was daylight when I thanked him and started hiking. I was a green country boy, so most of the day was spent getting through the city and out in the country again. My ride was provided by Sig Petersen, the cattle trucker from Luck returning home from the St. Paul Stock Yards. From there I called home for my good friend Ralph Nelson to come and pick me up.

Just in time! It was Saturday night, which meant the Squirrelly Beach Dance Hall was waiting with the best of music and girls. So, I danced all night to complete my 48-hour day. Home again!

Most of the "Knights of the Road" as the hoboes were called, were really good people. They represented many walks of life during those Depression years. Men that had lost their jobs, their businesses or professions. They still had hopes. George and I were fortunate.

We both had a home to return to. Many had no home. The Great Depression only ended after Pearl Harbor and with World War II; with the blood shed by our heroic soldiers and sailors and the employment created by the war effort.

••• Note from the Rambler: I got the date of the Sterling picnic wrong last time. It is always the first Sunday after Father's day-- June 22 noon potluck at the Cushing Community Center. Send your own stories of your days as a hobo or other stories to riverroadrambler@gmail.com or call 715-488-2776. I am helping Vernon with the typing and setup of his autobiography and excerpted this story from the soon-to-be-published book.

Vernon demonstrates his antique railroad message hoop that the train conductor snagged from the train stationmaster to get information. Clipped to the hoop would be a paper with instructions. - Photos by Russ Hanson

MAY 28, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 5

(Reprinted from Abundant Harvest printed by NW Regional Writers – 1995)

Stand Tall

by Jean F. Miller

Think intelligence and common sense Recognize defeat Rise above the negative Reach a higher goal Be thankful you can see where to step Now you are started on a new path Go forward, climb Protect this challenge Protect yourself Stand guard

Bernice Abrahamzon

BEHIND THE

SIGNPOST

Protect your thinking Reach for new ideas Protect your Christian standards Think intelligence and common sense (Jean Miller belonged to the Northwest Regional Writers and when she died, her niece, sent a copy of this poem to her son, Kirk Miller. He wrote to thank me for this poem. He said they intended to read it at the funeral. It sums up her whole philosophy of living.)

Another writer heard from…

Helping My Husband Manage the Farm

by Shirley Olson For 30 years I was a busy farmer’s wife. Housework is a full-time job, but it has to come second to chores and fieldwork.

I was proud to be a partner in farm management.

Possibly, my most important part was to encourage my husband in the future of farming.

A neighbor once asked my husband how many men it took to put the hay elevator across the haymow. He told him it wasn’t such a big job. “My wife and I put ours up.” The neighbor replied, “Yeah, but your wife is worth three good men!”

Another time I had a chance for a good job off the farm. When I told my husband how much I would get a month, he said he wouldn’t be able to hire someone to take my place on the farm for that amount. My husband doesn’t give compliments very often. I didn’t take the job. I’m glad I chose to be a full-time farm wife.

One TV commercial advertises, “You only go around once in a life, so grab for all the gusto you can get.”

Looking back, I thank God for every day he permitted me to be on the farm. I’m grateful for the physical ability to help out where I’m needed. That meant milking cows, helping build a corn crib, clearing land, picking rocks, plowing a straight furrow, cultivating corn or beans, baling hay, painting the barn or other buildings, driving truck, and you name it, I’ve done it, including record keeping.

Besides the outside work, there were meals to cook.

Many times extra men to cook for, too.

The most important part of my life was helping to

raise the children. Not only two of our own but also extra boys who needed a temporary home. At one time, four got on the school bus at our farm. Each had a different last name.

Being a partner with my farmer husband was a rich experience. It gave my life meaning.

To other farm wives I would say, “Share in the sowing – share in the cultivating – and you will also share in the abundant harvest.”

The Blueberry Special

by Shirley Olson How excited I was. We had just yesterday moved from the country to the big town of Grantsburg, and this morning I was up very early. Although I had been thrilled the day before by the magic lights hanging from the ceiling of each room, now I didn’t dare turn them on because my sisters were still sleeping. In the distance I heard the toot of a terrain whistle. I must hurry, as the moment I had been waiting for was near at hand.

Yesterday I had seen the strange, huge hole in the ground, a few blocks from our house. It was lined with concrete, and across the top was a railroad track, looking something like a bridge. At the bottom of the hole, or pit, a track ran around the complete circle.

The kids next door to our house had told me that workmen turned the train around on that bridge.

Even at the age of 6, I thought I was being fooled and I wanted to know for sure.

I had to hurry. I must find out what that big hole was for. It was getting daylight and I found a good place beside a pile of pulpwood where I could stand and see what was going on. By now the train was already there. It had several boxcars and some flat cars for hauling pulpwood (usually called just pulp). My dad was the boss of a crew, which loaded the pulp onto the cars.

Of course, the kids were fooling me. The train had stopped over by the station, a short distance away.

But, wait a minute…something was happening. The train came apart and the engine was going all by itself. Now it backed up. Now it was coming backwards. Now it backed onto the bridge across the big hole. It was very close to where I was standing. There were many cords of pulp piled beside the tracks. Now the ground was shaking, and so was I. But the pulp pile didn’t shake apart as I feared it would.

The engineer shut down the engine as it stood on the bridge across the hole. Now, two men were standing at each end of the bridge and I wondered what they were going to do. One man lifted a bar up to one end of the bridge. I could hardly believe my eyes.

Four men, two at each end of the bridge, were actually turning the engine around.

The kids were right. I didn’t understand the operation at the time, but that bridge, which was really a short set of tracks across the pit, was attached at the center to a bearing, while the loose ends of the tracks were supported by huge trucks which sat on the circular tracks below.

I had just seen the turntable at work. I was my first of many experiences with the Grantsburg Blueberry Special.

Bloodmobile visited Siren May 20 SIREN – The Burnett County chapter of the St. Paul Red Cross service had a successful drawing at the Siren Covenant Church. Beautiful weather for yard work and some illness may have decreased the usual number of donors, but still brought 82 clients, from whom 80 units were donated, including seven double cell unit donors and attendance included one first-time donor, David Caine.

Included in the support of a successful day were the Webster Lioness callers and the Siren American Legion Auxiliary, which provided callers, volunteers and canteen snacks. Thanks to the Siren Covenant Church for the use of their facility. Bremer Bank provided postage money for mailing reminder cards.

Local volunteers included: Katie Hedlund, coordina-

tor; Shirley Anderson, advertising; Laura Jensen, Connie Hunt, Ethel Daniels, Jean Flanigan, Wanda Flanigan, Marjorie Lee, Rose Nelson, Joan Daniels, Dee Wilcox, Bonnie Tjader, Pat Olson, June Thomas, Donis Taylor, Elaine Tjader, Kay Daniels, Jack Hedlund and Wally Nelson.

The Red Cross recognizes and appreciates donors and volunteers who support this worthwhile cause.

When you give blood, you give someone another birthday, another anniversary, another laugh, another hug, another chance. Thanks!

The next scheduled Burnett County Bloodmobile visit is in Webster in July 2008. Date will be published later. - submitted by Katie Hedlund of Siren

Check out the Leader’s new e-edition @ www.the-leader.net

Do you remember ?

Compiled by Bernice Abrahamzon

50 Years Ago Grace Lutheran Church was looking ahead to celebrating its 85th anniversary.-A benefit dance was held at Indian Creek Hall in June for Wilbur Hiembecker and Dale Mettler who lost all their belongings in a fire.-Jolly Sam and his concertina and 10-piece orchestra played at every Saturday dance at the Dunham Ballroom located among the white pines and birches.-The Frederic Association of Commerce dinner was set for Anchor Inn, on Monday, June 23.-The 20th Old Settlers picnic was set for June 22, west of cushing, near Wilson Bridge.-The film “Another Time, Another Place” was showing at the Frederic Theatre.-“Black Beauty” was showing at the D’Lux Theatre, Luck.-Specials at Frederic’s Clover Farm Store (Foodland) included 4 lbs. of cookies for $1, bananas 2 lbs. for 29¢, charcoal briquets 10 lbs. for 77¢ or 5 lbs. for 39¢. Customers had a chance to win a $1,000 bill for naming the jumping monkey.-Specials at Route’s Super Market, Frederic, included Green Giant peas at 6 cans for $1, wieners at 49¢ lb. and Wheaties at 25¢ for a 12-oz. pkg.-Wisconsin milk prices were lowest since July 1954.-Two men were injured when a plane crashed near Siren.-The Frederic Rural Fire Association scheduled a firemen’s dance in June, with music by The Merrymakers.

40 Years Ago The film “Bonnie and Clyde” was playing at the SCF theatre, The Auditorium.-Frederic golfers won the Luck Regional.-Specials at Route’s Super Market in Frederic included Tasttee Bread 2 loaves for 49¢, bananas at 10¢ lb. ad 5¢ candy bars for 3¢ apiece.-A Memorial Day dance was set for Log Gables, Webster. With music by Two Hots and a Mrs.- A former area educator would address the Frederic graduates.

His name was Donald Dean.-Specials at Pardun’s Corner Grocery, Webster, were 3 dozen eggs at $1, Pennsylvania casserole at 49¢, Hills Bros. coffee at $1.79, Royal pudding, 10¢ each and graham crackers at 49¢ for 2 lbs.-John Fox, Frederic, was photographed with a 17-lb. musky that he caught on a spoon hook on Bone Lake, east of Luck.-Specials at the Frederic Co-op Store included bananas at 11¢ lbs., grapefruit at 8 for $1, pork loin at 49¢ lb. and roasting chicken at 45¢ lb. for 4 to 7-lb. chicken.-A wedding dance was set for June 8 for the Mr. and Mrs. Dave Billey at the West Sweden Hall.-Another wedding dance was set for June 8, at the Indian Creek Hall for Wayne Tomsos and Marie Hahweller. Music by the Peterson Bros.-New Richmond is the site for new VoTech District 18 building.

20 Years Ago Off-road reps say trails would bring dollars, forestry administrator sees problems.-Papa John’s Restaurant, Hertel, posted its Mother’s Day menu with a Sunday, May smorgasbord served with deluxe salad bar and dessert, $3,50 (beverage extra).-In a seat belt survey it was found highest use was in Eau Claire and Green Bay areas.-The Business of the Week was the 300 Club in Frederic.-The Grand Opening was held May 13-14, at the 3 Bairs’ Quiltery.-Ethel Oleson was selected as Frederic’s Citizen of the Year.Obituaries included Clifford Hable, Claude Ferdig and Amelia Wright.-A new sign design was approved for the Luck Village.-The Luck Commercial Club heard a credit union proposal.-The Polk-Burnett Electric Co-op awarded scholarships to 13 students including Philip Freeberg, Amery; Gene Hoefs, Grantsburg; Brenda Swanson, St. Croix Falls; Heather Schmidt, Frederic; Amy Dressel, Osceola; Michelle Halseth, Webster; Dan Horsley, Frederic; George Rivers, Siren; Kathryn Highstrom, Unity; Keith Swingle, Webster; Jacey Richison, Siren; and Elizabeth Martell, Somerset.-Gov. Tommy Thompson proclaimed May Older Americans month.-A fire destroyed 65 acres of forest near Danbury.

PAGE 6 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - MAY 28, 2008

TOWN TALK/COUNTRY CHATTER Hi, everybody! Blacky here from Humane Society of Burnett County.

I was just lying outside in the midst of a good dream about chasing squirrels when I got tapped on the head and reminded that I had an early deadline this week. I nearly forgot it Blacky was a holiday weekend! I guess I better wake up and smell the dog chow.

Speaking of chow, we have two YAPpenings baby chow chow’s here at the shelter this week, and boy are they ever cute. We have a boy and a girl, Rocky and Ginger, who are a couple of playful little fuzz balls. We also have a couple of other pups that were surrendered with their mom. Nema is the mother, and she is a collie/shepherd mix. Nema is about 3 years old and easygoing. Ducky and Cutie are her puppies; again, a boy and a girl. Wait a minute - a dog named Ducky?

Hmmm, perhaps he’s got webbed feet. A couple of strays have joined us as well this week. Timber is a male St. Bernard and a really big boy. Do you suppose he got his name by someone calling out, “Timber” when he goes to lie down? Ha! I shouldn’t talk, I suppose. Windows rattle when I hit the floor. But back to business, the other stray that came in is Brita.

She is an adult black Lab who seems pretty energetic

SHELTER

and happy. I’m sure she’d be even happier if she was reunited with her family.

We have two new kittens in the mix this week, too: Two longhairs, Gigi and Fuzzy. Gigi is mostly black with some white on her chest, and Fuzzy is gray and white and wears a permanent expression like she’s just seen a ghost. I have to laugh every time I look at her.

With all these newcomers, the house is beginning to fill up fast. We’ve got a lot of cats and plenty of dogs. Come out and visit them, or, if you’ve spied one on our Pet List online, come and meet him/her in person. Spring is in the air, finally, and the dogs and cats are itching for a new home. (I mean that figuratively, of course. No one is flea-ridden around this place!)

Well, in closing I just want to remind you all that the Wine and Cheese Tasting Event is coming up this weekend at Trade Lake Winery. It is Saturday, May 31, from 4 to 8 p.m. Entertainment will also be provided by local musicians Cynthia Rintala and Dave Frank. Admission is $15. I’m sure you can find time in between graduation parties to attend, and you don’t even have to put the money in a card! Thanks, everybody, and I’ll see you here next week.

HSBC is saving lives, one at a time. www.hsburnettcty.org 866-4096.

Siren

349-2964

The first major holiday is now over, and Burnett County increased about tenfold, I believe. I hope all had a great and safe holiday. Did you take some time to remember our fallen servicemen? We all need to remember those who have fallen, as well as all those who are serving in places all over the world. If not for them and sacrifices they make, we would not be able to enjoy what we have.

There will be a benefit for the Burnett County Humane Society on Saturday, May 31, at the Trade River Winery, from 4 to 8 p.m. Come and enjoy tasting their wines and some cheese, as well as some great local music. Price for this event is just $15 per person. For more info contact 715-866-4096.

I have been playing a game of hide and seek, so to speak, for about a week with a bear. I’m sure he has smelled my hummingbird feeder and the grape jelly I put out for the orioles. He comes almost out of the woods, but if he sees me watching from the patio door he disappears back into the safety of the woods. I bring my feeders in at night because he has knocked over my bird waterer and left his 7-inch paw prints. I’m sure it won’t be long before he decides he is coming in, come what may, and enjoy what he smells, whether I’m in sight or not.

The Siren Lions Club will hold a 39th Anniversary Party on Saturday, May 31, at the Siren Crooked Lake Park, from 1-5 p.m. Come enjoy free hot dogs, brats and pop

Back stroke It appears the primary concern of the Sierra Club and other pseudoconservation organizations is the preservation of the fauna. My guess is that 95 percent of their members own and live on less than 5,000 square feet (about one-eighth acre).

Since they don’t have their own preserve, they occasionally travel to their version of “Up North” to enjoy the vista and hope for a glimpse of a tree frog.

With the exception of the national, state, county, township and meandered water properties; their recreational destinations are private.

Variously, preservation of government land began, on April 20, 1832; it was a good idea.

Unfortunately, hundreds of special interest groups evolved that all via for your money to save Mother Earth for themselves. If you can’t walk or ride a bike, it’s unlikely you will personally visit these remote areas.

The thought of making a road through these areas sends these “ecologists” into apoplexy. They truly believe that roads will interrupt the ancestral trails of wildlife; they’ve never driven in Wisconsin.

Recently, the politicians of every stripe have voted to put the polar bear on the Threatened Species list due to computer modeling of impending global warming. These same computers can’t tell me what the weather will be in two weeks - go figure. This has nothing to do with polar bears; it is a covert attempt to prevent oil exploration in the Artic, Yukon and Northwest Territories.

A local columnist’s ranting about tar sand oil extraction states “Goodbye walleye. Along with this development has come a host of health and environmental problems for residents of the far north.

The air smells like hot tar, fish in the rivers have de-

Bev Beckmark

with lots of door prizes given away all afternoon. There will also be music provided in the new band shell.

Congratulations to elementary student Kaylee Tolzman, middle-schooler Shay Johnson and high-schooler Samantha Will for being chosen Siren School’s students of the week.

A Kids Fishing Contest is coming up on June 8, at Siren’s Clam Lake wayside from 9 a.m. to noon. This event is free fishing and put on by the Siren Lions and the Lake Country Riders. It is open to kids 2 to 17, with trophies for largest fish. There will be free hot dogs and pop.

For more info, call Big Mike at 715-349-2400.

Art and Bev Beckmark spent Sunday in Duluth putting flowers on the graves of four of Bev’s family. The afternoon was spent visiting her cousin, Dick Sowa and his wife, Julie, catching up on family news.

Andy Marsh and friend, Jolene, came to Siren from Redwood Falls, Minn., to visit Andy’s two aunts, Venita Hill and Delores Taylor. They spent the night at Venita’s.

The weekend of June 6-7 is Wisconsin Free Fishing, so grab your poles and head to your favorite lake and enjoy some free fishing. Good luck.

Welcome to the new Crooked Lake hosts, Richard Groves and Pat Busch. Enjoy our great community.

Dewey - LaFollette 468-2940

Karen Mangelsen

Sympathy is extended to Dorothy (Virgil) Peterson and Butch (Loretta) Vanselus due to the death of their sister, Darlene Lawson. Her husband is Otto Lawson, and they lived in Sheldon, Iowa. Sympathy is extended to the Lawson family also. Darlene was 69.

Sympathy is extended to family members due to the death of Theor (Mickey) Ludke. She was an aunt to the Hank Mangelsen siblings and to Dirk Benzer and Deb Schlapper, and a cousin to Claude McCarty and his sisters. Theor was 74.

Beth Crosby and Judy Albee visited Chuck and Dixie Andrea on Wednesday evening.

Don and Lida Nordquist visited Nina and Lawrence Hines Thursday evening. They played cards and celebrated Nina and Lawrence’s wedding anniversary.

Hank and Karen Mangelsen returned Friday from a trip to Denver, Colo., and Billings, Mont. They visited cousins in both cities and did some sight-seeing. They traveled with Gene, Carlotta and Carol Romsos.

Several relatives and friends attended the wedding of Meghan Dodd and Tim Nickell Saturday afternoon and the reception following at the bride’s grandparents, Jerry and Emma Hall.

Visitors of Karen and Hank Mangelsen at various times over the weekend were Larry, Heidi, Celie, Baxter, Jake, Holly, Hannah and Grace Mangelsen, April, Dave, Patty, Mandy, Steve, Margie, Emma, Graham and Carter Close, and Matt, Tamra and Nick Lawrence.

Maynard and Ronda Mangelsen went to Ortonville, Minn., over the weekend to visit Ronda’s mother. Her brother, Gary Longhenry from Greeley, Colo., came for the weekend there too, and they got together with other siblings who live in the Ortonville area.

Weekend visitors of Donna and Gerry Hines were Brian, Jane, Jenny, Justin and Bryton Hines, Barry and Josh Hines and Mark and Sue Hines.

Don Schleiss and Judy Albee visited Dean and Virginia Elken Sunday afternoon.

Lawrence and Nina Hines went to Farmington, Minn.

Saturday and visited at the home of Chad and Jenny Harrison. They helped great-granddaughter, Aubrey Harrison, celebrate her third birthday.

Relatives gathered at the home of Mike and Kathy Spears Sunday afternoon for a bridal shower in honor of Scott Melin and his fiancé, Sarah. Scott is the son of Jerry and Donna (Crosby) Melin.

Visitors of Don and Lida Nordquist over the weekend were Jan, Jim, Caleb and Hannah Schott.

Clam River Tuesday Club will meet June 4 at 1:30 p.m. at the home of Dixie Andrea.

Frederic Senior Center Ardyce Knauber

veloped shiny, wartlike blisters and cancers and other diseases are on the rise.”

It’s really hard to address unsubstantiated blather, but I will try.

I assume if you are in the vicinity of tar shale it would smell like tar. Basically, when you are in a dairy barn it doesn’t Brooke smell like milk.

Biedinger The population of the Yukon is 20,461 (one person for every nine square miles) and the Northwest Territories is 41,464 (one person for every 12.5 square miles); really crowded. I suspect an uptick in disease would have more to do with ethanol concoctions than pollution.

The only disease attributed to fish in rivers of the Yukon and Northwest Territories appears to be a parasite that infects Artic char and an occasional lake trout. It’s called Reni bacterium Salmoninarum; it’s not endemic and has nothing to do with pollution.

That far north, a big walleye probably does have warts because it would be about my age.

I couldn’t find anything on “other” diseases.

These groups have lost their credibility with me because they consistently interject unsubstantiated BS to their stance. Their overriding theme seems to be that we all want to defecate in our nests.

If you think the polar bears don’t follow the food chain, I suggest you get a team together to teach them the back stroke, just in case the ice melts.

IRREGULAR columnist

Monday spades was played with the following winners: Hazel Hoffman in first place, Lola Hinschberger in second place and Carmen Marek in third place.

Tuesday whist was enjoyed along with other favorite card games.

Wednesday and Friday our pokeno players enjoyed their group, refreshments and fellowship together.

Thursday 500 cards was played with the following winners: Tim Abrahamzon in first place, Shirely Sandquist in second place, David Peterson in third place and Arnie Borchert in fourth place.

Our planters are planted, and we will enjoy the beauty of them this coming summer. Gratitude is extended to Mrs. Sorenson and her fourth-grade class for helping with the planting.

Our tables are decorated with flags to honor our servicemen and women. Gratitude is extended to all those who lost their lives in battle, those who survived and those who are serving our country now. We as seniors appreciate our freedom.

Our executive meeting will be on Friday, May 30, at 9:30 a.m.

Get-well wishes to Virginia Schultz who is at the Frederic Care Center.

We express our sympathy to the Herbert Sederlund family.

MAY 28, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 7

TOWN TALK/COUNTRY CHATTER Engagement

Plath/Reese Dana Plath and Justin Reese are pleased to announce their engagement.

Their parents are Doug and Linda Plath of Webster and Kelly Reese and Tina Reese of Webster.

The couple is planning an Oct. 4, 2008, wedding in Siren.

Engagement

653-4281

Lewis

Sympathy is extended to the family of Herb Sederland.

Years ago he was working at the Inter-County Leader when I was there. He became a resident of the Frederic Care and Rehabilitation Center. He hadn’t been there very long and passed away there last week.

The NW Regional Writers will meet Friday, June 13, in the community room of the Big Gust Apts., Grantsburg, at 1 p.m. The assignment is to write on “If toes had eyes…”

The building is secure, but someone will be there to help you get in.

The morning book club at the Frederic Library is reading “A Thousand Splendid Suns” by Khaled Hosseini.

Some are also reading “Show Falling on Cedars.”

The Frederic Scrabble Club did not meet on Monday, Memorial Day, choosing to celebrate the holiday.

Sheila Staples and Rick Abrahamzon went to the Sanborn, Drummond area on Saturday. Rick likes to fish where he and his father used to fish for trout.

Sunday’s church service at Lewis was special with patriotic songs. Those who passed away the last 12 years with services at Lewis were honored with a candle lit for each one in memory. A special rack was constructed by Bob Nelson to hold the candles. It was quite a display, impressive, too. The list is as follows: Betty Hoover, Jack Barland, Elsie McClay, Charles Lenz, Daniel Scanlon, Albert Fischer, Levi Johnson, Charles Hochstetler, Cecile Schonebaum, Ted Schonebaum, Ruby Hochstetler, LaVern Jensen (Buckshot), Igna Hunter, John Smith, LeRoy (Boone) Johnson, Martin Peterson, Bernice Peterson, Lillian Chell, George Anderson, Rose Peterson, Edna David, Gordon Ackland, Wally Baxter, Mark Scott, Levi Olson, Allen Alden, Mary Ann Ulick, Mabel Sutton, Dorothy Glockzin, Esther Schallenberger, June Moline and Larry Reed. Plus many candles for earlier names.

It was also Gideon Sunday with Allen McKinley as speaker. For years, David McKinley represented the American Gideon Society. Remember his Scottish ac-

Bernice Abrahamzon

cent?

Last week brought a good crew of workers to rake the Lewis Cemetery grounds and haul the leaves, etc. away.

It looks very nice.

The monthly church meeting will be held this Wednesday at 7 p.m., at the Lewis church, preceded by a potluck fellowship supper at 6 p.m., at the church.

The Indianhead Gem and Mineral Society will meet Monday, June 2, at the Luck Senior Citizens Center. A presentation on Indians of Wisconsin will be presented by Allen Hanson and Avid Strupky. The group will gather at 7 p.m., with the meeting beginning at 7:30 p.m. Potluck lunch as usual.

Congratulations to this year’s graduates, to our neighbor, Savanna Pearson, daughter of Lonnie and Terry Pearson. Congrats also to Cory Abbott, son of Scott and Tina Abbott, who graduated from Siren High School. Both seniors had open houses in their honor.

LaVerne Leep had her sister-in-law Verla of Seattle as a houseguest last week. They enjoyed visiting, visiting and visiting. Also, Diane and Ron Ackland visited this area.

Almost unbelievable! Mary Jane Johnson was in church on Sunday, so soon after her knee replacement surgery.

She’s amazing.

(Explanation: I am not familier with the names of all the graduates, including high school and university, but all of them are wished happy, healthy, successful lives and even without my personal connection. We are looking to you to make good in coming years.)

SCF Senior Center May 13 domino winners were: Deloris Benson in first place, Ione Meixner in second place and George Meixner in third place. 500 card winners were: Pete Schlosser in first place, Laurice Lambert in second place, Dave Anderson in third place and Ron Flostrand in fourth place.

May 15 500 card winners were: Leroy Booth in first place, JoAnn Gehrman in second place and Bernice Olson in third place.

Cooperation

Worrell/Hubbard Greg and Deb Worrell, Grantsburg, and Amory and Pippa Hubbard, Biddle, Mont., proudly announce the engagement of children Lisa and Matthew.

Lisa graduated with a MS from St. Mary’s University, Winona, Minn, and is currently self-employed as a geographic informations systems analyst.

Matthew graduated with a BF from Colorado State University and is a rancher.

A June 21, 2008, wedding in Hudson is being planned.

– submitted

Cooperation allows us to solve problems and work towards common goals together. It can be difficult because it is often hard to agree with others on a plan, solution or even a goal. The ability to cooperate is an important skill for all people – it helps us work together, be peaceful and create a harmonious world. Practice sharing and taking turns. Work on household chores together. Work on a project as a family – a jigsaw puzzle, homemade pizza or ice cream, or a garden. When asking a child to cooperate, make sure to give them choices. Remember to compromise. Acknowledge and appreciate others for cooperating with you. It is through cooperation, rather than conflict, that your greatest successes will be derived.

Tuesday, May 29, domino winners were: Janice Mevissen in first place, Don Anderson in second place and Donna Schlosser in third place. 500 card winners were: Ron Flostrand in first place, Elaine Edlund in second place, Vern Lunstrom in third place, Ellie Schmeckpeper in fourth place and Alice Darvall in fifth place.

May 22 500 card winners were: Don Benson in first place, Leroy Booth in second place and Cliff Qualle in third place.

PAGE 8 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - MAY 28, 2008

TOWN TALK/COUNTRY CHATTER Webster Senior Center

866-4334 Ahhh! The smell and feel of spring is wonderful. It was a long time coming but worth the wait! The old saying that anything good is worth waiting for rings true.

Don and Abby Brand stopped by for coffee and conversation on Monday morning and Abby worked on the puzzle for a while.

Our monthly senior meeting was held on Monday after lunch with only our four board members attending. Our faithful friend Theresa Gloege couldn’t be there as she was sick at home, but I don’t know why there aren’t any others more interested in attending. I hear gripes from time to time, but if a person doesn’t care enough to take an active part, they have no right to complain. We are not an “elite” group as I have heard one person say. If you make use of our center in any way, shape or form, you are invited to attend the monthly meetings. They are always the third Monday of the month at 12:30 p.m.

Peggy Lawless and Gladys Beers visited Ruth Zach and her daughter, Judy Gould, in Hayward on Tuesday.

Nona Severson of Siren stopped at the center on Wednesday with a list of local pharmacy business hours.

She compiled the list after having a personal experience with a family member who became ill while visiting her on a weekend. After being treat in a local hospital, they found it difficult to obtain the required medical prescription needed. Due to the time and it being on a weekend, some pharmacies were closed. This list may be beneficial for our local residents as with the many tourists. The list is posted at our center and we thank Nona for taking the time to compile it.

Twenty-six diners enjoyed Deb’s BBQ rib dinner on Wednesday, and out of the 12 diners wearing assorted hats for Hat Day, Berenice Quernemoen received first prize for her black hat and outfit that made her look like a regal Spanish senora. Her prize was a plate of chocolate chip cookies that she in turn donated to Gene Johnson.

Pete Neubauer won second place with his ancient straw hat with a leather band that made him look like prospector Pete. All he needed was a pick axe and gold panning plate to be authentic. His prize was a plate of cinnamon rolls made by Deb. Only 11 ladies played dime bingo in the afternoon, but they all had fun and everyone enjoyed the delicious strawberry shortcake furnished by Joanne Larson.

Chuck Lehman, Harold Peterson, Pat O’Brien, Gene

Johnson and Dave Wardean had a good time playing pool on Thursday evening, and yes, they did get goodies to munch on furnished by Donna Lehman, Margel Ruck, Jane Wardean, Nancy O’Brien, Gladys Beers and Carol Berglind, who were playing pool.

For dessert on Friday, Deb served chocolate cake with homemade chocolate frosting to honor those with May birthdays. Some of our seniors having May birthdays were Pete Neubauer, Ben Blodgett, Dudley Dingmann, Thelma Klugow, Shirley Doriott, Joan Velander, Mary Gorman, Wes Maurer, Don Brand, Barb Heyer and Bernice Burnett.

Happy birthday to all!

After dining-area cleanup on Friday, Bruce Behrens, Harold Peterson, Gene Johnson and Bob Gleason got in a couple games of pool to tide them over since we had a long holiday weekend and the center was closed on Monday for Memorial Day. June Larson, president of the American Legion Auxiliary Otis Taylor Post 96 Webster was at the elementary school on Friday morning for judging of the poppy poster contest.

Forty-one students from the third-grade classes of Kari Roppe, Lisa Richison and Mary Conroy entered the contest and prizes were awarded to: Clare Stubbe – First prize of $25; Emily Sabatka – Second prize of $15; and Tyrel Olson – Third prize of $10. First and second runners-up were Tailor Larson and Andrew Ruiz, who each received $5. The remaining children each received a certificate for free ice cream at North View Drive-Inn, Webster. The three teachers and principal Jeff Walsh each received a certificate of appreciation. June was very grateful to have Mr. Walsh assist in the set up of the contest.

Don’t forget that the Interfaith Caregivers rummage and bake sale is on this coming Friday and Saturday, May 30 and 31, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Webster Community Center. The really need your support in raising money that pays for the services they provide to senior citizens. Their mission is: “Volunteers helping seniors and adults living with disabilities to remain independent.” They provide services such as local transportation, short-term respite care, friendly visits, shopping and errands, minor repairs, business help, cancer treatment and dialysis rides, and the list goes on. Please help them with this wonderful program.

Gratitude is extended to Dave Wardean for repairing the

Amery Senior Center

by Judith Alles, trip coordinator As usual, it has been a very busy week here at Centennial Hall. We were closed on Monday, May 26, to celebrate the holiday.

We would like to express gratitude to ALANO for having us cater their annual banquet here at Centennial Hall last Saturday, May 17. Also, to the volunteers Byron and Janet Dopkins, Darlene Wood, Sandy White, Ed O’Neill, Dave and Arlene Wilcox, Lavonne Pratt, Rich Hustad and Suzie Adams who helped out and worked so hard to make this a pleasurable event for this group.

Don’t forget our rummage, bake and plant sale coming up on Thursday and Friday, June 5 and June 6, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. This is really going to be a big one – our garage is literally stuffed to the rafters. Please bring your donated items by Wednesday, June 4, between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. or between 6 and 8 a.m. on Thursday, June 5. Our kitchen will be open both Thursday and Friday between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Be sure and not miss this one.

Our first brat stand of the year opens at Dick’s Market on Friday, May 30, and Saturday, May 31.

There are still a few seats available on the Treasure Island trip and Ellsworth Creamery trip on Thursday, May 29. The cost is $10 members, $22 for nonmembers with $12 going towards membership. This includes the bus to

and from the casino, $3 coupon towards your lunch and a $5 cash coupon. Bingo runs from noon to 3 p.m. The bus leaves the center at 9:30 a.m. and at 3:30 p.m. from casino. We should be back at the center by 5:30 p.m.

Don’t miss the fun!

On June 29, there’s a trip to the new harness racing track over by Forest Lake, Minn. There’s a correction on the date of the Church Basement Ladies 2 in Plymouth, Minn. It is on July 24, not June 24. That’s what happens when you try to do two things at once. The first Church Basement Ladies show was a sellout, and this one promises to be just as funny and enjoyable.

The deadline to sign up for our Branson trip is coming up fast – June 29. We do hope you will decide to go with us this fall, as it should be a lot of fun and at a reasonable rate. If any are interested in going back to Door County this September, don’t forget to call us and get on the “interested in Door County trip list” here at the center. The fish boil will be held here at Centennial Hall on Saturday, June 14, from 4 to 7 p.m. There will be music by Jim Armstrong, a beer wagon and a movie. Plates cost $10 with brats and hot dogs also available.

Academic News EAU CLAIRE - Spring commencement exercises for 1,166 students at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire were Saturday, May 17, in Zorn Arena.

Local students who received degrees and their fields of study are: Webster Sheli Steiner, social work, BSW, Education and Human Sciences. - submitted ••• MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – The Minneapolis College of Art and Design is pleased to announce that Christopher Hedeen has graduated from the college with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in filmmaking. He plans to work for a sound design/movie post-production house.

Hedeen, son of Kent and Muriel Hedeen, is a 2003 graduate of St. Croix Falls High School. – submitted ••• MOORHEAD, Minn. – Amy M. Soppeland of Luck is the recipient of a faculty scholarship from Concordia College, Moorhead, Minn. Soppeland, a May 2008 graduate of Frederic High School, is the daughter of the Rev. Mike and Mimi Soppeland, Luck.

High school activities in which Soppeland has participated include: choir, district honors choir, Wisconsin state honors choir, show choir, bell choir, band, tristate honors band, drama club and National Honor Society. – submitted by Concordia College •••

Mary Klar plugged rest room and light fixtures.

Our get-well wishes and prayers go to Renae Peterson, Mary Garbe, Sam Williamson, Adelaide Johnson, and Jeremy and Antone Gronski. Our sympathy and prayers also go out to the family of Pauline Stengel in her recent passing.

The parents of Jack Kearney of Little Rock, Arkansas, began sharecropping in the winter of 1936. They were so poor that they worked from sun up to sundown picking cotton in the delta country of Arkansas, taking their children with them into the fields. They used to tie brown paper bags over the heads of the children to protect them from the sun. Even though they didn’t have much money, his father would spend 50 cents a month to subscribe to the Pine Bluff Commercial, and teach his children to read.

Even though each child had to help pick cotton, they all attended school, and their parents inspired each of their children to seek a college degree. Fifteen out of the 17 did just that – graduating from Harvard, Yale, Vanderbilt, UCLA, Stanford, Brown, Syracuse and the University of Arkansas. What an inspiration they were to their children.

The father told each child that he had asked God to find a way for his next generation to escape the hand-to-mouth existence of the tenant farmer, and he knew that education was the key. It doesn’t matter how poor a child’s family may be, if they are taught that the love of God is vital to successfully transferring faith from one generation to the next, they can be successful in their adulthood. “Parents, give your children guidance and instruction from God’s word; then with wisdom and compassion teach them how to love the Lord.” – David Sper. “Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” – Proverbs 22:6. Congratulations to all our graduating high school seniors! See you at the center!

Happy Corners Mardel Barnette Gene Doster went to the Cities to see a friend on Wednesday forenoon.

The Almena VFW Auxiliary had a party at the ECU in Cumberland on Tuesday afternoon.

Mardel Barnette and Shawn attended the program at the Spooner Veterans Memorial Cemetery on Sunday afternoon.

Mardel Barnette and Shawn visited at the Gene Doster home on Friday evening.

Hope everyone had a safe Memorial weekend and attended veterans programs to remember the ones that fought for us and the ones that are still fighting for us to keep us all free.

News from the Service RICE LAKE – Brittany D. Ambrozaitis has joined the United States Army Reserve under the Delayed Training Program.

The program gives young men and women the opportunity to delay reporting for basic military training for up to 270 days. An enlistment in the reserve gives many new soldiers the option to learn a new skill, serve their country, and become eligible to receive more than $7,000 toward a college education, $20,000 for repayment of college loans and a maximum $5,000 cash bonus.

After completion of basic military training, most soldiers receive advanced individual training in their career job specialty prior to being assigned to their reserve unit.

The recruit qualifies for a $20,000 enlistment bonus.

Ambrozaitis, currently attending Rice Lake High School, will report to Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C., for basic training in July 2008.

She is the daughter of Kelly J. Curtis of Webster and Ronald A. Ambrozaitis of Rice Lake. - submitted ••• FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. – Private Peter R. Denn graduated from Basic Combat Training at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. on April 17.

Basic Combat Training is a training course that transforms civilians into soldiers. Over the course of nine weeks of intensive training, recruits learn about the seven core Army values, how to work together as a team, and what it takes to succeed as a soldier in the U.S. Denn, a soldier of the Army Reserve, is currently assigned to Fort Leonard Wood, completing his Advanced Individual Training. He is a member of Company B, 577th Engineer Battalion, which executes and supports interservice construction engineer training.

Denn is the son of Joseph and Patricia Denn of Frederic.

He is a 2005 graduate of Frederic High School. - submitted

E-edition - this complete issue is online now. www.the-leader.net

MAY 28, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 9

Story of coincidences began with Nevers Dam “You say ‘Nevers Dam’ to almost any native in the Chosen Valley of the Friendly River and two thoughts will flash into his mind — ‘Big fishing and big eats.’

And it is true that Rosemarie Vezina big fishing in our valley starts and Braatz ends at Nevers. ….Nevers Dam has always meant more to me than chow or pike. It is the fifth and last Sponsored by the chapter in the roSt. Croix Falls mance of pine on Historical Society the Friendly River – river history was made there.”

So begins the saga written and published in 1920, “Green Timber,” by Charles O. Roos, author, publisher, son of Taylors Falls pioneer Oscar Roos, and a legend in his own right.

Nevers Dam has been gone from the St. Croix since 1955, but it played such a big role in the lives of people of our “Chosen Valley” that it is still vivid in memory. Many families were involved in the construction and operation of this reputedly “largest pile-driven dam in the world.” The lumberman’s dam built in 1890 to prevent the massive log jams in the dalles, it was located some 11 miles north of St. Croix Falls. Today, only faint signs of the log cribs, ice breakers, abutments, still may be traced; but visitors to this area, and descendents of the men who built it, still inquire about its story.

The booklet, “Nevers Dam,” was published in 1965, and is long out of print; and the cost of a small reprinting order was practically prohibitive. Dave Crawford, naturalist with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources at Wild River State Park,

A ST. CROIX TALE

Nevers Dam on the St. Croix River. suggested that the booklet might be brought online, on the MDNR Web site for the park, where he fields many inquiries about the dam. This would make it accessible for everyone, to read and even to print out. Folks without Internet service at home could use their local library setup, or have a computerequipped friend print it out.

Next step, transcribe it onto a computer disc, and here’s where Joel Prazak’s multimedia class at the St. Croix Falls High School came to the rescue: specifically, student Bjorn Chinander. Chinander did a great job with the scanner, copying text and photographs; we even proofread it together to correct typos in the original printing (and hoping to avoid any new ones!)

And now, finally, the Nevers Dam story has been transcribed onto the

MDNR Web site, where we encourage you to bring it up at this Minnesota DNR address: www.dnr.state.mn.us/ publications/books/wildriver/ neversdam/index.html.

••• Another facet to the Nevers Dam story and the people connected with it surfaced while I began looking into the reprinting of the booklet, and looked up Howard Froberg, of Lindstrom, whose father had for many years been a watchman at Nevers Dam. Lucille Froberg told me that her husband had died in 1994, but showed me an article she had written in 1986, a story of coincidences that began with Nevers Dam. The first part of it is reprinted here:

We’re online @ www.the-leader.net

COINCIDENCES

by Lucille Froberg We are often amazed by life’s coincidences, reminding us we live in a small world and our lives are touched by others in ways we would least expect. Such an incredible coincidence has affected my family. The characters and events are woven by chance into a bizarre web of circumstances linking Minnesota and Belgium over a 70-year period. My story begins in Minnesota with my husband’s father, Andrew Froberg. “Andy” was the watchman at Nevers Dam on the St. Croix River, north of Taylors Falls, Minn., built in 1890, and Andy worked there from 1912 to 1918. During that time he met and married Hannah Holmquist. They built and lived in a small, one-room house close by the dam. In 1913 Nevers Dam came under the control of Northern States Power Company. Robert Pack, originally from England, was general manager of NSP. He had two small daughters, Brooke and Eleanor, and occasionally he brought them to the dam to stay with their nurse in a house located nearby.

Sometimes when she went out, the nurse would ask Hannah to stay with the girls. The Frobergs left the dam in 1918 and settled in Center City. It was there that my husband, Howard, was born. The Packs continued to visit the Frobergs, sometimes arriving in their chauffeur-driven limousine.

In 1942, Howard entered the service and was a member of the 743rd Tank Battalion. He trained in camps in the states and eventually was sent to England to train for the D-Day invasion.

The 743rd Tank Battalion spearheaded the assault at Normandy, France, landing early in the morning of June 6, 1944, on the section of beach they called Omaha.

PAGE 10 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - MAY 28, 2008

POLK COUNTY LIBRARY NEWS Milltown Public Library Summer reading program Catch the reading buzz at the Milltown Public Library this summer, starting Friday, May 30. Kids 18 and under can win awesome prizes by registering for the summer reading program. The more you read, the more you can win.

Every Friday we’ll give away valuable gift certificates to local businesses, and at the end of the summer we’ll hold a grand prize drawing for an i-Pod and other exciting prizes to be announced later. Also, every participant who turns in 10 reading record sheets will get a cool T-shirt. There will also be a weekly contest called “Who wants to be the next entymologist?”

Summer reading program events: Free admission • Friday, May 30, 4-6 p.m.: Beekeeper Paul Ekblad will talk about his favorite insects (and provide some tasty treats) at 4:30 p.m. Fantastic Face Painter Dottie Zens will decorate summer reading program participants also. This is also your first chance to sign up for the reading contest. Come for as little or as long as you’d like. Stock up for a fun summer!

• Thursday, June 12, 7 p.m.: Frogs, Toads, Salamanders, and Butterflies with Randy.

• Tuesday, July 1, 7 p.m.: Love and Langer Magic Show.

• Thursday, July 10, 11 a.m.: Bruce the Bug Guy

• Saturday, Aug. 2, 1 p.m.: “A La Carte” puppet show by Circus Minimus.

Book club The next gathering of the Milltown Book Club will be Monday, July 7, at 7 p.m. This is a forum for everyone to talk about the books they love and hate, recommend books, and share their passion for reading. At our July meeting, we’ll spend some time talking about books that involve water. Refreshments will be provided.

We are wireless Bring your laptops to the Milltown Public Library and enjoy our free, fast, wireless Internet access.

Story hour Milltown Public Library offers story time every Tuesday at 10 a.m. yearround. Story times are free and are designed for children under 6 and their caregivers. Each story time lasts 30 to 45 minutes and includes time to browse and check out books.

Hours Library hours are Monday and Tuesday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

St. Croix Falls Public Library Calling all vegetable gardeners Share the Bounty: a hunger prevention project Share the Bounty is a way for gardeners to share their extra produce with families in need. Seeds are available at the library.

Plan now for summer reading events! Catch the Reading Bug! Our Adult Summer Reading Club will kick off soon! Pollinate your mind Memorial Day through Labor Day. Check out all the new material in the MORE system and grow with some fun summer reads!

Catch the Reading Bug – summer reading programming begins Tuesday, July 1, 3 p.m. – next one on Thursday, July 10, 6 p.m. – after that, every

Library hours Monday 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Tuesday noon5 p.m., Thursday 10 a.m.–noon and 1–7 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

New books New books are arriving weekly for all ages. Stop in and spend some time browsing for these new books as well as old favorites.

Free: This wonderful word describes, with few exceptions, the services provided by the 11 libraries in Polk County.

Free library cards, free reference materials, free books and magazines, free audioboks, free DVDs and videos, free Internet service, free story times, adult

Friends of Frederic Library meeting correction The Friends group will meet Thursday, June 5, at 6:30 p.m. at the library, rather than May 29. The agenda includes planning for the Family Days thrift sale and working on bylaws.

Story time takes a short vacation Story time will take a break June 4, but will resume Wednesday, June 11, at 10:30 a.m., with the Frederic queen candidates as special guest readers.

Do you have donations for the book sale?

If you’re cleaning shelves and closets, please consider donating your gently used books, music and movies to the library’s annual Family Days bake/book sale, which will be held this year June 20 - 21. Profits go to special library projects, and we welcome your donations anytime up to the day of the sale.

Friends of Frederic Library thrift sale The Friends group will be hosting a thrift sale during Family Days on Friday, June 20, at the former Dollar Store, to raise funds for library materials and special projects. The group welcomes new or used items in good condition, but no clothing, computers or large appliances.

For more information, please contact the library.

Touch a tarantula, cuddle a cockroach Registration for Catch the Reading

Bug summer program begins June 2 for all children aged preschool through middle school. Mark your calendars and be sure not to miss our first special event on Saturday, June 7, at 1 p.m. at the library, when Bruce the Bug Guy brings The Bug Show: Close Encounters with Insects and Their Relatives. This free hands-on program includes live cockroaches, millipedes, tarantulas and scorpions, and is entertaining and educational for the whole family.

The book groups choose books for June The Thursday morning reading group meets June 19, at 10 a.m. to discuss “A Thousand Splendid Suns,” by Khaled Hosseini, the long-awaited novel after his first acclaimed title, “The Kite Runner.” The evening book group also meets June 19, at 7 p.m. to talk about “Atonement,” by Ian McEwan, the story of a young girl who tells a lie that irrevocably changes the lives of her family.

New members are welcome any time.

Frederic library board meets The Frederic Library board of trustees will hold its regular meeting Monday, June 2, at 6 p.m. at the library.

Hours and information Frederic Public Library, 127 Oak Street West.

715-327-4979, e-mail fredericpl@ifls.lib.wi.us. Regular hours are Monday through Friday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; and Saturday 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Wednesday evening, 6 p.m. through Aug. 13.

The Friends of the Library will also be holding book sales this summer – Saturday, June 14 and Wannigan Days, July 18 and 19. We are accepting donations of gently used newer titles for these sales.

Story hour Listen to stories, create great art and have fun with other kids and parents every Wednesday, 10:30 a.m.

Hours, contact The library is open from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. every day except Saturday, 10 a.m.

– 1 p.m. Closed on Sundays. 715-4831777.

Dresser Public Library Dresser Public Library is located at 117 S. Central Ave., Dresser, WI 54009.

Frederic Public Library

The Frederic first grade walked down to the public library for a visit which included story time and crafts on Tuesday, May 20.

programming, summer reading programs and more. All 11 libraries are here to help families stretch their income and at the same time provide educational, recreational and cultural materials for you. Come on in and check us out.

Coming up Summer reading begins on June 10.

Sign-up sheets are available at the library to register your child for this “buggy” series of programs!

Contact the library at 715-755-2944 which is our telephone and fax number or e-mail us at www.dresserpl@ifls.lib.wi.us. Our Web site, www.dresserpubliclibrary.org has information about story times, days closed, reference links, library policy and community information.

Osceola Public Library

Emma Karl models the new finger puppets, which will be used with story time activities at the Frederic Library.

Frederic Public Library

MAY 28, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 11

POLK COUNTY LIBRARY NEWS Amery Public Library With the gas prices soaring many people are considering vacations that they can do that are closer to home. The following nonfiction books about Wisconsin may give you some ideas. The books have recently been added to the collection at the Amery Public Library: Library notes: Story time will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday mornings.

Everyone is welcome for songs and stories.

The Summer Reading Program, Catch the Reading Bug will begin on June 9 at the Amery Public Library. Stop in and pick up a brochure at the circulation desk. Kids can sign up on June 9 or any other day throughout the summer. Don’t let your kids lose those hard-won reading skills over the summer.

Friends of the Library book group needs members. They meet on the third Monday of the month at 7 p.m. Pick up a copy of the month’s book at the circulation desk and join us for book talking throughout the summer. The book for June is “Winding River,” by Jeff Weir, a story of a young Wisconsin attorney starting a practice in the north woods.

Teens Read book group will meet on

June 30, to discuss “A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray.” Pick up a copy at the circulation desk and join us if you are 13 or older, college kids come and join us for the summer if you like. We meet from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m with snacks and drinks.

Otaku Club meets from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday nights for teens and older who like manga and anime. Stop in and check it out.

The Amery Public Library will be hosting a story time at Cattail Trail Days at 1 p.m. at the trail head June 7. Friends of the Library will be selling a new Tshirt to support the Amery Area LibraryThe Next Chapter.

Thanks to Laurie Otis/ Loretta Nacey who graduated from Amery High School Class of 1950, for her fine program introducing her new novel, “The Amarantha stories.” Copies are available to check out now at the library.

Hours: Monday 10 a.m. - 8 p.m., Tuesday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Wednesday 10 .m. 6 p.m., Thursday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Friday 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Balsam Lake Public Library Friday, June 13 Comedy juggling duo In Capable Hands brings fall-down funny entertainment to Balsam Lake Public Library.

Steve Russell and Kobi Shaw provide big laughs and eye-catching skills to audiences all over the world and will be at the Balsam Lake Library Friday, June 13, at 7 p.m. to kick off the start to summer reading. Everyone welcome – please join us for this fun-filled evening.

Story time Story time is at 11 a.m. every Wednesday here at the library. All ages are welcome to join us for stories, crafts, music and snacks.

Book club “The Book Thief” by Markus Zusak.

This is a story told by Death. An interesting point of view, perhaps, but as it is set in Germany during World War II, perhaps it is entirely appropriate. It is also a story of a young girl, who in spite of having a life that no one would wish on anyone, still manages to have glimpses of pleasure through many small things, including the few books that she manages to acquire (or shall we say, steal). Book club meets Wednesday, June 18, at 3 p.m. – everyone welcome.

New books “Phantom Prey” by John Sandford, “Comfort Food” by Kate Jacobs, who also wrote “Friday Night Knitting Club.” ”Plague of Doves” by Louise Erdich, “Hollywood Crows” by Joseph Wambaugh, “Secrets” by Jude Deveraux, “Skeletons at the Feast” by Christopher Bohjalian, “Front” by Patricia Cornwell, “Twenty Wishes” by Debbie Macomber. “Odd Hours” by Dean Koontz. Nonfiction, “Beautiful Boy: A Father’s Journey Through His Son’s Meth Addiction” by David Sheff, “Last Lecture” by Randy Pausch and “Gorgeously Green: 8 Simple Steps to an Earth-Friendly Life” by Sophie Uliano.

Book sale Balsam Lake Library annual book sale will be Saturday, July 5, during Freedom Fest Days. The library will gratefully take donations of books, videos and DVDs until Thursday, July 3.

Balsam Lake Public Library, (under the water tower) at 404 Main St., Balsam Lake. Hours are Monday 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Tuesday 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Wednesday 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Friday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m.-2 p.m. E-mail: balsamlakepl@ifls.lib.wi.us Web site www.balsamlakepubliclibrary.org.

Luck Public Library Wednesday, May 28, was our last program for the summer. We will resume the program again in the fall. Beginning in June, the library will begin the summer reading program. The theme this year will be Catch The Reading Bug. Hope to see you there.

Knitting circle at the Luck Library is held every Wednesday at 4 p.m. All skill levels are welcome. Come join in - sit, knit and relax.

Computers for seniors is held every Tuesday from 11 a.m. – noon. This is a no-stress opportunity to private time

with a computer, a bunch of other seniors and an instructor. Stop by. You may just get hooked.

Luck Book Club meets Monday, May 19, at 6:30 p.m. at the Luck School. Go in the north doors. We will be discussing “Wuthering Heights” by Emily Bronte.

Hours: Monday 1 – 5 p.m., Tuesday 1 – 8 p.m., Wednesday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Thursday 1 – 8 p.m., Friday 1- 5 p.m., and Saturday 10 a.m. to noon.

Luck Public Library

Clear Lake Public Library Wednesday, June 11, 4:30 p.m.: Knitting and crocheting.

Wednesday, June 11, 6:30 p.m. and Thursday, June 12, 10 a.m.: Story time theme is Discover the Senses.

Monday, June 16, 6:30 p.m.: Movie night: “National Treasure: Book of Secrets.”

Wednesday, June 18, 6:30 p.m. and Thursday, June 19: Story time theme is Explore the Universe.

Wednesday, June 25, 4:30 p.m.: Knitting and crocheting.

Wednesday, June 25, 6:30 p.m.: Story time theme is Underwater Adventure.

Thursday, June 26, 11 a.m., at the Clear Lake Elementary School: In Capable Hands juggling duo will kick off our Buggy About Bugs Summer Reading Program.

Thursday, June 26, 4 p.m. David Beyl, former Clear Lake resident, will speak and give a slide presentation about Antarctica. Beyl Head is named after him.

Friday, June 27, from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.: 7th-Annual Friends of the Library Book and Plant Sale.

Sunday, June 29, 11 a.m.: David Beyl, former Clear Lake resident will speak and give a slide presentation about Antarctica.

New fiction arrivals: • “Blind Rage,” by Terri Parsons (sequel to “Blind Spot”) • “Fatal Deduction,” by Gayle Roper • “Forbidden,” by Beverly Lewis • “The Front,” by Patricia Cornwell • “Mercy Street,” by Mariah Stewart • “Odd Hours,” by Dean Koontz • “The Hollow,” by Nora Roberts • “She Went All The Way,” by Meg Cabot Regular library hours Monday: Noon - 7 p.m.; Tuesday noon - 6 p.m.; Wednesday 3 - 9 p.m.; Thursday: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.; Friday: noon - 5 p.m.; and Saturday: 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

We can be reached by phone at 715-2632802 or by e-mail at clearlakepl@ifls.lib.wi.us.

Osceola Public Library Book discussion “Water for Elephants,” by Sara Gruen will be discussed on Tuesday, June 24, 6 p.m. Orphaned and penniless in the early part of the Great Depression, Jacob Jankowski lands a job with the thirdrate Benzini Brothers circus. Marlena, the star of the equestrian act, is there because she has fallen in love with a handsome circus boss with a wide mean streak. And Rosie the elephant is there because she is the great gray hope of the circus. But Rosie does not have an act.

The bond that grows among this unlikely trio is one of love and trust, and ultimately is their only hope for survival.

Catch the reading bug We’re looking forward to a bug-filled summer with lots of great incentives for young people (birth - 18 years) to keep up their reading during the summer

months! There will be oodles of fantastic insect programming! A 6 p.m., family story time every Wednesday will include buggy themes, guest visitors and insect snacks or fun crafts! There will also be an array of children’s programming every Thursday afternoon at 3 p.m! The lineup also includes a Teen Bug Film Contest, bats, and a rock band in the park! Be sure to check back here, on the library Web site or at the circulation desk for a calendar of events and details!

Hours, contact Our hours are Monday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday noon to 5 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Our phone number is 715-294-2310, and our Web address is www.osceolapubliclibrary.org.

Polk County Library Federation Polk County Library Federation’s Books-By-Mail Summer Reading Program If you are unable to participate in the summer reading program at your local public library, you can register for the Polk County Library Federation’s Books-By-Mail Summer Reading Program.

The program runs June 9 – Aug. 22.

Call the Polk County Library Federation to register.

Your books will be mailed to you. The books are checked out to you for four weeks. Mail the books back to the Polk County Library Federation and we will

send you more.

We will select books for you the first time. You will receive a catalog with your books so you can request titles for your next order.

Every one who participates will receive a prize at the end of the program.

For further information, contact the library at 715-485-8680. The director is Colleen Gifford, assistant director/ youth services is Molly Kessler, and the library clerk is Stephanie Fansler.

The Polk County Library Federation is open Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Centuria Public Library Regular library hours Monday: Noon - 5 p.m.; Tuesday: noon - 7 p.m.; Wednesday: noon - 5 p.m.; Thursday: noon - 7 p.m.; Friday: closed;

Milltown Public Library

and Saturday: 10 a.m. - noon.

PAGE 12 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - MAY 28, 2008

National Trails Day - Gandy Dancer passes waived June 3 and 4 POLK COUNTY – In recognition of National Trails Day, Polk County will not require trail passes on the Gandy Dancer Trail June 7 and 8.

As part of the State Trail System, passes are normally required for bike riders on the trail 16 years of age and

older.

In its 11th year as a recreational trail, the limestone surface trail runs 47 miles from St. Croix Falls to Danbury through many of the small villages that were once served by the railroad. In Frederic, the Soo-Line Depot has been refurbished

and serves as a rest stop for the trail as well as the museum of the Frederic Area Historical Society. The Frederic Depot is the last remaining depot on this railroad corridor, and is open weekends from Memorial Day through fall leaf season.

Trail maps are available at the Polk

County Information Center, 800-222POLK or Polk County Parks, 715-4859294. For info., www.polkcounty tourism.com. – submitted

SCRMC salad luncheon set for June 13 ST. CROIX FALLS – St. Croix Regional Medical Center auxiliary, volunteers and staff announce that the 42nd-Annual Salad Luncheon, Bake and Book Sale will be Friday, June 13, between 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the St. Croix Falls High School.

Proceeds from the luncheon will purchase medical care equipment of a Neo Puff Infant Resuscitator and a Nitrous Oxide Sedation System for pediatric patients. The two items total $4,924.

The luncheon features hot and cold salads, cheese, cold cuts, fruit, rolls, beverages and dessert. There is an express line for workers and take out service.

The bake sale will have a good selection of home baked items. The book fair will offer discounts up to 70 percent off retail prices. There are two raffle items of a watercolor painting of a bouquet of flowers by Mary Ann Rivard and an afghan hand-crocheted by Jackie Hillman. New

this year, the gift shop will have a table with a fine selection of their moderately priced items available for purchase.

SCRMC Relay for Life team will also be selling their luminarias.

Discount tickets ($6 for adults, $2.50 for children ages 10 and under) are available in advance from Tangen Drug, Coffee Time and SCRMC Gift Shop, St. Croix Falls; SCRMC Clinics in Frederic and at Unity, Coffee Talk in Taylors Falls

and from all auxilians. At the door, tickets will be $7 and $3. The luncheon, sponsored by the auxiliary, volunteers and staff also receives generous support from area businesses. Proceeds of the luncheon will be matched up to $500 by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, PolkBurnett Chapter. - submitted

MAY 28, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 13

Big Gust Days filled with musical events GRANTSBURG – Grantsburg will be filled with great music during the community’s annual Big Gust Days, the weekend of June 6, 7 and 8. The Grantsburg Music Festival Society will be sponsoring free outdoor concerts Friday and Saturday evenings at Memory Lake Park. The Grantsburg Chamber will also be sponsoring a concert at the Grantsburg High School Sunday afternoon.

“Pickin’ Up Steam,” a Twin Cities bluegrass band will play from 5 to 7 p.m.

Friday evening in the park. The group’s sound is described as versatile, acoustic, performing contemporary as well as traditional bluegrass styles with a sprinkling of jazz, blues, rock and reggae.

The Grantsburg Chamber will sell chicken dinners from Kozy Kitchen beginning at 4:30 p.m. until gone.

Saturday evening the St. Croix Valley Orchestra will perform from 7 to 9 p.m. in the park. (Rain location is the Faith Lutheran Church on Russell St. in Grantsburg) After-dinner refreshments

The Grantsburg Music Festival Society will be sponsoring free outdoor concerts Friday and Saturday evenings at Memory Lake Park , including a performance by the Indianhead Chorus. – Photos submitted will be available from the Grantsburg Music Festival Society.

Don’t forget to bring your lawn chairs and blankets to these outdoor concert events!

On Sunday afternoon the Grantsburg Chamber and Grantsburg Community Ed will co-sponsor a performance by the Indianhead Chorus in the high school auditorium from 2 to 4 p.m.

Come and enjoy a variety of fine music at Grantsburg’s Big Gust Days! - submitted

Joe Cruz is one of the bands that will be performing during Big Gust Days in Grantsburg.

12th-annual Together with Friends Summer Day Camp set TAYLORS FALLS, Minn. – The 12th-Annual Together with Friends Summer Day Camp will be held for five weeks this summer. Be there Tuesday and Thursday mornings, June 17 through July 17, 9 a.m. – noon for songs, stories, snacks, crafts, games and fun with friends. All kids who have finished first - fifth grades are invited to come and join the fun. (By completing application and reference forms, kids who have finished sixth – 12th grades are welcome as junior staff.)

Together with Friends is a cooperative effort of the First Baptist, First Evangelical Lutheran and United Methodist churches of Taylors Falls, Minn. The day camp rotates from church to church throughout the summer. For more information, schedule or registration forms contact any of the sponsoring churches or call Pastor Kevin at 651-465-6792.

Kids can come to any or all of the day camp sessions, so don’t miss this chance to have a lot of fun this summer! - submitted

The Leader is a cooperative owned newspaper

PAGE 14 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - MAY 28, 2008

Students of the Week

Jazzy Anthony has been chosen Frederic Elementary School’s student of the week. She is in sixth grade and the daughter of Angela Featherly and John Anthony.

Jazzy is a responsible person and kind to others. Her favorite subjects are English and spelling.

Jazzy enjoys listening to music and plans to go to college in the future.

Kourtni Douglas has been chosen Frederic Middle School’s student of the week. She is in seventh grade and the daughter of Tina and Kevin Douglas.

Kourtni has a pleasant personality, is cooperative in the classroom, is open to suggestions and willing to learn. She is involved in FFA, track, volleyball, basketball and baby-sits. Kourtni enjoys the outdoors and playing games. She plans on going to college.

Becca Anderson has been chosen Frederic High School’s student of the week. She is a junior and the daughter of Craig and Mary Anderson. Becca is a very capable student, has good work habits and excels academically. She does community service and is involved in basketball, volleyball, track and works at Countryside Inn. Becca enjoys sports and scrapbooking.

She plans on attending college for physical therapy or pharmacy.

Matthew Louis has been chosen Grantsburg Elementary School’s student of the week. He is in third grade and the son of Maria and Chad Louis. Matthew has made a great step towards success. He is a very hard worker, respectful and always tries to do his best.

Matthew’s favorite subjects are math, history and science projects. He enjoys building derby cars, playing basketball and helping his father on the farm.

Jack Johansen has been chosen Luck Elementary School’s student of the week. He is in second grade and the son of Kyle and Heather Johansen.

Jack is an excellent student who always does his best. Jack’s favorite subject in school is phy ed. After school, he likes to play outside.

Dylan Skow has been chosen Luck Middle School’s student of the week. He is in sixth grade and the son of Danetta Shulte and Steve Gramse. Dylan volunteers in the first-grade classroom by helping them improve their reading skills. He plays baseball and soccer. Dylan enjoys playing video games, watching TV and relaxing.

Sabrina Lane has been chosen Luck High School’s student of the week. She is a sophomore and the daughter of Scott and Susan Lane. Sabrina has a great sense of humor which makes people smile. She has her own sense of style. Sabrina in involved in the drama club. He enjoys listening to music, watching movies and having fun.

Bernice Mixsooke has been chosen Siren Middle School’s student of the week. She is a hard worker and wants to succeed at school. Bernice overcomes many trials to keep her grades up. She is willing to work with others to help them be successful as well.

Bernice is friendly and gets along well with her peers.

Jamie Fischbach has been chosen Siren High School’s student of the week. She is a sophomore and the daughter of Vicki and Bruce Fischbach. Jamie is not only a bright student, but also participates in basketball and works at Dairy Queen. She enjoys listening to music and shooting hoops at H-Town. After high school Jamie plans on attending a four-year university.

Congratulations students on a job well done!

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Kaylynn Olson has been chosen Unity High School’s student of the week. She is a sophomore and the daughter of Myron and Delight Olson of Milltown. Kaylynn is involved in many community service projects and athletics. She recently traveled to Indiana to help with flood relief.

She enjoys being the manager of sports teams and helping others.

She plans to go to college for human resources.

Derek Fisk has been chosen St. Croix Falls Elementary School’s student of the week. He is the son of Doug and Diane Fisk of Eureka Center. Derek’s favorite thing about school is reading because he likes stories. On the playground Derek plays football with his friends, and at home he enjoys riding his bike. Derek is a good student with a fun sense of humor.

Reid Johanssen has been chosen St. Croix Falls Middle School’s student of the week. He is in fifth grade and the son of Kimberly and Tom Johanssen. Reid has one sister, one brother and one dog. His favorite pastimes are swimming, reading, bowling and biking. His favorite subject is science because he likes to do experiments. Reid cannot wait to be a marine biologist. He is an outstanding student.

WEBSTER

SIREN

Dakota Raska has been chosen Siren Elementary School’s student of the week. She is in fourth grade. Dakota has worked extremely hard on her poetry book and is a very creative writer who uses a lot of imagination and powerful words. Dakota spends a lot of time playing with her four younger brothers and sisters and taking care of the animals on the farm where she lives. She loves horses, llamas, kittens, dogs and anything with four legs.

Cody Tromberg has been chosen Grantsburg High School’s student of the week. He is a sophomore. Cody is a fast learner who is not afraid to try something new or push the boundaries of a given assignment.

He is confident, imaginative and kind. Cody enjoys hunting, fishing and paintball. His future plans include college.

ST. CROIX FALLS

LUCK

Bennett Jensen has been chosen Luck Elementary School’s student of the week. He is in kindergarten and the son of Toni and Jeremy Jensen. Bennett is a very good student and always does his best work. He listens and follows directions. Bennett likes going to gym and computer lab.

UNITY

GRANTSBURG

FREDERIC

Zachary Pope has been chosen Webster Elementary School’s student of the week. He is the son of Arlan and Debie Pope. He is a happy boy who loves to help others. Zachary is eager to learn and try new things. He has many friends and works hard to be a good listener. Zachary’s favorite place to play in our classroom is at the car rug.

Kristine Watral has been chosen Webster Middle School’s student of the week. She is the daughter of Wayne Watral. Kristine is very responsible, makes good use of her time in class and is a positive role model for her classmates. She has maintained good grades throughout the year and is a joy to have in class.

A.J. Holmquist has been chosen Webster High School’s student of the week. He is a senior and the son of Steve and Kitty Holmquist. A.J. has great attendance and a strong work ethic. He is thoughtful, kind and polite. A.J. is in band, choir, school play, cross country, basketball, track and works at Voyager Village in the Pro Shop. He enjoys golfing and reading. A.J. plans on attending Bethel College for physical therapy.

MAY 28, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 15

Memorial Day: Frederic

A wreath was thrown into Coon Lake in memory of the unknown soldiers.

Photos by Brenda Sommerfeld

Members of the Paul G. Johnson Post, American Legion, saluted fallen soldiers during the ceremony.

Allison Martin of the Frederic High School band rode with the Legion members and played taps during each ceremony.

Flags were rolled up gently after the final Memorial Day service, Monday, May 26, was held at Maple Grove Cemetery in Frederic.

Pastor David Almlie, Trade Lake Church, was the featured speaker at churches and cemeteries during Monday’s Memorial Day programs.

He spoke of the faces of soldiers.

Memorial Day: Luck “Remembering…take notice of the living” Thoughts of Pastor Linda Rozumalski LUCK – Pastor Linda Rozumalski from the West Denmark Lutheran Church spoke of remembering as she shared her thoughts with those who gathered at the Luck School on Memorial Day. These are some of her comments.

“More of us should mow cemeteries and trim around the flags and markers of those who have served. We realize how many did serve. Many died while serving.

“We need to think of the rest of the story, of those who did live to come home and have the memories of those they lef … Some have a lifelong grief … Memories carry the cost of war … We need to take notice of the living who have served…Memorial Day asks us not to forget…In the spirit of God, it is a day of remembering the whole of life.

“We remember and we work for peace…”

An officer of the American Legion Post No. 255 symbolically lays a wreath on the graves of local soldiers during the Memorial Day service at Luck Schools. – Photos by Gregg Westigard and Lori Nelson

During the Memorial Day service at Luck Schools, American Legion Post No. 255 Commander Bob Clifton watches as the honor guard fires a 21-gun salute.

As the names of fallen veterans are called during the Memorial Day service at L u c k Schools, Luck Boys S c o u t s place poppies on a green field.

During the Memorial Day service at Luck Schools, 2008 Badger Girl Melissa Jenssen presents the poem “What H e r o e s Gave” during her Memorial Day speech.

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Memorial Day: Bone Lake/Milltown VFW

Memorial Day services continued throughout the day, and many people gathered at the United VFW Post 6856 in Milltown to remember, and thank those who have served, and are currently serving in the military.

Photos by Marty Seeger

Soldiers from the past and present honored the colors of our nation at United VFW Post 6856 in Milltown on MeMilitary personnel present the colors of our nation at the Bone Lake Cemetery on Monday, May 26. morial Day.

Memorial Day: Grantsburg As flags waved on a windy and cloudy Memorial Day morning, veterans in Grantsburg marched to honor those who served our country. – Photos by Priscilla Bauer

LEFT: Ninety-year-old World War II veteran, Jack Ormston donned his uniform for the Memorial Day service in Grantsburg.

Veteran Jim Sundquist spoke during the Memorial Day service at Riverside Cemetery in Grantsburg as a solemn Poppy Princess Rylee Hoffman stands in respect and remembrance to all fallen veterans.

RIGHT: Grantsburg first-grader and Boy Scout Ben Johnson smiled as he marched with his troop in the Grantsburg Memorial Day parade Monday morning.

MAY 28, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 17

Memorial Day: St. Croix Falls

Members of American Legion Post #143 hosted the Memorial Day program at the St. Croix Falls Cemetery. The program featured music by the St. Croix Valley Brass Band (photo below), a message by Capt. Josh Carlisle and a reading of names of veterans buried in the cemetery and those who gave their lives in service of their country. Members of Boy Scout Troop 160 also took part in the ceremony. - Photos by Gary King

Memorial Day: Taylors Falls

The Memorial Day activities at Taylors Falls includes a march to Interstate Bridge (photo at left) where a wreath is thrown into the St. Croix River to honor the maritime dead, followed by the playing of Taps. Members of Carl Linnell Post 392 American Legion and Chisago County Post #1678 VFW take part in the program. - Photos by Gary King

PAGE 18 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - MAY 28, 2008

Memorial Day: Webster

Members of the junior auxiliary placed wreaths on the crosses.

Members of Post 96 Honor Guard honored the veterans with a 21-gun salute during Memorial Day services at Webster on Monday, May 26.

Gerry Vogel (L) of Post 96 holds the mic for Mark Pettis, Vietnam War veteran and speaker at the Webster Memorial Day service.

Photos by Raelynn Hunter

Rebecca Smallwood, Webster High School band student, played taps during the Memorial Day service. The Webster High School band performed three selections under the direction of Julie Strang.

Pastor Merrill Olson from the First Baptist Church in Webster gave the prayer at the service.

Memorial Day: Siren The Bethany Lutheran Church Bell Choir showed their skill with the bells on “God Bless America” during the Memorial Day service in the Siren School auditorium Monday, May 26.

Photos by Nancy Jappe

Poppy girls Emily Stiemann and Abby Kosloski placed a wreath during the Memorial Day observance at the cemetery in Siren Monday, May 26.

Burnett County Sheriff Dean Roland was the speaker for this year’s Memorial Day observance in Siren. The sheriff started out by remembering a flag he saw, its stars and stripes waving gently in the breeze, on the day after the tornado hit the area nearly seven years ago. “I knew the community was strong, would survive and be much better than before,” he said. After detailing the history of our country’s dedication to freedom, Sheriff Roland, showing great emotion, sang “This is My Country,” asking the audience to sing loud enough so that people in Afghanistan and Iraq could hear.

In the tradition of the late Bill Bittner, young Evan Oachs (L) played the answering trumpet in the woods as Rick Kosloski played taps from the official lineup in the cemetery in Siren during the Memorial Day observance Monday, May 26.

MAY 28, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 19

2008 Grace Nursery School graduation held

The 2008 graduation class of the Grace Nursery School adorned star-style sunglasses while performing the song “When I Grow Up.” The musical and PowerPoint program last Tuesday affirmed when they grow up, they will all be stars on the stage of life. The 16 graduates advance to the first grade, with honors and hope. The nursery school is a part of the Grace Baptist Church of Grantsburg. The faculty consists of Kelly Roberts and Carol Reichstadt. The chancellor-pastor is Dave Ahlquist. The proud 2008 grads are: Mason Arnold, Aletta Bergman, Aidan Burkman, Ryan Cordell, Chase Doornink, Johnny Erickson, Molly Hartshorn, Amanda Johnson, Tristin Kreuser-Peterson, Caitlyn Lee, Ashlin Olson, Berlyn Pfuhl-Warren, Meysa Roberts, Emma Sagle, Alexis Wedin and Amber Wedin. The class and administration would also like to thank Michelle Lee, Patricia Bergman, Peggy Johnson and the wonderful family and parents who helped these great kids in their first steps in education. For more information call 715-463-5699. – Photo from TheAndersonReport.com

Seeking Fairest of the Fair ST. CROIX FALLS – Carol Peper, 2007 Polk County Fairest of the Fair, is seeking participants for the 2008 Polk County Fair Program. Entrants must be former or current Polk County Fair exhibitors who were at least 17 years old as of Jan. 1. Entry deadline is June 13. The selection event is Thursday, July 10.

The 2008 winner will receive a $250 cash award and will represent the Polk

County Fair at the state contest in Wisconsin Dells, Jan. 12-14, 2009. All contestants receive a plaque provided by The Lockerroom, Amery.

Information leaflets which include an entry form can be obtained from sponsors: Bernick’s Pepsi-Cola Cos., Dresser; Bremer Bank, Amery and Frederic; Cain/Fennern Jewelry, Amery; Eagle Valley Bank, N.A., St. Croix Falls; Falls

Photo Studios, St. Croix Falls; Rural American Bank-Luck, Sterling Bank, Luck; The Lockerroom, Amery; U.S. Bank – Cushing and Frederic; WESTconsin Credit Union, Amery; and the Polk County Fair Society. Leaflets are also available at the Polk County UW-Extension Office in Balsam Lake.

Polk County Fair Society Committee Members Sid Bjorkman, 268-2446, Judy

Bainbridge, 825-2207; Ron Edlund, 4832804; Pat Mitchell, 483-9793; Kaydi Peterson, 268-6036; or Theresa Piemonte, 715-417-1725, can be contacted for more information. - submitted

Polk-Burnett annual meeting is June 5 at Frederic High School Co-op members encouraged to participate CENTURIA – Polk-Burnett members are encouraged to mark their calendars for the electric cooperative’s 70th-annual meeting. The board has set the date for Thursday, June 5, at Frederic High School, which is centrally located for members. The event will begin at 7 p.m.

The agenda will include an hour-long business meeting with a presentation of financial comparisons, approval of the minutes from the 69th-annual meeting, notice of bylaw changes and a member Q&A session. Results of the cooperative’s board election in districts one, two and three will also be announced.

New to this year’s meeting will be a greater opportunity for participation, as the board has invited members to express their views about co-op issues. Two guests will speak during a member forum: Charlie Alstatt, a co-op member,

will discuss alternatives to the $25 late fee and Karen Krupa, director of Polk County Interfaith Caregivers, will share appreciation for Operation Round-Up grant funding.

Cookies and coffee will be served at the Thursday evening meeting and all those in attendance will receive energy-

saving tips and information, two energyefficient compact fluorescent light bulbs, a tumbler with artwork by the co-op’s youth art contest winner and a pound of cheese from the Burnett Dairy Cooperative. For more information, contact PolkBurnett, 800-421-0283. – from Polk-Burnett

PAGE 20 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - MAY 28, 2008

New OMC open in four months OSCEOLA – A few months from now, if construction continues at its current pace, the new Osceola Medical Center will be open.

“It really doesn’t seem that long ago that we were planning our groundbreaking,” said OMC CEO Jeff Meyer. “Now we’re planning our open house.”

Construction has been on schedule, if not ahead of schedule, since groundbreaking nearly 13 months ago, according to project manager Brad Kemis of Knutson Construction.

Although construction fell behind schedule last fall because of above-average precipitation, “we have made up that time and plan on opening the building on schedule,” said Kemis. “We broke ground 11 months ago and will complete the construction portion of the project within the scheduled 13 months,” he said.

The new, 75,000-square-foot facility is expected to open by the end of August, Meyer said. “This state-ofthe-art facility will better reflect the needs of our growing community,” he said.

Some of the things that will be new to the medical center include more clinic rooms, expanded emergency and surgery departments, an emergency helipad, improved patient privacy, improved accessibility and parking and digital mammography.

“The tradesmen have been doing a fantastic job,” according to Kemis. “Right now we are installing the flooring, ceiling panels and cabinets, and are painting throughout the facility. The inpatient, clinic and emergency department areas are close to 100-percent complete.”

Construction also has started on the facility’s first addition, a kitchen. Originally part of a nursing home sec-

Electricians John Koehler of Cumberland, left, and Cory Koenig of St. Croix Falls, check plans during construction of the new Osceola Medical Center. The facility, targeted to open in a couple of months, will use more than 60 miles of high-voltage wiring within its 75,000 square feet of space. – Photo submitted

tion that was pulled from the project, the kitchen will be fast-tracked in hopes of opening along with the new facility in the fall.

“The kitchen has been a very important part of our efforts for the last few months,” Meyer said.

Behind the scenes, nurses, doctors, lab technicians, managers and other staff members have been working on how to move a hospital and full-service clinic across town. Plans call for moving the entire operation in one week, with the help of a specialized moving company out of Milwaukee, Meyer said.

Moving plans also call for staff training in the new fa-

cility and an open house for the community.

“We expect the facility to be showcased the entire first year it’s open, but our plan for an open house this fall is a small token of thanks for everyone in our community who has supported us – and put up with all of the construction.”

Details of an open house will be released later, Meyer said. – submitted

MAY 28, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 21

Indianhead Chorus celebrates 50th birthday MILLTOWN – The 50th birthday party of the Indianhead Barbershop Chorus was held at the Milltown Community Center on Monday, May 19, 7:30 p.m.

Instead of their usual practice that evening, they hosted a party to commemorate 50 years of Indianhead Barbershop Chorus singing. It is believed that the first formal gathering was on April 11, 1958. The 50th birthday party was an open house, specifically for current and past members and their families. A very good crowd came out to reminisce and sing some old songs.

The chorus sang, as well as the Out of Luck and Registered Harmony quartets. There was also some powerful singing by the whole crowd on songs such as “America the Beautiful” and “Keep the Whole World Singing.” Birthday cake and ice cream were shared by all! Mark Nelson was the emcee and guests who spoke were Pete Jarnberg, chapter coach from Min-

A large crowd attended the 50th birthday party for the Indianhead Chorus held at Milltown Community Center on Monday, May 19. neapolis, Loren Nelson, founding director, and Steve Swenson, present director. A special note of appreciation was given to all former directors and charter members. Several former members plan to join the chorus in practicing for the 50th anniversary concert, which will be held on Oct. 11, at Unity High School at 2 and 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are available by calling Loren Nelson at 715648-5550 or Ken Mettler, at 715-483-9202. - submitted

The Indianhead Chorus prepares to sing at the 50th abirthday party held Monday, May 19. – Photos submitted

PAGE 22 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - MAY 28, 2008

Take a “Mammoth Walk” on the Ice Age Trail ST. CROIX FALLS – On Saturday, June 7, families, nature enthusiasts, walkers, hikers, and those simply looking for a good excuse to get out and enjoy the summer weather are invited to come explore the Ice Age Trail during the Ice Age Park & Trail Foundation’s one-day Mammoth Walk.

The first Saturday in June, annually, has been designated as National Trails Day, and this year the IAPTF is organizing the Mammoth Walk to celebrate the 50th anniversary of its founding and to raise awareness of the Ice Age Trail as one of the eight National Scenic Trails in the country.

During the Mammoth Walk, local chapters of the IAPTF will organize participants so that between sunrise and sunset every mile of the 1,000-mile trail will be covered. In Polk and Burnett

counties, the Indianhead Chapter is responsible for 63 miles of this 1,000-mile expanse. The local trail begins at the western terminus of the IAT in Interstate Park and ends at Lake 32 Road near Timberland Hills, 30 miles to the east. In the intervening 63 miles of meandering trail, a hiker can experience tunnel channels, eskers, kettle lakes, billion-year-old basalt ridges, fens, outwash plains, and miles and miles of hummocky terrain so typical of glacial ice margins.

The walk is not only for IAT members, but also for anyone interested in being out on the trail that day. Hikers can either choose a segment to walk or can contact Wanda, 715-483-9469, for suitable trail suggestions. Dean, Indianhead Chapter Chair, would appreciate a call 715-472-2248 letting him know where you will walk so that he can be assured

that the entire 63 miles is covered. Segments are of varying lengths, from one mile to five miles, and a person can choose to explore one or more of these.

Indianhead Chapter segments get their names from the terrain that they traverse: St. Croix Falls, Gandy Dancer, Trade River, Straight River, McKenzie Creek and Sand Creek. Maps of the trail are found at Polk County Information Center, at Interstate State Park, at most village libraries, at restaurants along the trail, and online at www.iceagetrail.org.

The Mammoth Walk will begin at 7:30 a.m. at the western terminus of the Pothole Trail in Interstate Park. Hikers are welcome to join in that walk and then participate in these other activities: 8 a.m. - Baby Mammoth One-Mile Kids Trail Run at SCF High School 9 a.m. - City of Trails 5K Trail

Run/Walk at SCF Middle School Rock n’ River 5K Trail Run/Hike at SCF Middle School 10 a.m. - Lil’ Hiker Hustle at the Overlook Deck 10:30 a.m. - Ceremony and Prizes 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. - Cache St. Croix GeoCache Event at Lions Park 2 p.m. – IAT 50th Anniversary Potluck Picnic at Lion’s Park 3 p.m. – Guided hike with plant ecologist Barb Delaney on the Indianhead Trail For more information on Mammoth Walk and National Trails Day activities in this area, contact Dean Dversdall, 715472-2248, or these Web sites: www.iceagetrail.org/Indianhead or www.scfwi.com. – submitted

Siren Community Band forming SIREN – A Siren Community Band is being formed to play at the Fourth of July activities at Crooked Lake Park. The band will play an evening concert in the new band shell before the fireworks. Rehearsals will be Tuesday evenings at 7 p.m. in the Siren School band room start-

ing on June 3, and will run through the week of the concert on July 4. All band instruments and players are needed. All individuals living in Siren and surrounding areas are welcome. This is a great time to dust off that case and start playing again. The music played will be

lighter concert band selections with lots of patriotic songs and marches thrown in. They hope you will join in the fun and rediscover how much fun playing in a band is. They are also looking for people to help with music organization, advertising, equipment moving, etc. If you

have any questions or would like more information please contact Bryn Anderson at the Siren School, 349-2277 ext. 239, or at home 349-2658 or by e-mail at banderson@sirentel.net. - submitted

MAY 28, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 23

Festival Theatre presents...

As Leader Land readers know, Festival Theatre is moving into production mode for the start of their 19th Theatre Series and the hugely popular Broadway musical “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” which opens on June 19. A cast of six actors under the direction of Marilyn Mays will bring Charles Schulz’ famous “Peanuts” characters to life through songs, dance and vignettes. Each week one of the cast members will be featured in this InterCounty Leader exclusive.

Christian DeMarais joins the cast of “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” as the thumb-sucking, blanket-clutching Linus Van Pelt. Although Christian has never appeared in this show before, he is certainly no stranger to the theatre.

He attended Mounds Park Academy High School where he appeared in at least eight productions, including the musicals “Dames At Sea,” “Crazy for You,” “Candide,” “Les Miserables” and “Oliver.” Christian hails from Shoreview, Minn., and has just completed his freshman year at Gustavus Adolphus College where he is double majoring in theatre and business, and expects to graduate in 2011.

For one so young, he has certainly amassed a long list of accomplishments.

Christian is a professional tap dancer and performs with the Keane Sense of

Christian DeMarais Rhythm Tap Ensemble. Some of the many dance awards he has received are: the National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts (2008), two-time winner of the MN State Fair Talent Contest (2000 and 2005), Teen Dancer of the Year (2005), and he was a finalist in the Minnesota Got Talent Contest in 2007. He has also performed in China and Poland, but at the moment, though, folks are lucky enough to have him here in western Wisconsin!

Humane Society of Burnett County receives donation SIREN – Humane Society of Burnett County received a check for $750 from the Polk-Burnett Chapter of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. Thrivent Financial had matched up to $750 of the $1,505 in funds raised from the spaghetti dinner benefit held at the Moose Lodge in Siren.

Benefit for HSBC There will be a wine and cheese tast-

ing event held Saturday, May 31, from 48 p.m., on the beautiful grounds of the Trade River Winery. The cost is $15 per person. Local musicians Cynthia Rintala and Dave Frank will be performing.

For further information or directions, please visit the HSBC Web site at www.hsburnettcty.org or call 715-8664096. – submitted

Counseling center offers help BURNETT COUNTY – Families First Counseling Center, LLC is pleased to offer individual counseling to treat Burnett County children, adolescents and teens who have been the victim of sexual abuse, physical abuse or neglect.

Burnett County Safe and Stable Families program has raised money to provide this service free of charge.

The focus will be on healing, and increasing skills and strengths to move forward into recovery.

Please contact Cate Hayman or JoAnn Pomerleau at Families First Counseling Center, LLC at 715-349-8913 for more information or to make referrals. - with submitted information

PAGE 24 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - MAY 28, 2008

Arts and crafts extravaganza held in Webster

Webster royalty, Second Little Princess Ciah Rand (center) and Princesses Rose Kopecky and Leagh Casey were on hand to greet visitors attending the Webster Craft Fair Saturday. The annual Memorial Day weekend event, one of the largest craft fairs in the area, is sponsored by the Webster Area Chamber of Commerce.

Bryan Mintz, Golden Valley, Minn., stopped with his pal Rudy to check out the craft fair Saturday. A genuine affection between man and monkey could be seen as the pair strolled through the crafter’s booths. Mintz, who raised Rudy, a Java Island monkey from just a few weeks old, was visiting his place near Webster for the holiday weekend.

Photos by Priscilla Bauer nless otherwise noted

The younger set came from near and far to enjoy all the fun at the Webster craft fair last Saturday. Brynn Tulgren of Osceola was buzzing around during the craft fair.

This reflection ball shows a reflection of the craft fair held in Webster this past Saturday, May 24. – Photo by Sherill Summer

James Bradley, Spooner blows a bubble with a unique item found at the craft fair.

Local Amery student wins essay contest AMERY– Kasey Heimstead, 13, of Balsam Lake, was the receipient of a $50 savings bond from WESTconsin Credit Union for her essay submission entitled “I’m growing my green because...” The middle school essay contest was sponsored by WESTconsin in celebration of National Credit Union Youth Week last month. Heimstead’s essay will be featured on the Student $avers Web page at www.westconsincu.org.

WESTconsin Credit Union has been serving members since 1939, and membership is open to anyone who lives or works in the Wisconsin counties of Barron, Buffalo, Burnett, Chippewa, Dunn, Eau Claire, Pepin, Pierce, Polk, Rusk, St. Croix, Sawyer, Trempealeau or

Kasey Heimstead, 13, of Balsam Lake, was the receipient of a $50 savings bond from WESTconsin Credit Union for her essay submission entitled “I’m growing my green because...”

Washburn, or the Minnesota counties of Chisago, Dakota, Goodhue or Washington, with a $5 minimum deposit in a membership savings account. Credit unions are financial institutions owned by their account holders, and member funds are federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration up to at least $100,000. - submitted

MAY 28, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 25

Interstate Park news Nature story time retrns to Interstate Park ST. CROIX FALLS – A popular program for young children and their parents will start up again this summer at Wisconsin Interstate Park. Thursdays at 10 a.m., June 5 through Aug. 28, Interstate Park naturalists will share a story and activity with children pre-K through kindergarten and their parents. The short activity following the story will reinforce the story’s naturerelated theme. Nature story time will generally last between 30-45 minutes, depending on the participants. “Nature story time is fun,” commented naturalist Julie Fox, “with lots of opportunities for outdoor activities and games.”

Interstate Park is located in St. Croix Falls, on Hwy. 35 just one-half mile south of Hwy. 8. Nature story time is free of charge, but a Wisconsin State park sticker is required to enter the park. Annual passes are available for $25 for Wisconsin residents or $35 for nonresidents. Daily passes are $7 for residents or $10 for nonresidents. For more information call Julie or Barb at 715-483-3747.

Naturalist programs at Wisconsin Interstate Park Friday, May 30 3 p.m. – Pet A Pelt. Meet naturalist Barb Walker at the Ice Age Center and learn about some Wisconsin wildlife.

Did you know that deer hair is hollow? What makes the fur of a beaver or otter different than that of other animals? Stop by to learn more!

Saturday, May 31 1 p.m. – Family Fun: All About Owls. Come to the Ice Age Center to

meet Aztec – a live owl, and then bring home a make-and-take owl-on-a-stick.

Everyone is welcome!

4 p.m. – Hiking the Ice Age Trail.

The Pothole Trail is the western terminus of the 1,200-mile long Ice Age National Scenic Trail that spans the state of Wisconsin. Join naturalist Barb Walker for a relaxing hike on the trail while learning about the unique geology of Interstate Park, a unit of the Ice Age National Scientific Reserve. Meet at the Pothole Trail sign.

7 p.m. - “Sun-Sational” Secrets of Eagle Peak. Hike to the top of Eagle Peak to watch the sun set and learn the secrets of the Peak. Meet at the Eagle Peak Trail sign in the Pines Group Camp.

Thursday, June 5 10 a.m. – Nature Story Time. Join naturalists Julie Fox or Barb Walker at 10 a.m. on Thursdays through August for a story and activity chosen especially for the children pre-K through kindergarten and parents. Check at the park office upon arrival for program location.

Upcoming events Saturday and Sunday, June 7 and 8 – Free Fishing Weekend. No fishing licenses required in Wisconsin. All other rules and regulations apply.

Saturday, June 7, National Trails Day Watch for information listing specific events, times and locations.

Sunday, June 8, State Parks Open House Day. Free admission to all Wisconsin State Parks.

Interstate Park is located in St. Croix Falls on Hwy. 35 just one-half mile south of Hwy. 8. For more information call Julie or Barb at 715-483-3747. -

Students visit fire station

On Tuesday, May 20, Mrs. Swenson’s kindergarten class made a field trip to the Webster fire station and learned about the use of a thermal imaging camera and saw the fire trucks. – Photo subumitted

Gaylord receives certification The American Occupational Therapy Association Board for Advanced and Specialty Certification has approved Heather Gaylord of St. Croix Falls for the designation of Board Certification in Pediatrics. Gaylord is currently the only Board Certified Pediatric Occupational Therapist in the state of Wisconsin and one of 40 in the U.S. Gaylord is employed by Polk County Health Department Birth to Three Program. Gaylord is pictured with Madison Huber, daughter of Klay and Melinda Huber of Centuria. – Photo submitted

Flag retirement ceremony held The Burnett County American Legion held a flag-retirement ceremony at Crooked Lake Park, Siren, Wednesday, May 21. During this official Legion ceremony, worn-out flags were retired by burning. Shown here during the ceremony were county officers (L to R) Andy Anderson, James Halvorson, Chuck Lehman, Dick Blaker, Don Anderson and (back of smoke) Bob Thomas.

– Photo submitted

PAGE 26 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - MAY 28, 2008

OBITUARIES Marita Angeline Hallquist

Margaret E. Lemke

Richard John Hacker Sr.

Marita Angeline (Witucki) Hallquist, 85, River Falls, died on Monday, May 19, 2008, at the Peter and Ellen Johnson Residence, a hospice facility in Madison, with her children at her side.

Marita was born Aug. 8, 1922, in Frederic, the daughter of Frank D. and Clara (Talledge) Witucki. She was baptized at St. Dominic’s Catholic Church and was confirmed at St. Luke’s Methodist Church in Frederic. Marita loved growing up in the “great town” of Frederic. She was active in forensics and competed at state in humorous declaration. She graduated from Frederic High School in June 1939 and attended college at Superior State Teachers’ College (now UW-Superior). Music was an important part of Marita’s life. The highlight of her college music career was being the contralto soloist for the college and community production of Handel’s “Messiah,” and performing as a soloist at commencement her senior year. Marita graduated from college in 1943 with a degree in elementary education.

She began her career teaching kindergarten in the Superior public schools from 1943-1947. She returned to Frederic and on Aug. 14, 1948, she married Leonard Richard Hallquist at Zion Lutheran Church, Trade Lake. Marita and Len lived in Luck from 1948-1955.

On Aug. 12, 1953, their daughter, Sharon, was born.

In October 1955 the family moved to River Falls. In November 1955 they joined Ezekiel Lutheran Church.

The following week Marita joined Rebekah Circle and remained a member until her death. Ezekiel Lutheran Church played a central role in Marita’s life. She sang in choir, worked with Junior Lutherans, and directed confirmation choir. She also served as an officer in WELCA, on the memorials and gifts committee and various committees during the building of the sanctuary.

On Aug. 18, 1958, her son, David, was born. She began teaching kindergarten again in 1965. Marita would teach another 22 years in River Falls, for a total of 27 years teaching. During that time she would touch the lives of over 1,400 students. Marita retired from teaching in 1987. Marita was a member of many professional teacher associations and local groups. She served on the River Falls Library Foundation Board.

Marita enjoyed traveling, as she was always interested in other people and cultures. Throughout her life she traveled with her family across the United States and Canada. In her retirement she traveled with her husband to the British Isles, Europe, Scandinavia, Hawaii and China. After Len’s death she traveled to the South Pacific, Panama Canal, Scotland, Switzerland, and Europe, as well as other parts of the United States, with her sister. She instilled her love of travel in her children.

She is survived by her two children, Sharon (Gregory) Moses of Madison and David Hallquist of River Falls; her sister, Frances Bollenbeck of Appleton; and two granddaughters, Laurel and Lindsey Moses of Madison; as well as five nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband in 1990; and by her parents.

A service remembering her life was held at Ezekiel Lutheran Church on Saturday, May 24. The burial followed in Greenwood Cemetery.

The Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services of River Falls was entrusted with arrangements.

Margaret E. Lemke, 92, Shell Lake, died Wednesday, May 21, at Indianhead Medical Center in Shell Lake.

She was born Jan. 6, 1916, in Spooner, to Charles and Inga (Olson) Nelson.

She was married in Baldwin in April 1935 to Richard Lemke who preceded her in death in 1993.

Margaret enjoyed being a caretaker as she cared for many family members. She enjoyed cooking, camping and fishing and her children and grandchildren.

She is survived by one son, Don Lemke, Williams Bay; two daughters, Gayle Reindahl, Clear Lake and Judy Mullikin, Shell Lake; nine grandchildren, Cheryl, Rick and Kevin Reindahl, Steve, Julie and Tim Mullikin, Eric, Curt and Brian Lemke; 11 great-grandchildren, Cody, Tommy, Woody, Casey, Billy, Bo, Buck, Cory, Michael, Matthew and Justin and three greatgreat grandchildren, Aspen, Taten and Cyrice. Margaret was also preceded in death one granddaughter, Cheryl, three brothers, Carl, Frank and August and two sisters, Emma and Anne.

Funeral services were held Friday, May 23, at Pockat Funeral Home, Shell Lake, with the Rev. Arvid Sundet officiating. Burial was in Spooner Cemetery. Pallbearers were Rick Reindahl, Kevin Reindahl, Steve Mullikin, Julie Mullikin, Tim Mullikin, Cody Reindahl, Curt Lemke and Brian Lemke.

The Pockat Funeral Home of Shell Lake was entrusted with arrangements.

Richard John Hacker Sr., “Hack,” 79, of Cushing, died May 18, 2008, from complications of a courageously fought nine-year battle with cancer.

Dick was born Sept. 3, 1928, to Karl Sr. and Friedricke Hacker in Amery. He graduated from Luck School in 1946. Dick married Cora Emerson on Oct. 9, 1948.

Through his work career, he started out as a milk hauler for the Cushing Creamery and hauled logs with Elmer and Leonard Berg. Next he joined K.W. Bacchus of White Bear Lake, Minn., as a carpenter for about 20 years. He then joined Chappelear Construction of Pleasant Valley until retirement.

Dick enjoyed playing baseball with the Cushing Tigers for many years. His love of the outdoors took him through many journeys. He fished the Indianhead Pro-Musky Tournament for 33 years with his son, Butch. From the early years of duck hunting, ice fishing and summer fishing with all family and friends, to deer hunting with both gun and bow, and turkeys, he loved them all to the fullest.

He is preceded in death by son, Dennis; parents; one brother and two sisters.

He is survived by his wife; children, Richard “Butch” Jr. (Sandy), Bill and Diana (Paul) Funk; grandchildren, Don (Kim) Hacker, Joe (Jen) Hacker, Amy (Harold) Huber, Mike Funk and Dana (Phil) Melcher and 11 great-grandchildren.

Services were held May 22, at the First Lutheran Church of Cushing, with Pastor Amy Hessel officiating. A private family interment will be held at a later date.

The Rowe Funeral Home was entrusted with the arrangements.

Helen Feldt Helen Feldt, age 93, of Markville, Minn., died May 15, 2008, at Pine Medical Center in Sandstone, Minn.

Memorial services will be held Saturday, May 31, at 11 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church in Markville, Minn., with a time of gathering one hour prior to services. A full obituary will be published in an upcoming edition.

The Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home, Webster, was entrusted with arrangements.

Kenny A. Matrious Kenny A. Matrious, 52, of Oak Park Heights, Minn., formerly of Danbury, died Thursday, May 22, 2008.

Funeral service was held Wednesday, May 28, at Lake Lena Community Center in Pine County. Interment was at Lake Lena Cemetery, Ogema Township in Pine County.

The Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home, Webster, was entrusted with arrangements.

Duane E. Bergstrom Duane E. Bergstrom, 75, of Luck, Laketown Township, died Friday, May 23, 2008, at the St. Croix Regional Medical Center in St. Croix Falls.

Duane was born on Aug. 1, 1932, in Frederic, to parents, Millie and Everett Bergstrom.

He completed his schooling at Oak Hill school in Laketown Township. He married Virginia Swanson of Cushing on Sept. 17,1955, in Cushing.

Duane worked for Land O’Lakes Processing in Luck for many years as a boiler operator. After his retirement from Land O’Lakes, he and wife Virginia devoted themselves to the family farm, where they lived until the time that Duane was unable to work on the farm.

Duane enjoyed fishing, farming, inventing and wildlife in the great outdoors. He also dearly enjoyed drawing, sketching, painting and woodworking.

Duane is survived by his wife, Virginia, of Luck; children, Rick Bergstrom of Luck, Melodi (Harvey) Fjorden of Luck and Holly Bergstrom of Luck; grandchildren, Bobbi Jo (Eric), Ethan, Lisa (Matt), Eric, Dylan, Rob; one great-grandaughter, Riley; and his sister, Dawn Bergstom and other relatives and friends.

Funeral service will be held Thursday, May 29, at 11 a.m at the Kolstad Family Funeral Home in Centuria.

Pastor Amy Hessel will officiate the service.

Family will greet visitors one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Luncheon will be served at the Laketown Town Hall following the service. Duane will be laid to rest at the Union Cemetery in Trade Lake Township.

Kolstad Family Funeral Home of Centuria was entrutsted with arrangements.

Pauline H. Stengel Pauline H. Stengel, 86, of Brooklyn Park, Minn., formerly of Webster, died on May 14, 2008, at the Golden Living – Hillcrest of Wayzata in Wayzata, Minn.

Pauline was born on Jan. 25, 1922, at Webster, to Ferdinand and Mildred Stengel. She attended the Webster schools and also the Spencerian Business College in Milwaukee. She lived in Milwaukee until moving to Minneapolis in 1952. She then moved to Brooklyn Park 41 years ago. Pauline has lived at the Golden Living – Hillcrest in Wayzata, Minn., for the last two years.

Pauline is survived by three brothers, George Stengel of Benson, Ariz., Gerhart (Lucille) Stengel of Hotchkiss, Colo., and Curtis (Yasuko) Stengel of Minnetonka, Minn.; one sister, Gladys Loing of Webster; many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

Graveside services were held on Tuesday, May 20, at the Oak Grove Cemetery in Webster, with Pastor Arnie Enslin officiating.

The Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home of Webster was entrusted with the arrangements.

MAY 28, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 27

CHURCH NEWS The Attic Closet

An invitation

When I was almost 13, we moved to a country home near Frederic. My excitement knew no bounds.

After having shared everything with my twin sister, Sandy, we could now enjoy the space and freedom of our own Sally Bair bedrooms and beds.

My room had an attic closet—a crawl space not easy to get into. So PERSPECTIVES Mom used it for storing things we wouldn’t need too often—Christmas decorations, luggage, old toys, and boxes of souvenirs and important documents.

At our old house, Sandy and I shared a double bed, drawing an invisible line down the center so we wouldn’t—heaven help us—infringe on each other’s space. Now, eager to try out my new bed—a double bed all my own where I could revel in the space of its full width—I turned off the light and jumped into bed.

I heard Sandy’s voice. “I’m scared to sleep alone.”

I tried to ignore her, but began to hear noises that nearly scared the pajamas off me! Tree branches scraped against the house. The walls creaked in the wind. Shadows loomed up before me. I envisioned someone opening the attic closet door.

Fearful, I ran into Sandy’s room and joined her as before. From then on I used my room only in the daylight. We kept the invisible line between us in her bed. No longer alone, my feeling of safety far outweighed the disappointment I felt at losing out on the privacy and comfort of my own bed.

Later in life, I learned how to face my fears. More importantly, I learned to trust God to give me courage to face them. Too often in life it’s easier to allow our fears and apprehensions to keep us trapped in our “comfortable” situations. Bluntly stated, we hate change. But Jesus teaches us that change is good. When he healed a paralyzed man who lay in bed, Jesus told him to “arise, take up your bed, and walk.” (Matthew 9:6) When Jesus walked on water, he told Peter to come to him, which meant stepping out of the boat into the deep water. Only when he looked at the waves did Peter falter in fear.

Whatever is keeping us paralyzed by fear— whether scary nighttime noises or unforeseen problems—we need only to look to God to free us. And he will.

Lord, forgive us for being afraid instead of trusting you.

Help us lay all our fears and anxieties before you, trusting that you will bring us the freedom you want us to have. In Jesus’ name, amen.

(Mrs. Bair may be reached at sallybair@gmail.com)

ETERNAL

fourth lessons, “Holiness in Imitation of Christ” & “Holiness in Transformation.” A free lunch will be provided for We know that it can be a challenge to all in attendance. The fifth and final maintain a life dedicated to God while lesson, “Holiness and Being an Examliving in a world so touched with sin. ple” will begin at approximately 12:45 That is why we would like to invite you p.m. A personal study guide will be to the Second-Annual Burnett County provided. This helpful booklet will aid Church of Christ Gospel Meeting, entiin following along with the lessons as tled: “Imitating Christ in Holiness.”

Garret they are presented. They can also be In a series of five practical and insight- Derouin used to continue the study on more ful lessons for everyday living, we will specific topics, such as: see how God has provided us with a • Holiness in Worship THE guide, the Bible, for learning how to live • Holiness in Overcoming Temptaour lives in purity and righteousness. If PREACHER’S tion you wish to walk in Christ’s footsteps PEN • Holiness in Recreation – Activities and draw nearer to God, you will find and Media instruction and encouragement regard• Holiness and Personal Finance ing: • Holiness and Modest Appearance • The nature of holiness and how it is culti• Holiness and Personal Responsibility vated • … and many more • How to maintain healthy, peaceful relaWe hope you will make an effort to join us tionships with others for this very special opportunity. The church • How to imitate Christ’s holiness in our building is located at 7425 W. Birch St. in Webspeech and deeds ster behind the old high school. For more in• Overcoming Satan’s everyday temptaformation or any questions, please call: tions 715-866-7157.

• Helping your family to live the Christian If readers have questions or simply wish to faith know more about the Church of Christ, we The first lesson “Holiness in Respect for would like to invite them to call 715-866-7157 God’s Word” will begin Saturday evening, or stop by the church building at 7425 W. May 31, at 6 p.m. followed by the second lesBirch St. in Webster. Sunday Bible class begins son “The Holiness of Christ” at 7 p.m. Reat 9:30 a.m. and worship begins at 10:30 a.m. freshments will be provided between the two We also meet Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m. lessons.

Office hours are Tuesdays through Fridays, 9 Sunday morning, June 1, at 9:30 a.m. and a.m. - noon.

10:30 a.m. we will continue with the third and

Roberto Diego Pearson Roberto Diego Pearson, a former resident of Blaine Township in Burnett County, died Monday, May 26, in Ortonville, Minn. He was 24 years old.

He was born Sept. 12, 1983 in Colombia, South America. He grew up in Cozy Corner with his parents Marty and Jeri Pearson and his sister, Erica, and attended Danbury and Webster Schools, graduating from Webster High School in May of 2002.

After high school graduation, Roberto went on to attend the Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College where he studied welding. After graduating from WITC, he went to work as an apprentice boilermaker, and was a proud member of Boilermakers Local 647 out of Ramsey, Minn. He became highly skilled at his craft, and he traveled throughout the Upper Midwest working in a variety of job locations.

Roberto, known affectionately as “Berto” or “Bear” for the hugs he greeted people with, had a loving spirit, a big heart and a ready smile. He made friends

wherever he went and was generous to a fault with those he knew. He was looking ahead to a life of fulfillment with increasing confidence.

Roberto is survived by his parents, Marty and Jeri Pearson of Blaine Township, his sister, Erica, of New York City, his grandparents Robert and Lyla Elofson of Bellevue, Neb., and Dick and Darlene Pearson of Puposky, Minn., many aunts, uncles and cousins, his girlfriend Heidi Fredericks and numerous other friends.

A memorial service will be held Sunday, June 1, at 1 p.m. at the Dairyland Community Center (former Dairyland School) just off Hwy. 35 in Cozy Corner.

PAGE 28 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - MAY 28, 2008

CHURCH NEWS By showing strength, wife can save troubled marriage Q: Last week you gave recommendations how I could change my relationship with my unhappy husband, Joe. How is Joe likely to respond to the new me?

DR. DOBSON: He may test your resolve in the next few months by showing hostility, being aloof, or by flirting with other women. He'll be watching during this time for signs of weakness or panic. If you continue to show self-confidence, you will convince him that he is actually free.

Three things typically happen when you convey that understanding: (1) The trapped partner no longer feels it necessary to fight off the other, and the relationship improves. It is not that the love affair is rekindled, necessarily, but the strain between the two partners is often eased.

(2) As the cool spouse begins to feel free again, the question he has been asking himself changes. After having wondered for weeks or months, "How can I get out of this mess?" he now asks, "Do I really want to go?" Just knowing that he can have his way often makes him less anxious to achieve it. Sometimes it turns him around 180 degrees and brings him back home.

(3) The third change occurs not in the cool spouse but in the mind of the vulnerable one. Incredibly, she feels better – somehow more in control of the situation.

There is no greater agony than journeying through a vale of tears, waiting in vain for the phone to ring or for a miracle to occur. Instead, the person begins to respect herself and receives small evidences of respect in return.

Even though it is difficult to let go once and for all, there are ample rewards for doing so. One of those advantages involves the feeling that she has a definite course of action to follow. That is infinitely more comfortable than experiencing the utter despair of powerlessness that she felt before. And little by little, the Dr. James healing process begins.

Dobson Does this approach always work?

Of course not. Nothing always works in human relationships. Some people will re-examine the decision to leave and decide to return. Others will keep on going. Either way, however, showing respect for yourself in the crisis will maximize the opportunities for your relationship to survive. Even if it's too late to reconnect with Joe, you'll have your self-confidence back and will be able to go on without him.

••• Q: We need a little more income to make it in my family, but I have preschool children and don't want to seek employment outside the home. Is there an alternative for me to pursue?

DR. DOBSON: You might want to consider building a home-based business which can be done while taking care of your children and keeping your sanity.

Among the possibilities are catering, desktop publishing, pet grooming, sewing, consulting and transcribing legal documents or even mail order sales.

Choosing which business is right for you is the first of three practical steps suggested by Donna Partow. She's the author of a book called "Homemade Business." You can start your own enterprise by taking a personal

FOCUS ON THE

FAMILY

skills and interest inventory to identify your particular abilities and what you might like doing the best. The second step is to do your homework. Begin by asking your librarian to help you research your chosen field.

Look up books, magazines and newspaper articles.

Talk to other people who have done what you'd like to do. Join an industry organization and a network. Subscribe to industry publications.

According to Mrs. Partow, the third step is to marshal as much support as you can. Get your children, your spouse and friends on your side. Setting up a small business can be stressful, and you'll need as much encouragement as you can get. If you've been torn between family and finances, having a homebased business may turn out to be the best of both worlds.

Dr. Dobson is founder and chairman of the board of the nonprofit organization Focus on the Family, Colorado Springs, CO 80995 (www.family.org). Questions and answers are excerpted from "Solid Answers" and "Bringing Up Boys," both published by Tyndale House.

••• COPYRIGHT 2008 JAMES DOBSON INC., DISTRIBUTED BY UNIVERSAL PRESS SYNDICATE 4520 Main St., Kansas City, Mo. 64111; 816-932 6600.

Brought to you by:

Webster Area Catholic Churches Webster

MAY 28, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 29

PAGE 30 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - MAY 28, 2008

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MAY 28, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 31

Unity High School graduation 2008

Angela Berthold gave the valedictorian speech for the Class of 2008.

Taylor Larson presented the salutatorian address to classmates.

Graduating senior Ashley Hutton gets a hug following Friday evening’s commencement program at Unity High School.

Brandon Robinson, district administrator, and Debbie Ince-Peterson, school board president, were emcees at Unity High School’s graduation ceremony, Friday.

State Rep. Ann Hraychuck, a Unity graduate, past Unity Wall of Honor inductee and parent of graduating senior, Davey Hraychuck, gave the commencement address at Unity High School’s graduation ceremony last Friday evening. Hraychuck challenged members of the Class of 2008 to push themselves to higher aspirations.

“When I was a dispatcher, they told me I would never get hired as a deputy, and when I was a deputy, they told me that I would never be elected sheriff because I was a woman – there was only one other woman sheriff in the state,” Hraychuck said. “And people questioned whether I would be able to be elected to the state Assembly. You cannot let the doubt of others dictate your success in life.”

Photos by Gary King

School board vice president Jim Beistle congratulates graduate Amelia McKinney.

Superintendent Bill Alleva got up from his seat to comfort valedictorian Angela Berthold during an emotional part of her speech. It was Alleva’s final commencement appearance as he retired after 36 years. (See separate story.)

Immediately following Friday’s graduation ceremony, Unity seniors lined up for the traditional class photograph.

Senior choir members joined the high school choir, under the direction of Dana Paulsen, to sing “Seasons of Love” by Roger Emerson.

PAGE 32 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - MAY 28, 2008

MAY

THURS. & FRI./29 & 30 Frederic

• Bloodmobile collections at the Methodist church, Thurs. 1-7 p.m., Fri. 9 a.m.-1 p.m., 715485-3025.

THURS. - SAT./29 & 31

Coming events

Luck • Indianhead Gem & Mineral Society meets at the senior center, potluck at 7 p.m. and meeting at 7:30 p.m.

St. Croix Falls • Art Group, 9:30 a.m., at the senior center.

TUESDAY/3 Amery

• Swedish Club meets at Our Saviors Lutheran Church, 7 p.m. For more info go to www.foreverswedish.org.

St. Croix Falls

• Valley Christian School annual gym sale, Thurs. 8 a.m.-7 p.m.; Fri. 8 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sat. 9 a.m.-noon.

Clam Falls

THUR. - SUN./ MAY 29-JUNE 1

• Coffee Hour at the Clam Falls Lutheran Church, 9 a.m.

• Good Neighbor Days. For info call Lion Ron Duffe, 715-246-2064 or visit www.robertslions.com.

• Eastern Star Memorial Service at the Masonic Center, 7:30 p.m.

Frederic

Roberts

St. Croix Falls

THURSDAY/29

• Exercise, 10 a.m.; Skipbo, 11 a.m.; 500 cards & Dominos, 12:30 p.m., at the senior center.

Amery

• Men’s pool, 9:30 a.m., at the senior center.

WEDNESDAY/4

Exeland

Frederic

• Organic dairy & beef pasture walk, 1950 CTH C - Kormann farm, 1-3 p.m., 715-6353506.

• Blood pressure screening at Bremer Bank, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Sponsored by Bremer Bank.

• Pokeno played, 1 p.m., at the senior center.

Frederic

St. Croix Falls

• 500 cards at the senior center, 6:30 p.m.

• Support group for people with bipolar disorder and depression at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 7:30 p.m. Call 715-327-4436 for more info.

Grantsburg • Farm Bureau-hosted meeting on carbon credit trading program at Crex Meadows Visitor Center, 1 p.m., 800-261-3276.

Luck • Month birthday potluck at the senior center, 6 p.m.

St. Croix Falls • Exercise, 10-11 a.m.; Skipbo, 11 a.m.-noon; crafts, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and 500 cards, 6:30 p.m., at the senior center.

FRI. & SAT./30 & 31 Webster

• Interfaith Caregivers rummage sale at the community center, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., 715-866-4970.

FRIDAY/30 Amery

• Adult clogging 10:15 a.m. & tiny tot clogging at 10:55 a.m., at the senior center.

A sure sign of spring in full swing, the delicate flowers of the bleeding heart plant. - Photo by Carl Heidel

Spooner

Trade Lake

• Farm Bureau-hosted meeting on carbon credit trading program at Ag. Research Station, 9 a.m., 800-261-3276 or 715-635-3506.

• Wine & cheese tasting fundraiser for Humane Society of Burnett County, 4-8 p.m. at Trade River Winery, 715-866-4096 or www.hsburnettcty.org.

SATURDAY/31 Balsam Lake

• Pontoon show on the Water at Wilkins Resort, Bone Lake, noon-5 p.m., 715-557-0021.

JUNE

Frederic

SUNDAY/1

• Food, fellowship & games at the senior center, noon.

• VFW Post #4186 & the Ladies Auxiliary Allyou-can-eat breakfast at the hall, 8 a.m.-noon.

Siren

• Free Church bake sale at the Leader parking lot, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

• Lions Club 39th-anniversary party at Crooked Lake Park, 1-5 p.m.

Dresser

Frederic

MONDAY/2 Frederic

• Spades, 1:30 p.m., at the senior center.

• U-Care discussion, 9 a.m., at the senior center.

• Good Samaritan Society – St. Croix Valley Auxiliary meets in the community room, 1:30 p.m.

• Bloodmobile collections at the American Legion Post, 12:30-6:30 p.m., 715-483-3475.

THURSDAY/5 Frederic

• 500 cards played, 6:30 p.m., at the senior center.

• Polk-Burnett annual meeting at the high school, 7 p.m., 800-421-0283.

• Support group for people with bipolar disorder and depression at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 7:30 p.m. Call 715-327-4436 for more info.

St. Croix Falls • Exercise, 10 a.m.; Skipbo, 11 a.m.; 500 cards, 6:30 p.m., at the senior center.

• Good Samaritan Society – St. Croix Valley Auxiliary meets in the community room, 1:30 p.m.

Webster

• Benefit for Cassie & Lance Schaaf at Yellow River Saloon, 6 p.m.-?

MAY 28, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 33

E - E D I T I O N

E X T R A Unity graduation

State Rep. Ann Hraychuck (R) greets Elliott Paulsen following Friday’s commencement program at Unity High School. Hraychuck congratulated Paulsen for being one of two people inducted into Unity School’s Wall of Honor.

Hraychuck, a Unity graduate and Wall of Honor inductee herself, gave the commencement address for the Class of 2008. - Photo by Gary King

Siren Memorial Day

Unity senior class officers shared their appreciation for senior class advisors (L to R) Andy Brown, Harlan Kruger and Kasee Hickok at last Friday’s commencement program. Class officers and representatives shown are Kendra Nelson, Lisa Muller, Cory Tunheim (back), Taylor Larson, Jenielle Deiss and Andrea Thompson. - Photo by Gary King

Frederic Memorial Day

Fay Nordin (R), widow of Carl Nordin, Japanese prisoner of war during World War II, talked to her sister-in-law, Hazel Keppen, at the cemetery in Siren. When Carl was alive, he and Fay were always at the cemetery for the Memorial Day observance.

Members of the Paul G. Johnson American Legion Post #249 of Frederic paid tribute to the war dead with a 21-gun salute over Coon Lake and the tossing of a floral wreath in the water. - Photo by Brenda Sommerfeld

A choral reading on flag etiquette memories was presented by (L to R) Jacob, Lucas and Emily Stiemann. The reading asked the question: “Is it a sin to be patriotic today?”

- Photos by Nancy Jappe

PAGE 34 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - MAY 28, 2008

E - E D I T I O N

E X T R A

Too bad flowers aren’t enough to keep us warm. These blooms are now busting open on crabapple trees, but there has still been nights where the heat should be running in our homes. – Photo by Brenda Sommerfeld

LEFT: Baby cranes swim away from their parents at a pond in Crex Meadows Wildlife Area near Grantsburg. Photo by Priscilla Bauer

A young man quietly watches the Memorial Day service at the St. Croix Falls Cemetery. - Photo by Gary King

Webster Arts and Craft Fair

The Webster Craft Fair was really something to croak about Saturday. The annual event with over 100 crafters had large crowds of shoppers hopping from booth to booth looking at the wide variety of crafts. These friendly frogs were made by Agnes Aho from Esko, Minn.

- Photos by Priscilla Bauer

Katie Webster of Woodbury, Minn. and Josie Johnson of Webster were members of the younger set who came from near and far to enjoy all the fun at the Webster Craft Fair last Saturday.