Leader|oct 22|2008

W E D N E S D AY, O C T O B E R 2 2 , 2 0 0 8 • V O L U M E 7 6 • N O . 9 • 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

Leader INTER-COUNTY

WE EKEN D WA TCH :

• Candidates forum @ Siren • “Arsenic and Old Lace” @ SCFalls • Haunted pavilion @ Grantsburg • “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” @ Siren • Halloween Party @ Frederic • Concerts @ Amery, Grantsburg, Danbury, Clam Falls and Osceola See Coming Events and stories

Serving Northwest Wisconsin

GAM issue to Supreme Court

$1

“ M u r d er , Me d iu m R a r e ”

Heirs not asked to allow sale; nursing home issue remains in limbo PAGE 7

What’s it like to be poor?

Poverty simulation at Siren stirs thought, encourages volunteerism PAGE 13

Registered sex offender faces new charges 13-year-old girl tells police of assault PAGE 3

Balsam Lake man loses life in rollover Donny Van Gundy, 28, dies, passenger critical PAGE 2

The Village Players Community Theatre is presenting “Murder Medium Rare,” by Eileen Moushey, at Voyager Village Clubhouse. In this unique performance, some of the cast will be serving you. They’ll be serving during the social time at 5:30 p.m., and filling water glasses during dinner. Of course, another murder takes place and they’ll need the audience’s help discovering who did it. Performances are Thursday and Saturday, Nov. 6 and 8, at 5:30 p.m. Dinner is served at 6 p.m. and entertainment will be throughout the dinner. Door prizes will be drawn at the end of the night. Reservations can be made by calling Voyager Village at 715-259-3910, ext. 21. Photos of past performances can be found on their Web site at www.villageplayerscommunitytheatre.com. Shown are (L to R): Jan Laepple, Olivia Main, Steve Rogers, Yvonne Thomas and Pam Quarford. Seated: Wendy Rechsteiner. Not pictured: Bunny Day, Clark Jewell and Ken Olson. – Photo submitted

I NS IDE

“Seeing Red” Page 36

G r o up f o r m s t o ad d r e s s t o u r is m r o o m in g h o u se i s s u e s

A People to People visit down under CURRENTS FEATURE

SPORTS

Never miss a chance to say, “I love you” Pa ge

And then there were two; fifivve teams fall in volleyball playoffs INSIDE

Year-round lake homeowners dissatisfied with regulations for rental properties

by Mary Stirrat BALSAM LAKE — A September county board decision has led to efforts to raise awareness regarding the impact of tourist rooming houses on neighbors and the environment.

The 17-6 vote to reduce the required distance between a tourist rooming house and its side property line to 10 to 25 feet, said Pam Blegen of Balsam Lake, has implications that many lake homeowners may not realize.

Blegen has been named informal spokesperson for a group of homeowners who are concerned about the impact the September vote will have on area lakes and year-round residents. She and her husband, Terry, have purchased a domain and set up a Web site to provide information and air concerns

County explains regulations for tourist rooming houses, page 5

Bonnie Ebert, left, and Pam Blegen are part of a grassroots effort to provide information on the impact of tourist rooming houses on lakeshore residents. (www.polkcountylakes.org).

“We want people to be aware,” she said.

Blegen’s property on Little Balsam Lake has been in her family since 1958. She and her husband moved here full time three years ago after building a one-bedroom log home to replace the family cabin. Their neighbors, Tom and Bonnie Ebert, did basically the same thing and now live full time on Little Balsam Lake in their one-bedroom home.

See Rooming house issues, page 5

The Inter-County Leader is a cooperative-owned newspaper

PAGE 2 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - OCTOBER 22, 2008

Leader

Northwest Passage open house

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 cilla@grantsburgtelcom.net Mary Stirrat the-leader@centurytel.net EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Raelynn Hunter rael@centurytel.net

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

The inside of the new Northwest Passage III addition features an open area with unique artwork and a new age designs. Over 50 people visited the open house that was held on Friday, Oct. 17, at the Northwest Passage facility south of Frederic.

Fall frost

Siren

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

Rollover fatal

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

Fall concert Monday FREDERIC - The annual Frederic Fall Concert performance is this Monday, Oct. 27, at 7 p.m. at the performance center of the Frederic 6-12 school.

The concert will feature performances by the middle school choir and the high school show choir and concert choir, under the direction of Greg Heine. There will be a variety of music with solo performances from members of each choir.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the event is open to the public, free of charge. - with submitted information

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

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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.

Northwest Passage care providers and staff held an open house on Friday, Oct. 17 to celebrate Passage III, a girls treatment program for those challenged by emotional instability and mental health issues. The new addition was opened shortly after the Fourth of July holiday, can hold up to 12 residents at one time. Pictured outside the facility are just a handful of the Passage III staff. Back row (L to R): Andy Flottum, Nate White, Mark Elliott and Jake Lundquist. Front row: Katie Gobler, Amanda Lundquist, Mandy Haessly, Angela Fredrickson and Kira Yanko. – Photos by Marty Seeger

Frost was on the pumpkin and everything else this week as overnight temperatures dipped below the freezing mark. This fall leaf was a vivid reminder of the cold nights and days ahead. - Photo submitted

Teen faces second-degree sexual assault charge POLK COUNTY - An 18-year-old homeless teenager faces a possible charge of second-degree sexual assault after allegedly making sexual advances towards a 14-year-old girl at the home where he is staying in Dresser.

According to a report compiled by the Polk County Sheriff’s Department, Beau Oakley Britt had been invited to use a couch at the residence and on the evening of Oct. 18, two girls were playing video games in a bedroom. Britt allegedly was drinking and smoking marijuana that evening and sometime after midnight he allegedly entered the bedroom and began rubbing his hands up and down over the 14-year-old’s legs over her sweat pants. He was told to stop many times and then around 6 a.m. he came back to the bedroom and put his hands inside her pants. She grabbed his hand and squeezed very had and pushed him away.

Eventually parents and friends heard the commotion and threw Britt out of the house.

Britt was laying on a couch in the garage of the property when he was located and arrested by a Polk County Sheriff’s deputy.

Britt is scheduled to make his initial court appearance Thursday, Oct. 23 in the courtroom of Judge Robert Rasmussen. - Gary King

A 28-year-old Balsam Lake man lost his life after being ejected from a vehicle he was driving early Saturday morning, Oct. 18. Donald Van Gundy was pronounced dead at the St. Croix Valley Regional Medical Center. It was Polk County's 10th traffic fatality of 2008. Van Gundy was driving a 1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass north on Hwy. 65 when he lost control and left the roadway about 250 feet south of the intersection with Hwy. 8.

The vehicle crossed over to the opposite shoulder, struck a mailbox and then rolled several times. Van Gundy and a passenger, Andrew Arnold, 29, Emerald, were both ejectVan Gundy ed. Both were taken to St. Croix Regional Medical Center and Arnold was then airlifted to Regions Hospital by North Memorial Ambulance Service. He was listed in critical but stable condition. The vehicle came to rest at the southwest corner of the intersection of Hwys. 8 and 65. Preliminary indications are that alcohol, speed and a lack of safetyrestraint use (seat belts) are contributing factors in the crash. - special photos

OCTOBER 22, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 3

Briefly WEBSTER - Webster Schools will present it’s fall concert Monday, Oct. 27, 7 p.m. The middle school and high school bands and choirs will be performing under the direction of Julie Strang and James Muus. - submitted ••• WAUSAU - Wisconsin Public Radio and the Wisconsin Institute for Public Policy and Service are sponsoring a political debate between the candidates vying for the 7th Congressional District seat: Incumbent, Dave Obey, D-Wausau and challenger, Daniel Mielke, RRudolph. The first debate Tuesday was cancelled and the second debate will be Thursday, Oct. 23, from 5 to 6 p.m. at the Rose Garden, 131 West Thomas Street, Wausau. Glen Moberg, host of WPR’s “Route 51” will moderate; panelists include Mark Baldwin, executive editor of the Wausau Daily Herald, Erik Mrotek, WAOW-TV 9 anchor, and Jeff Thelen, WSAW-TV 7 anchor. The debate will pre-empt normal Thursday afternoon WPR programming on both networks: “Route 51,” “All Things Considered” and “Marketplace.” The debate will be broadcast live on WHRM 90.9 FM Wausau, WLBL 91.9 FM WLBL 930 AM Wausau, Auburndale/Stevens Point and WHBM 90.3 FM Park Falls. The public is invited, free of charge to be part of the live audience. Persons wishing to attend should arrive by 4:30 p.m. to allow time for seating before the show airs at 5 p.m. No campaign signs will be allowed at the debate. - submitted ••• BURNETT COUNTY - The Burnett County Voter Service League will once again sponsor a candidates forum on Thursday, Oct. 23, in Room 165 of the Burnett County Government Center.

All candidates with contested races have been invited to participate and most have accepted. One or two have yet to respond to the invitation to participate.

Written questions from the audience will be put to the candidates. “This is a real opportunity to compare candidates in the various races and will help voters make informed decisions on election day,” notes Mary Poretti of BCVSL. - from BCVSL •••

Vezina Braatz to be honored ST. CROIX FALLS - Local historian Rosemarie Vezina Braatz will be honored by the city of St. Croix Falls at a ceremony Monday, Oct. 27, at 7 p.m.

The city will be naming a four-acre land parcel “Park Rosemarie,” in her honor.

The city is encouraging local residents and others to attend Vezina Braatz the city council meeting that evening to pay tribute to Braatz.

Braatz moved from Madison, to St. Croix Falls in 1956 and began her career as writer-editor at the Standard Press newspaper, where she began writing a local history column. Braatz raised four children in St. Croix Falls. She is the author of St. Croix Trails and Tales. She continues to write a local history column which appears regularly in the Inter-County Leader and is instrumental in the local historical society.

“I think the choice of naming this park after Rosemarie is very good,” stated Mayor Darrell Anderson. “She deserves the honor.” - with information from the city of St. Croix Falls

Registered sex offender faces charges of sexual assault POLK COUNTY – A registered sex offender who has been living in rural Clayton faces possible charges of sexual assault of a child and child enticement.

Michael Aaron Horton, 22, is accused of having sex with a 13-yearold female on Oct. 15, according to a probable cause comHorton plaint filed with the Polk County District Attorney’s office by the Polk County Sheriff’s Department.

Horton was arrested Oct. 17, just hours after the alleged victim made a report to the Polk County Sheriff’s Department. In her complaint she states the assault began at Horton’s res-

idence, when he kissed her on the mouth. It then continued after he took her to the barn on the property and had her remove all of her clothing. The alleged sex acts continued for an hour and he did not wear a condom, she told police.

Horton, who has gone by the nickname “Cowboy” in the past, was convicted in April of this year in Barron County for fourth-degree sexual assault. His custody/supervision was terminated, according to the Wisconsin sex offender registry Web site. He was scheduled to remain a registered sex offender until the year 2025.

Horton is scheduled to appear at a preliminary hearing set for 9:30 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 24, in the courtroom of Judge Robert Rasemussen. – Gary King with information from Polk County Sheriff’s Department and Wisconsin Department of Corrections Web site

Juvenile bank robber waived into adult court

Initial appearance was Thursday

by Sherill Summer BURENTT COUNTY – Up until know, the public at large has not known the identity of the juvenile bank robber that entered the Bremer Bank in Danbury, apologetically, with a sawed-off shotgun. After leaving the bank with the money and not spotting his partner and driver of the getaway car, Anthony Diloreto, 18, Minnetonka, Minn., he

started walking west along Hwy. 77. He was apprehended a short time later.

On Thursday, Oct. 9, Melvin D. Fletcher, 16, Hopkins, Minn., was waived into adult court. He was charged with robbery of a financial institution and possession of a short-barreled shotgun, both felony charges.

He appeared before Judge Ken Kutz for his initial appearance last Thursday, Oct. 16.

Bond has been set at a $50,000 signature bond and a $5,000 cash bond.

Fletcher has been unable to post this bond and has remains in the Burnett County Jail.

Try our e-edition at www.the-leader.net

Voters asked to speak out on health care

by Gregg Westigard WASHBURN/POLK COUNTIES – “Shall the next Wisconsin state Legislature enact health care reform legislation by December 31st, 2009, that guarantees health care coverage to every Wisconsin resident?”

Voters in Polk and Washburn counties, along with those in four other counties and 16 cities in Wisconsin, will vote to agree or disagree with that statement Tuesday, Nov. 4. The referendum is an advisory message to the state Legislature, asking that body to take action on the issue of access to health care.

The referendum issue has been sponsored statewide

by Citizen Action of Wisconsin, a coalition of individuals and organizations in the state committed to achieving social, economic, and environmental justice, according to the group’s mission statement. Citizen Action claims to have 89,000 individual members statewide and the affiliation of 100 organizations including farm groups, labor unions, senior groups, and religious bodies. The full list of affiliates can be found on the Citizen Action Web site: citizenactionwi.org.

“Health insurance costs are spiraling out of control with no end in sight – nearly doubling since 2000” a flier from Citizen Action states. It calls on all legislators to commit to guaranteeing quality affordable health care for everyone.

A resolution to put the referendum on the Polk County ballot was adopted by a 13 to 10 vote at the August county board meeting. At that meeting, concern was raised about the $3,000 cost of putting the issue on the ballot and not about the wording of the referendum. Some supervisors stated that a county board resolution to the Legislature supporting the issue would be as effective and less costly.

Besides Polk and Washburn counties, the referendum will be on the ballot in Rusk, Douglas, Dane, and La Crosse Counties. Nearby cities that will vote on the issue include New Richmond, Hudson, Menomonie and River Falls.

Local election issues

Appointed clerk on ballot in Garfield, Apple River and Sand Lake, West Marshland looks at ATVs on roads

by Gregg Westigard BURNETT & POLK COUNTIES – As the job of managing town government becomes more complex, many towns are taking the option of making the positions of town clerk and treasurer appointed jobs instead of elected offices. This allows the towns to set requirements for the administrative positions. The issue is coming up locally on Tuesday, Nov. 4.

The latest towns to consider this change will be Garfield and Apple River in Polk County and Sand Lake in Burnett County. Voters in Garfield and Sand Lake will decide if either or both offices should be made appointed. Apple River would make the change only for the town clerk position.

If the ballot issues are approved, the present clerks and treasurers would serve out the remainder on their terms which end next April. The towns would then seek applicants for the jobs and hire persons to fill the positions. If the issues are defeated, clerk and treasurer candidates would be nominated at the caucuses in January and be up for election on the spring ballot in April.

ATVs in West Marshland?

Drivers in West Marshland in Burnett County could be sharing the town roads with ATVs in the future.

A ballot initiative in that town will ask voters on Nov. 4 if they favor allowing the ATV users that right. We will have more details on this next week.

S t e a r n s i n c h a r g e a t S i r e n P o st O f f i c e

Pamela Stearns, the postmaster in Barronette, is currently the officer in charge at the Siren Post Office. Stearns replaced OIC Greg Schewe, who has taken over the post office in Danbury.

According to Stearns, the postal service is not replacing postmasters at the current time, meaning that several of the existing postmasters are handling different offices. She has no idea how long this situation will go on. – Photo by Nancy Jappe

PAGE 4 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - OCTOBER 22, 2008

N O V E M B E R

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E L E C T I O N

Leader candidate survey - week 4

BURNETT/POLK COUNTIES - This is the fourth in a series of questions posed to local candidates for state office by the Inter-County Leader.

This week’s question: Is Wisconsin doing enough in the way of gun control legislation?

And please comment with at least a “yes” or “no” answer on the following points: • Governor Doyle vetoed a proposed state law to allow residents to carry a concealed weapon in public as long as they obtain the proper permit. Do you support “concealed carry” in Wisconsin?

• In this area of the state, there are many “gun shows.” Do you believe these should be more regulated, as proposed by the federal government?

• Currently there are discrepancies between state and federal law in what is considered a firearm for the purpose of a convicted felon. Do you believe a “black powder” or “primitive firearm” should be considered a “firearm” in the strictest interpretation for purpose of a “felon in possession?”

State Senate race (District 10) Sheila Harsdorf (R) incumbent The best way to reduce gun violence is through education and strict enforcement of gunrelated crimes.

More gun-control measures often target law-abiding citizens that count on their guns for personal safety and hunting. I fought for legislation to prohibit government using emergency powers Harsdorf to take our firearms and worked to pass a constitutional amendment to protect the right to hunt and fish.

I support the Personal Protection Act, which would allow law-abiding citizens to carry a concealed weapon for defense.

Wisconsin is one of two states without such a law. As a rural resident and mom, I cherish my 2nd amendment rights that enable me to protect my family.

I support felony punishments for gun crimes, including those described.

As a gun owner and hunter, I share the belief that we need a state Senator from the Northwoods that will stand by the 2nd amendment. I am proud to have been given an A by the NRA and disappointed that my opponent, Alison Page, sought to enact more gun control measures and received a D from the NRA for her positions on hunting and gun rights.

Alison Page (D) challenger Do you support “concealed carry” in Wisconsin?

Yes. In this area of the state, there are many “gun shows.”

Do you believe these should be more regulated, as proposed by the federal government?

No. Do you believe a “black powder” or “primitive firearm” should be considered Page a “firearm” in the strictest interpretation for purpose of a “felon in possession?”

Yes.

State Assembly (Dist. 28) Rep. Ann Hraychuck (D) Incumbent 1. I support the right for all law-abiding citizens to exercise their Second Amendment Rights. I do support concealed carry in Wisconsin once all parties involved can agree on how to implement the law. Under the concealed carry law proposed in 2005, some law enforcement agencies were given the right to ask if an Hraychuck individual was carrying a concealed weapon, and some were not. I spoke out against the first carry conceal proposal when I was Polk County sheriff because not only was it not uniform in enforcement, but it was also an unfunded

mandate. Local law enforcement would have been burdened with the cost of implementing this law, and I felt it was unfair to taxpayers to pay for yet again another mandate from Madison. Changes made to a later draft of this legislation addressed my concerns and I have been supportive of it since that time.

2. No. I feel that for the most part legitimate gun owners go to gun shows to sell, buy or trade with other legitimate gun owners or licensed firearm dealers.

3. Yes. This law was written many years ago when a black powder firearm was not very accurate and built as a traditional early-American firearm. However, the traditional muzzle loader has evolved into a firearm capable of shooting long distances with great accuracy, and should be considered a firearm. Felons do have a legal source of hunting with modern day archery equipment.

Kent Muschinske (R) Challenger Is Wisconsin doing enough in the way of gun control legislation? Yes. On Thursday, June 26, 2008, the Supreme Court broke a long silence on gun control issues dating back to 1939 with it ruling for the first time that the Constitution confers an individual right to gun ownership.

The Constitution does not permit “the absolute prohibi- Muschinske tion of handguns held and used for self-defense in the home,” Justice Antonin Scalia wrote in the majority opinion. Scalia said the Court’s decision “should not be taken to cast doubt” on many existing restrictions against gun possession, including handgun possession by felons and the mentally ill, possession in schools and government buildings and rules governing commercial arms sales.

In the interest of public safety, I agree with setting guidelines for ownership, sale, carry, and use of firearms, as long as such guidelines do not interfere with the basic rights guaranteed by the Second Amendment. With this in mind, I believe current firearms laws should be reviewed and reformed where necessary to benefit law-abiding gun owners and sportsmen in the state of Wisconsin and I further believe that Wisconsinites who pass necessary background checks and training requirements should be allowed to carry a concealed firearm for personal protection.

Violent crime involving a firearm should be dealt with harshly and quickly.

It is important to standardize a definition as to what is considered to be a firearm as far as possession is concerned, either from the perspective of the right of gun ownership or in its interpretation as it applies to enforcement. For example, there are discrepancies between state and federal law as to what is considered a firearm for the purpose of a convicted felon. In this case, I believe the definition should include even black powder or primitive firearms.

Generally speaking, however, let’s focus on enforcing the laws we already have in place instead of finding more ways to punish those of us who choose to exercise our legitimate right to gun ownership.

There are thousands of gun shows held each year across the country, many right here in our area. Proponents of gun control feel that because gun sales at these events are less regulated than other sales, they make it potentially easier for criminals to obtain a gun. In most cases just the opposite is true—this very issue was the focus of a recently completed study conducted by researchers at the University of Michigan and the University of Maryland.

“We find no evidence that gun shows lead to substantial increases in either gun homicides or suicides,” say the researchers in their report. “In addition, tighter regulation of gun shows does not appear to reduce the number of firearmsrelated deaths.” I agree with this conclusion and I don’t believe these gun shows require additional regulation.

(The study can be found at this Web www.closup.umich.edu/research/worki

ngpapers/papers/gunshows-sept08final.pdf) Firearms safety is everyone’s responsibility and education is the answer. I support any effort that promotes teaching firearm safety including hunter safety programs, firearm accident prevention programs, and any other firearms training programs associated with gun ownership.

It is contingent upon us as law abiding gun owners to hold ourselves to the highest standard of responsibility and accountability to honor this tradition and secure its place for generations to come.

State Assembly (Dist. 73) Jeffery Monaghan (Independent) For eleven years, I years Iived in the third largest city in our nation, Chicago. I worked delivering bread to grocery stores in Hyde Park, Woodlawn, and Chatham neighborhoods. One day I arrived at one of my accounts to learn there had been a drive-by shooting. As a white man very publicly serving a predominantly black, but mixed, community, I thought to myself why do people need Monaghan handguns? Given the intentional desire to live a shared hope of peace and justice, why resort to violence to obtain money, power, or exercise self-defense? Many times on WGN news I heard of children killed by stray bullets. Urban environments are very different from the rural milieu which I had been enjoying for seven years in Minnesota and Wisconsin. I realized this is AMERICA — one nation under God, indeed. I said a quiet prayer and continued into the store to deliver the bread.

The police looked at me and accepted my presence as had many gang members previously on a daily basis. I was no threat. I was a man who walked among gun carrying people. I still am.

In Chicago, I lived everyday with the consciousness of delivering bread down the street from Jesse Jackson’s Rainbow PUSH coalition, across the street from Louis Farrakhan’s Nation of Islam, and occasionally to the food shelf at St. Gelasius Catholic Church. And on the day I met Barack Obama, as we found ourselves in front of the convenience store named “Nite and Day” in Hyde Park, we talked about issues before the Illinois state Legislature. We talked about civil rights, gun legislation, and the future of our country. It was a private conversation of about 10 minutes or so. We talked about diversity, and I shared my feelings about the poverty, wealth, violence, and love I witnessed every day in the rhythm of Chicago. He smiled a lot. But both of us knew we stood there as servants who care.

I am not in this campaign to serve the agenda of the National Rifle Association.

Guns sadden me. I want to take the discussion of gun ownership to a level of personal responsibility and the need to lay down our arms in non-violence and peace in our cities nationwide. In the 73rd District, most of the people who own guns collect and use them in the sport of hunting or riflery. When I was in high school, I was a member of Superior’s YMCA rifle team. I was a member of the NRA, and I took a hunter’s safety course. I enjoyed it.

I shot my first white-tailed deer on my grandfather’s farm in Douglas County. I currently don’t own a gun, but I realize I have matured to the point where I don’t want one. I am not advocating making guns illegal for everyone else. I believe they just need to be relevant to our use and we need to be educated to their safety. But violence too often occurs across this great land, and the proliferation of weaponry doesn’t help calm the nerves of a scared or offended people. A gun is a gun. People are people. Take heart.

No, I do not support legislation which would allow concealed weapons on our streets. Yes, I believe the ownership of a gun is a federal issue, and I support gun ownership with preconditions like education, identification, and a background

check. I am a proponent of a national ID card for entitlements like Social Security.

We could use this ID for proof of citizenship so we can vote, travel overseas, and exercise our right to bear arms. For myself, I bear arms by rolling up my sleeves, not picking up a gun! I have no desire to intimidate a living being and take its life. Those guilty of a felony have surrendered their rights by communicating their actions as irresponsible citizens.

Our laws must reflect constitutional values and serve the common good. As an elected representative in Wisconsin, I will try to inspire a society which is safe and stronger in its journey toward non-violence and inner peace. We need creative solutions to our needs — not guns.

Nick Milroy (D)

Is Wisconsin doing enough in the way of gun control legislation?

I believe that firearm legislation in Wisconsin is just about right. As a certified hunter education instructor and gun owner, I know how important firearms are to our heritage here in Northern Wisconsin. We need commonsense firearm laws that honor the right of law abiding citizens to keep and bear arms while ensuring that dangerous people do not have easy or Milroy legal access to firearms.

Law abiding citizens should always have the right to own firearms to hunt, recreate, and protect their homes and family.

Governor Doyle vetoed a proposed state law to allow residents to carry a concealed weapon in public as long as they obtain the proper permit. Do you support “concealed carry” in Wisconsin?

The concealed carry legislation that was proposed for Wisconsin would have allowed people to carry concealed handguns into taverns, day care centers, college campuses, and domestic violence shelters. This is not common sense firearm legislation and I would not have supported it.

In this area of the state, there are many “gun shows.” Do you believe these should be more regulated, as proposed by the federal government?

Law abiding adults should be the only people that have the right to purchase firearms at gun shows. It’s common sense to close loopholes that could put guns in the hands of criminals and drug dealers. I would support legislation that would limit the ability of dangerous people from getting their hands on firearms.

Currently there are discrepancies between state and federal law in what is considered a firearm for the purpose of a convicted felon. Do you believe a “black powder” or “primitive firearm” should be considered a “firearm” in the strictest interpretation for purpose of a “felon in possession?”

When a person chooses to commit a felony they give up certain rights. Firearm ownership is one of those rights. Any weapon that uses gun powder (e.g. muzzleloaders, rifles, shotguns, and handguns) is considered a firearm in my book.

Felons should not be allowed to own firearms unless they have their rights legally restored.

Follow the Leader.

OCTOBER 22, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 5

County explains regulations for tourist rooming houses

by Mary Stirrat POLK COUNTY — Two different county agencies oversee the regulation of tourist rooming houses in Polk County.

The public health department, specifically Brian Hobbs as environmental health specialist, is responsible to ensure that tourist rooming houses are properly licensed and inspected. To be licensed, the establishments must meet state statutes regarding sanitation, disinfection, structural and fire safety, bedding, plumbing and water. Once licensed, they undergo an annual inspection.

The county land information department —zoning division and the land information committee are responsible for making sure the tourist rooming house complies with the county shoreland ordinance. This ordinance governs setbacks and other zoning issues on property in unincorporated areas that is within 1,000 feet of a navigable lake or pond, or 300 feet from a river or stream.

Because the ordinance deals specifically with lake and river property, any tourist rooming house that is not located within a shoreland area meet the regulations of the public health department only.

Tourist rooming houses are defined by the Polk County shoreland ordinance as “all lodging places and tourist cabins and cottages in which sleeping accommodations are offered for pay to a maximum of two tourists or transients per bedroom plus two, not to exceed eight.”

Not included in the definition, besides motels and hotels, are private boarding or rooming houses or bed and breakfasts.

In September, the county board of supervisors voted to reduce the setback between a tourist rooming house and the side lot to 10, 15, or 25 feet, depending on the classification of the lake on which it is located.

The county land information office will only get involved, therefore, if the tourist rooming house is within a defined shoreland area and in an unincorporated area of the county.

Permitting and licensing In order to apply to the public health department for a tourist rooming house license, the owner of a tourist rooming house must first be granted a special use

permit, or conditional use permit, from the land information committee.

The primary purpose of this is to make sure that the business meets the setback requirements of the shoreland ordinance and to determine if the operation of a tourist rooming house at that location is compatible with the surrounding area.

A public hearing must held before a property can receive a conditional use permit for the operation of a tourist rooming house. All other property owners within 300 feet, plus the township and the appropriate lake association are notified of the hearing two weeks before it is scheduled to occur.

Cost of the hearing is $500. At that time any comments, complaints, or suggestions can be made to the land information committee, which can then place conditions on the permit. Once all the details have been ironed out, the conditional use permit can be issued, at a cost of $350.

If the tourist rooming house fails to meet the setback requirements the property owner can apply for a variance, which would be done prior to seeking a conditional use permit. Applying for a variance also requires a mandatory public hearing, at $500, and the owner must prove that he or she will suffer hardship if the variance is not approved.

Financial hardship, said land information director Sara McCurdy, is not an acceptable reason for granting a variance.

If the variance is approved, the land owner then proceeds to apply for the conditional use permit previously mentioned.

Once the conditional use permit is granted, the owner must then apply to the public health department for a license. Hobbs, as environmental health specialist, conducts and inspection to make sure that the house meets state statutes. Included in the things he looks at are how garbage is handled, how dishes, utensils, and countertops are sanitized, whether there are adequate and working smoke detectors and fire extinguishers, and how the bedding and linens are washed.

“Most everything I do has to do with liability,” he said. Compliance with the rules protects both the renter and the owner, so it is to everyone’s benefit if the rules regarding lifejackets, temperature

of the hot water heater, and other issues are written down for both parties.

There is a one-time fee of $150 to obtain a license, plus a $143 annual fee.

In order to open its doors, the owner must pay $500 for a public hearing, $350 for a conditional use permit, the $150 one-time fee and the $143 fee for the license. If a variance is required, it would cost an additional $500 for a public hearing.

For the second year and beyond, the only cost is the $143 inspection/license fee.

Current status To date, about 42 tourist rooming houses have been licensed. With the new requirement, effective Oct. 1, that they must have a conditional use permit, each is being contacted by the land information department to outline the application procedure.

Licenses expire June 30, and if the owners have not applied for a conditional use permit by that time their license may be revoked.

Each establishment currently advertising at the county information center in St. Croix Falls, said Hobbs, is already licensed.

“This will be a newly enforced issue now that the county board has acted,” McCurdy said about the establishments not already permitted and licensed.

As a tourist rooming house applies for the permit, the county zoning committee will be deciding what conditions might be placed on the permit to address the concerns of neighbors, such as quiet times, unattended fires, and crossing property lines.

“Each case will be heard separately,” said McCurdy. “I am sure many of the applicants will have similar issues and concerns, but others may have unique conditions. The only enforcement that can be done from Polk County Zoning is compliance to the conditions of the permit,” McCurdy concluded.

“Should the zoning office discover violation of condition, the permit could be revoked or a citation issued.”

By the same token, the public health department can only enforce compliance with issues outlined in state statute. Some problems may be an issue for law enforcement, both McCurdy and Hobbs agree.

“What we have is a behavioral issue,”

said McCurdy about some of the complaints from those who are neighbors to tourist rooming houses. These same behaviors can be found in year-round residences as well as rental units.

“Now we have the law and we know how to administer the law,” she said. In the past there were no regulations so there was nothing to enforce.

Most of the negative publicity, said McCurdy, stems from two “high-profile” tourist rooming houses.

“It has been positive in some cases,” she said. “They have the same guests coming back year after year, building relationships with the neighbors.

“Hopefully, through (better regulations) we can have safe neighborhoods compatible to both owners and guests.”

The county does its best to find unlicensed tourist rooming houses, searching the Internet and papers for advertisements. The two departments will also be putting notices in the Twin Cities and local paper, so owners will more likely know about the new regulations.

As unlicensed establishments are located, said Hobbs, his office will send out notices that outline the requirements and give a deadline for compliance.

“If you are renting out your cabin,” he said, “you need to contact us. Our goal is to treat everybody equally, and to do that we need to have contact.”

Hobbs can be reached at 715-485-8500

Meeting Tuesday for new Frederic Eyes and Ears program FREDERIC - Concerned citizens of Frederic are invited to the initial meeting of the Frederic Eyes and Ears program on Tuesday, Oct. 28, at 7 p.m. at the Frederic Senior Center.

This will be an open meeting for residents to get acquainted with each other and with Frederic Police Chief R.J. Severude. It will be an open forum for citizens of Frederic to express concerns and ask questions.

Contact Eleanore Carlson at 715327-4717 for questions or ride. - with submitted information

Rooming house issues/from page 1 Two doors down from the Blegens is a six-bedroom, five-bathroom home with two wet bars. It also sits on property that was formerly a small family cabin.

After it was rebuilt, said Blegen and Ebert, they began to see a number of unfamiliar cars and people each weekend. When this was coupled with latenight noise and unattended bonfires, the neighbors realized that the home was being rented out.

“That’s what basically got us educated about what’s going on,” said Blegen.

Some estimate that there are as many as 200 lake homes and cabins in Polk County that are rented out to vacationers but are not deemed a resort, hotel, motel, or bed and breakfast. The county health department, which licenses and inspects these establishments, feels the true amount is somewhat lower.

The Web site www.vrbo.com advertises about 20 of them, ranging in price from about $500 per weekend to $500 per night.

Noise and safety — Blegen said that she got up at 4:30 a.m. one day and saw a fire in the firepit with no one around — are among the group’s chief concerns. Others include questions about whether owners of tourist rooming houses are collecting and submitting required state and local sales tax.

Issues such as these are addressed by on-site management of hotels and resorts, said Blegen, but not by absentee landowners, and in most cases owners

of tourist rooming houses do not live on site.

A letter to other lake homeowners, signed by the Blegens, the Eberts, and five other families, addresses these and other concerns, such as overflowing garbage. Speaking from personal experience, Blegen said, “We’ve had bears in the neighborhood before, and don’t want them coming back.”

In addition, the letter states, full-time residents have no way of knowing if the people who are “visiting” the neighborhood are guests at the TRH or strangers who may be looking to break into a home.

Among concerns regarding lake quality is the fact that no studies have been done to determine the impact on property values or pollution, or the overtaxing of septic systems or drain fields.

Liability is another major issue in the minds of those who own property near a tourist rooming house. Guests don’t always stay on the rental property, said Blegen, and an injury that occurs on her property would probably involve her insurance company and potential litigation.

Blegen and Ebert also wonder if individuals and families who operate a TRH have adequate liability insurance themselves. This past summer, said Ebert, the neighbor’s pontoon boat sank when it was loaded with guests. Had someone been injured, she said, the liability issues could have been immense for the

property owner.

The party atmosphere at the neighboring TRH isn’t surprising, Blegen feels, because the renters are on vacation. Split eight or 12 ways, the $500 per night rent becomes fairly affordable to a lot of people.

“When you’re on vacation and paying for it,” she said, “you take advantage of every night.”

However, the year-round residents who have to get up for work or school every morning, and who want to maintain the value of their property, are feeling the pinch.

When parties and noise are an issue each weeknight, Blegen said, the neighbors have two options. They can either go to the TRH and explain the situation, or call emergency services.

With year-round neighbors, she said, you have built up a relationship and can go to them with your concerns.

Whether she should be an “enforcer” for a revenue-generating business is another question, she feels.

“With a group of strangers, you feel intimidated,” Blegen added. “If they’re drinking, you really put yourself into a situation. I shouldn’t have to be their police, the on-site management.”

But the other option of calling emergency services is also not appealing.

“I’m not one to call the cops every two days,” said Blegen. “I’m not out there to waste the resources.” Calling law enforcement personnel to handle a noise

complaint could interfere with more pressing issues, she said.

One time Ebert did call the public health department regarding a garbage problem and the environmental health specialist took care of the issue.

However, Ebert then received an angry and verbally abusive phone call from the property owner.

“How can you expect that person to be the manager of property if this is the reaction to a simple garbage problem?” asked Blegen. “My expectation is that it would be handled in a more professional way.”

To find out what people are thinking in regards to setbacks, quiet times, lake studies and other issues associated with tourist rooming houses, several polls have been added to www.polkcountylakes.org.

Ultimately, the group would like to see some changes to the ordinance, including a reversion to larger setbacks.

In order for this to happen, however, two of the 17 supervisors who voted in favor of the smaller setbacks must agree to bring it back to the county board.

“We just want people to look at it closer,” said Ebert.

“What does the future look like with 10 feet between a rental house and the property line?”

PAGE 6 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - OCTOBER 22, 2008

B U R N E T T

C O U N T Y

H E A D L I N E S

Sportmanship is “outstanding”

Webster High School athletes draw high praise

by Carl Heidel WEBSTER - Webster High School Principal Tim Widiker had reason to feel more than a little proud of his students as he reported to the Webster School Board at its Monday night, Oct. 20, meeting. WHS athletes have been drawing high praise from all over for their outstanding sportsmanship.

According to Widiker, officials from all three of the fall sports, football, cross country and volleyball, have

repeatedly commented on the fine behavior of the Webster players and runners. One football referee noted that following a play, the Webster players are always extending a hand to help up the fallen players from the other team.

The fans have weighed in with their praise also.

One parent contacted Widiker to say how much his son enjoyed playing on the football team because of the fine team spirit and sportsmanship shown by the other players.

“Our sportsmanship is outstanding,” Widiker said.

He reported that even a manager at a McDonald’s restaurant commented on it.

Possible posting of county road affects forestry industry

by Sherill Summer BURNETT COUNTY – Timber sales off of Burnett County forestland is likely to deposit over $1 million dollars into the county’s general fund during 2008, the fourth year in a row of timber sales over $1 million dollars. The timber sales are also vital to the townships with county forestland, as 10 percent of the money goes to these townships.

But what happens if a county road hinders instead of helps the forestry industry in Burnett County?

CTH O runs east and west from roughly the Trade Lake area to the St. Croix River. West of Hwy. 87, the road creates the southern boundary of the Fish Lake Wildlife Area, and then it travels through thousands of acres of Burnett County forest. Finally the road enters Governor Knowles State Forest and ends at the St. Croix River.

A cluster of homes is nestled at the western end of the road. Much of the road traveling through the county forest is gravel and can’t withstand heavy truck traffic.

Recent timber sales off Governor Knowles State Forest has brought dozens of semitrailers hauling wood chips on this gravel road daily, forcing the highway department to lay down 4,000 tons of gravel to maintain the road, at a cost of $30,000.

This unexpected maintenance cost brought highway Commissioner Bob Morehouse to the infrastructure committee asking for help. The highway department can’t afford to keep doing this. It costs a $1,000 a day every time a grader is sent to work on the road, and last week it cost $30,000 for a temporary fix. “I don’t know what else to do.”

One idea is to post the road to allow logging trucks to only use the road in winter.

County forest and parks administrator Jake Nichols pointed out the downside of this idea by explaining that winter-logging-only sales tend to net less money for the county, approximately 20 to 30 percent less, because loggers tend not to bid as high on the restricted sales. This could add up to $34,000 less on the five sales the county has coming up in the next year alone.

Naturally, posting the roads only allowing winter logging will likely affect future years as well.

Since the county has little choice but to maintain the road because families are living on it, the county is considering all options open to them, and no decision has been made at this time.

Morehouse will contact the DNR to see if they have anything to add as they will be affected by the restricted road as well.

“I was really surprised,” said Widiker, “when I got a call from the manager of a McDonald’s restaurant where our team bus had stopped.” The manager had just called to compliment the players and to tell their principal how well behaved they were.

The manager said that he usually dreads having high school team buses stop because the students are so abusive and disruptive. But the Webster bus was a different story, and he wanted Widiker to know it.

“This kind of praise and notice reinforces what our coaches are doing,” Widiker said. “The message is getting through. Good sportsmanship gets noticed.”

Intoxicated man arrested for entering home while family sleeping WEBSTER VILLAGE – Joseph R. Pagenkopf, 25, Superior, was arrested on Sunday, Oct. 19.

Reportedly, Pagenkopf, who was described as intoxicated, broke through a locked door of a home in the village while a family was sleeping.

A juvenile woke a parent to inform him that there was someone in the house. After calling 911, the parent got up and calmly talked to Pagenkopf until the sheriff’s Joseph R. Pagenkopf department responded.

Pagenkopf was arrested for criminal damage to property for a damaged door, criminal trespass and disorderly conduct. Charges are pending. – Sherill Summer

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

GAM possible sale goes to Supreme Court Heirs not asked to allow sale

by Gregg Westigard BALSAM LAKE – Polk County will take the Golden Age Manor sale issue to the Wisconsin Supreme Court. The county will not ask the heirs of the original property owner for a release to sell the property. With those two actions by the supervisors at the county board meeting Tuesday, Oct. 21, the future of the county owned nursing home in Amery will remain in limbo. And the county may be facing legal actions from the buyers of the home.

The court action issue Several issues were on the board’s agenda in this latest round of GAM actions. The first related to court actions to overturn the sale of the home. Last January, the county board, by a vote of 12 to 11, voted to sell GAM. A group asked the courts to block the sale, claiming that the land for the nursing home had been donated to the county by Annie Sylvester, an Amery resident.

They claimed that it takes a two-thirds vote, not a simple majority, to sell donated property.

The Polk County Circuit Court, with Judge Eugene Harrington hearing the case, ruled that the sale was valid. That decision was taken to the Court of Appeals which ruled that the property was indeed donated and stopped the sale. The county filed a petition asking the Supreme Court to review that decision, in effect appealing the Appeals Court action. Bob Dueholm submitted a county board resolution to withdraw the Supreme Court petition for review.

After a long discussion, the board rejected the Dueholm resolution by a vote of eight yes and 15 no. The petition to the Supreme Court for review of the sale remains in place. Voting to stop the review were Supervisors Dueholm, Marv Caspersen, Patricia Messicci, Jay Luke, Diane Stoneking, Neil Johnson, Art Gamache and Gerald Newville.

Favoring the high court review were Joan Peterson, Dean Johansen, Patricia Schmidt, Herschel Brown, Kathy Kienholz, Keith Rediske, James Edgell, Brian Masters, Ken Sample, Russ Arcand, Mick Larsen, Larry Jepsen, Kim O’Connell, Gary Bergstrom and Bryan Beseler.

A buyers suit and closed session discussions An issue that has floated around recent board and committee discussions is the possibility that the buyers of Golden Age Manor may sue the county if the sale is not completed. Their argument may be that the county must take actions to complete the sale or pay the buyer for damages. Those actions might include taking the sale issue to the Supreme Court and trying to clear the donation issue by dealing with the Sylvester heirs.

This possible legal action was probably the reason for another closed session of the county board last Tuesday night.

Even the decision to go into closed session to obtain legal counsel was debated and objected to by a number of supervisors.

“At last month’s meeting we were set up,” Dueholm said. “The decision to go to the Supreme Court had already been made with secrecy. There was no time to talk about it. It was good timing on their part.”

“We have abused our use of closed sessions,” Sample said. “Last time, the closed session information only required two minutes but we took more time.

Anyone could figure that two minutes

out.”

Assistant Corporation Counsel Malia Malone told the supervisors that they needed the closed session to hear the ramifications of the appeal decision.

Jepsen, Newville, Arcand and Luke also spoke against the closed session.

Arcand said the issue was discussed last month and the board members already have their minds made up. Luke said there is nothing new to hear and even questioned the purpose of the special board meeting Sept. 30 on the GAM issue.

The motion to go into closed session was approved 14 to 9. Voting for the session with counsel were Peterson, Johansen, Schmidt, Brown, Kienholz, Rediske, Edgell, Masters, Messicci, Larsen, O’Connell, Bergstrom, Newville and Beseler. Oppossed were Dueholm, Caspersen, Sample, Arcand, Luke, Stoneking, Jepsen, Johnson and Gamache.

Rediske said the closed session should last no more than five minutes, just enough time to hear any new information. The session in fact lasted over 10 minutes.

After the closed session a visibly angry Newville addressed Malone.

“Why should I be concerned?”

Newville asked Malone. “We have had bad counsel for the past year. Everything we were told was wrong. We were assured by counsel and now I am a criminal. Why should I listen now?”

Petitioning the heirs After this debate, the issue of going to the Sylvester heirs to ask that terms of the donation be removed was resolved quickly. The point of this issue was that if the sale is invalid because the property was donated for a purpose, a definition the county is disputing, the sale could proceed if the heir of Annie Sylvester, an undefined group, could clear the sale by agreeing to remove a condition of the deed that the land be used for a county home.

It had been said that this resolution would require a two-thirds vote to pass.

Before the vote, legal counsel said that this was only a vote on whether to approach the heirs and asked them to agree to a change of conditions in the deed. This resolution would require only a simple majority to pass.

After more angry comments from Dueholm and others who said they should have been informed of the change in required votes, the resolution was defeated by a vote of 11 yes, 12 no.

Voting to approach the heirs were Peterson, Schmidt, Brown, Kienholz, Edgell, Masters, Jepsen, O’Connell, Bergstrom, Johnson and Beseler.

Opposed were Dueholm, Johansen, Caspersen, Rediske, Sample, Messicci, Arcand, Larsen, Luke, Stoneking, Gamache and Newville.

Where things stand At this point, the county has petitioned the Supreme Court to review the sale of GAM. It is not known if that court will agree to the review and how long that review might take. The county has rejected the option of asking the Sylvester heirs to remove the possible donation restriction on the deed, an action that might move the sale forward.

The county is saying that the sale agreement stands. The buyers’ may be planning to sue the county for damages if the sale is not completed.

Meanwhile, there is an ongoing disagreement on the current and future financial operations of GAM (more on that next week).

The status of Golden Age Manor remains in limbo.

OCTOBER 22, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 7

PAGE 8 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - OCTOBER 22, 2008

L e a d e r We b Po l l

Total votes: 61

This week’s question

Main concern going to the polls in November are:

7 votes (11%) Morality issues 36 votes (59%) The economy and taxes 6 votes (10%) Health care 1 vote (2%) Support of my party 11 votes (18%) Going with my gut

I’m leaning toward:

1. Obama/Biden 2. McCain/Palin 3. Third party candidate 4. Still undecided 5. Not voting

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

J o e H e l l e r

F O R U M Letters t o t h e e d i t o r Crisis cause It seems whenever I hear a Democrat talk about the current economic crisis, they always blame it on “massive deregulation, runaway Wall Street, and eight years of Bush policies.” Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, this crisis was caused by too much government interference.

Liberals in Congress, allied with groups like ACORN, thought it would be a good idea to give a home loan to everyone, even those who could not afford it.

Thus was born the Community Reinvestment Act, which was then used by the government to coerce banks, against their will, into making loans to low-income people with bad credit and a high likelyhood of default. The government then created Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to purchase these loans so banks would be encouraged to make even more bad loans. During the Bush years, there were several attempts, mostly from Republicans including John McCain, to raise awareness of problems brewing at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. These attempts were constantly rebuffed by the Democrats including Barney Frank, Maxine Waters, and others who continued to assert that there was no problem.

Waters even had praise for the nomoney-down loan.

Which brings us to where we are today. I know it’s fashionable in some circles today to not point fingers and just say “there’s enough blame to go around.” But if we’re ever going to fix the problem and prevent it from happening again, we have to know how we got here.

Steven J. Pyle Osceola

Christian foundation

W h e re t o Wr i t e

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

Governor Jim Doyle 115 East, State Capitol Bldg.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

T h e

On a news program in July, Sen. Obama stated “... we are no longer a Christian nation, we are now a nation of Christians, Jews, Muslims, Buddhists...”

History proves otherwise, and our forefathers fought and died for the right of our nation to be a Christian nation.

The foundation of our country is Christian.

The Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, the Bill of Rights and our system of law are based on Christianity.

Our nation is still Christian because our foundation hasn’t changed. However, many are now working to remove God and destroy our foundation, expecting the impossible - that our nation can stand and be just as strong without it.

The reason Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, etc., can worship freely in America is because Christianity allows it.

For those who argue against our Christian heritage, look at Washington, D.C., filled with statues, panoramas, the Ten Commandments and other Scriptures, etc., depicting our rich Christian heritage. Saying our forefathers didn’t mean for us to be Christian is to infer that they must have been asleep when all of that was built into our government buildings.

Our fourth president, James Madison, known as the Father of our Constitution, stated, “We have staked our political institutions upon the capacity of mankind for self-government, upon the capacity of each and all of us to govern ourselves, to sustain ourselves according to The Ten Commandments of God.” Congress formed the first Bible Society and in 1781 Congress printed the first English Bible in the U.S. A presidential candidate declaring we’re no longer a Christian nation is wrong and dangerous.

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

Obama’s statement is not to be taken lightly. He calls himself Christian but supports human cloning, curriculum promoting homosexuality in schools, stopped a law three times which would protect babies who are born alive after an abortion (his answer was to give them a nicer room to die in with someone to rock them), supports the barbaric partial- birth abortion procedure, supports transporting minor girls across state lines for secret abortions without parental consent, etc. The Bible, where Christianity comes from and is defined, says we can know a person by their words and actions.

Obama believes in the distribution of wealth which is Socialism and the Democrats want to take us that direction. Think of living in the old USSR (Russia)? Or in Cuba under Fidel Castro who also was an unknown who captured the people’s support with promises of change, and ever since, hundreds of people have risked their lives to leave.

Or if we eliminate God in public life, we can expect to live like the North Koreans or Chinese. America is what it is because of our Christian foundation, which honors God and brought his blessing. If we keep letting it be chipped away we will fall.

MaryEllen Olson Amery

Freedom to be heard According to the Wisconsin Right to Life press release of May 30, 2008, last year 8,267 lives in the state of Wisconsin were silenced. These lives were deprived of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Who are these lost citizens, whose voices are silenced forever?

They are the unborn babies in the womb, lives taken through abortion, a medical procedure often referred to as choice.

During this upcoming election season, I have reminded my children of several things: the one we vote for represents our voice; the worst thing we can do is sit back and be silent; we must speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves.

Economics, global warming and the war in Iraq are not the only issues to consider this voting season. The next president will likely appoint up to three Supreme Court justices. Will they hear the voice of the unborn? Will they speak life and protection for those who cannot speak for themselves?

What will your choice be Nov. 4?

Will you get out and vote?

Will you be a voice for the unborn citizens of our country?

Will the officials you select as your voices in Madison and Washington, D.C., represent and hear the voice of the unborn?

Will your choices made in the voting booth embrace a culture of life?

The hearts and souls of our unborn citizens are at stake.

On Nov. 4, use your freedom to be heard, and give the unborn the freedom to be heard. Vote prolife! Our choices do matter.

Will your choice silence the unborn?

Karen Hedlund St. Croix Falls

SUBSCRIBE ONLINE: www.the-leader.net

L e a d e r

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OCTOBER 22, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 9

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

Final week As noted in last week’s Leader, this issue will be the final issue allowing letters regarding the election. Next week’s issue (Oct. 29) is the final issue prior to the Nov. 4 election. That issue will allow letters to the editor from candidates who wish to clarify or rebut information that has appeared in our newspaper. Those letters may not contain any information that may require further rebuttal. Thank you. Editor

Media shapes the news Are you tired of the mainstream media shaping the news, not reporting it? Your opinions are formed by what you hear, and also by what you do not hear. As this election gets closer, the mainstream media continues to gloss over and obfuscate Obama’s history.

Why shouldn’t we hear about the millions that are pouring into Obama’s campaign from foreigners? It is the largest pool of unidentified money that has ever flooded into the U.S. election system.

According to the Federal Election Commission, multiple $25 donations totaling $28,000 from Mr. Good Will and Mr. Doodad both state their employer is “Loving” and profession is “You.” Other overseas donations total $33.8 million. More than 520 listed their “state” as Iran. Others came from Abu Dhabi, Addis Ababa, Beijing, Fallujah, Gaza, Italy, the U.K. and France. Contributions from legitimate overseas addresses totaled just $201,680. U.S. federal law bans any foreigner from donating to a U.S. election campaign. Most would think this is a good law.

The McCain campaign has made its complete donor database available. The Obama campaign has not identified donors for nearly half the amount he has raised, according to the Center for Responsive Politics. The Obama site did not ask for proof of citizenship until just recently.

Why shouldn’t we hear about Obama’s alliance with William Ayers who was a founding member of a group that bombed the U.S. Capitol and the Pentagon then was quoted in the New York Times during 9/11 as saying, “I don’t regret setting bombs . . . I feel we didn’t do enough.”

Documents in the education foundation called the Chicago Annenberg Challenge archives make it clear that Ayers and Obama were partners in the CAC. The group poured more than $100 million into the hands of community organizers and radical education activists. Proposals focusing on math/science achievement were turned down. Instead CAC disbursed money through various far-left community organizers, such as the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now, or ACORN. Obama has also been employed by ACORN. And then how do we get the media to report on ACORN sponsored voter fraud on behalf of Obama? ACORN, which receives 40 percent of its revenues from American taxpayers to pursue an aggressive welfare-state agenda, has already helped register over 1.27 million people nationwide. ACORN is under investigation in multiple states for registering felons, illegal aliens and dead people to vote early and often.

Why isn’t the media calling Obama on accusing our proud military of atrocities, or his slams against the U.S. in his speech in Germany? Why doesn’t the media question his plan to raise taxes on the people that create jobs?

Your parents may have always voted Democrat, but before you cast your loyal, traditional vote, please take a good look on what your current party, aided by the media is now supporting.

To test if Obama is speaking for you, try www.BarackObamaTest.com.

I love my country. The United States has been a gift to the world. Look back a few decades. We used to be proud of innovations in our auto industry, oil was not an enemy but the engine of capitalism, people of wealth that had funds to create jobs were OK to have around, pharma-

ceutical accomplishments were celebrated, and reputations of the military, churches, even retail are now all demonized in the press. And you are led to think your only protection is more government. Think about the importance of local races. Get to know how your candidate wants to grow or limit government.

The more informed we are, the less likely we will fall prey to more social experiments.

Actor Jon Voight said: “This is a perilous time, and more than ever, the world needs a united and strong America. If, God forbid, we live to see Mr. Obama president, we will live through a socialist era that America has not seen before, and our country will be weakened in every way.”

Margo Johnson Osceola

Alumni night Our hats off to all of the GHS volleyball alumni from 1989-2008 who were able to attend the celebration of Grantsburg’s, and coach Bill Morrin’s, 20th-consecutive conference championship. Although this gathering was specifically to acknowledge varsity players who contributed to the string of titles, we hope to begin an annual Alumni Night to recognize all GHS volleyball players throughout history.

The following local businesses furnished fabulous prizes to add to the festivities: Holiday Stop-A-Sec, Grantsburg Subway, The Pizza Place and the Grantsburg Athletic Department.

Crex Techs allowed the use of equipment and supplies for printing team photos and archiving the evening, and the Sentinel and the Leader provided great coverage.

We appreciate everyone who took time out of their busy lives to pause and remember, and to all who helped organize this event in just seven days.

It was an inspiration for current varsity members to see many of the stars that shone on the court before they were even born, and when they were young players waiting their turn.

GHS varsity volleyball team and coaches Grantsburg

Ellis I was saddened to hear of the passing of Ellis Richter. It was my great pleasure to have served on the Frederic School Board with Ellis in the mid-1980s. He was completely honest and totally straightforward with his views.

If someone was not sure what Ellis was thinking, then they had to have been asleep when Ellis was talking. He had no reservations about telling people exactly what he thought. Sometimes his straightforward approach left some with bruised egos and frayed nerves. I was much impressed with his steadfast commitment to the students in the school district, sometimes to the consternation of some staff members. While Ellis was on the school board, a student body government was created and a parents group was formed, with the full enthusiastic support of Ellis Richter.

He firmly believed in a high-quality basic education. He believed that people employed by the school district should be held responsible for doing their jobs, and when he felt they might be falling short of his expectations, he said so.

Unlike some current local politicians, he didn’t see calls from constituents as a reason to set aside his principles out of some misguided sense of political expediency.

He viewed those calls as an opportunity to defend his position and listen to alternate proposals. At the end of such calls, one, and usually both, of the participants in the discussion were better informed.

He was a steady, unwavering voice on behalf of the students and the taxpayers of the Frederic School District.

I deeply regret not following up on the promise I made to myself on several occa-

sions in the last few years to call and arrange a visit with my good friend. I was honored to have served on the Frederic School Board with Ellis and honored to have known him.

Marilyn and I extend our deepest sympathies to Irene and the rest of the Richter family as they deal with the loss of this fine man. There are not nearly enough people in this world like Ellis, with the kind of character, commitment and dedication to leaving the world a little better than he found it.

Godspeed my friend.

Bob Blake Clam Falls

1929 again With the economy slipping and Congress’ debate over the treasury’s $700 billion financial bailout, do not those of us old enough to remember if this could be 1929 again? There are parallels between then and now, but there are also differences.

Americans borrowed heavily in the 1920s for cars, radios, etc. In the past decade, for homes with inflated values.

The federal government, unlike then, is now a huge part of the economy and its spending for Social Security, defense, roads, etc., provides greater stabilization.

Since the late ‘40s, the U.S. has suffered 10 recessions and on average they have lasted 10 months with unemployment of 7.6 percent. The worst were 1973-75 and 1981-82, both lasted 16 months and had unemployment of 9 percent and 10.8 percent respectively. We are certainly in a recession now, but the jobless rate was just 6.1 percent in September. It would have to raise much more to match World War II highs.

It is said that the $700 billion bailout will rescue banks and other financial institutions by having the Treasury buy their mortgage-backed securities. In reality the Treasury is bailing out the Fed. Who is going to pay for this $700 billion bailout? Of course we that are now still living, our children, grandchildren and so on down the line.

With elections for a president and other elective officials coming up, which of the candidates for president and other elective officials has the best solutions for the future? They all promise this and that and each accuses the other of saying this or that. When you go to vote in November, be sure you have all the information you need on what your candidate stands for and what that person will do for you, your family and for your country.

Jack Rued Amery

Supreme Court Let us ponder these words of the Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal; and they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”

Our next president will select several new Supreme Court Justices. It is imperative the unalienable right to life be protected! Life is the basic right of each person!

The president’s selection of Supreme Court Justices and their decisions will remain with us, even if the decisions opposes our Declaration of Independence until the justice’s retire, or die. Think about it! Our president? We can vote for a new one in four years.

I remain, a believer in our Declaration of Independence.

Bernadette L. Tolan Luck

As an evangelical I believe in the whole Bible and its relevancy of both the New and Old Testaments. Now at the time of our death we will all be held accountable Hebrews 9:27, will there by any witnesses to speak on our behalf, I wish it to be ones that are in the company of good angels.

Some professing Christians do not hold a very high value of the lives of the unborn especially when applying this most important issue toward their voting priorities. Our God of the Bible views them as whole living beings, and abortion as murder of the innocent Exodus 21:22-23 and Exodus 23:7.

Let us let everyone down here earn there wings, and maybe some will witness good on our behalf by giving them a chance at life.

By applying these convicting Scripture readings toward your voting decision you should, must vote for Conservative candidates.

Of the Democratic candidates, of which all of them support abortion to some degree, Barack M.H. Obama votes always for the death of defenseless unborn at any stage even if the aborted baby survives the procedure. If he wins, he wants again to have taxpayer funding of abortion. What comes from his silver-tongued lips does not match his voting record and ultimately his heart.

Eldon Carlson Amery

Tom gets job done I was sitting with a group of people last week, when a lady asked former Chisago County Commissioner Tom Delaney if he remembered an incident that occurred a few years previous.

Her neighbor lived in a rural area of Taylors Falls, and had walked into the front yard and found the family cat dead in a trap that had been placed there. While the loss of the pet was excruciating, she was horrified to remember that her 3year-old daughter had been playing there a short time earlier … she could have lost a hand or foot if she, and not the kitten, had triggered the trap.

After several phone calls to the county and law enforcement, the neighbor became extremely frustrated as she was told that there was nothing anyone could do about it, as trapping was legal in the county rights-of-way.

In desperation, she called Tom Delaney, her county commissioner, and explained the situation to him. Tom was dumbfounded to find out that the safety of children and pets did not come first.

After much research, Tom discovered that trapping was indeed allowed on rights-of-way in Chisago County. He immediately brought the issue to the full county board, and within 10 days the law was changed and trapping was banned on rights-of-way throughout the county to protect children and pets. The lady said her neighbor has mentioned this event several times over the years, and that she would never forget the enormous help she received from Tom. And now, Tom is running for mayor of Taylors Falls. One of his major goals is to cut the excessive spending of taxpayer dollars taking place within the city.

Taylors Falls has the highest per capita tax in the county. Tom has promised to cut the uncontrolled spending and lower your high taxes in the process. We cannot afford two more years of the present policies … we need to elect Tom Delaney mayor of Taylors Falls. Be sure to vote for Delaney on Nov. 4. Remember Delaney’s reputation … “Tom gets the job done.”

Jimmy Eshelman Taylors Falls

Nonbelievers need not apply This is not an ad for a position of employment, but a statement of where your priorities should be.

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 - OCTOBER 22, 2008

Take Wayne...please!

My neighbor Kelly Green read my column and turned red. He let me have it in a letter to the editor. I thought I’d write my pen pal back.

Now, I may have made a boo-boo.

I read you to say you liked the Leader and liked that various opinions are expressed in it, especially Amy’s opinions.

Now you’re saying Amy’s antics are the only thing “worth picking up” in the Leader and “confess” you’ve never completely read my column.

How can you criticize a fine paper and my great writing if you don’t read it? I read your letter. Here’s a tip: It’s important to completely read the subject matter before you dump on it. Your neighbors and readers deserve the effort.

Kelly thinks I’m “uninteresting and misinformed.” If I had better jokes, I might be more entertaining. But the fact is, I am well-informed regarding flawed journalism and libel.

Let me remind you of two nagging facts, which you never disputed: The statement that St. Paul peace officers were “systematically targeting journalists” for arrest. This is plain poppycock.

And the notion the president and vice president are co-conspirators in a “massive global campaign of kidnapping” and “torture.” This is plain wacky.

Now, I am not a “frustrated junior high boy all upset,” as you said. You’re behind the times Kelly. That was 40 years ago.

Today I am a frustrated news correspondent, who’s upset with journalists who won’t tell truth. It’s been a complaint of mine since graduating journalism school. On this point Mr. Green, you and I see red.

Journalists have an obligation to stand behind their words.

It’s called integrity. It’s why when I publically criticize someone in my column, I contact them for a response.

This is what real journalists do. Another is they love to eat – and drink. Which is why I must give another plug to Cafe Wren.

They serve fantastic soups and tasty sandwiches. It’s a great local restaurant open to all – Liberals, Conservatives and Kelly Green. Where did you get the dark idea of a “coven?” Kelly, you need to put on a smile, have some soup and come out to play.

It’s clear you have issues. I see some others in the Gathering do too. Here’s my offer: Let’s gather and get them out on the table. How about a public debate? One on one. Or me versus the whole team!

We can debate if President Bush and Vice President Cheney are guilty of kidnapping and torture or on bad journalism or on what part the Leader should play in publishing any of this. You name the topic and I’ll be there.

At first I called Amy Goodman to stand behind her words. She won’t answer in New York. Now I’m calling on you in Frederic to stand up and stand behind your words. Will you take my call?

If not, I understand. At least have some soup with me. My treat!

Wayne Anderson West Sweden

Bailout not solution Albert Einstein once said, “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.”

The recent vote on the bailout is proof that we cannot depend on government to fix the recent economic crisis we are in.

Think about it.

Congress caused this problem by lowering the bar regarding mortgages so that individuals who were unable to pay them back could borrow money. This resulted in failed mortgages and an economic disaster. Now we have Congress trying to solve the problem they caused by doing the very same thing again by loaning money to lending institutions that cannot afford to pay them back. Einstein defined this as insanity! Wouldn’t you agree? The solution to our economic crisis lies in the hands of the American people. It is time

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we bail out America. Obviously we cannot depend on the present Congress to do the job. They seem to only be making it worse. I would never have voted for this bailout, and I am ashamed of those congressmen who did.

It’s time we all unite and work together to lift up our nation to insulate our community, our state, and our nation from the potential damage of this global financial crisis. It is time we stand united to protect our own. You have heard of the buy local buy fresh movement in central Wisconsin.

Well, we need to expand that concept to other areas. We need to create a sustainable nation.

Every dollar spent should be spent to better America by making sure it stays in our community where possible, stays in our state when able and certainly stays within our nation’s borders.

We cannot afford to watch our wealth exported. If business, industry and tourism must suffer, let’s do our part to make sure it doesn’t suffer here.

Employees should do their absolute best to increase profitability. Employers should support American suppliers of their goods and services.

We must make sure that government spends our tax dollars on American-made goods and services as well. This will help to increase jobs and prosperity at home.

When I see government contracts going to foreign companies and not our own, I am appalled. For them to put restrictions and demands on our industry and business, and then buy goods from foreign competitors that are not held to the same standards, is an offense against the United States and its workforce. Democrats and Republicans in Washington need to get their priorities straight and return to a position of service to the American people.

The American people built this nation and it will take the American people, not government, to gain victory over this economic crisis, as well.

God Bless America.

Dan Mielke Rudolph Editor’s note: Mielke is a candidate for the 7th Congressional District. His Web site can be found at: www.danielmielke.com .

What is right The 2008 election date is fast approaching. We have had a long time to reflect on who should be elected to represent our interests in the local, state and federal government.

Both of the past two presidential elections, were said to have been the “most important election of our time.” But, time and history have already proven that this election is now the most important of all.

I recall eight years ago, and then again four years ago, President G.W. Bush said he wanted to “privatize” Social Security.

It was a popular idea for a while.

Certainly, eight years ago, when our government had a surplus and balanced budget, and the stock market was strong, it seemed to many to be a good idea.

However, in light of what has happened to the government budget and the economy since then, we are very, very, lucky that Bush’s idea of privatization was stopped by Congress. Investing in stocks is always a gamble. The rich can afford to take gambles with their money, but the rest of us cannot. We need that safety-net of Social Security to be kept solid and intact.

Thanks to congressmen like Obey, privatization of Social Security, did not happen. We need to keep Obey, with his wisdom and experience, in Washington.

Congressman Obey has always argued for doing what is right, and not what is politically popular at that moment. He, along with other Democrats, like Sen. Obama, will make a difference in how things are done in Washington, if we give them the chance.

The issues we are facing now are more difficult and more serious than ever before: deficit spending and a federal government that is nearly bankrupt, an economy that is headed toward severe reces-

sion or possible depression, a way to secure funds for Social Security in the future, a need to finish up the war in Afghanistan and stabilize the region, a need to extricate ourselves from a war against a people who did not attack us (Iraq), finding a way to balance the federal budget and begin to pay down the national debt without throwing the entire economy into a tailspin, a need to become energy self-sufficient by investing in clean, green, alternative energies, and a need to help the world fight global warming and to deal with the ramifications of it.

The list goes on.

Unfortunately, education and health care will be way down on the list. With limited resources, we have to make tough choices, and prioritize our needs. We do this in our personal lives and the government must do the same. I don’t expect many of these domestic issues to be addressed for some time. Paying down the horrible debt that has been run up by the present administration must be first and foremost.

Some like to be derisive of the Democrats’ policies, calling them “tax and spend Democrats.” But, I’d rather have someone in office who raises the money to pay for what our government does, than have someone who just “charges it” and leaves our children and grandchildren to pay the bills. I’d rather have someone who, when a little extra money becomes available, uses it to pay off debt, rather than giving it back in the form of a “stimulus check” or “tax refund,” resulting in a larger deficit and national debt. Those types of economic policies result in a weak economy and a weak economy results in a weak country.

This turnaround will be difficult and painful and will not happen overnight, but with the right people in office, and citizens who are willing to make the necessary sacrifices, we can do it.

So, please when you vote on Nov. 4, be sure you vote for the people who care enough about our country to do what is right, and not what is merely politically popular.

Priscilla Fjorden Milltown

Questions I have questions about both of our presidential candidates and their ability to adequately lead our country. However, I have many more questions about one of them. I believe that past performance and voting records are more revealing than present promises.

How can someone who merely clasps his hands in front of him during the National Anthem want to lead this country? Why would someone eliminate the flag from his airplane and replace it with his own emblem want to represent our country? Why would one who wants to be our commander-in-chief decide not to visit injured servicemen and women? Can he be an effective commander-in-chief if he has had no military experience? Would the armed forces be able to respect him and his decisions?

How could someone listen to 20 years of “hate America” rhetoric without objection if he loves this country?

How can someone approve of all abortions, including partial-birth abortions, supporting Planned Parenthood when the organization has been proven to target the black and Hispanic population?

Can I trust someone who worked for years with ACORN, which is accused of widespread voter fraud in 12 states, is presently under investigation for voter fraud and turning in fraudulent and multiple registrations for individuals, as well as destroying Republican applications?

How can someone be proud to have been involved with voter registration for them and for being their attorney?

Can I trust someone who has Frank Raines, the former Fannie Mae CEO, as a financial advisor? Can I trust someone who trained leaders for ACORN whose aim is to create disruption and chaos in established systems to cause their collapse? Apparently they have succeeded in creating financial chaos.

Why should I support a candidate who

is endorsed by terrorists and terrorist organizations in other countries? That is scary! Do they know something we haven’t been told? Why would I want this country to be a Socialist regime which many of his proposals lead to? Why aren’t his ties to the Democratic Socialists of America front page news? Do we need government programs from 0 to 5 through Medicaid and Social Security (birth to death)? Am I not intelligent enough to plan and care for myself and my family in the majority of situations? Such governments have proved failures in many ways (North Korea, USSR, Cuba). If someone likes that type of government, why don’t they move there and let us have our free enterprise system here which has worked for over 200 years?

Do I want to elect someone who advocates complete support for illegal aliens— education, Medicaid, incarceration, food stamps, welfare and social services— amounting to billions each year?

When taxes are raised on corporations do you think that they will pass on the added costs to the purchasers of their goods and services?

Alice Shepherd Fish Creek Editor’s note: Alice and her husband, Bill Shepherd, were longtime leaders of the Central Methodist Church in Grantsburg and the Atlas Methodist Church prior to his retirement to Door County.

Morality Pastor Schoen advocates for the Ten Commandments and for morality in government. Who would disagree? Similar codes of human behavior are found in virtually all contemporary civilizations and religions and have stood the test of time.

Pastor Schoen then, perhaps unintentionally, equates morality with religion. They are not the same.

“Right behavior” may be classified into law, morality and religion. The law is the lowest standard, the least controversial and the most enforceable; it is what a majority of people in a democracy can agree upon. Next is morality and ethics, a higher standard than the law, more controversial and enforceable, not by law but by peer pressure and membership threats within voluntary secular groups such as professions, trades, and clubs. And at the top of the scale is the spiritual or religious; it is the highest standard, the most controversial and enforceable similarly by peer pressure, shunning, excommunication, and fears of eternal damnation – violations are called “sin.” All three of the codes require adoption by communities of humans. Religious codes cite divine origins, for example, Jews and Christians believe the Ten Commandments were authored by God and delivered to Moses on Mount Sinai; they are also found in the Quran and important to Muslims.

Human killing, for example violates all the codes; it’s illegal, immoral and sinful.

It violates the sixth Commandment. But in practice, killing isn’t always wrong. A killer may be found legally innocent in a clear case of self-defense and courts may order a killing for really bad crimes. On moral grounds, most Americans justify abortion killing to save the life of a mother; one twin may be killed to save the life of the other. Political killing (war) is justified in defense of “freedom” and “our way of life.”

Few of us are consistent of course; we don’t always behave according to our professed beliefs, not even pastors. But I don’t understand how some who would make all abortions illegal ardently defend the Iraq war where thousands of innocent men, women and children have been killed. Can we have it both ways?

Norman Jensen, M.D., M.S. Professor, Emeritus, General Internal Medicine Fellow, University of Wisconsin Teaching Academy President-elect, American Academy

on Communication in Healthcare Madison and Siren

OCTOBER 22, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 11

Health care reform As long as I have been around, I have heard from politicians about health care reform. We need less talk and more action.

Sheila Harsdorf is working on the front lines to help get us affordable health care in western Wisconsin. While partisans are calling for a government takeover and other schemes, Sheila has stepped in to take action. First, she passed the bill to enable health care cooperatives to form in Wisconsin.

Then, she helped organize job providers in our region to start their own cooperative. Today, they are forming Cooperative Health Choices of Western Wisconsin.

It is a real success that you can learn more about online at www.unitedscv.com.

Farmers have already saved thousands from a cooperative they helped create.

So, while the talk will continue, and the back-and-forth political charges will fly, I ask voters to remember that if we want action, we should support Sheila Harsdorf on Nov. 4.

Jake Bostrom Menomonie

Follow the money I have become concerned about the representation we have been getting from our 7th District Congressional representative, David Obey. Opensecrets.org is an Internet Web page that tracks campaign contributions to our elected representatives. I compared Mr. Obey’s campaign donations with the other seven congressional representatives in Wisconsin and found he obtains 90 percent of his donation from political action committees and individuals who reside outside the state of Wisconsin. The other Wisconsin congressional representatives receive about 40 percent of their donations from out-ofstate sources.

How can Mr. Obey be representing the Wisconsin 7th District when he receives most of his campaign money from outside the state of Wisconsin? Mr. Obey has raised 34-percent more money than the average amount raised by other Wisconsin representatives.

The largest contributor is Farallon Capital Management, who gave Mr. Obey $16,800. Farallon is an investment company located in California. Mr. Obey in turn voted to bail out these investment companies.

Mr. Obey has been in Congress for 31 years and has become so accustomed to the Washington, D.C., environment that he no longer represents the needs of the 7th District. I strongly suggest that voters in the 7th District vote for anyone other then Dave Obey.

Dan Hubin Shell Lake

Don’t shoot messenger RE: New taxes question - Leader candidate survey of Oct. 8, 2008:

In his response to the question on increasing the state sales tax, Kent Muschinske alluded to legislation initiated by Rep. Hraychuck.

The legislation referred to was “to raise the sales tax on certain retailers in the district.” Although Muschinske did not specifically identify the legislation, I believe he was referring to the Premier Resort Area Sales Tax requested by the city of St. Croix Falls (a modest one-half of 1 percent on a limited list of items making the sales tax 6 percent rather than 5-? percent).

This item was placed on the April ’08 election as a referendum for the residents of St. Croix Falls to approve or deny. The residents approved the measure by a vote of 64 percent to 36 percent. It was then forwarded to Hraychuck as a request to present to the state Legislature. Hraychuck did as our elected representatives would be expected to do; she followed through with the directive of the citizens who elected her.

This was not her idea nor did she “initiate” it. It was ours. Hraychuck served what our messenger to the state Legislature. Let’s not shoot the messenger.

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The request was introduced to the appropriate committee of the Legislature where it eventually died. Like it or not, that is the procedure established by the state. I should also note that Sen. Harsdorf did not support this effort.

None of us like taxes, myself included.

Nevertheless, I supported this action. I don’t particularly like the idea of some people having to pay for the wear and tear caused by others. This seemed a reasonable way to deal with that. Had it been eventually approved, the revenue would have helped the city pay for the additional costs related to police and fire protection and wear and tear on our streets and parks.

Believe it or not, we have in the neighborhood of 50,000 to 75,000 visitors each summer. The residents finance the majority of the cost to provide services for these visitors. The city receives virtually no property tax revenue from the federal or state government properties located in the city (National Park Service Headquarters, Interstate State Park and state DNR Fish Hatchery).

For what it’s worth, I believe it is inappropriate for people to be erroneously accused of actions they are not guilty of.

Arnie Carlson District II Alderman City of St. Croix Falls

Negative mailings In the past few weeks voters of the 10th Senate District have seen three negative mail pieces from Alison Page. They attack Sheila Harsdorf and have distorted her record by running a malicious campaign.

Worse yet, she has the gall to imply that Sheila Harsdorf is captive to special interests.

Seriously, who is funding all of Alison Page’s negative mail pieces? While Sen. Sheila Harsdorf has always rejected special interest PAC contributions, Alison Page has received thousands upon thousands from out-of-state special interests with a tax-raising agenda – not to mention her special interest friends on television running a smear campaign against Sheila.

Voters can look up the truth at http://elections.state.wi.us/ instead of relying upon Alison Page.

If voters believe Alison Page – the same Alison Page that vowed to not to run a negative race, then they should wonder what Alison is offering to her special interest friends. Voters are looking for real positions on real issues during these tough times and not special-interest-funded hit pieces.

Character and integrity are high on my list of things I want in my legislator. I have been a friend of Sheila’s and have gone to church with her since 1995 and she can’t be bought, manipulated or pressured by special interests for a reason- she owes them nothing.

Robert Burke Hudson

On government What is wrong with our government?

The approval rating of the Congress of the United States is abysmal, hovering around 25 percent (the approval rating of the Bush administration is no better).

What is wrong with our Congress?

Plainly, we are all sick and tired of politics as usual. Our government is a mess. Not enough of the right things get done, and too many of the wrong things get done. It all costs way too much. Politicians in Washington seem not to even blink an eye when they spend billions of dollars.

Government is essential. We could not do without it, but it should operate efficiently, promptly and with integrity for the good of us all. Sometimes that happens, but too often there is appalling waste of resources and failure to address pressing issues. More must be done about health care. Our health care is the most costly in the world, but we, the richest country on earth, do not have affordable health care for everyone.

Our educational system needs help, to assure that every child receives the best of

educations. The No Child Life Behind law was well intended, but it neglected the need to have and encourage study of science, mathematics, etc., required so that there will be those who will develop necessary future technologies. We must continue to be the most innovative nation on earth. The need is now. We cannot continue living as we are, heedlessly despoiling our planet and exhausting its resources.

Our economy is sick. The unprecedented governmental efforts to prevent its collapse seem rather ineffectual, proposing questionable help from the top down.

What is most alarming is the skyrocketing cost of it all. Billions here, billions there.

Where will it all come from? We are already greatly in debt to the Chinese, etc.

Will we leave our children and future generations with a country that is broke?

The governing in Washington, D.C., with a culture of lobbyists, is unacceptable. Change is necessary. We can no longer afford excessive and uncontrolled spending, with lack of oversight, and favored treatment for a few. Our government must be brought under control. It must be reduced in size. There must be total departure from the excesses and priorities of the Bush administration. It is time to stop helping huge corporations and the rich get richer. It is time to help the truly needy and the middle class of America.

Race, gender and religion. This is the hidden issue, our pervasive dark biases and prejudices. What a wonderful world it would be if we could think reasonable at all times, but we all fall short too often.

Every one of us. We must not, however, allow ourselves to be irrational in making a determination as to who should be the next president of the United States. This, I submit, is the most important issue of national import we will ever face.

We are in the most difficult of times.

Our economy is a shambles, with no good solution in sight. We continue to be mired in a war that is exhausting this nation. We have lost too many of our brave young people. This unnecessary war continues to cost us billions of dollars each month. Our stature in the world has sunk to a new depth. We are heavily in debt to the nations of China, Japan and India.

We have not been able to provide health care for everyone. Our educational system is not what it ought to be. There is great threat of there being no money for Social Security and Medicare in the future. Yet, CEOs of large corporations continue to earn unconscionable salaries, added to by the tax cuts of the Bush administration; and with Sen. McCain proposing to even increase their tax cuts to further enlarge their already huge salaries in the millions.

Sen. Obama would eliminate these tax breaks for those who do not need them.

So then, should we elect our president by giving consideration to race, gender or religion? Of course, not. Yet there are those who try to get us to cast our votes blindly and ignorantly. Religion should not be an issue, but there have been despicable efforts to paint Obama as a Muslin.

He is not, he is a Christian. When JFK ran for president, he had to overcome irrational fear of electing a Catholic to the presidency. Hillary Clinton has buried forever the notion that women could not aspire to the highest office in the land.

Obama had a black father and white mother, but it is he, as an individual, who we must consider. One has to admire that stature he has achieved by his great efforts to reach the heights.

War and peace. Everyone believes in peace. Yet, we go to war. When we are attacked we must go to war, as we did after Pearl Harbor. Otherwise, we must not go to war unless we are compelled to do so for good reason. Our NATO alliance may require that we do so, but when should we do so otherwise when we have not been attacked? To stop genocide?

Perhaps so, but we should do so only in cooperation with other nations, and reluctantly without the approval of the United Nations.

When is the Bush tactic of pre-emptive strike necessary, if at all? This question especially confronts us in the age in which we live, ever since we initiated the nuclear age. For years, we have lived in fear of a nuclear holocaust. That fear subsided

with the end of the Cold War, but the treat still exists with many nations now having or conspiring to have nuclear capability.

Moreover, the threat is not only of nuclear destruction, since there are now other weapons of mass destruction.

We must prevent such devastation. If there is no other way, a preemptive strike seems necessary, but it should never be done without absolute certainty of an eminent threat. We now know that we were wrong to invade Iraq. There were no “weapons of mass destruction.”

Despicable as was his regime, Saddam Hussein was under control. He was suffering the effects of the sanctions, as well as reluctantly accepting U.N. inspectors.

Our invasion had but minimal support of other nations. It was a terrible mistake, resulting in huge loss of lives, as well as continuing to cost us billions of dollars that we can ill afford.

Our invasion and mismanaged occupation of Iraq has seriously damaged our reputation in the world. We must endeavor to re-establish our reputation as a peace-loving country, which is the best avenue to peace in the world. We must show the way. Difficult as it may be, we must work with the United Nations. Also, we should prevail upon the Arab League to assist in preserving peace in the Middle East. We and Israel are not the only countries threatened by Iran and an unstable Iraq.

Ron Ylitalo Grantsburg Editor’s note: Mr. Ylitalo’s letter represents submissions from last week and this week, as room did not permit his letter to be published last week.

Teachers respond We write this letter as some of the teachers who organized the event mentioned in Ms. Winkleman’s recent letter titled “Shamefully Partisan.” Winkleman’s letter contained a number of interesting statements, starting with her assertion that the event was organized in some way by any candidates – it wasn’t. The event was put on by us – the local Wisconsin Education Association Council chapter, a group of dedicated educators who want to promote political candidates that will support our public schools.

All candidates, regardless of political party, had gone through a rigorous screening process and vote by our total WEAC membership before being endorsed.

Alison Page and Rep. Ann Hraychuck supported public education in their answers, were endorsed, and were voted by our membership as candidates who would support public education.

Assembly candidates Chris Buckle and Sarah Bruch also did. The other candidates did not. Therefore, Alison Page and Rep. Ann Hraychuck along with Chris Buckle and Sarah Bruch were the candidates that were invited to the event.

In addition, Winkleman states that we should have invited their nonendorsed opponents, including state Sen. Sheila Harsdorf – As taxpayers here in northwestern Wisconsin, we disagree that Sen. Harsdorf’s record of voting to send millions of our tax dollars to fund private schools in Milwaukee makes her the “advocate for the efficient, effective, responsive and fully accountable public education system,” that Winkleman calls her.

What’s really shameful is the way that some politicians claim to support building strong public schools for our kids while endorsing policies that do the opposite.

Our kids and their education are just too important for that kind of double-talk, and that’s why we are proud to be supporting Alison Page for state Senate and Rep. Ann Hraychuck, Chris Buckel and Sarah Bruch for Assembly.

Meg Farrington Harold Rivard Jody Keller Lori Baillargeon Jennifer Nickowski Cynthia Isaac Toni Rivard School District of Somerset

PAGE 12 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - OCTOBER 22, 2008

Who gets to vote?

The 2008 presidential elecvoter-registration drive, I tion may see the highest parknow how problems arise. ticipation in U.S. history.

This is typically a situation Voter-registration organizawhere ACORN probably paid tions and local election boards people to get registrations, have been overwhelmed by and these folks, not wanting enthusiastic people eager to to actually register people, vote. But not everyone is because that’s actually hard happy about this blossoming work, just went into a phone of democracy. book or made up names and ACORN, the Association of submitted false registrations Community Organizations for to get paid. So there’s been Reform Now, has become a Amy fraud perpetrated on probalightning rod for the right Goodman bly ACORN, if they paid wing. ACORN’s Web site these individuals and they notes that “the electorate does actually didn’t do registranot reflect the citizenry of the United tions. But this isn’t a situation where States of America. It skews whiter, there’s actually people who are going older, more educated and more affluent to try to vote, because these are phony than the citizenry as a whole.” Bertha names.”

Lewis, ACORN’s lead organizer, told ACORN has seen some clearly fraudme: “We organize low- and moderate- ulent registrations submitted, with income people, usually folks who are names like “Mickey Mouse” turned in. minorities – African-Americans, ACORN says it reviews all the registraLatinos, Asians and working-class tion forms. However, it does not serve white people. And most of these folks as the ultimate arbiter of which regishave always been disenfranchised out trations are fraudulent. In fact, ACORN of the electoral process. ... We’ve regis- cannot legally throw away any votertered 1.3 million new voters across the registration cards. It flags suspicious country over an 18-month period of cards and submits them to the approtime. We had over 13,000 hardworking priate state election authority to make voter-registration workers. And we the judgment. may have had a few bad apples, but I Republicans are increasingly alarmed don’t know any organization that did- at the shifting demographics of the n’t.”

United States. Minorities tend to vote Barack Obama himself was ques- Democratic, and the United States is tioned about ACORN’s problematic slowly becoming a majority minority registrations. He said: “Having run a country – by 2050, whites will no

Letters to the editor The Leader welcomes letters to the editor. Diverse and varied opinions are welcomed.

Letters are subject to being edited for length, taste and/or clarity, and we urge writers to be brief and limit their letters to 500 words or less. Writers must provide their name 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.

Tackling the budget crunch Recently the state’s economy received some more bad news. Due to the continuing decline in the national economy, and the stock market a veritable roller coaster, it was probably inevitable that the state’s budget would feel the crunch. Still no matter who is to blame, it is a problem that we must tackle in the months to come.

One thing that I take faith in is that Wisconsin actually finished the last fiscal year in decent shape. Had it not been for the greed on Wall Street and the lack of leadership in the White House, we wouldn’t be facing dire economic times.

This tells me that we have been doing the right things. We have been making the tough decisions and tightening the belt. Unfortunately, we will once again have to pull that belt even tighter.

As we deal with this financial mess, it is also important that we don’t lose track of our state’s most important priorities. It won’t be easy to do, but we can’t turn our back on good schools, funding shared revenue, providing health care to the elderly and less fortunate, maintaining a strong infrastructure, and creating new jobs by investing in renewable energy production.

We must continue to invest in those things that make our state a great place to live and then make do with what is left.

One of the reasons state revenues are down is because families are prioritizing and spending less. The state must learn to do the same thing. After we address our most important commit-

ments, we need to look at every single item that we spend money on as a state and ask ourselves two things: is this program worth it, and can we do it cheaper.

It is also important to note that budget deficits are Ann not necessarily a Hraychuck new phenomenon for Wisconsin and 28th District are not necessarily Assembly restricted to bad financial times.

Throughout the 1990s when Tommy Thompson was governor and the economy was booming, state government still spent beyond its means. After more than a decade of overspending, Gov. Doyle came into office in 2002 and was faced with a $3.2 billion deficit. To his credit, he lowered the structural deficit significantly over his years in office without raising taxes.

We can do the same thing again. We can tackle another tough budget and make responsible choices, but we cannot do it unless we work together. We cannot afford to repeat the mistakes that we have seen in Washington, and we cannot afford to let partisanship get in the way of doing what is right for our state in these tough economic times.

As always, please feel free to contact me toll-free at 888-529-0028 or by email at this address: Rep.Hraychuck@legis.wisconsin.gov

longer represent a majority in the U.S. As right-wing commentator Patrick Buchanan lamented in 2004: “In 1960, when JFK defeated Nixon, America was a nation of 160 million, 90 percent white and 10 percent black, with a few million Hispanics and Asians sprinkled among us. We were one nation, one people. We worshipped the same God, spoke the same English language.”

Buchanan’s xenophobia highlights a political reality: Immigration and mobilization of the urban poor are shifting the electorate to the Democrats, especially in key swing states like New Mexico, Colorado, Florida and Ohio.

The federal Help America Vote Act was passed in 2002 in response to the electoral crisis of 2000. But it requires new voters to present identification at the polling place, which critics allege is a modern-day Jim Crow law. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (the son of the assassinated 1968 presidential candidate) said recently: “I have an ID, and most Americans have an ID. But one out of every 10 Americans don’t have a government-issued ID, because they don’t travel abroad, so they don’t have passports, and they don’t drive a car, so they don’t have driver’s licenses. The number rises to one in five when you’re dealing with the African-American community.” The online Michigan Messenger revealed that Michigan Republicans were planning to use a list of people with foreclosed homes to purge voter rolls. And a federal judge in Detroit has just ordered that 1,500

people be restored to the Michigan voter rolls, based on “voter caging” – purging people if mail to them is returned as undeliverable. The scandal around the firing of U.S. attorneys, which ultimately led to the resignation of U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, was based largely on the refusal of the Republican prosecutors to pursue unfounded voter-fraud cases.

Citizen groups like Election Protection and Video the Vote are organizing to document and report problems at the polls on Nov. 4. It is more likely that they will see honest people denied the right to vote, purged from the voter rolls, than an attempt by Mickey Mouse to vote Obama. *** Denis Moynihan contributed research to this column. *** Amy Goodman is the host of “Democracy Now!,” a daily international TV/radio news hour airing on more than 700 stations in North America. Her column’s appearance in the Leader is sponsored by the local group, The Gathering, an informal group of people of diverse ages, experience, and philosophies who meet every other week at a member’s home for silent meditation and lively discussions about peace, justice, spirituality, religion, politics, environment, global cultures and humanity. “We have a deep concern about how religious ideals affect society.

Therefore, we are also interested in politics and in causes and programs, which will benefit our community,” says a spokesperson for the group.

Letters t o t h e e d i t o r City versus rural

There is a difference between Big City Republicans and Democrats, and rural ones. City dwellers have everything they need brought in and all their waste hauled out. They are completely dependent upon everybody else, so when Republicans talk about the Nanny State as something arising out of the lowerincome brackets, they are deluding themselves. Their ideas of the economy are numbers on an electronic screen that can be tweaked to support whatever they want investors and the rest of the country to believe. When the whole thing falls apart all they have to do is blame somebody else and try to get the rest of the country to side with them.

And Big City liberals seem to think they can help you if you just do things their way, hence they are fond of rules and more rules, many of which make no sense in a rural community. Many of them make no sense at all and are merely trying to disguise hidden agendas, and that goes for both parties.

I think a lot of the confusion people have is because they read this stuff coming from the experts and project it onto their own community members. A Republican from Webster made the, oh so sure of himself, claim that “poor people nor the middle class create jobs,” and then went on with the usual Republican BS that this is why the wealthy shouldn’t be taxed more heavily. Gee, isn’t it fun to find out that all the small businesses around here don’t exist! Nor do any of the businesses started and run by low and middle-income people in small communities all across the country! A small business owner in a rural community lives among the people they employ and I should hope fully understands that real wealth is the health and prosperity of the people in the community, and of the land.

A strong social safety net is a common sense part of a vibrant community. Yes, I know, the need for food, shelter, water, heat, and health care are really pesky dependencies if your only motive is ever more profit for your business and all the hardworking investors. So of course the wealthy corps want your tax dollars to keep going towards them and their everexpanding plans.

Mr. McCain said in the first presidential debate that he wished everyone could be wealthy. In the last one he said Obama

wants to spread the wealth around, as if that’s a terrible socialist thing. Haven’t you ever asked yourselves why it’s socialistic if you want your tax dollars to come back to the state and the counties and townships, but it’s good and capitalism if they go to subsidize bloated, too big to fail businesses and banking institutions?

We are told the whole world-banking infrastructure is in melt down right now and it’s because of a subprime loan mess, and of course, the Democrats are to blame. Yeah right. This mess is just one symptom, not a cause, and both parties are in on it. What is the cause? Well for one thing, the planet does not regenerate resources at the rate compound interest on paper grows, so the real wealth is getting scarcer, and an overworked, underpaid work force is losing hope and getting sicker and health care is getting more expensive. People and the planet cannot keep up with the demands made upon them. For the wealthy, the only way for their economy to grow is if everybody lives way beyond their means, so they encourage it and when it finally reaches the limits of practical endurance and starts to colapse, then, guess what, the low and middle class get chastised for not saving more. As if someone earning minimum wage has anything to save at all after payroll tax and survival expenses.

A rural liberal is much more likely to dispise too many rules because they just don’t apply here. This is a whole other reality than an inner-city neighborhood.

They might have windmills on their silos, solar panels on their roofs, farm organically because they know that what goes on the land seeps into the water table and comes back up in their well water. What gets flushed or washed down the drain goes into their septic system. Cutting down whole forests changes the airflow on the land, and too much development deprive wildlife of habitat.

To me, this present election is not about which party wins, the Republicans have lost all credibility long ago and the Democrats need to learn how to spread the wealth around to the lower income groups and trust them to use it in the ways they most need to for their own situations. This election is about which candidate can and will transcend their party politics.

Mary Bingham Grantsburg

OCTOBER 22, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 13

What’s it like to be poor?

Poverty simulation in Burnett County stirs thought, encourages volunteerism

by Sherill Summer SIREN – A 2005 report titled The State of Working Wisconsin says poverty in Wisconsin is rising faster than any other state and is now at nearly 11 percent.

The 2004 poverty level in Burnett County was already at 11 percent.

Poor and near-poor families are much more likely to experience material hardships than higher-income families, the report states.

But what does it feel like to have material hardship?

Executive director of Ruby’s Pantry, Lyn Sahr, spoke after the poverty simulation about growing up in poverty and how, currently, he is working to Participant of the poverty simulation, Michelle Bailey, picks up her paycheck ease hunger in the area through from Tim Gerber. Many participants lost their jobs during the simulation, as Ruby’s Pantry food distribution. they had to overcome child care or transportation issues. – Photos by Sherill Summer stay home

In an attempt to give a taste of the lifestyle often experienced by those in poverty, the University of Wisconsin Extension office hosted a poverty simulation on Thursday, Oct. 16, at the Lakeview Event Center in Siren.

Health and human service personnel, clergy, the Burnett County sheriff and Burnett County supervisors took part in the simulation.

Each participant assumed roles of low-income family members and were given a family profile and home. Each family then tried to secure basic necessiArne Enslin trys to manage through ties, hold jobs, provide child care or four weeks with his assumed, low- send children to school, etc. during four income identity.

15-minute “weeks,” within a community that included a bank, store, employer, pawn shop, mortgage company, school, community action agency, child-care facility and department of family services office. The community even included

Mark Hayman, with the assumed profile of a 12-year-old named Carl, hangs out at school

illegal activities and police.

All-important transportation tokens had to be purchased to get from place to place.

Challenging Participants did not find the experience at all easy.

After the simulation, participants reported little or no money for food, utilities or rent. Some families were evicted from their homes during the simulation. Others were hit with crime at inopportune times or lost jobs, and children didn’t go to school because they had to baby-sit younger siblings.

One participant, Arne Enslin, who is a retired minister who still provides clergy support through the sheriff’s department during tragedies, described how the frustrations rose each “week” until he felt defeated enough to just want to

Sheriff Dean Roland described how general assumptions about the “rules of life” turned out to be wrong throughout the simulation.

Following the simulation, participants were able to listen to real-life success stories from three individuals who overcame poverty as children, including Lyn Sahr, executive director of Ruby’s Pantry, which distributes food in the area.

Finally, participants were urged to commit to the war on poverty, especial-

The simulated low-income community included a crime element and police. Shown is extension youth agent Mary Pardee, given the role of illegal activities person, being arrested by Lisa Johnson of Restorative Justice.

Later Pardee described being let out of jail with no money, no Participants not only had little money for food, they also had to contend job, and little choice but to resort to with waiting until stores were open. crime again.

Beekeepers wrap up another year of gathering honey BURNETT/POLK COUNTIES Beekeepers across the state have now wrapped up their bees and hives in preparation for winter.

The year 2008 is over for honey gathering.

Last Thursday, the Polk-Burnett Beekeepers Association also concluded their monthly meetings for 2008.

Beekeepers in the two counties and across the world are looking at alternatives to chemical use to combat Varroa mites that invade and destroy bee colonies. One such alternative discussed was coconut oil.

Saturating a paper towel with

coconut oil and placing it in the hive, the idea is the bees will crawl over the towel and oil down their bodies. Thus the deadly Varroa mites, which cling to their bodies, can no longer hang on. They slip off and fall to the bottom of the hive. Coconut oil does not harm the bees.

One commercial beekeeper tried this alternative method and reported some initial success. This idea, and other creative beekeeping methods, will be debated when the club begins anew in February 2009.

The bee meetings are held in Balsam Lake at the government center. For more information on

beekeeping, call 715-327-5525. Wayne Anderson

Frederic fourth-graders got the buzz on bees last Thursday, Oct. 16. Bonnie Anderson shows students a frame of sealed honey at a demonstration in Pat Denn’s class. The students were studying the life of insects. Wayne Anderson, local beekeeper, gave a talk about bees and beekeeping. Everyone was treated to a sample of local honey. – Photo by Pat Denn

PAGE 14 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - OCTOBER 22, 2008

P O L K

C O U N T Y

H E A D L I N E S

No decision on eliminating county home health care Board votes to wait until public budget hearing

by Mary Stirrat BALSAM LAKE — A resolution to eliminate Polk County’s home health care program by the end of 2009 was put on hold until the Wednesday, Nov. 12, county budget hearing.

The resolution to dissolve the program was discussed and amended by county supervisors at their Tuesday, Oct. 21, meeting until it was so far removed from its original form that the board chairman ruled it out of order.

Public health director Gretchen Sampson told the board that, in compliance with directives from the joint finance and personnel committee, the health department developed a proposal for the first year of the phaseout. The proposal exceeded the county’s expectation that the department would save $70,000 in the first year of the phaseout, actually cutting $90,000.

She said the board of health, which governs the department, appealed the dissolution of the program and opposes the idea.

Given the aging population and the current economic situation, she said, the 41-year-old program is needed more than ever. Polk County Home Health Care serves anyone, whether they are on Medicaid, private pay or a sliding fee schedule. She outlined the other home health care services available in the county, noting how each falls short of being able to serve the most needy.

While realizing the importance of the program, said some supervisors, an extremely tight budget coupled with the fact that home health is not a mandated program made it seem a logical choice for cuts.

This year’s home care budget was

Gretchen Sampson, director of the Polk County Public Health Department. — Photo by Mary Stirrat $1.4 million, said Sampson. The county will receive about $1 million in reimbursements, leaving $400,000 to be covered by tax dollars.

The preliminary 2009 budget showed that $317,000 in tax dollars would be needed for the program, but the budget was revised and current projections show that $227,000 will be needed.

Speaking from personal experience, Supervisor Larry Jepsen said that Polk County Home Health Care came to his home to instruct him and his wife on the daily injections he needed after release from the VA hospital.

They also received help changing dressings and keeping the injection site sterile.

Specialized equipment at specific times was required, said Jepsen. “Thank goodness there was home care,” he said.

“I couldn’t have changed the dressing on my arm.

“My options would have been to stay in the hospital, go into a nursing home,

or drive back and forth to the hospital every day for the shot.

“They’re not just giving people baths out there,” he said. “This is a very serious medical thing.”

“There are still things in our budget that are a lot less important than home health care,” agreed Supervisor Neil Johnson. “There are a lot better choices out there.”

“This is a great program, but it comes down to dollars and cents,” argued Gary Bergstrom, chair of the county finance committee. Reimbursements don’t cover the expenses, so the shortfall is always being taken from the undesignated fund, he said.

“What’s the undesignated fund for?” asked Supervisor Gerald Newville. “It’s a rainy-day fund. Well, I think it’s been raining.”

Supervisor Ken Sample argued to keep the program for another year until a better plan can be developed to make sure the clients have the care they need.

“We need to keep this in place until we know what we’re doing,” he said.

“It breaks my heart to look at the things we’re forced to do,” said Supervisor Keith Rediske, referring to home health care and proposed cuts in the human services budget.

“This is unquestionably a great program. This is the kind of thing that makes Polk County the great place it is.

But this is a matter of dollars.”

When Sample offered an amendment to the resolution that would remove reference dissolving the program, Bergstrom argued, “This makes the resolution completely the opposite. It’s like having something that’s not even on the agenda.”

Board Chairman Bryan Beseler agreed with Bergstrom, and ruled the amendment out of order.

Supervisor Russ Arcand then made a motion that a vote on the resolution be postponed until the Nov. 12 budget

hearing. His motion was approved by a 15-7 vote, with Supervisor Mick Larsen abstaining.

In favor of postponing the vote were supervisors Robert Dueholm, Dean Johansen, Marvin Caspersen, Jim Edgell, Sample, Pat Messicci, Arcand, Jay Luke, Diane Stoneking, Jepsen, Kim O’Connell, Bergstrom, Neil Johnson, Art Gamache, and Gerald Newville.

Opposed were Joan Peterson, Patricia Schmidt, Herschel Brown, Katy Kienholz, Rediske, Brian Masters and Beseler.

Other business • The board voted to continue funding transportation for the elderly and blind, authorizing application for Department of Transportation funds in the amount of $115,434 for 2009. This will be matched with county tax dollars of $23,987.

• The board voted to increase civil process fees for serving legal papers.

Currently, said Sheriff Tim Moore, the sheriff’s department spends about $90,000 annually in serving papers, and receives only about $60,000 in revenue.

The increase should help make up the difference, he said.

• The board voted to make its annual application for a state of Wisconsin Department of Justice Grant to fund a joint county-tribal law enforcement program. The county is expected to receive a grant in the amount of $15,680. The amount of the grant goes down each year, said the sheriff.

• Beseler noted that the Polk County Towns Association was hosting a candidate’s forum Monday evening, Oct. 27, at the Polk County Justice Center. He also noted that the November meeting will be Wednesday, Nov. 12, beginning at 9 a.m., with the budget hearing at 1 p.m.

CRA responds to economic stress Shelter makes a difference in community

by Gregg Westigard MILLTOWN – “The Community Referral Agency is here to help our victims in these tough economic times, just as it has since the shelter was started in 1979 in the attic of the Stower home in Amery,” Assembly Rep. Ann Hraychuck told the guests at the CRA fall fundraiser last Friday night, Oct. 17.

“Thank you, Marilyn (Stower) for your vision.”

Community members gathered at the Milltown Community Center for an evening of conversations, music, an auc-

tion and comments from local leaders.

Over $8,000 was raised to help the CRA meet the needs of victims of domestic violence, according to JoAnn Phernetton, the new CRA executive director.

“We come together to help the less fortunate,” Hraychuck continued. “I recently saw 600 people gather in the rain to get food at Ruby’s Pantry. One of those getting help was on the other side of line, handing out food, last year.

Economic stress causes an increase in domestic violence. The need of the CRA’s services is greater than ever.”

“CRA is known in the community as the place to go, to be helped and heard,” Mike Gableman said. The new

A group of public officials gathered at the CRA fall fundraiser. Pictured are Polk County Circuit Judge Robert Rasmussem, state Sen. Sheila Harsdorf, Burnett County Sheriff Dean Roland, state Rep. Ann Hraychuck, CRA Executive Director JoAnn Phernetton and Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Mike Gableman.

The CRA board of directors. (L to R): executive director JoAnn Phernetton, Ken Bonner, Tom Horst, Dan Siebresse, board President Mary Poretti, Ardyce Knauber, Bob Stage and Chris Crow. Not pictured is Mike Rust who arrived later. – Photos by Gregg Westigard Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice and former Burnett County Judge returned home to support the CRA. “There is a great amount of domestic violence, including many homicides. But things are getting better. There is a higher level of awareness of the problem in the community, a lower level of tolerance of domestic crimes, and a faster response to these crimes from law enforcement.

CRA is part of the effort to stop the violence and to help the people affected.

You are the model.”

“Self-esteem is terribly affected by any abuse,” Miss Polk County Greta Nelson of Milltown said. Now a college student, she added that the county fair is used as a venue to help children set achievable goals. Nelson said that

awareness and education are helping reduce the violence that hurts so many young people.

“The need is greater than ever,” Polk County Circuit Judge Robert Rasmussen said. “We see it in the courtroom every day. CRA faced special challenges over the past year. It could have been the end of CRA. But thanks to steadfast support, it was not the end and it will not be. We are moving on.”

CRA board member Dan Siebresse thanked the guests present and the community sponsors, donors and volunteers for their help in meeting this community need. He said he looked at a little boy at the shelter who smiled up at him and thought, “No more violence.

We must set the victims free to have a

OCTOBER 22, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 15

S T .

C R O I X

V A L L E Y

N E W S

New church in St. Croix Falls ST. CROIX FALLS–CenterPoint Church is a church plant with the Great Lakes Church Planting movement. This movement is part of the GLBC and of the larger Converge Worldwide national/international organization.

Dick and Julie Enerson have been appointed as the church planting couple for CenterPoint Church. They are not new to church planting. Along with their three children, Breanna, Cassandra and Justin, Dick and Julie served as church planters in Belgium, from 1989 to 1997. In 1997, the Enersons returned to the United States where they were able to move closer to Dick’s aging parents in North Dakota. Dick served for two years as associate pastor at Trinity EFC in Minot, N.D. Early in the year 2000, the Enerson family moved to Osceola, to plant Hope Church. Once planted, Dick remained as pastor at Hope until March of 2008.

Dick and Julie hope to start a new church somewhere near the Hwy. 8 corridor in St. Croix Falls. This location will enable CenterPoint to reach several communities, and to be a regional church. The vision for CenterPoint Church is to reach out to those who don’t attend church, those who have been burned out by church and those who are looking for a Christian community that authentically wants to reach out with the good news of Jesus Christ.

Everyone is welcome! Worship is on Sunday, 1011:15 a.m., in the St. Croix Falls High School Main Entrance, 740 Maple Drive, St. Croix Falls, WI 54024.

For more information, call 715/294-1833, or www.centerpointstocroix.com – submitted Dick and Julie Enerson head up the CenterPoint Church in St. Croix Falls. – Photo submitted

Praise to proposed horse barn

by Tammi Milberg ST. CROIX FALLS–Nothing but positive comments came from the members of the St. Croix Falls planning commission Monday night regarding a request to put up a horse barn by Tom and Linda Desmet.

The property is 25.35 acres currently owned by George and Allison Pfaltzgraff and borders the fairgrounds and Oregon Street. The Desmets were looking to purchase the property, which is zoned rural development, and build a horse barn. The property also borders

the home of Troy and Lisa Desmet.

Tom Desmet addressed the commission with the proposal. He stated that his grandchildren have taken quite an interest in horseback riding and raising horses and felt the purchase of the property closest to the Desmet home, would provide an excellent place for the children to continue their horse interests with convenience of a close-to-home location.

“We’re looking at putting up a firstclass barn to hold five to six horses,” said Tom Desmet. “We are looking at

housing three to four of our own and the potential to board one or two.”

In addition to the horse barn would be a storage shed for housing a tractor and other equipment so it does not sit outside. Desmet said he envisioned a 30’by-50’ or 20’-by-40’ storage shed.

The commission made positive comments about the proposal and agreed it would be an excellent use of the property.

“Horses are fascinating animals to watch and great for kids,” said commissioner Dan Meyers.

“I miss the buffalo that used to be there, and was hoping you would have more than five horses,” said commissioner Don Anderson.

Councilman Brian Blesi is a neighbor to the property and indicated to the commission he was in support of the barn and thought it was a great idea.

The commission forwarded their recommendation to allow the construction of a horse barn and storage shed on the property to the city council for consideration.

Butterfly House needs increase

Request to go from four residents to eight

by Tammi Milberg ST. CROIX FALLS – It was described

by Mayor Darrell Anderson as a wonderful service to the community and surrounding area at the plan commission meeting Monday, Oct. 20.

The Butterfly House is a transition

home for women who are recovering from meth addiction and other drug-use addictions. It was established over a year ago and was originally granted a conditional use permit to house four residents and their children.

The Butterfly House has filled such a need, that they requested to have eight residents increased from the original four. In order to consider the request, a public hearing was held.

“Johnny Appleseed” comes to Franconia Sculpture Park

Doreen Rivard of the Butterfly House and Moms and Dads Against Meth, addressed the commission. She said the house has enough room for eight adults comfortably.

Rivard stated that when the house was originally established, they anticipated the use to be primarily women with their children. She said only two women have still had custody of their children and that was a surprise.

“Most of the women we have already lost custody of their children,” she said.

“Some women have short visits with their children, but the children don’t stay.”

The house is located on Washington Street/Hwy. 87 downtown. It was purchased in 2007 and is run by grants and

housing fees of $400 a month paid by the women who live there. Residency requires a job, and the $400 monthly fee includes transportation to and from work until the women have their own means of transportation.

“Most of these women don’t have a driver’s license, birth certificate, Social Security card, and come here with nothing,” she said, adding that the stay is limited. “Their time here is short, and we do as much for them in that time as we can.”

The commission recommended to the council to approve the request for eight adults, eight children, and an annual review to be presented before the city council by the Butterfly House.

Legion donates flags SCF Schools

Franconia Sculpture Park in Franconia, Minn., is pleased to announce the recent installation of Mark di Suvero’s “Johnny Appleseed.” The 23’6”-tall steel sculpture is “an exuberant steel dinosaur whose limbs are the arms of salvaged steam shovels.” (Michael Kimmelman New York Times July 14, 1995.) Created in France at his studio at Chalon-sur-Saone between 1987-1992, “Johnny Appleseed” travels to Franconia Sculpture Park from Millennium Park’s Boing Galleries at Chicago’s waterfront, where it had been on exhibition since April 2007.

“I’ve always had sculpture at Franconia Sculpture Park” said sculptor Di Suvero in a conversation with artisitc director John Hock, “I love what Franconia does for community!” Franconia Sculpture Park has forged a national identity as the Midwest’s premier outdoor sculpture park, offering a unique combination of work, residence, and exhibition space for emerging and established artists. FSP encourages audience appreciation and participation in sculpture through dawn to dusk visiting hours, 365 days a year, in a relaxed, informal setting where people are invited to watch and talk with artists as they work. - Photo courtesy of Franconia Sculpture Park

American Legion Post 143, St. Croix Falls, presented flags for the new classrooms. The post has donated flags to the school district for over 20 years. Shown (L to R): Jim Chapion, superintendant of schools Glen Martin, Don Hoag and Bill Lindahl. – Photo submitted

PAGE 16 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - OCTOBER 22, 2008

P O L K

C O U N T Y

H E A D L I N E S

Proposed Polk budget shows decrease

Changes likely at public hearing set for Nov. 12

by Mary Stirrat BALSAM LAKE — The public hearing on the 2009 Polk County budget will be Wednesday, Nov. 12, at 1 p.m. at the government center in Balsam Lake.

A summary of the proposed budget will be published in this paper, but changes can be made at the Nov. 12 meeting that will affect the final tax levy and taxing mill rate.

The proposed budget approved for publication by the board of supervisors at its Tuesday, Oct. 21, meeting shows a slight increase in revenue and a slight decrease in expenses. It indicates a decrease of less than 1 percent in the tax levy, from $19,782,475 in 2008 to $19,611,679 in 2009.

A modest 1.43-percent increase in property values is projected, which would result in tax mill rate of about $3.97 per $1,000 in equalized property value. This is down nine cents, or 2.26 percent, from last year’s mill rate of $4.06 per $1,000.

Accounting for part of the projected decrease in the tax levy was the anticipated phasing out of the county’s home health program. Phasing the program out throughout the 2009,with total elimination by Dec. 31, would provide a decrease in the tax levy of about $170,000 over 2008.

However, the board of supervisors voted to postpone a decision on the future of the program until the November budget hearing (see separate story).

The board approved changes in staffing of several county departments, which also may be revisited at the Nov. 12 budget hearing.

Two new positions are included in the staffing changes. One is a full-time aide in child protective services at $52,800.

This position was formerly grant-funded. The second new position is a paralegal in the district attorney’s office, funded by the elimination of a legal assistant position in that office.

A full-time position is slated for elimination at the Polk County Library Federation, with $9,600 of the $56,750 savings to go toward increasing a parttime position to a full-time position.

Other positions cut from the budget are an information technology specialist ($64,275), a half-time position in the department of administration ($22,000), and unspecified positions at UWExtension ($51,000), land and water resources ($60,000), and law enforcement ($75,000).

Up for discussion in November is the elimination of 15 positions with the possible dissolution of the home health care program.

State budget The state budget is also suffering some hard times, and they are just going to get harder, was basically the message from state Rep. Ann Hraychuck.

Hraychuck appeared before the board to give a brief overview of the state economy and budget.

“I don’t have good news for you,” she said, “and I don’t think that’s a surprise to any one of you.”

Job loss and a “dwindling economy” are across-the-board problems, she said.

Locally, 600 people stood in line in the rain for food distribution at Ruby’s Pantry in Siren a few weeks ago, followed by another 400 at Luck.

“That’s 1,000 people just in our district — in Polk and Burnett counties — needing food,” she said.

Gov. Doyle has just come out with projections for the next budget, Hraychuck told the board, which indicate a possible $3 billion deficit to start with. People don’t have the money to spend, she added, so state revenue is down.

Hraychuck said that the 2-percent

increase in the levy cap approved by the state won’t be enough to keep programs going, but 70 percent of the state’s tax burden is on property owners. “(The levy cap) is absolutely paralyzing this county,” she said. “It is paralyzing rural northern communities.”

Without levy caps, commented Supervisor Brian Masters, taxes would increase even more. “Why do away with them?” he asked.

Supervisor Gary Bergstrom questioned Hraychuck about unfunded state mandates, saying that the county has cut just about every service except those the state requires it to provide. “We’re coming down to the bottom of the barrel,” he said.

Hraychuck responded by saying that the state government is facing the same problem with unfunded federal mandates.

Earlier in the meeting, Kent Muschinske, Hraychuck’s opponent in the race for the state Assembly, said he was disappointed that one candidate but not another would be given the opportunity to make a presentation to the board.

Muschinske used the public comment time to speak to the board, noting the length and depth of the meeting agenda.

County board Chairman Bryan Beseler later said that both candidates had requested time on the agenda.

Muschinske, as a candidate, was given time during public comment period, while Hraychuck, in her capacity as representative, was given time to report on her work at the state Capitol.

Purchase of forestland On a voice vote the board approved purchase of 40 acres of land in the town of Lorain to be added to the county forest. The acreage, said county forester Paul Pedersen, is adjacent to and will provide access to about 300 acres of existing county forestland.

The purchase price of $100,000 will be

covered by the recent sale of a different 40-acre parcel for $98,000, plus $2,000 from the variable acreage share loan.

This loan provides the county with 50 cents per acre from the state annually, and is repaid with funds generated by timber sales.

“The $100,000 strikes me as a little high,” said Supervisor Art Gamache.

Supervisor Jim Edgell noted that the fair market value of the property is $48,300, and it brings in $679 in property taxes.

Pedersen responded that fair market value and sale price are not always the same. He noted that the parcel has about 28 acres of 70-year-old oak and mixed hardwoods that can be harvested in the next seven to 10 years, plus 12 acres that can be planted, but the real value is in the access it provides to the larger parcel.

“For all intents and purposes you can’t get to it,” he said of the 300-acre parcel. “The importance of this 40 is public access.

“I think it’s a fair price,” Pedersen said later in the discussion. “We just sold a 40 for $98,000.”

Russ Arcand of the property committee, which oversees the forestry department, said that Pedersen and the committee have desired the 40-acre piece for years. The committee unanimously approved the purchase, he said, voted to sell the other 40-acre parcel for the express purpose of getting this one.

The piece the county sold for $98,000, said Pedersen, wasn’t nearly as nice as the piece it bought for $100,000.

The board approved the 2009 work plan for the 17,000-acre county forest.

The plan calls for timber sales on 505 acres of forest, primarily jack pine, red pine and scrub oak. Five sites totaling 224 acres will be seeded with jack pine seeds.

During his supervisor’s report, Mick Larsen, chair of the property committee, said that nine timber sales are in progress this fall, with $370,000 in revenue to date.

Library road trip winners enjoy diversity of libraries

by Mary Stirrat AMERY — Whether for educational purposes, entertainment, Internet connection, or a place to build community relationships, the public library is and has always played an important role in the life of Cindi Buenzli Gertz.

Cindi and her family won the 2008 Library Road Trip, bringing home a $100 gas card but, more importantly to her, a better understanding of what the libraries in Polk County have to offer.

When she first saw the advertisement for the road trip in the paper, Cindi saw it as a way to supplement the home

school activities of her 7-year-old son, Ray. “We were always looking for free and interesting things to do,” she said.

“Second of all, our whole family loves the library. We often go there.

“We are all avid readers. It sounded like a fun thing to, very interesting and educational.”

Cindi, Ray, and Ray’s little sister, Helen, took to the road. Many of the libraries have a story time for youngsters, and the family was able to attend several of these as well as other library events.

Knights present check Special Olympics and Adult Development

Special Ed teachers Samantha Nelson, Kelly Olson, and Rich Graves accept a check for $530 from past Grand Knight David Rudolph. The money is part of the funds raised from the Tootsie Roll campaign. The council from Grantsburg and Frederic also gave checks to Polk County Adult development and to Special Olympics. When you meet the Knights in their bright yellow aprons, hopefully you have a penny or two you can spare. Gratitude is extended to all who assisted in raising the funds for special needs. – Photo submitted

“I didn’t realize what all was out there,” Cindi said, referring to the resources at and available to the public libraries. She was introduced to the MORE system, an online library catalog giving patrons access to the materials in over 40 libraries in northwest Wisconsin. The system, she found, allows her to browse the collections of all the libraries, order any material, and have it delivered to the library of her choice.

She also found out about the library kits available at the Polk County Library Federation. Great for home-schoolers, preschools and families, the kits include a variety of materials on particular subjects, and provide a wealth of information and hands-on activities for children.

In addition, Cindi and her children were very excited to visit the different communities and to see the different types of buildings that housed the libraries. In particular, she was interested in how the libraries are “recycling” existing buildings, looking at environmentally sound practices, and being used to bring the community together.

The libraries also provide computers and Internet service to patrons, which is another important service that Cindi greatly appreciates.

“I am so glad they have that available for those of use who, either for financial reasons or for other reasons, chose not to have the Internet in our home.”

Cindi’s husband, Michael, is a high school teacher at Amery. “We are big advocates of education,” she said.

“Our libraries are very useful and still very much needed.”

Cindi Buenzli Gertz, shown with her children Ray and Helen, was the winner of the 2008 Library Road Trip sponsored by the Polk County Library Federation. The names of all those who completed the road trip by visiting each public library in the county were placed in a hat, and Gertz’s name was drawn to win a $100 gas card. — Photo submitted

OCTOBER 22, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 17

Webster students score well in proficiency testing

by Carl Heidel WEBSTER - With the testing complete, scores show students in the Webster School District have done well in the Wisconsin Knowledge and Concepts Exam. That was the message Martha Anderson, elementary school guidance counselor, had for the Webster School Board Monday evening, Oct. 20.

But even while she talked about the students’ current success, she outlined steps for doing even better in the future.

The battery of tests in the WKCE measures student proficiency in the subjects of reading and math at thirdthrough eighth-grade and also at 10thgrade levels. Students taking the test are ranked at four levels of proficiency according to their test results: minimal, basic, proficient and advanced.

According to Anderson, the state goal for the 2007-2008 school year was to have 58 percent of the Webster students at the proficient level in math, and 74 percent of the students at the same level in reading. “Currently the test scores are above target in almost every area,”

she said.

But each year that target goal increases. Five years from now, Anderson noted, the goal will be to have 100 percent of the students scoring at the proficient/advanced level in both subject test areas.

Anderson also reported that writing tests were administered to students at the fourth-, eighth- and 10th-grade levels. Results from these tests showed less success for Webster students when they are compared to state results. On average overall, the Webster students scored between 4 and 14 percent lower than state averages.

But in reading and math, Webster students exceeded the goals in all but 10thgrade reading. Fourth- through eighthgrade students scored as proficient in reading, at levels well above the state goal of 74 percent. At the 10th-grade level the scores averaged slightly less than the state goal.

In math, however, Webster students showed very strong proficiency in all grades, well above the goal of 58 per-

Luck man receives 12-year prison sentence

by Sherill Summer POLK COUNTY – Bryan S. Corbine, 30, Luck, will spend the next 12 years in prison, followed by a 10-year extended supervision during a sentence from Judge Robert Rasmussen at the Polk County Courthouse on Wednesday, Oct. 15.

Corbine plead no contest to an attempted second-degree intentional homicide, a felony B charge.

Nearly a year ago, Oct. 20, 2007, a 25year-old victim was rushed to Regions Hospital in St. Paul, Minn., to remove a bullet from her face.

According to court records, the shooting took place in the driveway at a residence in the Round Lake Community east of Luck. A domestic disturbance resulted in Corbine shooting his girlfriend in the mouth. At the time of the call, two St. Croix Tribal police officers were already in the community. The officers assisted the victim and took her a

www.the-l

cent. In fact, both the third- and eighthgraders scored higher than 80-percent proficiency.

In discussing the results, Anderson cautioned that these figures provide only a “snapshot in time” of how well Webster students are performing. “This is only one mode of evaluation,” she noted, “and it isn’t always a definitive measure of how individual students are actually performing.”

Anderson also explained that several factors affect the results of the testing.

For example, students who require special accommodations and have special needs influence the outcomes.

Class attendance is another influencing factor. When attendance is higher, students learn more and that shows up in test results.

She also pointed out that socioeconomic factors will impact language acquisition and development. These factors may limit incoming kindergarten students to a total vocabulary of 500 hundred words or give them a vocabulary of as many as 2,000 words.

Anderson said that although the Webster School District’s test scores are above target in almost every area, the district will have to concentrate on raising the total level of performance in order to meet the goal of 100-percent proficiency in another five years. In order to move toward that increased proficiency the district has adopted two districtwide goals: improve student attendance by 10 percent, and teach reading, writing and thinking critically across the entire curriculum.

“Our writing skills are strong enough to meet the No Child Left Behind goals,” said Anderson, “but we feel that the writing data shows that we need to strengthen all students’ writing skills.”

To promote that improvement, Anderson suggested that the district implement holistic writing at all grade levels, and revisit the Six Traits writing framework by way of the building principals in their meetings with their staffs.

Ninth-annual brat feed held to benefit CRA

short distance to meet the Luck unit of Northland Ambulance, already on its way to the scene. Williams was able to walk to the squad car.

Alcohol was a contributing factor in the shooting, authorities say.

Corbine fled the scene of the assault but was arrested in Douglas County 20 hours later.

Originally, Corbine was charged to attempted first-degree intentional homicide, but the charge was reduced in a plea bargain.

Details of the sentence include no contact with known gang members, no alcohol consumption or firearms, no contact with the victim and he must submit a DNA sample. He will not be eligible for the Challenge Incarceration Program or earned release in prison and must get a mental health assessment and either anger management or domestic violence assessment and comply with recomThe month of October, domestic violence month, is drawing to a close, but mendations. not before the ninth-annual brat feed was held on Wednesday, Oct. 15, at the Burnett County Government Center to benefit CRA, the Community Referral Agency in Milltown that is a shelter for victims of domestic abuse. The occasion was a good time for the CRA team to gather for a photo. Shown back row eader.net (L to R): Melanie Bump, visiting Judge James Babbitt, Judge Ken Kutz, District Attorney William Norine, CRA Director JoAnn Phernetton, Sheriff Dean Roland, LeAnn Mulroy and Marilyn Kooiker. Front row (L to R): Darlene Treague, Frank Taylor, Amanda Jensen, Roberta Rudiger and CRA Board President Mary Poretti. – Photo by Sherill Summer

Siren Lions donates to humane society

99 feet of skidmarks

President of the Humane Society of Burnett County Brenda Lamson (L) receives a $800 donation from the Siren Lions Club President John Carlson. With the two is 6-month-old Sophie who is in need of a home. – Photo by Sherill Summer Ryan S. Friel, 19, Webster, was eastbound on CTH A when he lost control of his vehicle. The sheriff’s report stated that there was 99 feet of skid marks in both lanes of the road and the vehicle traveled 18 feet in the ditch before rolling. The driver reported he swerved to avoid a deer crossing the road. The driver was issued two citations for operating while suspended and failure to have control of the vehicle. There were no injuries reported. – Photo submitted by the Burnett County Sheriff’s department

PAGE 18 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - OCTOBER 22, 2008

NFIB, small businesses endorse Harsdorf

NORTHWEST WISCONSIN – State Sen. Sheila Harsdorf was joined Monday, Oct. 20, by local members of the National Federation of Independent Business Wisconsin at Accu Tech Tool in Hudson to present Harsdorf with their Guardian of Small Business Award. Harsdorf was one of just a handful of legislators statewide to be honored for their work on economic development. The small-business association has also endorsed Harsdorf in the Senate race.

“I am honored to be recognized for my efforts to help small businesses grow jobs and compete,” said Harsdorf. “Small businesses are looking for help, not new taxes that would stop their growth. I am also confident that our local work on establishing regional health care cooperatives for small businesses is poised to reduce health care costs for small employers.

Helping these job providers is critical for our working families.”

NFIB, widely known as the voice of small businesses, recognized Harsdorf for her understanding of the importance of small business in growing our state’s economy. The small-business coalition specifically cited Harsdorf’s efforts to advance legislation that help small businesses grow jobs and her opposition to job-killing taxes such as the Senate budget proposal of a new double-digit tax on job providers.

By comparison, Harsdorf’s Senate opponent, Alison Page, has called for raising sales and income taxes in a WWIC Sept. 25 candidate forum and wants to remove the levy limit on property taxes while targeting busi-

Check out our e-edition at www.the-leader.net

Sen. Sheila Harsdorf was recognized for her support of small business by National Federation of Independent Business members Scott Freier of Freier Electric and Mike Keller and Tom and Jane Berg of Accu-Tech Tool and Design. — Photo submitted

nesses with new tax increases. Page has also indicated that she supported 2007 Senate Bill 40 through mailers districtwide, which included a state takeover of health care funded by a new double-digit payroll tax on small businesses.

“New taxes on our paychecks and increasing the tax burden on families is not the answer to growing jobs in this economy,” said Harsdorf. “To compete with neighboring states, and in the global economy, we need to foster a healthy environment for job growth.

Higher taxes and a government-takeover of health care, as my opponent has proposed, is a job killer. I am proud to have been endorsed by small businesses because I will stand up for them.” - from Friends of Sheila Harsdorf

Harsdorf endorsed by the NRA MADISON – The NRA endorsed Sheila Harsdorf in her campaign for state Senate. Harsdorf has received an A grade for her positions and advocacy for gun owners.

Harsdorf is an active hunter and has fought for key legislation to protect gun-owner rights, including a constitutional amendment to protect the right to hunt and fish and enacting the wildlife violator compact to ensure wildlife law violators in other states are prohibited from hunting and fishing in Wisconsin.

Harsdorf has also been awarded for her advocacy for the state’s stewardship program that preserves and expands available hunting lands.

By comparison, Senate candidate Alison Page received a D grade, does not hunt, and actively sought to infringe upon gun-owner rights as a member of the River Falls School Board, supporting a resolution calling for state and federal lawmakers to enact new “strong gun” control measures (June 1999, River Falls School Board Meeting Minutes).

“If you cannot get a Northwood’s legislator to support gun rights, then our rights to keep and bear arms are not in good standing,” said Harsdorf. “For voters in this Senate election, the comparison is stark.” - submitted

Frederic band and choir trip to Florida possible Less travel for football being studied, enrollment down by 50

by Gregg Westigard FREDERIC – The Frederic band and choir, some 93 students, may be taking a spring trip to Disneyland in Orlando, Fla., next spring. The football conference may be rearranged to allow less travel and competition with closer teams. School enrollment is down by 50 this year. And the budget presented at the annual meeting was approved as the final levy. These were some highlights of the Frederic School Board meeting Monday, Oct. 20.

The Florida trip was a big part of the agenda. The band has been planning a trip, something that is done once every four years, and has been raising money to cover the costs. Now the choir is also considering joining in. That would mean a possible 93 students going in April, two bus loads.

A R E A Stolen baby formula MORA, Minn. - A cache of stolen baby formula recovered by the Mora Police Department last week will be donated to local support groups and distributed to area families who need it. Police were called to the Mora Coborn’s on Oct. 6 and broke up an attempt to shoplift eight cans of baby formula from the store. A subsequent investigation at the scene unearthed 89 more cans of suspected stolen formula. Police have no way of tracing where the merchandise originated and so will donate it to local support groups. With each can of baby formula valued at between $13-15, last week’s recovery had a retail value of well over $1,200. Mora Police Chief Chris Olson said one hispanic male and two hispanic females, all believed to be from the Minneapolis area, were cited at the scene. The suspects spoke very little English, and Chief Olson said he suspected the thieves were either selling the formula on the black market or using it to cut drugs with.

- Pine City Pioneer

Fatal crash

RICE LAKE - Kiersten Summerlin, 20, Rice Lake, was pronounced dead at the scene of a one-vehicle crash near the Crystal Lake Boat Landing Saturday night. A Barron County Sheriff’s Department dispatcher received a call reporting the crash at 11:20 p.m. Another passenger, Lindsey M. Grove, 23, of Comstock, was airlifted to Luther Hospital in Eau Claire with nonlifethreatening injuries. The 20-year-old driver of the vehicle, a Clayton man whose name is being withheld pending notification of family and who was not injured, was driving north on 18-1/2 Avenue when the vehicle left the road and struck a tree. The crash remains under investigation by the State Patrol. - Rice Lake Chronotype (chronotype.com)

But some obstacles have surfaced. For one thing, there would not be enough space on the busses for all the students. While the band has been raising money, the choir has not, so fewer funds are available for that group. That leads to the issue of costs for the students and their parents. It will cost $600 for each student to take the trip and half of that money will need to be paid in November for a student to be eligible.

This led to some discussions about who can go and how to make the cut.

High school Principal Ray Draxler said he considers this a student activity, not an extracurricular event. He said he is uncomfortable telling students they can’t go.

He also said the money will be a hardship on some families, especially those with more than one student eligible to go. Parents will be told about the trip and the costs soon and will be making a decision on taking part. The cost of the trip is based on 82 students going, allowing space on the buses for chaperones. If more than 82 of the 93 want to go, cuts would be needed. If less than 82 plan on going, the cost per student would rise.

N E W S

Administrator Jerry Tischer told the board that the area superintendents are looking at rearranging the football conferences to allow teams to play others closer to home, with less travel time and fuel costs. At present, Frederic plays a number of teams in northern Wisconsin such as Winter, Flambeau and Bruce but does not play Luck, Grantsburg and Webster. Winter, for instance, is 78 miles away while Luck is six miles from the school. Tischer said major changes could be announced in January.

Tischer also said that Frederic’s enrollment is down by 50 students this year. The adjusted count for the district is now 534 students, down from 723 as recently as 1995-96. The student count for K-12 is 458. That compares with a count of 817 students in 1971-72.

Despite that drop in enrollment, the final district budget, as presented at the annual meeting in September, remains unchanged. The district will have a school levy of $3,051,108, only $24,000 more than last year. The mill rate will also remain almost identical to last year.

DiLoreto appears in court

Woman faces eighth OWI

BARRON COUNTY - Windy D. Salmon, 47, Shell Lake, was charged this week in Barron County Circuit Court with eighth-offense operating while intoxicated. Salmon was initially charged with sixth-offense. Salmon was arrested for OWI in Cumberland Sept. 3 after police received a tip that she’d left the Spot Bar in Cumberland driving a black Pontiac Grand Am. - Rice Lake Chronotype (chronotype.com)

Homemade explosives

SUPERIOR - Three 13-year-old boys were arrested in Superior on Sunday for setting off homemade explosives, according to a news release issued by Superior Police Capt.

Matt Markon. At 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19, an explosion was reported under a trailer at a private residence. Fifteen minutes later, another explosion was reported about one mile away. Superior police officers located three juveniles and took them into custody. The teens were also connected to two incidents on Thursday, Oct. 16, where explosives had been set off in garbage cans outside Super One Foods, and inside the A&W Restaurant, according to police. During interviews, the boys admitted to setting off at least six separate homemade bombs. They claimed they saw people blowing things up on YouTube and thought they should do the same. The teens were stealing the materials they were using from local retailers, according to Markon. The juveniles were placed on home detention and released to their parents. No criminal charges have been filed at this time. Charging decisions will be made by the Douglas County District Attorney’s office in conjunction with Douglas County Juvenile Intake authorities. - Superior Daily Telegram

BURNETT COUNTY - Anthony DiLoreto appeared briefly in the Burnett County Courthouse Oct. 16 for his preliminary hearing. DiLoreto allegedly drove the getaway car of a botched robbery in Danbury in August.

He is shown (L) with his attorney, Eric Nelson (R). The district attorney must prove in a preliminary hearing that a crime was likely committed and that the defendant was likely responsible for the crime. DiLoreto chose to waive the preliminary hearing and the matter automatically was bound over for trial unless DiLoreto accepts a plea bargin. DiLoreto’s next scheduled court appearance will be Nov. 20. The seven-foot DiLoreto was a standout basketball star at Hopkins, Minn. who was going to attend Cal Poly on a basketball scholarship. The Tribune from San Luis Obispo, Calf., reported in August that DiLoreto has decided not to attend Cal Poly. – Photo by Sherill Summer

OCTOBER 22, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 19

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

Grantsburg and Webster volleyball remain assists throughout the night.

Seasons end for all other area teams

Turtle Lake 3, Frederic 1 FREDERIC – The Vikings playoff run was short lived after their 3-1 loss to the Lakers on Tuesday, Oct. 21. After a 25-18 Frederic win in the first game, the next two games would prove to be back and forth battles that seemed to favor Frederic in the second game.

Turtle Lake started slow early, and Frederic padded an early 4-0 lead. But Turtle Lake turned on an offensive strike and tied the game at 8. The game

Grantsburg 3, Luck 0

by Brenda Sommerfeld GRANTSBURG – The Pirates are one of the two teams from Leaderland to continue on past the first round of regional competition. Grantsburg defeated Luck in three games, 25-6, 2516 and 25-11, on their home court Tuesday, Oct. 21.

“We played pretty consistently,” Pirate coach Bill Morrin said. “That was our strength.”

Having one of their starting middle players out with a sprained ankle, Kallie Thoreson was subbed into the position.

Morrin said Thoreson played tough for her team.

Kortney Morrin led her team in kills, ace serves, receptions and digs for another game. She hit 12 kills into Cardinal territory, she had eight serving aces and she passed 16 and had nine digs.

Other Pirate leaders were Annie Palmquist with a total of seven kills, Emily Cole completed seven unanswered serves and Sarah Wald got under five digs. Cole also led in assists with 13, with Larissa Wilhelm behind her putting up eight.

On Luck’s side, Morgan Denny finished the season with four kills against Grantsburg and Ali Lehmann made four assists.

Grantsburg will be matched against the only other area team, Webster, on Friday, Oct. 24, at the Grantsburg High School. The winning team on Friday will move onto the regional championship game on Saturday, Oct. 25, at the Webster High School.

“We’re expecting a match out of them,” Morrin said of Webster.

Webster 3, Unity 0 WEBSTER – The No. 4 seeded Webster Tigers passed up the No. 5 seeded Unity Eagles during the first round of regionals on Tuesday, Oct. 21.

The Tigers won in three games, 25-22, 25-22 and 25-21, to continue onto the second round.

“I thought overall the girls played

Luck players Alecia Ouellette and Rachel Virkus await a Pirate serve. – Photo by Priscilla Bauer

See Volleyball/page 20

Extra Points

Webster’s Michelle Gibbs hits the ball into Unity’s defenders Cailin Turner and Brooke Gillespie during their regional match on Tuesday, Oct. 21. – Photo by Brenda Sommerfeld well,” Webster coach Mindy Widiker.

“We had a few lapses, but they held on to win.”

The Eagles fought Webster hard all the way through, but were not victorious, ending their season. Many points were scored after a long volley between the two teams.

Webster’s leading players were Kara Gall with 10 kills, Michelle Gibbs and Loreto Stange each knocking in five kills, and Siiri Larsen assisting them in 11 and Becca Schrooten with nine assits.

“We played as a team and picked each other up,” Widiker said.

Billie Ingalls sent five unanswered serves over the net to Unity. Gibbs got under four digs, with several other

Tiger players accomplishing two.

“We are expecting to play a tough and well-trained Grantsburg team,” Widiker said of Friday’s game.

Solon Springs 3, Siren 0 SOLON SPRINGS – The Siren Dragons were put up against the No. 1 seeded team of Solon Springs in their first round of Division 4 regionals. The Dragons fell to Solon Springs in three games, 25-4, 25-14 and 25-22.

Their third game was their hardest fought, making Solon Springs work for their win. Winning the three games, Solon Springs ended Siren’s season.

Janey Emery led the Dragons with five kills and Carley Emery had seven

Frederic’s Megan Anderson goes up for a block against a hit from a Turtle Lake Laker during their regional matchup on Tuesday night, Oct. 21. – Photo

by Marty Seeger

••• DULUTH, Minn., – The UMD Bulldogs are off to one of their best starts in school history. After their recent 38-21 victory over St. Cloud State, the Bulldogs are now 8-0 and rank eighth nationally nationally among NCAA Division 2 teams. It is the highest national ranking in the schools 76 years of intercollegiate school history. Former Unity football player Cole Strilzuk is a starting corner on the team this year and had three solo tackles in the teams recent win. - Marty Seeger ••• LEADER LAND – The Clear Lake at Luck football game is being broadcast on 104.9 FM on Thursday, Oct. 23. The Grantsburg at Cameron game can be heard on 105.7 FM on Thursday, Oct. 23, and the New Richmond at Amery football game is on 1260 AM. All games begin at 7 p.m.

••• LEADER LAND – The Tuesday, Oct. 28, high school football playoff games will feature St. Croix Falls versus TBA on 104.9 FM, and the Clear Lake versus TBA will be featured on 1260 AM, with both games beginning at 7 p.m.

••• DETROIT, Mich. – The Green Bay Packers have a bye week, but are schuduled to play the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Nov. 2.

••• MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – The Minnesota Vikings have a bye week, but are schuduled to play the Houston Texans on Sunday, Nov. 2.

••• MADISON – The Illinois at Wisconsin Badgers football game can be heard on Saturday, Oct. 25, on 1260 AM at 11 a.m. The Minnesota Gophers at Wisconsin Badgers Hockey game can be heard on Saturday, Oct. 25, at 7p.m. on 1260 AM. ••• 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

PAGE 20 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - OCTOBER 22, 2008

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Kothlow places in top eight at state tennis

Paulsen and Ebensperger lose first round

by Brenda Sommerfeld MADISON – Stephanie Kothlow did not reach her goal of being on the podium with fifth place or better, but she was in the top eight during the state tournament this weekend. This is the best she has done in the four years she has gone to Madison.

Kothlow won her first two rounds, as expected by coach Sarah Schmidt. She defeated Kelly Suralik of Kohler 6-3 and 6-3 and won against Watertown Luther Prep’s Samantha Knox, 6-2 and 6-3.

Her next match however was against the No. 1 seeded Caroline Starck from Big Foot/Williams Bay. This was not Starck’s first time seeded No. 1.

Kothlow fell to Starck 6-0 and 6-0, putting her into the bracket to play to get into the fifth-place competition.

Kothlow fell to Maria Koval of Notre Dame in three sets, 3-6, 6-2 and 7-5, ending her season.

“Her last match against Maria Koval was a heartbreaker and went three long sets,” Schmidt explained. “They played for over 2-1/2 hours.”

The Unity/Luck No. 1 doubles team Alesa Paulsen and Elizabeth Ebensperger’s goal was to win their first match. They didn’t accomplish this task

Before making the journey to Madison, the Unity school held a pepfest to honor the three Unity/Luck tennis girls. – Photos submitted as they fell to Karina Luthra and Amber Krause of Watertown Luther Prep School in two sets, 6-2 and 6-3.

“They played tough but just came up a little short,” Schmidt said. “It seemed like when one of the girls was on and hitting well, the other struggled and then vice versa. They were disappointed in their match, but still excited to make it to the state tournament.”

Thursday - Saturday, Oct. 16-18 State tournament at Madison

No. 1 Singles: Match 1: Stephanie Kothlow (U) d.

Kelly Suralik (Kohler) 6-3, 6-3; Match 2: Kothlow (U) d. Samantha Knox (Watertown Luther Prep) 6-1, 6-3; Match 3: Caroline Starck (Big Foot/Williams Bay) d.

Kothlow (U) 6-0, 6-0; Match 4: Maria Koval (Notre Dame) d. Kothlow (U) 3-6, 6-2, 7-5.

No. 1 Doubles: Match 1: Karina Luthra-Amber Krause (Watertown Luther Prep) d. Elizabeth Ebensperger-Alesa Paulsen (U) 6-2, 6-3.

Stephanie Kothlow won her first two matches at state, but lost the next two, placing her in the top eight state tennis players.

Luck hangs close to Lake Holcombe Frederic falls to Clayton Lake Holcombe 3, Luck 2

by Marty Seeger LAKE HOLCOMBE – The Luck Cardinals volleyball team came close to ending their losing drought with a tight game in Lake Holcombe on Thursday, Oct. 16.

Volleyball/cont. from pg. 19 soon turned in favor of the Lakers and they quickly slid into a 2-18 win.

“It was a winnable game, but Turtle Lake came to play,” said coach Staci Lemieux. They came to play and they fought hard, we just didn’t fight back.”

The third game was much the same for the Vikings as they started out early with a respectable lead. At one point the

Siren’s Carley Emery sets the ball up during a previous game this season. – Photos by Brenda Sommerfeld

Morgan Denny led the team with 12 kills and Aleah Lemieux added 11.

Ashley Overby had five kills on the night, which led to a team total of 37 kills.

Denny led the team in digs with 10, and Ali Lehmann, Krystal Stage, Lemieux, Brittney Danielson and Sam Fenning each had three digs. Lehmann and Danielson each had three serving aces.

Luck lost the first game, 25-21, and won the next two games, 26-24 and 25-

21. The last two games came with losses of 25-16 and 15-12.

game was 11-5 in favor of the Vikings.

Chrissy Chenal and Corissa Schmidt were getting key kills at the right times and Megan Anderson was getting in on some key blocks. But the Lakers inched their way back and eventually tied the game at 19, and took a 21-20 lead. It went back and forth for the remainder of the game until Turtle Lake took game three in a nailbiter 29-27.

In the fourth game the Lakers brought

momentum from the third game and took an early lead, but the Vikings rallied back and tied it at 18. The Lakers didn’t let Frederic take control and ended with a 25-20 win.

“We struggled and we came out slow, and it didn’t look like we were going to pull it out, and then they came back and fought it out, so I’m happy about that,” Lemieux said.

Despite being a young team overall, Lemieux was pleased with her senior squad, and happy that the seniors stepped it up. Those playing their last Frederic volleyball game were Megan

Unity’s Crystal Donahue kills the ball over the net into Webster territory on Tuesday, Oct. 21.

Clayton 3, Frederic 0 FREDERIC – The Vikings were not able to change the fact that the Clayton girls volleyball team has only lost one match in the conference this season.

Their one loss was to the undefeated Grantsburg Pirates.

Frederic lost the Clayton match in three, 25-12, 26-24 and 25-12, on Thursday, Oct. 16. The second game

St. Croix Falls Alicia Chelberg goes for a hit during a game the Saints played earlier this season.

was the best fought, with the Vikings making the Bears go past the normal 25 points in order to win the game by two.

Chrissy Chenal led the Frederic team in attacking and defending, with six kills and 11 digs. Ana Miller set up nine assists. Kendra Wells totaled nine digs, and Megan Anderson and Alex Lonetti each had six. Anderson also got the team’s only block of the game. – Brenda Sommerfeld

Anderson, Isabel Lexen Becca Anderson and Ana Miller.

Chenal led the Vikings in Kills with 10, Megan Anderson had eight kills, three blocks, and Krysta Laqua and Schmidt had four. Miller led the team with 10 assists, and Chenal led with 16 digs. Alex Lonetti had 15 digs, Kendra Wells had 14 digs, Megan Anderson had 11 digs and Schmidt had 10 total. In all Frederic had 83 defensive digs in the game. – Marty Seeger Mondovi 3, St. Croix Falls 0 MONDOVI – The Saints ended their season with a loss to Mondovi on Tuesday, Oct. 21 in the first round of the Division 3 playoffs (25-8, 25-13, 25-18).

The team was without middle hitter, Carissa Libbenga, and four starters due to various injury and illness.

“I had to pull up a couple freshman to fill it,” coach Scott Petznick said. “I was very proud of the way the girls played this year with all the injuries and crazy stuff that has gone on. We kept pulling up young players and they did well considering the pressure that was put on them.”

Petznick said he was also very pleased with his junior and senior players.

I was also extreemly pleased with my Junior and Senior players.

“Every time we had to make a change, they were great with helping the

OCTOBER 22, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 21

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Morrin celebrates 20 conference championships with Pirates

by Brenda Sommerfeld GRANTSBURG – This year’s Grantsburg varsity volleyball team secured their conference championship, remaining undefeated this season. This made for the 20th year in a row that coach Bill Morrin and the Pirates have taken the title.

Morrin has been coaching for 27 years and has won 25 conference championships in those years. He started coaching in Washburn as an assistant.

After a couple of years, he moved to head coach where he and his team won the conference championship for the two years he was in that position.

Webster was Morrin’s next coaching stop. While there, he added three more conference championships to his coaching career.

“I had two seasons before we won a championship in conference Grantsburg,” Morrin said. “The rest is history.”

The 1989 Grantsburg varsity volleyball team was the first to bring in a conference championship. Every year since, the Pirates have added another to their record. To celebrate the 20-year tradition, a program was held on Tuesday, Oct. 14, to honor this year’s team and all of the alumni.

“I don’t know how many people we had,” Morrin said. “I think it was around 39 people that showed up.”

Assistant coach Deb Allaman-Johnson contacted the alumni to inform them of the program. Morrin said many couldn’t make it because of where they live now, but he and Allaman-Johnson received many e-mails stating they wished they could be there.

For the program, Allaman-Johnson put out a map, placing a volleyball with

This year’s team and alumni form the number 20 on the court following the game against Turtle Lake on Tuesday, Oct. 14. – Photo submitted by Deb Allaman-Johnson each past volleyball player’s name on the spot where they live now. There was also a display of all the T-shirts and conference championship team pictures.

“She (Deb) did a lot of work,” Morrin said. “She did a great job on it. I was really glad she was able to do it.”

“It was a very emotional evening. It was really cool to see those guys. We wished we had done it in previous years.”

Morrin, his assistants and team hope to host another program next year, bringing all of the volleyball alumni from when the program started.

The team of 1989 was the first Grantsburg team to bring in a conference championship under coach Bill Morrin. – Photo courtesy of the Grantsburg volleyball Web page

Every team’s picture, from 1989 to present, was posted on a board in the Grantsburg High School for everyone to see. – Photo by Priscilla Bauer

Roxanne Tucker, the captain of the 1989 girls volleyball team, looks at memorabilia of the past Pirate teams with her daughters during the program held on Tuesday. – Photo by Priscilla Bauer

Pirates bring home fourth tournament championship

by Brenda Sommerfeld CAMERON – The Grantsburg Pirates have attended four tournaments and have accomplished four tournament championships. Their most recent win was when they traveled to Cameron on Saturday, Oct. 18, and won 10-0.

The Cameron tournament was to be won by whichever team won the most games. With Grantsburg going 10-0, it was no contest for the Pirates.

Many players contributed to the undefeated tournament win. Kortney Morrin totaled 73 kills, with Annie Palmquist behind her with 37.

Heather Davison had the most serving aces with 10, Emily Cole and Lauren Romanowski followed with seven each.

The team once again had a serving percentage of over 90.

Morrin was on the receiving end of the ball with 75 serve receptions. She also completed the most digs with 43.

Sarah Wald had 27 digs and Emily Cole, 25.

Cole was the main setter with 51 assists and Larissa Wilhelm had 40.

The Grantsburg varsity volleyball team poses with their fourth tournament trophy after winning at the Cameron tournament on Saturday, Oct. 18. The Pirates won all 10 games they played. – Photo courtesy of the Grantsburg volleyball Web page

PAGE 22 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - OCTOBER 22, 2008

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Cross-country teams have sights on sectionals Webster boys are intact, while girls teams remain close

by Marty Seeger ST. CROIX FALLS – It was the first time all season long that the Frederic girls cross-country team took a firstplace finish, and for the first time, Calla Karl led the competition, with a time of 16:33. It was a nice surprise for coach Nate Wilson, who, like other coaches, has his eyes set on sectionals at the end of the week.

“The mental part of running has just clicked for Calla,” Wilson said. “I think that was just a perfect way to end that.”

St. Croix Falls typically hosts the final meet of the year, which acts as a good warm-up prior to sectionals. For the Division 3 sectional in Boyceville on Saturday, Oct. 25, it will be Frederic, Grantsburg and Webster again this season, along with 14 other teams. Warmups begin at 9 a.m., with the boys starting at 11 a.m. and the girls beginning at 11:45 a.m.

For the Frederic girls team it was a great way to end the year before the biggest meet of the season.

“The girls really needed that, and they’ve worked really hard all season long,” Wilson said of the first-place finish in St. Croix Falls on Monday, Oct. 20.

Wilson said three girls, including Samantha Nelson, Karl and Sarah Knauber, have their sights set on the state tournament. Sage Karl could turn out a great performance this weekend, and Tara Anderson could give the team a boost to contend for a state appearance with the team. Since the girls finished seventh last year at sectionals he hopes to make it into the top five, which would be a nice turnaround from last year. Wilson said that Chetek, Regis and Colfax will be very tough competitors, and Grantsburg will be knocking at the door as well.

The Webster boys team continues to dominate area teams and will get a chance at state with a solid finish at the sectional meet in Boyceville on Saturday, Oct. 25. – Photos by Marty Seeger Grantsburg getting race-ready Coach Paul Huskamp was looking at the St. Croix Falls meet as a way to get his team race-ready, and it looks as though the Pirates will be ready for the upcoming sectional meet in Boyceville.

“This was a meet where I wasn’t so concerned about winning as I was about keeping the athletes race-ready,” Huskamp said. “Our sights are set on sectionals!”

Huskamp was happy with both girls and boys teams, and happy with Steven McKinley, who came in seventh overall, and was the only boy who medaled.

Matt Emerson finished in 15th place overall, and Ben Cole is back for the first time, but hasn’t been able to run much since the Cameron meet on Thursday, Sept. 11.

The girls lost to Frederic by just one point on Monday, but have been going

St. Croix Falls runners will compete in the Division 2 sectional meet at Unity on Friday, Oct. 24.

back and forth with the Vikings team all season long.

“Frederic just keeps coming up with strong runners who challenge our top runners,” Huskamp said.

Michelle Lund took second overall and Leah Ticknor and Cherissa Vollendorf ran quality races for the girls, which has Huskamp pleased with their efforts.

“We really needed a good effort from both of those girls tonight and they helped us out a lot,” Huskamp said. He added that Aimee Van Tatenhove missed a medal by one point. Angela

Gaffney remains consistent, and after missing going to state last year by one place, she’ll be working diligently to keep that from happening again.

Webster boys eyeing the prize A sea of orange can be seen at the start of every boys meet, and a sea of orange is usually at the finish line when its all over. The boys team this year dominated the final race of the season in St. Croix Falls, with Cameron coming in 23 points behind in second place.

See Cross country/page 27

Grantsburg’s Michelle Lund placed second behind Frederic’s Calla Karl.

Viking runner Samantha Nelson and Saints Bailey Bergmann weren’t far behind at the St. Croix Falls meet on Monday, Oct. 20.

St. Croix Falls Cross-Country Invitational - Monday, Oct. 20 Place

Boys Teams

1 2 3 4 5

Webster Cameron Grantsburg St. Croix Falls Unity/Luck

Boys Overall Individuals Place Finisher 1 3 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 15 16 17

Jack Taylor Quentin Johnson Joey Erickson Bryan Krause Steven McKinley Nick Krinkie Chaz Heinz Devin Greene J T. Elmgren Levi Borstad Alex Frey Matt Emerson Nathan Gravesen Tim Sundstrom

Time

16:41.6 17:35.7 17:51.7 17:55.9 17:57.1 18:04.0 18:04.7 18:05.1 18:07.8 18:49.1 18:52.7 19:00.4 19:13.3 19:18.8

Team

Webster Webster Webster Webster Grantsburg Webster Webster Webster Webster Cameron St. Croix Falls Grantsburg St Croix Falls Webster

19 20 21 24 25 26 27 28 31 32 33 35 36 37 38 40 42 43 45 46 48 49 50 52

Dennis McKinney Mickey Muller Rashaud Kelash Tim Lusk Brad Krause John Schneider Daniel Biorn Nick Lindgren Steven Krueger Taylor Heinz Paul Mueller Christian Wolfe Joe Thayer Jim Erickson Ben Anderson Kyle Christensen Chris Eisen Trevor Fontaine Tyler Christensen Connor Nelson Alec Larson Abram Linton Ben Cole Tyler Bublitz

19:35.5 19:45.6 19:48.0 19:55.7 19:57.4 19:58.2 19:59.2 20:04.7 20:17.0 20:24.8 20:33.0 20:36.4 20:38.4 20:43.6 20:49.1 21:02.0 21:25.8 21:36.5 22:02.2 22:33.3 22:41.8 22:46.7 22:53.4 23:19.0

Unity/Luck Unity/Luck St. Croix Falls St. Croix Falls Webster Grantsburg Grantsburg Grantsburg Unity/Luck Webster Unity/Luck St. Croix Falls St. Croix Falls Webster St. Croix Falls St. Croix Falls St. Croix Falls Webster Unity/Luck St. Croix Falls Unity/Luck Cameron Grantsburg Unity/Luck

54 55 56 57 58 59

Alex Anderson Matt Hays Mitchell Johnston Matthew Rude Brady Peterson Sam Nichols

Place

23:27.4 24:08.4 24:47.5 25:44.0 26:50.9 28:50.3

Girls Teams

1 2 3 4 5

Frederic Grantsburg Cameron St. Croix Falls Webster

Girls Overall Individuals Place Finisher 1 2 3 4 5 7 8

St. Croix Falls Unity/Luck Unity/Luck St. Croix Falls Unity/Luck St. Croix Falls

Calla Karl Michelle Lund Samantha Nelson Bailey Bergmann Sarah Knauber Angela Gaffney Shaina Pardun

Time

16:33.0 16:50.6 16:54.9 16:56.5 17:07.1 18:04.9 18:16.2

Team

Frederic Grantsburg Frederic St. Croix Falls Frederic Grantsburg Webster

9 10 11 13 14 15 16 19 20 21 23 24 25 27 30 31 33 34 35 36 39

Jessica Banks 18:22.2 Sage Karl 18:27.2 Aimee Van Tatenhove 18:28.8 Rachel Salas 19:17.1 Meghan Smith 19:17.6 Cherissa Vollendorf 19:31.9 Leah Ticknor 19:53.4 Tashina Martinson 20:09.8 Kelsey Willow 20:10.5 Miranda Argetsinger 20:28.5 Ashley Bollig 20:34.9 Olivia Kopecky 20:39.9 Tara Anderson 20:43.5 Rose Kopecky 21:00.2 Jessica Raboin 21:40.8 Brittany Bess 21:41.6 Danielle Dyson 22:33.5 Alison Lennartson 22:35.8 Brittany Bublitz 23:35.6 Carley Martin 24:11.5 Pare Seephung 27:35.6

Grantsburg Frederic Grantsburg Webster St. Croix Falls Grantsburg Grantsburg St. Croix Falls St. Croix Falls Cameron St. Croix Falls Webster Frederic Webster Unity/Luck St. Croix Falls Webster Unity/Luck Unity/Luck St. Croix Falls Webster

OCTOBER 22, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 23

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Saints perfect season unscathed in Grantsburg Pirates, but the offense didn’t move the ball far enough to keep it.

The Saints had their chance, but with the QB sacked in the backfield by Tony Folk, they punted on the fourth down.

They took the ball right back on Grantsburg’s first down with an interception by Bushweiler. Bushweiler scored soon after on a 1-yard run.

Schmidt’s kick was again good.

The next set of plays for Grantsburg was finished with the Saints Zack Newell recovering a fumble and running all the way to the endzone. It was called back on a clipping call for a 15yard penalty.

The Saints held the Pirates throughout the last five minutes for a shut out.

St. Croix Falls next will go up against Webster in hopes of becoming conference champions.

“I am looking forward to playing Webster Thursday night for sole possession of the conference title,” Sempf said.

“It was a team goal at the beginning of the year and I expect us to come out and play that way.”

Saints versus Webster on Thursday for conference title St. Croix Falls 30, Grantsburg 0

by Brenda Sommerfeld GRANTSBURG – The St. Croix Falls Saints held on to their undefeated season on Friday, with a 30-0 shutout over the Grantsburg Pirates.

“We played an inconsistent game, mentally, Friday night,” St. Croix Falls coach Rod Sempf said. “Sometimes we were focused, but numerous mental errors have to be minimized in the future.”

The Saints came out in the first quarter scoring in the first few minutes on a 58-yard run by Nick Johnson. This was one of Johnson’s 10 carries, totaling 129 rushing yards for the game. With Sam Schmidt’s extra-point kick good, St. Croix Falls pulled out to a 7-0 lead.

The next possession that the Saints had brought them to Grantsburg’s 16yard line, where they fumbled. The Pirates took over on downs, recovering the fumble. Making it to midfield, Grantsburg punted the ball to St. Croix Falls to start the second quarter.

After several plays, the Saints lined up first-and-goal on the 3-yard line.

Chase Bushweiler ran the ball into the end zone on the second attempt, after a failed pass, scoring six more for St. Croix Falls. Another Schmdit kick was good, widening the score gap, 14-0.

Grantsburg’s offense wasn’t able to get a first down in their next possession with two flags called on them.

“The defense played well and continued their dominance this year,” Sempf said.

After the Saints defense made another

Grantsburg’s Tony Larson drops the ball to punt to the St. Croix Falls team on Friday night, Oct. 17.

Saints Sam Schmidt punts the ball back into Pirate territory. – Photos by Brenda Sommerfeld

stop on the Pirate offense, the St. Croix Falls offense was able to score a third time. Bushweiler ran in another 3-yard touchdown. With another Schmidt kick, they finished the first half, 21-0.

“I thought we played well in stretches but gave up five of six big plays on defense, three of which led to scores for them,” Grantsburg coach Keith Lehne recalled. “St. Croix is a very good team.

They are physical with good speed and they are well coached.”

The Saints had first attempt to start the second half, but were not able to get farther than midfield with two penalties called against them. Grantsburg brought it all the way to the Saints 9-

yard line with a couple of big pass plays and a few great runs. Three incomplete passes kept them out of the end zone.

“Offensively we moved the ball sporadically but had two or three excellent chances to score, but couldn’t capitalize,” Lehne said.

St. Croix Falls possession ended in the third quarter with an interception by the Pirates. Grantsburg took plays over on their 2-yard line. On the second snap, the Saints scored with a safety.

One of the Pirates highlights came in the next minutes. The first kickoff went out of bounds, pushing Grantsburg back for their second attempt. Brent Myers recovered the on-side kick for the

Team 1 2 3 4 F St. Croix Falls 7 14 0 9 30 Grantsburg 0 0 0 0 0 Scoring SCF - Nick Johnson 58-yd. run (Sam Schmidt kick) SCF - Chase Bushweiler 4-yd. run (Sam Schmidt kick) SCF - Chase Bushweiler 3-yd. run (Sam Schmidt kick) SCF - Safety SCF - Chase Bushweiler 1-yd. run (Sam Schmidt kick) TEAM STATISTICS St. Croix Falls Grantsburg Rushes-yards 51-337 26-108 Passes 2-4-34 11-22-152 Total yards 371 260 Penalties-yards 6-60 3-15 INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS Rushing - Nick Johnson (SCF) 10-129; Chase Bushweiler (SCF) 24-115; Derek Bertelsen (G) 25-109; Zach Foeller (SCF) 6-52; Josh Yunker (SCF) 8-40; Tony Folk (G) 3-9; Taylor Sempf (SCF) 2-8.

Receiving - Tony Larson (G) 5-92; Trent Bonneville (G) 1-33; Zach Foeller (SCF) 1-21; Brent Myers (G) 218; Cory Gebhard (SCF) 1-13; Tyler Myers (G) 1-8; Tony Folk (G) 1-1.

Eagles early fire cooled by Clear Lake Unity takes 12-6 lead into second quarter; can’t hold on Clear Lake 43, Unity 18

by Marty Seeger BALSAM LAKE – The Eagles came out ready to play in their conference game over Clear Lake Friday, Oct. 17, taking an early 12-6 lead into the second quarter.

Clear Lake dropped a pass in the end zone on their first possession of the game on a fourth down attempt, and Unity quickly mounted a drive for the end zone, which started with a thirdand-six run from Rush Hickethier for a first down. Running back Dustin McKinney followed that with a 48-yard run across midfield to put the Eagles in Warriors territory.

On the next play Jason Vlasnik made a nice fingertip grab for a 14-yard touchdown pass to put Unity up 6-0. Despite Team Clear Lake Unity

1 2 3 6 20 14 12 0 0 TEAM STATISTICS

4 3 6

F 43 18

Unity Rushes-yards 31-158 Passes 11-21-102 Total yards 260 Punts-average 3-38 INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS Rushing - Dustin McKinney (U) 16-108; Seth McKenzie (U) 9-23; Luke Nelson (U) 3-17; Rush Hickethier (U) 3-10.

Receiving - Jason Vlasnik (U) 5-49; Rush Hickethier (U) 3-23; Dustin McKinney (U) 1-17; Alec Carlson (U) 1-8; Seth McKenzie (U) 1-5.

Jason Vlasnik made a fingertip catch in the end zone to give the Eagles a 6-0 lead. – Photos by Marty Seeger

Seth McKenzie bowls over a Clear Lake defender.

Clear Lake’s 34-yard touchdown pass less than two minutes later, and an interception thrown by Nelson, Unity’s pass coverage stepped up on the Warriors next possession, with some help from Seth McKenzie to force a fourth down situation for the Warriors.

Clear Lake’s punt fell short, giving the Eagles great field position with 59 seconds to go in the first quarter. On the next play, McKinney scored on a 19yard run to give the team a 12-6 lead.

But the Eagles solid play was slighted

quickly in the second quarter when a Nelson pass intended for Vlasnik was tipped and intercepted by Warriors Cody Lien, who ran it back 28 yards for the score to help give the Warriors a 1312 lead.

“We played tough in the first half, but again turnovers and penalties really hurt us,” said Unity coach Dave Anderson.

The interception was a big turnaround for the Warriors, who scored the next 37 unanswered points before Unity scored a final six in the fourth quarter.

That touchdown came on a 20-yard pass to from Nelson to Vlasnik with 4:15 to go in the fourth quarter.

Vlasnik ended with five catches for 49 yards, and Nelson completed 11 of 20 passes for 102 yards with two touchdowns and four interceptions.

McKinney had another night with over 100-plus yards. He had 108 on 16 carries. James Slate led the Eagles on defense with four solo tackles and four assists. Logan Hilleshiem, Sam Florer and McKinney each had three tackles, with McKinney in on five assists. Josh Eaton, McKenzie, Florer and Slate each had four assists.

Weekend Warriors The Unity football team has been busy working with Lakes Services Unlimited for the past two weekends removing docks, boat lifts and rafts from area lakes. The team is working hard to raise money for a team football camp that is to be held next summer at the University of Minnesota-Duluth.

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Webster Tigers squeek by Cameron Comets

Godfrey runs in both Tiger TDs Webster 15, Cameron 14

by Brenda Sommerfeld WEBSTER – As Cameron took a 14-0 lead in the first half of the game on Friday, Oct. 17, it looked as though Webster would take their second loss of the season. Scoring 15 in the third quarter changed things around for the Tigers as they finalized the game, 15-14.

“I thought we came out a little off in the first half,” Webster coach Jeromie Voeltz said. “We had some key mistakes in the first half, which took away our ability to maintain a drive and score.”

Voeltz felt the exact opposite about the Cameron team, saying, “They made very little mental mistakes through the course of the game, which put them in a position to win.”

The Comets started the game out scoring on a 5-yard run in the first quarter. A 10-yard pass became a touchdown in the last seconds of the second quarter.

The two TDs and the two-point conversion scored on the second put Cameron up 14-0 going into the half.

“We expected them to be a very wellcoached football team that ran their

The Webster football team thanked its fans after their 15-14 win over the Comets on Friday, Oct. 17. – Photo submitted offense efficiently and that is what we saw,” Voeltz commented.

With the help of several Tigers, the game turned around for Webster in the second half. The offensive line stepped it up, helping Kyle Godfrey to two TD runs, both in the third quarter. One was on a 49-yard carry and the other a 3yard run. With Dan Pope’s extra-point kick and two-point conversion completion, Webster took the lead, 15-14.

“Kyle did an excellent job running the ball for us on Friday night. He was able

to follow the blocks and use his quickness to find the end zone for two big scores,” said Voeltz.

Godfrey totaled 96 rushing yards in his six carries. This brings his total rushing yards for the season to 361 in 25 carries. He has also scored five of the Webster touchdowns.

The Comets did come close to scoring on a fourth down in the fourth quarter, but Tyler Macke was on top of it, stopping Cameron and helping bring another victory to the Tigers.

Macke finished the game with five unassisted tackles, Chad French had seven solo stops and Travis Moser totaled six. Pope completed five solo and assisted in four.

Pope and Zach Quigley were the other two major runners, with Godfrey, for the Tigers throughout the night.

Pope finished with 87 yards and Quigley with 69.

“I would just like to add that the coaching staff would like to thank the football team, fans, cheerleaders and managers for their support on Friday night,” Voeltz said. “It was a great night for football and a great night for the community and football players of Webster.”

Team 1 2 3 4 F Cameron 6 8 0 0 14 Webster 0 0 15 0 15 Scoring C - Crotteau 5-yd. run C - Derek Hom 10-yd. pass from Linsmeyer (Linsmeyer run) W - Kyle Godfrey 49-yd. run (Dan Pope kick) W - Kyle Godfrey 3-yd. run (Dan Pope kick) TEAM STATISTICS Cameron Webster First downs 9 15 Rushes-yards 31-80 50-250 Passes 18-33-207 1-5-10 Total yards 287 260 Penalties-yards 5-40 6-45 INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS Rushing - Kyle Godfrey (W) 6-96; Dan Pope (W) 2287; Zach Quigley (W) 16-69; Jake Mosher (W) 1-3.

Receiving - Ben Roedl (W) 1-10.

Birchwood/Weyerhaeuser Wildcats outclaw Dragons Dragons score 14 in last quarter Birchwood 46, Siren 14

by Brenda Sommerfeld BIRCHWOOD – The Siren Dragons remain winless after a 46-14 loss to the Birchwood/Weyerhaeuser Wildcats on Friday, Oct. 17.

The Wildcats dominated the game from the start through the third quarter, scoring two or more touchdowns in each quarter. Three TDs in the first and two in the second by the Wildcats, put them up 34-0 going into halftime. The two in the third completed the Birchwood/Weyerhaeuser score of 46.

Siren scored their two TDs in the fourth quarter. One was off a 37-yard run by Jeremy Wikstrom and the other was a 20-yard pass from Dragon quar-

Brennen Moose runs the ball down field for the Siren Dragons during a previous game this season. – File photo by Larry Samson

terback Christian Hall to Vince Nasman.

With a 2-point conversion completed with a pass from Hall to Brennen Moose, Siren finished the game with 14.

Wikstrom was the leading rusher for the Dragons. He completed 108 yards in 17 carries with his longest being his touchdown run. Nasman followed Wikstrom with 57 rushing yards in 11 carries.

Hall was not only the quarterback but also a receiver, catching a 30-yard pass from Moose. Nasman and Andrew Brown both received two passes from Hall for 20 yards.

Colin Tewalt is still leading the Dragons in tackles. He completed eight solo and assisted in seven. Charlie Brown made six solo and four assisted and Hall and Nasman each had five solo. Hall assisted in two and Nasman assisted in four.

Team 1 2 3 4 F Siren 0 0 0 14 14 Birchwood 20 14 12 0 46 Scoring B/W - Trent Ziegler 3-yd. run B/W - Trent Ziegler 7-yd. run (No. 10 run) B/W - No. 34 21-yd. run B/W - Trent Ziegler 25-yd. run B/W - No. 10 50-yd. pass from Marcus Olesiak (Trent Ziegler run) B/W - Trent Ziegler 40-yd. pass from Marcus Olesiak B/W - No. 34 1-yd. run S - Jeremy Wikstrom 37-yd. run S - Vince Nasman 20-yd. pass from Christian Hall (Brennen Moose pass from Christian Hall) TEAM STATISTICS Siren B/W First downs 11 17 Rushes-yards 41-94 31-246 Passes 5-17-70 4-5-139 164 385 Total yards Punts-average 4-28.3 0-0.0 Penalties-yards 3-30 5-57 INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS Rushing - Jeremy Wikstrom (S) 17-108; Vince Nasman (S) 11-57.

Receiving - Christian Hall (S) 1-30; Andrew Brown (S) 2-20; Vince Nasman (S) 2-20.

Spring Valley running game too much for Luck play catch up,” Hetfeld said.

The Cardinals scored on their last play of the game with a 60-yard pass from Giller to Morgan, but were scoreless in the third quarter.

This week Luck will host Clear Lake and try to secure a spot in the playoffs.

A win will give the team a 5-4 overall record, and a 3-3 conference record.

Clear Lake is coming off a recent 43-12 win over Unity.

Playoff spot still in the picture Spring Valley 35, Luck 20

by Marty Seeger SPRING VALLEY – It was another tough road trip for Luck as they fell to Spring Valley last Friday, Oct. 17.

The Cards were unable to stop the Spring Valley running game, as Tyler Bosshart rushed for 290 yards.

“We couldn’t stop him,” said Luck coach Josh Hetfeld. “We fumbled the opening kickoff and they drove down the field and scored.”

It was a similar story to what happened the week before in St. Croix Falls, when the Cardinals fumbled on their first play from scrimmage. The Saints eventually scored.

Hetfeld said that Bosshart took it 80 yards on Spring Valley’s next possession for the score, but Luck kept it close with the help of a solid running game

Carson Giller (No. 3) does the play callng to his offensive line against Spring Valley on Friday, Oct. 17. – Photo by Sue Tolan from fullback Taylor Horsager, who had 92 yards on 17 carries with two touchdowns. Hetfeld said Giller was unable to run as much as usual due to an ankle injury. In the end, Giller completed five

of 12 passes for 78 yards. Landen Strilzuk had 69 yards on 14 carries and Nick Morgan had 17 yards on 14 carries.

“After we got behind by two touchdowns in the third quarter we tried to

Team Luck Spring Valley

1 2 3 7 7 0 14 7 7 TEAM STATISTICS

4 6 7

F 20 35

Luck Rushes-yards 39-182 Passes 5-12-78 Total yards 260 INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS Rushing - Taylor Horsager (L) 17-92; Landen Strilzuk (L) 14-69; Nick Morgan (L) 4-17; Arnold Gorr (L) 2-2; Carson Giller (L) 2-2.

Receiving - Landen Strilzuk (L) 2-8.

OCTOBER 22, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 25

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Luck eighth-grade volleyball at Dig Pink Tourney The Luck eighth-grade Red Team won their grade level at the Dig Pink Volleyball Tournament held at the Luck High School on Saturday, Oct. 18. The Dig Pink is a nationwide Breast Cancer awareness rally that is being held throughout the month of October. It is raising money for the fight against breast cancer. The Luck Tournament raised $1,000, and overall the rally has totaled $70,000 so far this month. From (L to R): Kylie Rich, Ashley Dexter, Jillian Peterson, Jaimee Buck, assistant coach Kate Hauer, Hannah Karl and Taylor Joy. – Photo by Wally Rich

2008 Girls Volleyball Playoff Tree - Division 4 Regionals Tues., Oct. 21, 7 p.m.

Fri., Oct. 24, 7 p.m.

Sat., Oct. 25, 7 p.m.

Sectionals

Regionals

Thurs., Oct. 30 , 7 p.m.

Tues., Oct. 21, 7 p.m.

Solon Springs (#1) @Solon S prings Siren (#8) Lac Courte Oreilles (#5) @Drummond Drummond (#4)

@Grantsburg Luck (#8)

25-6, 25-16, 25-11

@Solon Springs

Unity (#5)

@ Grantsburg

@Webster

Drummond 25-19, 20-25, 23-25, 25-13, 15-11

Webster (#4)

@Boyceville Chetek (#6)

South Shore (#7)

@Northwood

Glenwood City (#7)

Northwood

@Colfax

25-19, 25-18, 25-4

Butternut/Glidden (#8) Winter (#5) @Prentice Prentice (#4)

Mercer (#6) Flambeau (#7) @Mellen Mellen (#2)

@Webster Boyceville 26-24, 25-13, 22-25, 25-13 @Colfax Colfax

@Shell Lake

@Cameron @

Rib Lake

Washburn (#1)

25-9, 25-7, 25-11 @Rib Lake

Ladysmith (#5) @Hurley

Prentice

Hurley (#4)

25-12, 25-21, 25-14

Birchwood (#3) @Birchwood

Webster

25-20, 25-21, 25-8

Colfax (#2)

Rib Lake (#1) @Rib Lake

Thurs., Oct. 30 , 7 p.m.

25-22, 25-22, 25-21

Boyceville (#3)

@Northwood Shell Lake 25-9, 25-6, 25-6

Northwood (#2)

Sat., Oct. 25, 7 p.m.

Grantsburg

25-4, 25-14, 25-22

Bayfield (#6)

@Northwood

Sectionals Fri., Oct. 24, 7 p.m.

Grantsburg (#1) Solon Springs

Shell Lake (#3) @Shell Lake

2008 Girls Volleyball Playoff Tree - Division 3

@Washburn Hurley 25-20, 13-25, 23-25, 25-11, 15-10

Phillips (#3)

@Mellen

@Phillips

Birchwood

Park Falls (#6)

25-20, 22-25, 25-14, 25-16 @Mellen

Cumberland (#7) @Cameron

Mellen 25-18, 25-5, 25-13

Cameron (#2)

@Hurley Phillips 25-13, 25-17, 25-16 @Cameron Cameron 25-16, 25-16, 25-15

Clayton (#1) @Clayton Bruce (#8) Turtle Lake (#5) @Frederic Frederic (#4)

Clayton @Clayton

St. Croix Falls (#5)

Turtle Lake

@Mondovi

18-25, 25-18, 29-27, 25-20

Weyerhaeuser (#3) @Weyerhaeuser

@

Mondovi (#4)

25-10, 25-6, 25-9

Prairie Farm (#7)

@McDonell Central

@McDonell C entral

McDonell Central

McDonell Central (#2)

25-20, 25-16, 25-10

@Elk Mound St. Croix Central(#6) Clear Lake (#7) @Prescott Prescott (#2)

E.C. Imm. Lutheran (#1) Blair-Taylor (#8) Gilman (#5) @Cornell Cornell (#4)

@Augusta 25-5, 25-3, 25-3

Osseo-Fairchild (#4) @Gilman

Lake Holcombe 13-25, 25-17, 25-21, 25-22

Lincoln (#7)

@Greenwood

@Greenwood

@Osseo-Fairchild

18-25, 26-24, 27-25, 25-21

Augusta (#6)

Greenwood (#2)

Neillsville (#5)

Gilman

Lake Holcombe (#3) @Lake Holcombe

Cadott (#8)

@E.C . Immanuel Luth.

Greenwood 25-20, 25-17, 25-20

Mondovi 25-8, 25-13, 25-18 @C lear Lake Elk Mound 25-20, 25-15, 25-23 @Prescott Prescott 25-10, 25-13, 25-19

Melrose-Mindoro (#1) @Melrose-Mindoro

E.C. Immanuel Luth.

@Regis

Elk Mound (#3)

@McDonell Central Weyerhaeuser

New Auburn (#6)

@E.C. Imm. L utheran

Regis (#1)

25-11, 25-6, 25-12

@Eleva-Strum Melrose-Mindoro 25-20, 25-17, 25-11 @Melrose-Mindoro Osseo-Fairchild 12-25, 25-18, 20-25, 25-17, 16-14

Eleva-Strum (#3) @Eleva-Strum Whitehall (#6) Arcadia (#7) @Fall Creek Fall Creek (#2)

@Melrose-Mindoro Eleva-Strum 25-17, 22-25, 25-21, 24-26, 15-10 @Fall Creek Fall Creek 25-18, 25-19, 15-25, 25-15

PAGE 26 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - OCTOBER 22, 2008

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Frederic football team to rake leaves

FREDERIC – The Frederic High School football team will again conduct a community service fundraising project. The team members send out letters asking people to sponsor them in this project. The team then completes five hours of community service in the Frederic area. The community service generally consists of raking leaves for the elderly in the community.

The team is again this year looking for names of elderly people in the commu-

A R E A Hacker’s Lanes

Sunday Afternoon Mixed Standings: Mark’s Girls 40, The Gutter Busters 29, Sandbaggers 28, Chippewa Checks 26, Spare-Us 25, Hot Shots 16, Gold Rush 15, Hole in the Wall 15.

Women’s games: Gail Linke (MG) 179, Barb Loomis (SU) 173, Dorothy Barfknecht (HS) 169.

Women’s series: Gail Linke (MG) 507, Dorothy Barfknecht (HS) 451, Audrey Pardun (HITW) 439.

Men’s games: Don Hughes (GB) 247, Scott Morrison (GR) 199, Gary Barfknecht (GB) 192.

Men’s series: Don Hughes (GB) Scott Morrison (GR), Gary Barfknecht (GB).

Team games: The Gutter Busters 866, Spare-Us 810, Sandbaggers 774.

Team series: The Gutter Busters 2390, Spare-Us 2352, Sandbaggers 2284.

Splits converted: 3-9-10: Edla Meyer.

4-6-7: Larry Matrious. 6-7: Scott Morrison. 5-6: Dean Birch.

Monday Afternoon Seniors Standings: Cardinals 16, Zebras 14, Eagles 12, Badgers 12, Swans 11, Bears 11, Nite Hawks 7, Bye 0.

Women’s games: Lila Larson 180, Betty Schandorff 179, Mary Askov 177.

Women’s series: Mary Askov 486, Lila Larson 476, Betty Schandorff 459.

Men’s games: Dennis Bohn 219, Dick Coen 213, Roger Messer 189.

Men’s series: Dick Coen 527, Dennis Bohn 505, Roger Messer 503.

Team games: Eagles 632, Nite Hawks 630, Bears 624.

Team series: Nite Hawks 1812, Eagles 1808, Bears 1709.

Monday Night Ladies Standings: Miller’s Chicks 40, Hacker’s Lanes 30, Thrivent Financial 28, House of Wood 26, AnchorBank 22, Mane Attractions 21, The Bottle Shop 17, Bye 12.

Individual games: Rhonda Bazey (HW) 200, Jennifer Renfroe (MC) 200, Ramona Renfroe (MC) 196.

Individual series: Rhonda Bazey (HW) 549, Ramona Renfroe (MC) 545, Sandy Hacker (HL) 526.

Team games: Hacker’s Lanes 659, Miller’s Chicks 658, Mane Attractions 631.

Team series: Miller’s Chicks 1950, Hacker’s Lanes 1907, House of Wood 1711.

Tuesday Youth (2 Games) Standings: The Two Pinheads 11.5, Glamorous Bowlers 8, Pin Heads 5.5, The Eliminators 5.

Girls games: Jori Braden 74, Harli Kelton 58.

Girls series: Jori Braden 143, Harli Kelton 102.

Boys games: David Lindberg 133, Austin Bruss 122, Ben Richter 109.

Boys series: David Lindberg 235, Austin Bruss 228, Ben Richter 195.

Team games: The Two Pinheads 255 & 208, The Eliminators 190.

Team series: The Two Pinheads 463, The Eliminators 373, Pin Heads 338.

Tuesday Classic Standings: Great Northern Outdoors 62.5, Yellow Lake Lodge 61.5, Hacker’s Lanes 60, Bottle Shop 54, Olsen & Son 43.5, SCVH 40.5, Reliables 26.5, Pioneer Bar 15.5.

Individual games: Eugene Ruhn 268, Ron Skow 242, Dale Gregory 242.

Individual series: Dale Gregory 679, Eugene Ruhn 663, Blake Douglas 628.

Team games: Hacker’s Lanes 629, Great Northern Outdoors 621, Reliables 621.

Team series: Great Northern Outdoors 1785, Hacker’s Lanes 1779, Olsen & Son 1692.

Games 50 or more above average: Eugene Ruhn 268 (+102).

Series 100 or more above average: Eugene Ruhn 663 (+165).

nity that need assistance with their fall chores. Anyone that needs assistance should contact the high school office and leave a message for Ken Belander, the head football coach, before 3 p.m. this Friday, Oct. 24. Anyone interested in sponsoring a player or donating to this cause could also contact Belanger.

This is the eighth year that the team has been involved in this project, and the team has used the money raised to purchase items for the football program

B O W L I N G Tuesday Mixed Standings: Joe Blow 14, Red Rollers 9, Cushing Rollers 5, LCR 0.

Individual games: Rick Hach 187, Ron Pitts 181, Seth Olson & Jared Olson 145.

Individual series: Rick Hach 479, Ron Pitts 475, Seth Olson 396.

Team games: Joe Blow 488, Red Rollers 379, Cushing Rollers 357.

Team series: Joe Blow 1350, Red Rollers 1107, Cushing Rollers 1001.

Wednesday Night Early Men’s Standings: A-1 Machine 18, Pioneer Bar 17, Four Seasons Wood Prod. 16, Larsen Auto Center 16, Cummings Lumber 16, Skol Bar 11, Lewis Silo 9, Parker 9.

Individual games: Don Hughes (4S) 256, Chris Rowell (P) 239, Dale Frandsen (PB) 236.

Individual series: Oliver Baillargeon (A1) 682, Don Hughes (4S) 656, Gene Ackland (4S) 621.

Team games: Four Seasons Wood Prod. 997 & 965, Lewis Silo 957.

Team series: Four Seasons Wood Prod. 2874, A-1 Machine 2820, Lewis Silo 2602.

Thursday Early 3-Man Standings: Fab Four 56, Grindell Law Offices 56, Full Timers 54, Wikstrom Construction 50, Hell Raisers 47.5, Frontier Trails 46.5, K-Wood 41, Bye 13.

Individual games: Lydell Larson (FTr) 229, Brian McBroom (FT) 229, Brett Daeffler (KW) 224.

Individual series: Brett Daeffler (KW) 632, Lydell Larson (FTr) 608, Dave Grindell (GLO) 607.

Team games: Full Timers 605, Grindell Law Office 588, Fab Four 584.

Team series: Fab Four 1614, K-Wood 1581, Grindell Law Offices 1572.

Consecutive strikes (5 or more): Dave Grindell 5x.

Splits converted: 4-7-10: Don McKinney. 4-7-9: Dennis Lieder. 3-10: Eugene.

Thursday Late Standings: Bazey Racing 18, Fisk Trucking 16, Hansen Farms Inc. 15, Johnson Upholstery 14, Stotz & Company 13, Hog Wild BBQ & Grill 8.

Individual games: Gene Wynn Jr. 246, Gene Wynn Sr. 245, Daryl Bazey 216.

Individual series: Dale Frandsen 598, Gene Wynn Sr. 594, Mark Bohn 593.

Team games: Bazey Racing 899, Hansen Farms Inc. 895, Stotz & Company 885.

Team series: Bazey Racing 2640, Hansen Farms Inc. 2496, Stotz & Company 2482.

Friday Night Ladies Standings: Frederic Design & Promotion 42.5, Pioneer Bar 34, Skol Bar 24.5, Hole in the Wall 22.5, The Dozers 22, Meyers Plus 18.5, The Leader 17, Junque Art 15.

Individual games: Missy Hernandez 185, Paula Domagala 183, Gail Linke 179.

Individual series: Gail Linke 523, Karen Carlson 513, Missy Hernandez 512.

Team games: Skol Bar 637, Junque Art 609, Frederic Design & Promotion 579 Team series: Skol Bar 1809, Karen Carlson 1764, Meyer’s Plus 1700.

Saturday Youth (3 Games) Standings: Army of Two INC 20, N & L’s 15.5,? 14, The Odd Balls 13.5, Pin People 10, La La La 9.5, Bye 7, Earth Energy 6.5.

Girls games: Corissa Schmidt 186 & 182, Lori Linke 179.

Girls series: Corissa Schmidt 529, Lori Linke 489, Julia Owens 355.

Boys games: Logan Hacker 258 & 205, Christian Hall & Logan Hacker 204.

Boys series: Logan Hacker 667, Christian Hall 539, Josh Bazey 505.

Team games: La La La 434, N & L’s 365 & 350.

Team series: La La La 1085, N & L’s 1018 & 863.

Saturday Night Mixed Standings: Skowl 22, Handicaps 16, GDB 16, Generation III 14, Lakers 14, Schmidt House 4 11, Dead Eyes 10, CC Lupinos 9.

Women’s games: Deb Ingram (SK) 234, Heidi Skow (SK) & Deb Ingram (SK) 194.

Women’s series: Deb Ingram (SK) 619, Jennifer Renfroe (GE) 530, Heidi Skow (SK) 527.

Men’s games: Eugene Ruhn (HA) 241, Ron Skow (SK) 228 (x2).

Men’s series: Ron Skow (SK) 657, Scott Morrison (SUB) 618, Jeb Clarin (CC) 580.

Team games: Skowl 834 & 785, Lakers 724.

Team series: Skowl 2332, Lakers 2042, Generation III 1993.

McKenzie Lanes

Monday Night Madness Standings: Peper Tire & Align. 20, Pepie’s Gals 20, McKenzie Lanes 18, Alleycats 18, Scottay’s Trucking 18, Mishaps 16, Ole’s Country Market 16, Bye 2.

Individual games: Debbie Swanson 188, Linette Erickson 172, Julia Delougherty 167.

Individual series: Debbie Swanson 508, Julie Delougherty 450, Barbara Benson 433.

Team games: (Handicap scores) Peper Tire & Align. 607, Alleycats 591, Mishaps 580.

Team series: (Handicap scores) Alleycats 1693, McKenzie Lanes 1662, Mishaps 1643.

Monday Night Ladies Standings: Sam’s Carpentry 69, Milltown Appliance 68, Metal Products 65, Frederic Truck & Tractor 64, McKenzie Lanes 62.5, Wolf Creek Log Furniture 61.5, Edina Divas 61, Bye 29.

Individual games: Jane Smith 201, Allison Magner 201, Shirley Wilson & Cindy Castellano 193.

Individual series: Cindy Castellano 525, Jane Smith 506, Shirley Wilson 499.

Team games: (Handicap score) Frederic Truck & Tractor 1020.

Team series: (Handicap score) Sam’s Carpentry 2793.

Tuesday Women’s Day Standings: Custom Outfitter 83, Gutter Dusters 68.5, Kassel Tap 68, Country Gals 68, Tomlinson Insurance 68, B & H Builders 58, Hauge Dental 48.5, Bye 14.

Individual games: Mary Ostman 203, Patty Walker 201, Denise F. Donaghue 201.

Individual series: Denise F. Donaghue 525, Audrey Ruck 507, Lana McKenzie 507.

Team games: (Handicap scores) Custom Outfitters 841, Country Gals 798, Tomlinson Insurance 786.

Team series: (Handicap scores) Custom Outfitters 2381, Country Gals 2353, Tomlinson Insurance 2310.

and the school weight room. Items purchased include travel bags for the team, new home and away game jerseys, weight room equipment, sideline markers, chains and down box and other items. The money raised last year went to purchase new bleachers to be used at the football field and new girls softball field. A complete list of items is available on request. - submitted

R E S U L T S Tuesday Night Men’s Standings: Greatland Trans. 93, McKenzie Lanes 78, Dream Lawn 75.5, The Dugout 72, Steve’s Appliance 66.5, Hack’s Pub 62, Nel-Lo-Hill Farm 58.5, Glass Bar 54.5.

Individual games: Jim Harder 278, Darren McKenzie 267, Rick Fox & Roy P. Price 258.

Individual series: Darren McKenzie 741, Rick Fox 682, Sam Leggitt 665.

Team games: (Handicap scores) McKenzie Lanes 1208, Dream Lawn 1182, Greatland Trans. 1160.

Team series: (Handicap scores) Greatland Trans. 3432, Dream Lawn 3417, McKenzie Lanes 3410.

Wednesday Early Mixed Standings: Hendrick’s Motor 32, Top Spot 24, JJ’s Club 35 22, Lite House 22, Holiday Station Stores 18, Cutting Edge 18, Hack’s Pub 14, Suzie Q’s 10.

Women’s games: Janice Fox 200, Julia Delougherty 185, Amy Eibs 182.

Women’s series: Janice Fox 538, Kathy Braund 497, Patty Walker 480.

Men’s games: Mike Welling 278, Merlin fox 252, Greg Dick 243.

Men’s series: Mike Welling 724, Merlin Fox 714, Greg Dick 634.

Team games: (Handicap scores) Top Spot 742, Hendrick’s Motor 676, Suzie Qs 651.

Team series: (Handicap scores) Top Spot 2059, Hendrick’s Motor 1910, Suzie Q’s 1886.

Wednesday Night Men’s Standings: Reed’s Marina 44, Harvest Moon 36, Dalles Electricians 36, Edina Realty 32, Tiger Express 30, McKenzie Lanes 30, Davy’s Construction 24, Hanjo Farms 24.

Individual games: Mike Oryan 275, Jake Jerrick 247, Darren McKenzie & Brad Hacker 246.

Individual series: Mike Oryan 743, Darren McKenzie 684, Brad Hacker 652.

Team games: (Handicap scores) McKenzie Lanes 1139, Dalles Electric 1010.

Team series: (Handicap scores) McKenzie Lanes 3062, Dalles Electric 2959.

Thursday Night Ladies Standings: K.C. Electrical 75.5, Eagle Valley Bank 68.5, Hack’s Pub 65.5, Bont Chiropractic 60, RiverBank 56.5, Century 21 53, Hauge Dental 53, Cutting Edge Pro 48.

Individual games: Shannon Cox 211, Annette Norlander 202, Paula Foerst & Denise Donaghue 197.

Individual series: Denise Donaghue 561, Annette Norlander 552, Penny Kammerud 529.

Team games: (Handicap scores) Cutting Edge Pro 996, Century 21 980, Eagle Valley Bank 966.

Team series: (Handicap scores) Eagle Valley Bank 2819, Century 21 2814, RiverBank 2810.

Saturday Night Mixed Doubles Standings: The In-Laws 45.5, Ten Pin Titans 42, Tiger Express 35, Happy Campers 33.5, Pin Busters 29, Roller Coasters 29, Eureka Bombers 29, Fisk Trucking 29.

Women’s games: Kathy Braund 236, Lonnie Curtiss 201, Jan Lehmann 187.

Women’s series: Kathy Braund 590, Lonnie Curtiss 535, Dixie Welling 468.

Men’s games: Gene Braund 232, Steve Loney 224, Gordy Johnson 218.

Men’s series: Gene Braund 613, Roger Fisk 605, Steve Loney 591.

Team games: (Handicap scores) The In-Laws 931, Roller Coasters 858, Tiger Express 857.

Team series: (Handicap scores) The InLaws 2620, Tiger Express 2476, Ten Pin Titans 2411.

Black & Orange

Early Birds Standings: Black & Orange 17-7, 10th Hole 12-12, Gandy Dancer Saloon 1212, Log Cabin Store 7-17.

Individual games: Kay Casey (10th) 166, Donna Koon (B&O) 162, Rita Tesch (10th) 160.

Individual series: Donna Koon (B&O) 470, Donna Crain (B&O) 460, Kay Casey (10th) 432.

Team games: Black & Orange 872, 10th Hole 866, Log Cabin Store 803.

Team series: Black & Orange 2558, Log Cabin Store 2317, 10th Hole 2304.

Monday Night Men’s Standings: Bruce’s Auto 18-2, Glass & Mirror 13-7, Black & Orange 12-8, Larry’s LP 9-11, Pope’s Construction 614, Vacant 2-18.

Individual games: Larry Johnson (L) 212, Vern Nottom (B&O) 211, Curt Phelps (BA) 197.

Individual series: Larry Johnson (L) 552, Curt Phelps (BA) 531, Vern Nottom (B&O) 526.

Team games: Pope’s Construction 945, Black & Orange 923, Larry’s LP 917.

Team series: Pope’s Construction 2700, Larry’s LP 2655, Black & Orange 2625.

TNT Ladies Standings: Cashco 19-9, Flower Power 14-14, Larry’s LP 13-15, Wild Bill’s 1018.

Individual games: Jennifer Kern (L) 179, Connie Lundeen (L) 176, Evelyn Engebretson (FP) 169.

Individual series: Jennifer Kern (L) 488, Evelyn Engebretson (FP) 449, Jan Carlson (WB) 442.

Team games: Flower Power 838, Wild Bill’s 826, Larry’s LP 817.

Team series: Flower Power 2462, Larry’s LP 2368, Wild Bill’s 2331.

Wednesday Night Men’s Standings: Cashco 14-6, Lions 13-7, T & P Tree Service 13-7, Northview Drive Inn 11-9, 10th Hole 7-13, Black & Orange 2-18.

Individual games: Bill Simmons (L) 209, Jack Witzany (L) & Adrian Arbuckle (10th) 177, Monte Rinnman (C) & Jim Martinson (10th) 175.

Individual series: Bill Simmons (L) 522, Larry Johnson (L) 509, Doug McDowell (N) 497.

Team games: 10th Hole 935, Lions 924, T & P Tree Service 877.

Team series: Lions 2696, 10th Hole 2651, T & P Tree Service 2525.

Early Risers Standings: A+ Sanitation 22-6, Hole in the Wall 13-15, 10th Hole 11-17, Gandy 10-18.

Individual games: Phyllis Myers (A+) 177, Cheryl Parkins (10th) & Lylah Nelson (A+) 172, Donna Crain (GD) 170.

Individual series: Lylah Nelson (A+) 499, Phyllis Myers (A+) 478, Dot Gouks (GD) 456.

Team games: 10th Hole 733, A+ Sanitation 732, Gandy Dancer 727.

Team series: Gandy Dancer 2114, A+ Sanitation 2043, 10th Hole 2031.

Thursday Night Ladies Standings: Check Services 17-7, Lips 15-9, Ben Ott Construction 9-15, Pour House 7-17.

Individual games: Jackie Churchill (L) 184, Nikki Cadotte (CS) & Angie Olson (CS) 178, Sherry Cadotte (CS) 163.

Individual series: Jackie Churchill (L) 492, Nikkie Cadotte (CS) 448, Angie Olson (CS) 433.

Team games: Ben Ott Const. 667, Check Services 664, Lip’s 657.

Team series: Ben Ott Const. 1978, Check Services 1970, Lip’s 1931.

Games 50 or more above average: Sherry Cadotte 163 (+52).

OCTOBER 22, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 27

L E A D E R S P O R T S First-annual Packer-Viking Challenge goes to the Vikes FREDERIC – The first-annual PackerViking Golf Challenge was held on Saturday, Oct. 18, at the Frederic Golf Course. It was a beautiful day despite the wind. Twenty-six golfers stepped up for the challenge, and food and games were enjoyed prior to the event in true football tailgating fashion. Prizes were given to the best-dressed Packer fan and the best dressed Viking fan. Michael Kessler of Siren won best dressed for the Packer crew and Terry Turnquist of Braham, Minn., won best-dressed honors for the Viking team. Participants came from the Twin Cites, Hinckley, Pine City and Braham to participate in the challenge. After the golf match was complete the scores were tallied, with the winner of the challenge going to the Viking team with a combined score of 144 to the Packers score of 155. The winners received a traveling trophy,

Cross country/from pg. 22 Jack Taylor came in first overall and 11 seconds ahead of the second-place Taylor Seeger of Cameron. Seven other Tigers took places in the top 11, including Quentin Johnson, Joey Erickson, Bryan Krause, Nick Krinkie, Chaz Heinz, Devin Greene and J.T Elmgren.

With seven all-conference boys on the team this season, Webster will likely make another run at the state tournament, with eyes most certainly on the top prize. Last year the team took the Division 3 state runner-up trophy.

“That just blows me away,” said coach Roy Ward about the boys team this season. After last years boys performance at state, Ward understands what it will take to get to that point again this season, including sectionals and state.

“Everybody’s got to have their best races on those days and nobody just hands you the title or trophy, you have to earn it,” Ward said. He recalled last year’s efforts, and what it took just to get the Division 3 trophy.

“I know it’s going to be a fight to get our paws on one of those again,” Ward said.

As for the girls, Shaina Pardun continues to lead the young Tigers team, as well as Rachel Salas. Ward explained

which will have the Vikings win engraved on it. Plans are already under way for next year’s challenge. Contact the Frederic Golf Course at 715-327-8250 for more information. – submitted

The Vikings team won the firstannual Packer-Viking Challenge.

Front row (L to R): Chris Wiberg, Tammy Wiberg, Joan Spencer, Tim Burkhardt and Peter Segheri Back row: Emery Healy, Neil Warnberg, Hope Healy, Terry Turnquist, Cheryl Bjerke, Mike Bjerke, Trish Gahler, Mo Beehler and Ed Starr. Not pictured: Lyle Nelson and Quinn Brenna. – Photo submitted that all of the girls have continued to make huge improvements throughout they year. Much of the team consists of freshmen and sophomores.

Division 2 sectionals at Unity The St. Croix Falls and Unity/Luck cross-country teams will not have to travel very far for the Division 2 sectional meet this year. Unity High School is hosting this year’s sectional meet, which includes a total of 17 teams.

Competition will be held this Friday, Oct. 24, with warm-up times beginning at 2:30 p.m. The boys race begins at 4 p.m. and the girls race starts at 5:15 p.m.

The Saints former state qualifier, Bailey Bergmann, again finished in the top four on Monday in St. Croix Falls and will hope to make another repeat to state with a quality finish this Friday.

She came in fourth overall and was the only Saint to earn a medal.

“Seniors Meghan Smith and Tashina Martinson had outstanding races for the last time they would run their home course,”said coach Jennifer Clemins.

Smith took 14th overall with a time of 19:17 and Martinson placed 19th with a time of 20:09.

“Both girls had peak performances and couldn’t have looked stronger,” Clemins said. She went on: ”Tashina

was especially aggressive. Every time I saw her along the race course, she was passing competitor after competitor.

Her eyes said it all…so much focus and determination.”

Clemins made note of Carley Martin as well, who met her goal of reaching under a 25-minute time, with a 24:11.

Alex Frey and Nate Gravesen led the Saints with 13th- and 16th- place finishes. Rashaud Kelash came in 21st place.

“But climbing higher up into the standings were sophomores Christian Wolfe and Chris Eisen. Christian’s performance earned him the No. 7 spot for our sectionals race this Friday. He is definitely hitting his peak at the right time of the season. With such vast improvement over the past three weeks, I’m excited to see how well he does at sectionals. Chris Eisen also has been inching his way closer and closer to a varsity position, but just narrowly missed it. He came in 42nd, just behind teammate Kyle Christensen,” said Clemins noted.

The Unity/Luck team is going to get a slight advantage on their home course this Friday.

“There may be a slight advantage in that they know the course so well and know how to run the hills in the nature trail, said coach Shanin Henningsgard.

For the boys, Dennis McKinney and Mickey Mueller led their team by taking the 19th and 20th spots, with Steven Kruger taking 31st. Paul Mueller took the 33rd spot and Tyler Christensen landed the fifth-best spot on the team with 45th place.

“We have a young team but they have been improving as the season has progressed,” Henningsgard said. “They should be able to compete with the other runners individually [at sectionals].”

Unity was working with a team of three in St. Croix Falls on Monday, with Jessica Raboin holding the 30th overall place and Alison Lennartson and Brittany Bublitz holding the 34th and 35th spots.

Unity/Luck to compete on home course

LEADER S P O R T S SCOREBOARD FOOTBALL

Large Lakeland Conference

CROSS COUNTRY

Team St. Croix Falls Clear Lake Webster Luck Cameron Unity Grantsburg

Conf.

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

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

Team Shell Lake Flambeau Frederic Turtle Lake Northwood/Solon Springs Bruce Weyerhaeuser/Birchwood Winter Siren

Conf.

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

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

Small Lakeland Conference

Scores

Friday, Oct. 17 St. Croix Falls 30, Grantsburg 0 Webster 15, Cameron 14 Clear Lake 43, Unity 18 Spring Valley 35, Luck 20 Birchwood 46, Siren 12

Upcoming

Thursday, Oct. 23 7 p.m.

Level 1 playoffs

Upcoming

Friday, Oct. 24 4 p.m.

Unity/Luck at Unity sectional St. Croix Falls at Unity sectional Saturday, Oct. 25 11 a.m.

Frederic at Boyceville sectional Grantsburg at Boyceville sectional Webster at Boyceville sectional

VOLLEYBALL

West Lakeland Conference

Team Grantsburg Clayton Frederic St. Croix Falls Clear Lake Webster Unity Shell Lake Turtle Lake Siren Luck

Scores

Conf.

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

Overall 11-0 9-1 7-6 5-4 3-2 8-5 5-7 2-4 2-3 2-10 0-14

Thursday, Oct. 16 Clayton 3, Frederic 0 (25-12, 26-24, 25-12) Lake Holcombe 3, Luck 2 (25-21, 24-26, 21-25, 25-16, 15-12) Tuesday, Oct. 21 Grantsburg 3, Luck 0 (25-6, 25-16, 25-11) Webster 3, Unity 0 (25-22, 25-22, 25-21) Mondovi 3, St. Croix Falls (25-8, 25-13, 25-18) Solon Springs 3, Siren 0 (25-4, 25-14, 25-22) Turtle Lake 3, Frederic 1 (18-25, 25-18, 29-27, 25-20)

Upcoming

Friday, Oct. 24 7 p.m.

Webster at Grantsburg

Shaina Pardun led the Webster girls team during the St. Croix Falls meet on Monday, Oct. 20.

PREPS

Frederic’s Calla Karl took firstplace in St. Croix Falls at the last meet of the season. – Photo by Marty Seeger

OF THE

NAME: Chase Bushweiler SCHOOL: St. Croix Falls YEAR: Senior COMMENTS: Saints tailback Chase Bushweiler has been an offensive threat for the Saints all season long. In the Saints win over Grantsburg Bushweiler rushed for 115 yards on 24 carries with three touchdowns. He also Chase Bushweiler rushed for 141 yards on 21 carries in their win over Luck the week before. – Marty Seeger

WEEK

NAME: Kara Gall SCHOOL: Webster YEAR: Senior COMMENTS: The Tigers volleyball advanced to the second round of regionals with the help of senior Kara Gall. Gall’s height and determination helped the Tigers at the net. She ended the victory over the Unity Eagles with 10 kills Kara Gall and several tips. She will move on with her team to play the Grantsburg Pirates on Friday, Oct. 24.

– Brenda Sommerfeld

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

O UTDOORS INTER! COUNTY LEADER

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

Sandy the sandhill crane is being rehabilitated

by Brenda Sommerfeld CLAM FALLS – Volunteer animal rehabilitator Tamara Larson, Clam Falls, told a story of a sandhill crane, whom she referred to as Sandy, in a letter to the editor printed in the Oct. 8 edition of the Leader. She described how she had picked the crane up and tried to return it back into the wild.

The story started with Larson receiving a call about a sandhill crane “harassing the neighborhood at the Clayton trailer court.” After taking Sandy home and treating her sore foot, Larson tried to release her back into the wild at Crex Meadows in Grantsburg. As Larson was leaving, Sandy landed on her truck topper implying she did not want to go.

Larson obliging took Sandy back home with her.

Sandy’s story continues with her going to Lynn Sieger, the licensed rehabilitator that Larson volunteers under.

Sieger took Sandy from Larson and found her a home at the Raptor Education Group, Inc. in Antigo, where they said that Sandy is actually a young male.

“We didn’t have the facility to keep him,” Sieger said. “He needed to be kept over winter.”

REGI is a nonprofit organization that was founded by Marge and her husband Don Gibson in 1990. Gibson has worked with wildlife for the past 30 years and now has this facility to house and focus her attention on rehabilitating injured native birds.

Sandy is now living in this REGI facility, surrounded by other cranes, where they hope he can adjust back to crane life.

“He is a human imprint,” Gibson said. “Somebody raised this bird, illegally of course.”

The Migratory Bird Act states that no indigenous bird can be held in captivity for any reason unless provided exception by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service permit process.

Furthermore, no part of any bird including, but not limited to, feathers, mounts,

LEFT: A young sandhill crane, referred to as Sandy, was picked up by Tamara Larson in Clayton. Sandy is now housed at the Raptor Education Group, Inc. in Antigo. RIGHT: This mother crane was brought into REGI with an arrow through her. As she rehabilitates, she has adopted Sandy as a foster child. – Photos submitted by REGI bones, eggs, etc., can be kept without proper permits.

Gibson does not think that Sandy was taken as an egg or tiny baby because he does have some crane tendencies. She does, however, believe that a human has raised him for quite some time, lessening the chance of him ever being released back into the wild.

“One reason that the general public really shouldn’t try to raise any wildlife is that wildlife species have very com-

plicated lives,” Gibson explains. “It is hard for the public to know everything about them, when we that work with the birds study for years and still often learn by past mistakes.”

Sandy arrived at REGI with a broken foot due to the metabolic bone disease he has. This bone disease was probably caused by him not receiveing the correct nutrients or exercise in the short time it takes a crane to grow. A sandhill crane will go from 6 inches at hatch to full

Frederic Scoutmaster receives high honor

by Marty Seeger FREDERIC – Scoutmaster Rick Penberthy of Frederic received one of the Boy Scouts of America’s highest honors recently, after participating in a ceremony on Saturday, Oct. 18, in Cannon Falls, Minn. Penberthy received the Vigil Honor Order of the Arrow, which is considered to be the National Honor Society of the Boy Scouts of America according to its Web site on www.oa-bsa.org.

Only one child and one adult out of all of the Wild River District Boy Scout Troops is chosen each year. The Wild River District covers an area that extends as far north as Webster, and stretches as far south as New Richmond. It also includes areas as far west as Cumberland.

One of the qualifications for the award is that you must be a member of the Order of the Arrow, which Penberthy has been a part of for the past five years. This is the highest honor that Penberthy has ever received. The recognition honors those who are dedicated to the Boy Scouts of America and contribute their time and effort beyond

their immediate responsibilities.

“I didn’t know about it until two months ago,” Penberthy said.

Those who receive this type of honor are nominated by members and canditaes of Boy Scouts and the Order of the Arrow. He added that he’s still not exactly sure, but has at least one idea of who it might have been.

During the ceremony last weekend, Penberthy said they had to keep a fire going all night long without sleeping.

Penberthy and other members of the Order of the Arrow also participated.

Penberthy is the Scoutmaster of troop 128 in Frederic, and the troop has an 80percent success rate in getting its troops to the ranks of Eagle scout. The troop is sponsored by the South Fork Sporting Club and they hold many fun activities including various fundraisers, trap shooting, paintball shooting, canoeing, and winter survival just to name a few.

Rick Penberthy was recently awarded the Vigil Honor Order of the Arrow. – Photo by Marty Seeger

flight size in 56 days. Babies need lots of exercise and they eat mice more often than they do grain.

“Few people realize how much of cranes diet is mice,” Gibson said. “Often it is assumed they eat only grain, etc. because they are found in a field. What people don’t realize is they are mousing much like a cat would be in a field. They do eat grain, but usually not at all their first month of life and not this time of year when they are looking to gain weight for migration.”

While Sandy’s foot heals, the REGI staff will also be trying to help him readjust to crane ways. In fact, he has found himself a foster mom to help take care of him and help him adjust to his new home.

REGI has educational birds, held under their special-purpose permits, who are not releasable that they use as foster parents for young birds.

Sandy’s foster mom is actually not one of these, but is a crane who was brought in two days before Sandy with an arrow through her. The arrow went all the way from her back to her front. It was there for a month before she was brought to REGI. She left her mate and baby, who have now migrated. Gibson is hoping she will be able to be released in the spring when her mate and baby come back.

This mother sandhill crane has adopted Sandy. She rubs his neck with her beak, comforting him when he cries.

“She’s very, very attentive to him and he really appreciates that, even if she is a crane,” Gibson said.

If you find wildlife animals who are hurt or acting strangely, contact your local DNR, humane society or veterinarian to find the best place for them.

If you would like more information about or would like to make a donation to REGI, visit their Web site at www.raptoreducationgroup.org.

On track...

••• The DNR is reminding hunters to frequently visit the DNR Web site for deer processors in your area if you intend to donate your deer for food pantries.

According to www.dnr.state.wi.us there are three processors who have already signed on in Polk County including the Amery Meat Market, (715-268-7515) Swanks Old Fashioned Meats in St. Croix Falls (715-483-386) and Van Meter's Meats in Luck (715-472-2141).

In Burnett County the Lock and Load is accepting venison (715-488-2931).

Be sure to call ahead to be sure processors are still accepting donated venison, or has enough space. The head and antlers of the deer may be kept for mounting. Also, be sure to handle the carcass as if it were destined for your own table. – Marty Seeger with information from the DNR

OCTOBER 22, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 29

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A golden ticket to buckville; hopefully A crystalline layer of heavy frost covered nearly every corner of the area on Tuesday morning.

The deer were moving, and unfortunately, I was moving toward a fun-filled Marty day of sitting in front Seeger of a computer screen.

But at least the morning drive provided a The little entertainment, and it aided in kick Bottom Line starting my desire to get back into the woods after taking a two-week split from the world of bowhunting.

A heavy-bodied buck had stopped a train of traffic, and although I couldn’t see exactly how big it was, the sighting left me with chills, knowing that the next couple of weeks were sure to be filled with experiences just like these.

I took a quick pull off the coffee mug and the thought of rut-crazed bucks with large antlers crossing through deer-infested forests filled my brain. I wished then and there that I would have skipped out on work and went straight for the deer stand.

There’s a euphoric energy in the air this time of year that can’t be found at even the most intense high school football game, nor can it come from watching the World Series played out on the television. (Even if it were the Brewers instead of the Phillies.) For me, these feelings can only come from climbing into the comforts of a tree stand, waiting for an opportunity at a buck to bring home and brag about. To me, the next couple of weeks is the greatest show on earth, and it’s on the verge of

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getting much more exciting.

Perhaps the biggest part of that excitement comes from knowing that in one of the areas I hunt, I’ll be able to legally harvest a buck. Unit 22A is one of several units listed as Earn-a-Buck again this year and I earned my sticker about two weeks ago by harvesting a nice doe.

I could have been satisfied with hunting my regular stomping grounds in Unit 22, but having options increases the odds of filling the buck tag. It’s also fun to hunt areas with different sights, sounds and challenges. Not that hunting whitetails isn’t already a challenge.

The EAB rules are pretty simple. In order to earn the right to shoot a buck you must first harvest an antlerless deer. In turn, you get a gold sticker at the registration station, which allows you to tag a buck if the opportunity presents itself the next time you go out to the woods.

Whether it’s during the bow season, the four-day antlerless hunt in October, the regular gun-deer season, or even the statewide antlerless hunt in late December, there’s no shortage of opportunity to fill your EAB tag. You can even prequalify for a sticker so that you have one in hand for the following season. But no matter how easy it sounded to tag out on a doe during the regular bow season this year, it turned out to be a difficult task for me. I even have several excuses, which include not enough time to hunt, poor shot decisions, limited hunting land, and so on. I’ll spare you the whining.

Fortunately, I was lucky enough to fill my buck tag elsewhere last season, and it was deemed an overall success.

I took last year’s bow buck in Unit 22, which was listed as an EAB watch unit at the time. I then took a doe in that unit during the regular nine-day gun season in preparation for an EAB season this year. But once again, Unit 22 is listed as an EAB watch unit. It seems that the

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The dream of shooting a big buck could become reality this year with an EAB sticker in hand. But getting your fingers on one can be harder than it seems. - Photo by Brenda Sommerfeld threat of having an EAB unit last year was enough to get hunters to harvest does, eventually reducing deer numbers down enough to avoid it altogether–at least that’s my theory.

This year, with the exception of Unit 10, all of Polk, Burnett, Washburn, St. Croix, Barron and other counties are listed in the 2009 EAB-watch units.

Which means there is another chance that any one of these areas has the potential to become EAB unit next season. If you’d rather not see your area listed as an EAB unit next year, it might be a good idea to harvest a couple of does.

It’s annoying to think that a hunter should be forced to shoot a doe, before tagging a buck, especially if the first thing that walks by is in fact, a buck.

But it’s one of necessary tools the DNR

uses to ensure a healthy deer herd, and proper population goals.

For the hunter, it can provide a little extra venison for the freezer, or the meat can be donated to several different food processors, which in turn, help to fill food pantries for people in need all across the state.

I never thought I’d spend as much time and effort chasing after a doe, but in the end it was worth it. Not only did it given me another area to roam for a big buck during the rut in the coming weeks, it allowed me a little extra time in the woods that I may not have enjoyed otherwise. It also replenished my dwindling stash of venison in freezer, and gave me a ticket to harvest a buck – hopefully.

Alien invader easily seen now STATEWIDE – Fall is one of the best times to see how much your woodlot and other woodlands along the roads have been invaded by nonnative species called buckthorn. Buckthorn’s leaves remain green long after all other trees have changed color or dropped their leaves. You will see that the only green in woodlots in the fall and early winter is likely buckthorn.

Buckthorn was originally imported as an ornamental in the 1800s and unfortu-

nately is still being sold in nurseries in Wisconsin. Buckthorn is a treelike shrub that can reach 20-25 feet in height. The leaves are small, oval shaped with slightly jagged edges. Buckthorn also has small black berries and short thorns at the end of the twigs.

Why be concerned? Buckthorn has early leaf development and maintains their leaves longer than other native plants. The dense shade early in the growing season and beyond has a

destructive effect on the native community, destroys wildlife habitat, and causes long-term decline of forests by shading out native vegetation. In addition, buckthorn also produces a fruit, which can cause harm to birds that feed on them.

What can we do? Stop the spread and help control the invasion of buckthorn by removing it either mechanically and or chemically. Control strategies can include one or more of the following:

hand pulling, cut stump treatments, fire, crown removal and foliar treatments.

Protect your woodlands for wildlife and future generations. Start now; contact your local DNR office, Polk County DNR office 715-485-3518, to find out more details on how to remove this alien from your yard or woodlot. – Submitted by Janette Cain, a DNR forester in Polk County

Buck-a-rama held by the Lorain Fire Department

Many prizes were available for people to win. To have a chance at a certain table, people paid to play games in order to get tickThe Lorain Fire Department held their Firefighter Roxanne Nelson picks out ets put into a bucket for a certain table or pyramid row. The piceighth-annual Buck-a-rama fundraiser at winning numbers. – Photos by Brenda ture above is known as the pyramid. Winning numbers are called for the bottom row until the items are all gone, then the middle the American Legion hall on Thursday, Sommerfeld row winners are called and finally the top row.

Oct. 16.

PAGE 30 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - OCTOBER 22, 2008

Milwaukee County supervisor asks Burnett district attorney to investigate Gableman

MILWAUKEE – A Milwaukee County supervisor has asked Burnett County District Attorney William Norine to investigate former Burnett County Circuit Court Judge Michael Gableman under an obscure law.

Gableman, who was accused earlier this month of judicial misconduct by the Wisconsin Judicial Commission, now faces a charge from John Weishan Jr. who says Gableman knowingly made “a false representation pertaining to a candidate,” in order to win a seat on the State Supreme Court.

According to an Associated Press

story, Weishan filed a complaint with Norine’s office. Norine has said he would review the complaint.

Gableman’s campaign consultant Darrin Schmitz called the complaint “frivolous and another attempt by the left to circumvent the will of the voters.”

The law Weishan referred to in filing his complaint carries a penalty of up to six months behind bars but has not been used to prosecute anyone in decades, if ever, according to an Associated Press article.

The judicial commission claims Gableman knew an ad against his oppo-

nent for the state Supreme Court, Louis Butler, was false – but approved it for public airing anyway. It involved a case in which Butler, as a public defender years ago, represented rapist Reuben Lee Mitchell. The ad states that Butler found a loophole in the law and Mitchell went on to molest another child.

But records show Butler’s appeal on Mitchell’s behalf was overturned by the Supreme Court and Mitchell served his full sentence. Mitchell was later convicted of raping a 14-year-old girl after his release.

If the complaint against Gableman is upheld, he could face discipline, ranging from a reprimand to removal from the bench.

Weishan said the commission’s conclusion led him to seek a criminal investigation under a law that few people knew existed.

The law was approved in 1911 as part of the Corrupt Practices Act, but prosecutors have often declined to enforce it, saying the penalties are too severe and the working too vague to sustain a conviction. – with information from Associated Press

Former Osceola police officer sentenced

Banned from being in Polk County for three years

by Sherill Summer POLK COUNTY – Former Osceola police officer, Mike Jarvey, 42, of DePere, was sentenced on two felony charges at the Polk County Courthouse on Wednesday, Oct. 15.

Three other felony charges and two misdemeanor charges were dismissed.

Investigations of Jarvey’s conduct as a police officer began after he was spotted drinking at a restaurant/bar in Osceola while wearing a badge and gun in September 2006. The initial investigation also looked into an alleged OWI arrest without sufficient evidence, and Jarvey soon resigned from the Osceola Police Department.

After his resignation, more allegations surfaced, including allegations of sexual

assault and forged documents where Jarvey was attempting to create a fictitious police department. The Osceola police chief then sought an outside investigation by the Wisconsin Department of Criminal Investigation.

Polk County District Attorney Daniel Steffen filed five felony and two misdemeanor charges against Jarvey.

According to a criminal complaint, the accusations are: 1. Forgery. On Oct. 13, 2006, he allegedly forged a signature on a document claiming he had been appointed chief of a fictitious police department. A felony punishable by six years prison and a $10,000 fine.

2. Possession of a firearm contrary to court order. On two occasions in October and November 2006, according to the charges, he violated a court order preventing him from possessing firearms. Each offense is a felony punishable by 10 years in jail and fines of $25,000.

3. Misconduct in office, two counts.

He is accused of allowing the arrest of a person in summer 2006 even though there wasn’t sufficient evidence and sexually touching a female minor in 2005 under the guise of a lawful search. Both charges are felonies punishable by up to three years and six months in prison and fines of $10,000.

4. Sexual assault. The charge stems from the same incident in summer 2005 when he allegedly made sexual contact with a female minor without consent.

The misdemeanor charge is punishable by nine months in jail and fine of $10,000.

5. Possession of a firearm while intoxicated. On Sept. 1, 2006, while wearing his police badge, handcuffs and holstered gun, Jarvey allegedly drank at an Osceola bar. The misdemeanor charge is punishable by nine months in jail and a $10,000 fine.

Ultimately, Jarvey was sentenced on two charges: misconduct while in office

– an act of excessive authority and possession of a firearm contrary to an injunction.

Judge Robert Rasmussen commented during sentencing that police officers are here to protect and serve.

“You were clearly doing neither,” he stated. He sentenced Jarvey to three years of probation, 100 hours of community service and 30 days in jail. Jarvey must also submit a DNA sample and submit to a psychological evaluation and alcohol assessment. He is also not allowed in Polk County while on probation, other than during the jail sentence.

However, he does have the option of serving the jail sentence outside of Polk County as long as there is no cost to Polk County.

Judge Rasmussen’s sentence was less than the nine months in jail and five years of probation asked for by the prosecution.

Jarvey apologized during the sentence hearing.

SCF doctor says CO detector saved her life

by Tammi Milberg ST. CROIX FALLS–A typical evening after attending her son’s football game on Tuesday, Oct. 14, turned out not to be so typical when Vicki Skarda returned to her St. Croix Falls home.

“My carbon monoxide detector was going off like crazy, I called the fire department and they came out to my house,” she said.

Skarda is a physician at St. Croix Regional Medical Center and said one of the parts of her job, ironically, is to counsel kids about having carbon

monoxide detectors in their home.

“Thankfully, I had one,” she said.

“The fire department came out and said that the reading of carbon monoxide in my house was 80, which is very high.”

Skarda said the cause was her heat exchanger going out in her furnace and the carbon monoxide was going through the ventilation system throughout the house. When she came home, she did not notice any smell because carbon monoxide is an odorless gas. She said she didn’t notice anything out of the ordinary when she got home except

the detector making noise. If the detector had not been sounding, she said she probably would have just gone to bed as usual.

“I never would have woken up,” she said. “It [the detector] saved my life and my three children’s lives. I feel lucky it did the job it was supposed to, and I may buy a few more of those.”

She said, like anybody, she was hesitant to spend $60 on a detector because it is a bit of money, but after this experience, she said you can’t afford not to buy one because it could mean the dif-

ference between life and death.

“I want to commend the St. Croix Falls Fire Department who brought in fans and cleared the air in my home, checked the furnace, and also found a fire hazard with my dryer,” she said. “I got that fixed, and I also wanted to thank JM Refrigeration for coming out so quickly and fixing my furnace.”

Skarda said she wanted to share her story to let people know the importance of carbon monoxide detectors and how a $60 purchase can save an entire family’s life.

Wisconsin School for Beginning Dairy and Livestock Farmers to be held in Frederic

FREDERIC — The Wisconsin School for Beginning Farmers course will be offered locally this fall and winter at the Frederic Village Hall. The course comes through the University of Wisconsin Farm and Industry Short Course. Delivery will be done through interactive video and audio. Most of the subject materials apply to both grass-based and conventional farming and cover dairy, beef, sheep and goats.

An important aspect of the course is business planning. If desired, students will be able to develop their own business plans by the end of the course.

Since the course began in 1995, 250 students have enrolled and a third have gone on to start their own farms.

There are 15 required regular class sessions, Thursdays, Nov. 13 – March 12, and some opportunities for software training, tours or attendance at GrassWorks, depending on location.

The course is divided into three terms.

Classes run from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Thursdays except for one class on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving.

Students who miss a class may catch it later online.

Subjects this year include starting a livestock business whether confinement or grazing, grazing system layout, stray voltage, goal-setting, feeding on pasture, production and marketing of pasture-based beef, goat and sheep dairying, information on beginner loans,

enterprise budgets, farm-driven marketing, business plan writing, successful models for business start-ups, biofuels and farm energy, organic farming, lowcost parlors, out-wintering and environmental stewardship. Contact a UWEX representative for the specific schedule.

The cost of the entire course is not yet established, but it won’t be more the $240 charged last year. Sponsorships are encouraged. You can also enroll for individual classes or terms, or take the course for university credit at a higher cost.

Additional afternoon sessions covering related topics of interest may be added by local UW-Extension. If there is a scheduling conflict with the current location, a few of the sessions

may be held at UW-Extension in Balsam Lake or Siren. You will have to bring your own lunch.

The registration deadline is Monday, Nov. 3. To register or obtain information, contact Otto Wiegand at UWEX Spooner at 715-635-3506, Ryan Sterry at UWEX Balsam Lake, 715-485-8600, Dick Cates at 608-265-6437, or Jennifer Taylor at 608-265-7914. The course is a collaborative effort between the UW-Center for Integrated Agricultural Studies, UW Cooperative Extension, CALS, DATCP, the technical colleges and GrassWorks.

— from UW-Extension

McCain campaign isn’t giving up on Wisconsin

STATEWIDE - Wisconsin is still a “purple” – or presidential battleground state, say both the Obama and McCain campaigns. That following the news that the Republican National Committee is pulling its McCain ads from the state.

But McCain Great Lakes spokeswoman Sarah Lenti says while the RNC is pulling out, the state campaign will

continue its ads. She says the battle over the Badger State isn’t even taking a breather.

“Not at all,” says Lenti. “Our volunteers continue to make phone calls and knock on doors. If anything, we’re ramping it up.”

Obama Wisconsin campaign manager Dan Kanninen didn’t blink at the RNC’s maneuver, and says Wisconsin is still up

for grabs.

“Ultimately whether it’s polls or pundits, none of this stuff is real until Election Day,” says Kanninen. “Even though (polls) have us up by a little bit, those are just snapshots in time or models of what might happen on Election Day…based on turnout assumptions.

So, if we don’t actually do the work of reaching these voters and turning them

out, then it’s all for naught.”

Barack Obama was scheduled to appear in Wisconsin later this week, with a Madison event on Thursday, but that event was cancelled due to his visiting his grandmother who is ill. Wisconsin Public Radio (Mike Simonson)

OCTOBER 22, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 31

Good news, bad news for Webster Schools

Finances solid, enrollment down

by Carl Heidel WEBSTER - Monday night’s meeting of the Webster School Board, Oct. 20, got off to a slow start as board members worked to load meeting information onto their laptops. But once the technology was operational, they were ready for the ebb and flow of the news. And although some was discouraging, most of it was good.

The good news centered on the district’s finances, and it began with a gift from the Knights of Columbus. Elra Johnson represented the Knights as he presented a check for $1,026.86 to Karen Rivers, the schools’ psychologist.

Johnson explained that the contribution from the Knights to the schools came from their annual Tootsie Roll sales. Each year, members of the Knights statewide sell the candies in order to raise money to help children with intellectual disabilities.

This was not the first time the Knights have given funds to the Webster Schools for students with special needs.

Johnson said that Monday evening’s gift brought the total of their contributions to the schools over the past several years to $11,972.63.

There was more good news as the board certified the 2008-2009 tax levy of $7,831,133. At the district’s annual meeting Superintendent Jim Erickson said the schools hoped to be able to hold the mill rate to 4.92 mills for the year.

Monday night’s certification set the rate slightly higher, at 5.155, but that figure is still well below the millage rates of neighboring districts.

To add to the strong financial picture for the district, Erickson reported that Bremer Bank was ready to extend a $1,209,503 simple line of credit to the schools. The board approved the offer.

Erickson explained that this credit line

tested. (See related story.)

And Tim Widiker, high school principal, reported that the high school is drawing favorable attention because of the outstanding sportsmanship of its athletes. (See related story.)

The down side of the news for the board came in Erickson’s report on student enrollment for the current school year. The report of the official count taken on the third Friday of September shows that total enrollment K-12 has declined by 53 students compared to the official count taken in 2007.

The enrollment drop was expected, but not the size of the drop. In the annual meeting Erickson indicated that the district expected to lose about 36 students, a 4.6-percent decline, not the 6.8percent decline that actually occurred.

At the moment, the decline will not affect state aid in any way. Aid amounts are calculated every three years on the basis of student enrollments at that time. Webster’s aid amount will not be recalculated this year, but when those figures are adjusted, the enrollment decline will likely lead to a reduction in what the schools receive from the state.

Elra Johnson of the Knights of Columbus (R) presented a check for $1,026.86 to Karen Rivers, Webster school psychologist, (L) at Monday night’s Webster School Board meeting. The donation will be used to assist children in the district who have special learning needs. - Photo by Carl Heidel will allow the schools to borrow funds as needed to help with cash flow.

School funds come in from tax revenues in the late winter and late summer, and because revenue receipts are concentrated in those times, there are periods where the schools need funds to handle costs until the next tax monies come in.

Typically, the months of December through February are the times when this borrowing takes place.

Another financial item on the agenda was tabled for further study. Substitute

teacher pay levels were last adjusted in 1999, and they are not nuanced enough to provide increased compensation levels for higher quality substitutes. The board plans to study the pay scale and then reconsider the issue in the November meeting.

The good news was not limited to financial items. Elementary school guidance counselor Martha Anderson reported that data analysis from the WKCE testing indicated that Webster students were doing well in the subjects

In other business the board: • approved posting of the boys high school basketball assistant coaching position contingent upon player numbers; • approved volunteer assistant coaching contracts for Jeremiah Scheumann (seventh-grade boys basketball), Steve Holmquist (eighth-grade boys basketball), Mark Elliott (high school boys basketball), Tim McIntyre (high school girls basketball), Adam Broten, Chris Engstrom and Brian Sears (hockey) and Erica Gustafson (basketball, cheerleading); • approved the second reading of the revised field trip policy; • and approved Brenda Larsen as National Honor Society advisor.

Nine OWI arrests in Polk County

POLK COUNTY - Nine persons were arrested for operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated during the past week in Polk County, including an arrest for OWIfourth offense.

Tammy L. Strohbeen, 40, of Amery was arrested Saturday, Oct. 18 for OWI, fourth offense on South Keller Avenue in the city of Amery. Strohbeen had a PBT test reading of .17.

Other OWI-related arrests include: • Kelly Ann Williams-Larson, 48, Lindstrom, Minn., OWI, second offense, obstruction, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. WilliamsLarson was arrested Wednesday, Oct. 15, and admitted to officers she had two Tom Collins drinks at the St. Croix Casino prior to driving.

• Kelly R. Stage, 48, Centuria, OWI, first offense. She was arrested Sunday, Oct. 19, at the intersection of Main Street and Butternut Avenue in Luck.

• Marvin K. Ott, 58, Cushing, OWI, first offense and prohibited alcohol content. He was arrested Saturday, Oct. 18, while driving on Hwy. 8 near St. Croix Falls.

• Richard Marvin Fischer, 63, Roseville, Minn. He was arrested Oct. 18 on Hwy 8. He told officers he was on his way to the casino and that he had consumed “a couple of drinks.”

• Rudolph J. Konecny, 42, St. Croix Falls, OWI and no valid driver’s license. He was arrested Saturday, Oct. 18, while driving southbound on Hwy. 87 from Louisiana Street in St. Croix Falls. He told officers he had too much to drink.

• Craig A. Lundeen Jr., 24, rural Grantsburg, OWI, first offense, operating over the prohibited BAC and open intoxicant, driver. He was arrested Saturday, Oct. 18, in Frederic. An open bottle of Bacardi rum was found in the vehicle.

• Cynthia M. Cina, 60, Centuria, OWI, first offense and prohibited alcohol content above .08. She was arrested Saturday, Oct. 18. Police were notified by citizens who

Burnett Co. marriage licenses Shayne A. Staege, Meenon, and Melissa L. Brown, Meenon, Oct. 13.

Eric C. Swanson, Grantsburg, and Carol A. Mitchell, Grantsburg, Oct. 14.

claimed they saw Cina nearly hitting the median at Hwys. 8 and 46 and that her vehicle was swerving.

• David M. Lucken, 57, St. Croix Falls, OWI, first offense. He was arrested Saturday, Oct. 18, after a female subject called police to report she was almost run over by a red truck that backed up over the curb. Lucken was already parked at his residence when police arrived.

Other arrests • Keith Michael Swanson, 21, St. Croix Falls, Oct. 18.

Police report states Swanson had attempted to take a 12oz. can of Sierra Mist, valued at 79 cents, a Playboy Nude magazine, valued at $9.99 and a Girls of Penthouse magazine, valued at $6.99, from the Holiday gas station store.

Swanson admitted to police he took the items because he didn’t have any money.

• Derek R. Degidio, 23, Osceola, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of 7.68 grams of marijuana. Degidio was initially stopped by police due to a loud exhaust and an inoperative license plate lamp, which led to the discovery of the drug paraphernalia and marijuana.

• Brian M. Haas, 39, Amery, obstructing and resisting.

Officers were called to the scene of an alleged ATV accident in which an ATV had struck a parked camper. They found a cell phone which led them to the Haas residence.

Haas denied knowing about the accident. A woman involved in the accident told police Haas was just “looking after her” and did not want her to get in trouble.

They then arrested Haas.

• Amanda M. Jensen, 31, Deer Park, operating without a license, third offense.

• Russell Alan Manning, 40, Luck, operating after revocation.

• Edwin K. Malakowsky, 51, Amery, disorderly conduct, domestic abuse.

• David J. Knutson, 31, Star Prairie, battery. Knutson allegedly grabbed a female’s arm and pushed her to the

Burnett County deaths Agnes E. Branstad, 98, Grantsburg Village, Oct. 11.

Ernie E. Simon, 40, Grantsburg Township, Sept. 27.

Catharina H. Van Den Tillaar, 84, Webb Lake, Oct. 2.

ground while grabbing keys out of her pocket.

• Patrick E. Smith, 44, St. Croix Falls, domestic/disorderly conduct and probation violation - no drink.

• Ryan M. Monson, 24, Clayton, disorderly conduct, relating to an Oct. 18 incident at CTH D and 5th Avenue involving a physical fight.

• Ricky L. Juleff, 28, Clayton, disorderly conduct, relating to an Oct. 18 incident at CTH D and 5th Avenue involving a physical fight.

• Joseph Fredrick Robinson, 50, St. Louis Park, Minn., disorderly conduct. Robinson allegedly urinated in the parking lot of a store and restaurant.

• Scott M. Nordby, 44, Clear Lake, disorderly conduct.

Nordby allegedly was sleeping in a truck at the parking lot of a bar when someone kicked the tire of the truck, apparently unaware anyone was inside. Nordby began yelling at the person(s) who kicked the tire and then got out and grabbed the man’s sweatshirt and when the man pulled away, the sweatshirt ripped off him.

• Lucas C. Radke, 24, Frederic, felony bail violation.

• Darrel L. Halverson, 42, Shafer, Minn., Polk County warrant.

• Troy A. Halverson, 31, Osceola, Polk County warrant.

• Laurie A. Larson, 34, New Richmond, Amery warrant.

• Chad A. Jones, 35, St. Croix Falls, Warrant arrest.

• James S. Greeney, 53, Hammond, Polk County warrant.

• Nicholas J. Goller, 28, Osceola, probation hold. —

PAGE 32 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - OCTOBER 22, 2008

Burnett County criminal court Jesse S. Kuck, 21, Ellsworth, nonregistration of auto, $160.80; altered vehicle registration plate or sticker, $223.80; operate motorcycle without valid license, $186.00.

Kit A. Drake, 34, Grantsburg, sale or operate vehicle without directional lights, $148.20.

Charleston K. Baker, 18, Webster, operate without valid license, $186.00.

Alisa R. Miller, 17, Webster, improper parking on roadway, $173.40.

Jeremy B. Shaw, 20, Cumberland, hunt within 50 feet of road’s center, $208.40; shoot bow or crossbow from highway, $247.15.

Ashley D. Rechtzigel, 25, Rosemount, Minn., mandatory seatbelt violation, $160.80.

Ted P. Sperling, 44, Danbury, speeding, $160.80.

Jacob S. Bleskan, 22, South Range, speeding, $186.00.

Denise M. Anderson, 52, Vadnais Heights, Minn., speeding, $160.80.

Troy A. Lanning, 41, Siren, speeding, $186.00.

Glenda R. Scanlon, 65, Hertel, speeding, $186.00.

Ryan P. Walters, 24, Shell Lake, speeding, $160.80.

Lynn S. Bachman, 58, Eden Prairie, Minn., speeding, $160.00.

Sean M. Kutz, 19, Grantsburg, hit and run of an unattended vehicle, $249.00.

Sean R. Walters, 24, Superior, operate while suspended, $186.00.

James L. Kujala, 20, Shell Lake, OWI, $677.00, license revoked six months, alcohol assessment.

Eric A. Pavlicek, 37, Siren,

OWI, $793.00, license revoked six months, alcohol assessment.

Eric J. Castellano, 23, Luck, OWI, $793.00, license revoked six months, alcohol assessment.

Pamela S. Owens, 43, Grantsburg, OWI, $866.00, license revoked nine months, alcohol assessment.

Gregory E. Hollon, 26, Grantsburg, OWI, $677.00, license revoked six months, alcohol assessment.

Corey J. Brunclik, 33, Siren, OWI, $677.00, license revoked six months, alcohol assessment.

Janine J. Cowle, 33, Webster, OWI, $866.00, license revoked nine months, alcohol assessment.

Richard D. Wemette, no date of birth given, Westby,

issue worthless check, $248.00.

Kyle R. Boege, 19, Chisago City, Minn., county ordinance violation, $309.00.

Aaron N. Dehl, 33, Webster, operating commercial vehicle without commercial license, $309.00.

Robert E. Witzel, 58, Siren, operate motor vehicle without owner’s consent, $309.00.

Jesse L. Janssen, 17, Danbury, criminal damage to property, one-year probation, 30 hours’ community service, expunction available upon request, $88.00.

Sandra J. Lange, 50, Sandstone, Minn., resisting or obstructing an officer, one-year probation, no contact with victim, $88.00.

David A. Proffit, 48, Danbury, battery, one-year probation, follow all medical recom-

mendation for depression, alcohol assessment, $188.00.

Eric E. Garvey, 37, Danbury, possess drug paraphernalia, $249.00.

Dominick W. Keezer, 20, Aitkin, Minn., possession of controlled substance, deferred conviction, one-year probation, alcohol assessment.

Gregory L. Visger, 53, Spooner, possession of controlled substance, deferred conviction, one-year probation, alcohol assessment.

Jodi L. Hageman, 37, Grantsburg, possession of amphetamine/LSD/psilocin, one-year probation, license suspended six months, alcohol assessment, $88.00.

Kevin W. Hodge, 51, Webster, OWI, $904.00, 10-day jail sentence, license revoked 12 months, alcohol assessment.

Keith W. Oiyotte, 51, Webster, OWI, $1,219.00, oneyear probation, 60-day jail sentence, license revoked for 30 days, alcohol assessment.

Daniel W. Bugg, 44, Luck, OWI, one-year jail sentence, Huber release granted.

Louis F. Belisle, 25, Webster, OWI, $1,977.00, oneyear probation, license revoked 30 months, 60-day jail sentence, Huber release granted, no possession or consumption of alcohol, alcohol assessment.

Robert H. Deal, 19, Grantsburg, entry into building, three-year probation, 10-day jail sentence, Huber release granted, 80 hours’ community service, obtain GED or HSED during term of probation, $88.00; theft, three-year probation, restitution to be determined, $88.00; theft, three-year probation, $88.00.

Oct. 18: Ross E. Kegel, 27, Siren, was arrested fo possession of methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia and a probation violation.

Other incidents Oct. 10: Tami R. Viernow, Rock Island, Ill., reported an air compressor, five-drawer toolbox with tools, a chain saw and socket set taken from a shed.

The incident is under investigation.

Oct. 10: Rebecca A. Pijanowski, Danbury, reported a DVD player, amplifier, CD player and speaker taken from a garage. The incident is under investigation.

Oct. 13: Kent R. Warner, Welch, Minn., reported the garage door damaged and five tree stands, climbing sticks, a circular saw, sawzal, two electric drills, and drill bits taken from inside the garage. The incident is under investigation.

Oct. 17: Fred L. Leibke,

Stacy, Minn., reported an attempted burglary to a shed.

Nothing appeared to be missing.

The incident is under investigation.

Oct. 17: Donald A. Brown, Webster, reported a flat-screen TV, four sleeping bags, clothing, food and beverages, boots, ice auger, 13-inch TV, coffeemaker, microwave oven and mower taken from his property. The incident is under investigation.

Oct. 17: Gregory L. Larson, Danbury, reported a lawn mover stolen from his property. The incident is under investigation.

Oct. 18: Jeff G. Stellrecht, Sarona, reported three tree stands taken from his property.

The incident is under investigation.

Oct. 18: Holiday Gas station in Webster reported a gas driveo f f .

The incident is under investigation.

Richard D. Madsen, Dresser, operating while suspended, $186.00.

Melissa A. Maki, Lac Du Flambeau, speeding, $211.20.

Fred Marick, Eau Claire, speeding, $160.80.

Peter W. Matson, Centuria, seat belt violation, $10.00.

Jason K. Mayer, Pine City, Minn., seat belt violation, $10.00.

Alexander B. Mays, Forest Lake, Minn., speeding, $160.80.

Beth E. McQuay, Cushing, speeding, $160.80.

Glenn A. Melin, Centuria, speeding, not guilty plea.

Jacob H. Merrill, Balsam Lake, unclassified forfeiture, not guilty plea.

Peter L. Mislinski, Appleton, speeding, $160.80; operate w/o valid license, $186.00.

Kimberly G. Moe, Luck, speeding, $160.80.

Kellie A. Montpetit, Luck, fail./yield right/way from stop sign, $160.80.

Jared N. Morgan, White Bear Lake, Minn., speeding, not guilty plea.

Tanya M. Mork, Balsam Lake, seat belt violation, $10.00.

Brian M. Morris, Turtle Lake, speeding, $160.80.

Joan M. Morris, Turtle Lake, seat belt violation, $10.00.

Holly J. Moses, Rice Lake, speeding, $160.80.

Jessica J. Murry, St. Paul, Minn., speeding, $160.80.

Donald C. Neeck, Mounds View, Minn., speeding, $211.20.

Aaron S. Nelson, Osceola, speeding, $211.20.

Ariz., speeding, $160.80.

Robert L. Newell, St. Croix Falls, disorderly conduct, $186.00.

Virginia M. Newman, Phoenix, Ariz., speeding, $160.80.

Elizabeth A. Nihiser, Siren, inattentive driving, $173.40.

Bradley K. North, Woodbury, Minn., speeding, $186.00.

Justin J. O’Dell, Osceola, speeding, $186.00.

Brian P. Olson, Grantsburg, speeding, $160.80.

Daniel R. Olson, New Richmond, speeding, $186.00.

Darren R. Olson, Clear Lake, seat belt violation, $10.00.

Alan J. Ott, Grantsburg, seat belt violation, $10.00.

Judith A. Parmenter, Loretto, Minn., speeding, $160.80.

Joel D. Paulson, Rice Lake, operate motor veh. w/o adequate muffler, $160.80.

Erin M. Pearson, Chisago City, Minn., speeding, $160.80.

Amanda L. Penaloza, Centuria, speeding, $160.80.

Daniel F. Peterson, Cocoran, Minn., speeding, $186.00.

Dustin J. Peterson, New Richmond, speeding, not guilty plea.

Robert W. Peterson, Minneapolis, Minn., speeding, not guilty plea.

Jared V. Phernetton, Balsam Lake, speeding, $186.00; seat belt violation, $10.00.

Jeffrey W. Plocharski, Minnetonka, Minn., speeding, $160.80.

Leah N. Podlewski, Deer Park, seat belt violation, $10.00.

Kevin J. Rector, Osceola,

Burnett County sheriff’s report Accidents Oct. 1: Frank C. Hamer, 55, Shell Lake, reported hitting a deer while on Oak Road. No injuries were reported.

Oct. 2: William D. Sears, 63, Webster, was stopped at the stop sign at the intersection of Austin Lake Road and Hwy. 35.

He pulled from the stop sign and into the path of Catherine C. Scallen, 48, St. Paul, Minn., who was southbound on Hwy. 35, slowing to make a turn onto Austin Lake Road.

Sears reported that he didn’t see that Scallen was going to turn. He was issued a citation for stop sign violation. There were no reported injuries.

Oct. 3: Benjamin A. Shives, 16, Webster, was eastbound on Gaslyn Road behind Ashley M. Maslow, 19, Siren, who was attempting a left-hand turn onto Whisler Road at the same time Shives attempted to pass the Maslow vehicle on the left. The

two vehicles collided.

No injuries were reported.

Oct. 3: Diane F. Campbell, 61, Webster, reported hitting a deer while on CTH X. No injuries were reported.

Oct. 3: Audrey A. Timmers, 68, Isle, Minn., was eastbound on Hwy. 77 when westbound Violet B. Pearson, 71, Foxboro, made a left-hand turn onto First Street in Danbury. The two vehicles collided. Both drivers received medical transport for injuries. Pearson was issued a citation for inattentive driving.

Oct. 4: Terry W. Koford, 57, Circle Pines, Minn., reported hitting a deer while on Hwy. 77.

No injuries were reported.

Oct. 6: Michael E. Hunter, 23, Burnsville, Minn., was eastbound on Hwy. 77 when he lost control on the wet road and entered the ditch. A possible injury was reported.

The moderately damaged vehicle was towed.

Oct. 9: Dennis D. Chell, 50, Grantsburg, was driving a Burnett County Highway Department dump truck with dump box up to lay gravel onto the shoulder of CTH A when the truck struck overhead electric lines, snapping the pole and breaking the wires. Polk Burnett Electric Company estimated the damage as $2,500.

Oct. 9: Warren G. Tuttle, 35, Spooner, reported hitting a deer while on CTH H. There were no injuries reported.

Oct. 11: Richard A. Otto, 52, Dayton, Minn., was eastbound on Hwy. 70 when the lug nuts on the driver’s side rear tire broke off, causing damage to the vehicle when the rear end hit the pavement. Reportedly the vehicle recently had brakes repaired and it is possible the lug nuts were not tightened properly.

There were no injuries reported.

Oct. 13: A vehicle driven by Chad D. Currie, 21, Webster,

suffered severe damage after striking a bear while on CTH A. No injuries were reported.

Oct. 14: Kevin D. Elfers, 68, St. Croix Falls, reported hitting a deer while on Hwy. 35. No injuries were reported.

Arrests Oct. 12: Joseph E. Roberts, 27, Minong, was arrested in Washburn County on a Burnett County warrant and transferred to Burnett County.

Oct. 14: Ashley M. Lillie, 25, Cumberland, was arrested on a Barron County warrant.

Oct. 15: Mark A. Stoner, 37, Hertel, was arrested on a warrant.

Oct. 17: Jamie J. Fern, 27, Grantsburg, was arrested on a Clark County warrant.

Oct. 18: Lawrence J. Johnson Jr., 33, Siren, was arrested on a probation warrant.

Oct. 18: Hans Z. Willis, 23, Siren, was arrested for disorderly conduct.

Polk County circuit court Donald C. Adams, Glen Ellyn, Ill., speeding, $160.80.

Fernando Aparicio, Rice Lake, speeding, $186.00.

Eugene C. Arnett, Centuria, fish without license, NR, $192.20.

Anthony J. Aubart, Dresser, operating while under influence and operating with PAC .10 or more, forfeiture license six months, assessment and compliance BAC M&D, $667.00.

Donna L. Babula, St. Louis Park, Minn., speeding, $186.00.

John H. Barthman, Turtle Lake, speeding, $186.00.

Charles A. Bentz, Luck, seat belt violation, $10.00.

Ruth E. Bentz, Luck, seat belt violation, $10.00.

Keith R. Berquist, Balsam Lake, operate ATV w/o valid registration, $186.00.

Marjie L. Bibeau, Frederic, speeding, $160.80.

Lester L. Bigham Jr., Maple Grove, Minn., speeding, $160.80.

Dru G. Blakeborough, Amery, speeding, $186.00; seat belt violation, $10.00.

Ambrose J. Blenker, Plum City, speeding, $160.80.

Shawn P. Bottolfson, Clear Lake, speeding, $160.80.

Jeanne A. Bowman, Maple Grove, Minn., speeding, $160.80.

Bennett O. Bystrom, Luck, unsafe backing of vehicle, $160.80.

Codie J. Campeau, Dresser, speeding, $160.80.

Mary E. Carlson, Amery, speeding, $211.20.

Michael B. Carlson, Tucson, Ariz., speeding, $160.80.

Rachelle L. Carlson, Frederic, speeding, $160.80.

Jean L. Caron, Taylors Falls, Minn., speeding, $160.80.

Dean B. Carter, St. Paul, MInn., speeding, $160.80; operate w/o valid license, $186.00.

Darrin W. Charlsen, Stillwater, Minn., speeding, $211.20.

Judith A. Christensen, Luck, seat belt violation, $10.00.

Perry L. Cobb, Rice Lake, deposit or discharge solid waste

on public or private property, $186.00.

Thomas G. Colombo, St. Croix Falls, speeding, $160.80.

Carlos M. Contreras, Minneapolis, Minn., speeding, $186.00.

Janet R. Cran, Amery, automobile following too closely, $186.00.

Laurie J. Crouch Hanson, Mahtomedi, Minn., speeding, $160.80.

Gabrielle Dailey, Siren, speeding, $160.80.

Christopher J. Dawson, Minneapolis, Minn., speeding, $160.80.

Thivanka T. Dealwis Shehan, St. Louis Park, Minn., speeding, $236.40.

Bruce F. Dennison, Stillwater, Minn., speeding, not guilty plea.

Lisa M. Desmet, St. Croix Falls, speeding, not guilty plea.

Keith P. Destasio, Minneapolis, Minn., speeding, $211.10.

Martin D. Dietrich, S. Minneapolis, Minn., speeding, $160.80.

John L. Dillon, Vadnais Heights, Minn., speeding, $160.80.

Stacy J. Downs, Andover, Minn., speeding, $160.80.

Frederick Drantch, Shorewood, Minn., speeding, $186.00.

Brian T. Dumke, Columbus, Minn., speeding, $186.00.

Sheila A. Engelmeier, Brooklyn Park, Minn., speeding, $211.20.

Timothy P. Feit, Luck, seat belt violation, $10.00, twice.

Jody L. Ferguson, Amery, speeding, $160.80.

Matthew P. Fjorden, Luck, speeding, $160.80.

Kinzie L. Fleming, Turtle Lake, seat belt violation, $10.00.

Troy J. Forrest, Roberts, speeding, $186.00.

Dennis C. Forster, Forest Lake, Minn., speeding, $160.80.

Troy L. Foss, Rice Lake, speeding, $160.80.

Nicholas D. Fox, Osceola, automobile following too closely, not guilty plea.

Victoria L. Friesenhahn, Amery, seat belt violation, $10.00.

Andrew W. Frisinger, Minneapolis, Minn., speeding, $186.00.

Diane M. Ganzer, Inver Grove Heights, Minn., speeding, $186.00.

Vicki F. Garner, Bloomington, Minn., defective speedometer, $105.00.

Randy W. Gilbert, Long Lake, Minn., speeding, $160.80.

Gary R. Goodman, Stillwater, Minn., speeding, $186.00.

Michael A. Graff, Wright, Minn., seat belt violation, $10.00.

Mack L. Greer, Luck, seat belt violation, $10.00.

Jamie L. Greshowak, Marine on St. Croix, Minn., speeding, $211.20.

Jacob A. Grindeland, Hugo, Minn., speeding, $236.40.

Douglas J. Hansen, Star Prairie, no conditional use permit to operate a junkyard/savage yard, not guilty plea.

William C. Harper, Milltown, seat belt violation, $10.00.

Dale J. Hawkins, Chippewa Falls, passing in no-passing zone, $198.60.

Joshua W. Heidel, Cushing, seat belt violation, $10.00.

Lucas W. Henderson, Minneapolis, Minn., possess marijuana on state land, $249.00.

David A. Holm, Alexandria, Minn., speeding, $186.00.

Kevin M. Hulsey, Osceola, speeding, $160.80.

Emily E. Ihrig, Minneapolis, Minn., speeding, $186.00.

Joseph F. Jarocki, Amery, seat belt violation, $10.00; operating while suspended, $186.00; vehicle tires w/less than 2/32 in tread, $160.80.

Anthony C. Johnson, Belle Plaine, Minn., speeding, $186.00.

Bradlely J. Johnson, Centuria, seat belt violation, $10.00.

Dennis L. Johnson, New Richmond, speeding, $160.80.

Jeffrey J. Johnson, Amery, speeding, $186.00; seat belt violation, $10.00.

Joshua R. Johnson, Hudson, speeding, not guilty plea.

Ivane E. Jordan, Clayton, seat belt violation, $10.00; operating whiled suspended, $186.00.

Kevin J. Kalkbrenner, Shakopee, Minn., speeding, $211.20.

Nathan J. Kallsen, Cumberland, speeding, $186.00.

David J. Kasper, Castle Rock, Colo., speeding, $160.80.

Charles W. Kee, Cameron, operating while suspended, $186.00.

Mary E. Klecewski, Amery, fail./yield when emerging from alley, $160.80.

Harold C. Knecht III, Dellwood, Minn., speeding, $160.80.

Marty W. Kolstad, New Richmond, operating while under influence, operating with PAC .10 or more, not guilty pleas.

Shelly L. Krueger, Stillwater, Minn., speeding, $160.80.

Kevin C. Kuss, Stillwater, Minn., speeding, $160.80.

Damion M. Larson, Amery, fail./yield right/way from stop sign, $160.80.

Timothy L. Larson, Frederic, speeding, not guilty plea.

Cory S. Lee, Amery, speeding, not guilty plea.

Michael Lepinski, Deep River, Ore., speeding, $160.80.

Daniel R. Lewis, Champlin, Minn., speeding, $160.80.

Ryan H. Lind, Luck, speeding, $160.80.

Megan A. Livermore, Stillwater, Minn., speeding, $160.80.

Charles P. Locklear, Minneapolis, Minn., speeding, $160.80.

Richard J. Long, St. Paul, Minn., speeding, $160.80.

Colleen A. Lott, North Branch, Minn., speeding, $160.80.

Selena L. Lusson, Cameron, speeding, $160.80.

Jason F. Nelson, Frederic, speeding, $160.80.

Robert C. Nelson, Mesa,

See next page

Burnett County warrants Curtis R. Clippard, 28, Shafer, Minn., warrant – failure to appear, Oct. 15.

Charles D. Coon, 30, Luck, warrant – failure to appear, Oct. 15.

Shawn P. Douglas, 39, Cumberland, warrant – failure to

appear, Oct. 15.

John K. Lee, no date of birth given, Grantsburg, warrant – failure to appear, Oct. 13.

Robert J. Lenertz, 62, Webster, warrant – failure to appear, Oct. 16

OCTOBER 22, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 33

Polk County circuit court/from previous page speeding, $160.80.

Ashley M. Reich, N. St. Paul, Minn., speeding, $211.20.

Lillian E. Roberts, Amery, seat belt violation, $10.00.

Linda E. Saggau, Minneapolis, Minn., speeding, $211.20.

Misty L. Saulter, Longmont, Colo., possess marijuana on state land, $249.00.

Jacob P. Scearcy, Chanhassen, Minn., speeding, $186.00.

Timothy L. Schewe, Rice Lake, passing in no-passing zone, speeding, not guilty pleas.

Jacob A. Schlagel, Minneapolis, Minn., speeding, $211.20.

Robert J. Schmitz, Roseville, Minn., speeding, $186.00.

Ann M. Schulze, Shanchfield, Minn., speeding, $160.80.

Steven R. Seidl, Hugo, Minn., speeding, $186.00.

Angela M. Severson, Luck, seat belt violation, $10.00.

Martha M. Severson, White Bear Lake, Minn. speeding, $186.00.

Lindsay J. Siesennop, New Hope, Minn., speeding, $160.80.

Matthew J. Smalley, Chaska, Minn., speeding, $160.80.

Daniel M. Smith, Bloomington, Minn., providing false information on a land-use permit application, $501.00.

Jered R. Smith, Balsam Lake, speeding, $160.80; seat belt violation, $10.00.

Tara L. Smith, Hastings, Minn., speeding, $160.80.

Lisa A. Stambaugh, New Richmond, speeding, $160.80.

Steven J. Stelter, North Branch, Minn., speeding, $160.80.

Derek J. Stesniak, Clayton, seat belt violation, $10.00.

Zacariah W. Stoklasa, Turtle Lake, seat belt violation, $10.00.

Timothy C. Stowell, St. Peter, Minn., speeding, $186.00.

Eric J. Strobel, Edina, Minn., speeding, $211.20.

Michael L. Swafford, Long Beach, Calif., speeding, $160.80.

Bonnie E. Swanson, Cannon Falls, Minn., speeding, $160.80.

Tammy J. Swanson, Clear Lake, speeding, $160.80.

Orianna M. Tesch, Frederic, speeding, $160.80.

Amy E. Thompson, Coon Rapids, speeding, $211.20.

Joshua M. Tretsven, St. Croix Falls, speeding, $186.00.

Twilight Trucking and Dirt Work, Spooner, nonregistration of other vehicle, $249.00; vehicle equipment violations, group 3, $160.80; nonregistration of other vehicle, $249.00.

Terry T. Vanatta, Luck, ATV operation on roadway, not guilty plea.

Grant M. Vanden Heuvel, Appleton, speeding, $160.80.

Cheng Vang, Taylors Falls, Minn., possess marijuana on state land, $249.00.

Ronald G. Vantine, Minneapolis, Minn., speeding, $211.20.

James J. Veenendall, Woodville, speeding, $186.00.

Jeffrey L. Voss, Elgin, Ill., speeding, $160.80.

Leverne C. Warwick, Amery, established junkyard/salvage yard w/no valid cond. use permit, not guilty plea.

Teresa J. Williams, Cottage Grove, Minn., speeding, not guilty plea.

Tammy L. Wilson, Two Harbors, Minn., speeding, $160.80.

Barbara J. Wright, Patchogue, N.Y., speeding, $160.80.

Kristi L. Youngdahl, Lutsen, Minn., speeding, $160.80.

Deana S. Zemke, Clayton, seat belt violation, $10.00.

Steven J. Ameter, Roberts, speeding, $160.80.

Teresa M. Arndt, Somerset, speeding, $160.80.

Michael S. Austin, Clayton, speeding, $160.80.

Bert F. Barnes, Siren, speeding, $160.80.

John B. Bartz, Red Wing, Minn., operate boat with PAC > .08, $438.00.

Trevor L. Bauer, New Richmond, inattentive driving, $173.40.

Thomas A. Bauman, Woodbury, Minn., speeding, $160.80.

Nicole E. Bearhart, Deer Park, speeding, $186.00.

Marvin D. Belknap, Luck, operate w/o valid license, not guilty plea.

Evan M. Bement, Mahtomedi, Minn., speeding, $280.50.

Jeremiah G. Bicknese, Hudson, speeding, $160.80.

Marilyn D. Bowers, Wyoming, Minn., speeding, $160.80.

Dale A. Boyer, Osceola, place, use, hunt wild animals with bait, $530.00.

James D. Brandt, Amery, speeding, $160.80.

Duane C. Broostin, Ogilvie, Minn., seat belt violation, $10.00.

Jason D. Bryce, Cumberland, speeding, not guilty plea.

Samuel J. Carlson, Grantsburg, hunt within 50 feet of road’s center, $208.40.

Cris G. Casarez, Glenwood City, speeding, $160.80.

Terry L. Degidio, Amery, nonregistration of auto, $160.80.

Bennie A. Denzer, Blaine, Minn., place, use, hunt wild animals with bait, not guilty plea.

Jeremy A. Denzer, Blaine, Minn., place, use, hunt wild animals with bait, not guilty plea.

Jason K. Dewolf, Hugo, Minn., speeding, not guilty plea.

Rachel E. Dodge, Star Prairie, speeding, $160.80.

Carolyn Z. Dorcey, Webster, speeding, $160.80.

Justin E. Ellefson, Centuria, speeding, $160.80.

Dorothy G. Elwood, Amery, fail to yield while making left turn, $160.80.

Keith A. Engdahl, St. Croix Falls, operating while under influence, not guilty plea.

Steven A. Engelson, Minnetonka, Minn., jet ski violate slow-no-wake requirement, not guilty plea.

Dustin L. Fjorden, Frederic, unreasonable and imprudent speed, $198.60.

Colleen L. Forster, Balsam Lake, seat belt violation, $10.00.

Erica A. Gallentine, St. Croix Falls, speeding, $160.80.

Daniel S. Goranson, Webster, fail to stop at stop sign, $160.80.

Micheal K. Green, Avon Lake, Ohio, speeding, $160.80.

Debra J. Hagen, Centuria, operate without valid license, $186.00.

Michelle A. Hahn, Clayton,

speeding, $160.80.

Andrew J. Halling, Lawrence, Kan., hunt without license, not guilty plea.

Delores E. HendersonOlson, Cumberland, unsafe passing on right, $217.50.

Rick R. Herlund, Maplewood, Minn., speeding, $160.80.

Joseph P. Hinz, Star Prairie, operate motor vehicle without two headlights, $148.20.

Annette M. Hochstetler, Centuria, seat belt violation, $10.00.

Matthew T. Hoppenstedt, Kenosha, speeding, $160.80.

Robert R. Jaeger, Amery, operate without valid license, $186.00.

Bailey A. Johnson, Osceola, speeding, $160.80.

Lyle M. Johnson, Luck, seat belt violation, $10.00.

Thomas V. Johnson, Dresser, operate without valid license, $186.00; keep open intoxicants in motor vehicle, $249.00, passing on hill or curve, $312.00.

Chad A. Jones, St. Croix Falls, operating while suspended, $186.00.

Leonard H. Jones, Centuria, operating while under influence, not guilty plea; operate without valid license, $186.00.

Dustin J. Kanan, Osceola, license restriction violation – class D or M vehicle, $186.00.

Kraig E. Klund, Woodbury, Minn., speeding, $160.80.

David C. Knowles, Amery, speeding, $186.00; operate without valid license, $186.00.

Heather A. Kralewski, New Richmond, unreasonable and imprudent speed, $198.60.

Benjamin J. Larson, Grantsburg, speeding, $160.80.

Leaf W. Larson, Vadnais Heights, Minn., speeding, not guilty plea.

Ervin J. Lehman, St. Croix Falls, place, use, hunt wild animals with bait, $530.00.

Jennifer L. Lieffring, Frederic, seat belt violation, $10.00.

Melinda L. Linke, Grantsburg, seat belt violation, $10.00.

James L. Mahoney, Amery, operate motorcycle w/o valid license, $186.00.

Jennifer N. Maple, Lake Mills, possess open intoxicants in motor vehicle, not guilty plea.

Kenneth K. Mastel, Excelsior, Minn., speeding, $160.80.

Dillon C. Mattson, Grantsburg, hunt within 50 feet of road’s center, $208.40.

Barbara J. McGough, Cushing, speeding, $160.80.

Joan W. Mears, Comstock, speeding, $160.80.

Shoshanna R. Mike, St. Croix Falls, speeding, $160.80.

Brian M. Morris, Turtle Lake, seat belt violation, $10.00.

Jason W. Neely, Luck, seat belt violation, $10.00.

Justin L. Nelson, Balsam Lake, operate without valid license, equip motor vehicle with illegal muffler, not guilty pleas.

Joseph J. Neuman, Hastings, Minn., speeding, $160.80.

Frederick E. Niebergall, Deer Park, operating while revoked, $249.00.

Collin R. Nisler, Shoreview, Minn., operate personal watercraft without valid safety certificate, $148.20.

Dennis J. Olson, Menomonie, load boat above safe carrying capacity, $160.80.

Robert H. Passofaro, Hammond, speeding, $160.80.

Emily K. Pihart, Rochester, Minn., ATV – operation adjacent to roadway, $186.00.

Oscar O. Plihal, Amery, operate without valid license, $186.00; improper display of license plates/tags, $135.60.

Brandon L. Podritz, St. Croix Falls, speeding, $160.80.

Daniel G. Pratt, Minneapolis, Minn., operating boat towing skier without observer, $160.80.

Jesse L. Puttbrese, Fridley, Minn., operating while revoked, $249.00.

Levi R. Ramsey, Clear Lake,

Real Estate/Garage sales

fail to stop at stop sign, $160.80.

Saree L. Reindahl, Amery, speeding, $160.80.

Cynthia D. Sain, Woodville, speeding, $160.80.

Kevin A. Schmidt, Frederic, seat belt violation, $10.00.

Randy L. Schmidt, Cumberland, improper parking on roadway, not guilty plea.

Lawrence G. Schoenecker, Minneapolis, Minn., speeding, $160.80.

Nicholas J. Schommer, Star Prairie, speeding, $186.00.

Maxamillion R. Schostek, Balsam Lake, seat belt violation, $10.00.

Kevin C. Schwartz, Rollingstone, Minn., passing in no-passing zone, $198.60.

Stephen P. Seitz, Minneapolis, Minn., speeding, not guilty plea.

Susan A. Severson, Turtle Lake, seat belt violation, $10.00.

William J. Shannon, Savage, Minn., motor boat operation by minor, $148.20.

Ebrahim Sharif, Barron, speeding, $160.80.

David M. Shilson, Star Prairie, seat belt violation, $10.00.

Robert W. Short, Elk Mound, speeding, $160.80.

Thomas G. Smith, Harris, Minn., possess of illegal sized fish, not guilty plea.

Kevin M. Sobczak, Amery, speeding, $186.00.

Jonathan D. Somsen, Clear Lake, speeding, not guilty plea.

Shawn N. Stark, Osceola, fail to stop at stop sign, $160.80.

Charles E. Stuntz, Amery, speeding, $160.80; nonregistration of auto, $160.80.

Ernie E. Swanson, Grantsburg, speeding, $160.80.

Brock D. Tulgren, Osceola, operating while under influence, operating with PAC .10 or more, not guilty pleas.

Dale A. Vlasnik, Luck, seat belt violation, $10.00.

Steven F. Vold, Centuria, fail

to carry boat floatation devices, $148.20.

JoAnne Wallis, Siren, speeding, $160.80.

Thomas M. Wick, Muskego, speeding, $160.80.

Dinincio J. Zappa, Luck, speeding, $160.80.

Kyle Galle, no addresss given, seat belt violation, $10.00.

Notice

PAGE 34 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - OCTOBER 22, 2008

Notices / Employment

Polk County sheriff’s report Accidents Oct. 4, 12 a.m., Bone Lake Township, CTH W/300th Avenue .75 mile east of 80th Street; JASON B. ALMQUIST, 19, Chetek, was eastbound on CTH W. Unit 1 entered the shoulder of the roadway and overcorrected, causing unit 1 to slide to the left. Unit 1 entered the south

ditch and rolled 2-1/2 times.

The driver of unit 1 fled the scene. The driver sustained a minor injury (unknown whether using safety equipment/no EMS) and was cited for failure to report an accident to police and operating while revoked.

Oct. 5, 8:29 p.m., Sterling Township, CTH N/250th Avenue at 240th Street; NATHANIEL A. KEINBAUM, 31, Frederic, parked his vehicle at 2401 250th Avenue/CTH N and set the parking brake. The parking brake failed and unit 1 rolled backward across 250th Avenue/CTH N and struck the north side of a house located at 2499 240th Street (BRANDON A. ANDREE, Cushing, residence).

Oct. 6, 9:39 p.m., Osceola Township, 240th Street, .25 mile south of 60th Avenue, GARRET A. JOHNSON, 16, Osceola, was traveling southbound on 240th

Street and while navigating a corner went off the right shoulder. The driver overcorrected and lost control of the vehicle.

The vehicle overturned once and came to rest in the right (north) ditch.

Oct. 7, 3:55 p.m., Bone Lake Township, CTH I/100th Street, .30 mile south of CTH W/300th Avenue, SEBRINA S. LANE, 17, Frederic, was southbound on CTH I. Unit 1 hydroplaned and entered the west ditch. Unit 1 slid to the right and rolled onto its roof. Driver sustained a minor injury (unknown if safety equipment worn) Oct. 8, 11:37 p.m., Alden Twp., CTH K/60th Avenue, .25 mile east of Wanderoos Road; #1—RYAN L. KLINK 67, Deer Park, was traveling westbound on 60th Avenue when he swerved to miss a deer. Unit 1 then left the roadway and struck

a fence (owner SHIRLEY ROSSING, Amery) and came to rest in the ditch, off the left side of the roadway.

Oct. 9, 4:51 p.m., Eureka Twp., 210th Avenue, .5 mile west of 215th Street; ADAM J. AUSTIN-WHITE, 22, St. Croix Falls, struck a deer on the roadway.

Oct. 11, 1:33 p.m., St. Croix Falls Township, Hwy. 35 at 140th Avenue; #1—McCLAYNE O. RYDEEN, 17, St. Croix Falls; #2—RICHARD D. KITTLESON, 57, Blooming Prairie, Minn.; Unit 1 was southbound on Hwy. 35.

Driver slowed and indicated a right turn onto 140th Avenue.

Unit 1 began to turn right and suddenly made a left turn onto 140th Avenue. The noncontact unit following unit 1 stopped quickly to avoid striking unit 1.

Unit 2 (motorcycle) was following unit 1 and the noncontact vehicle. It also had to stop quickly, causing the bike to tip over, ejecting the operator, who reportedly rolled twice on the pavement. Little to no damage was observable on the motorcycle, and the operator complained of minor injuries. Unit 1 left the scene for a short time but came back. The driver indicated he did not know he had caused an accident and thought he had switched his right turn signal to his left turn signal prior to turning. Driver of the motorcycle was wearing a helmet/eye protection (unknown EMS – not marked on report).

Other Incidents Oct. 10, TERRY MANTE, RR Amery, reported the theft of his H-D Soft Tail/Night Train motorcycle from his garage.

See next page

Polk County sheriff’s report/from previous page Oct. 12, THOMAS LEISKAU, RR Amery, reported damage to his mailbox caused by a motor vehicle.

Oct. 15, ROBERT ROSENE, (Minneapolis, MN) was a victim of theft from his property near Turtle Lake. Stolen were a winch with cable, 30’ of wire cable, spool of new barbed wire, pole saw and two other saws.

Oct. 16, the SKOL HAUS bar and grill was burglarized. An amount of cash was taken and two gambling machines were damaged, also (no cash was stolen from the gambling machines).

Oct. 16, DOUG ROUZER, RR Cumberland, reported a theft of a barn fan, 40’ aluminum extension ladder, silo unloader cable cord and a Sturm .40-caliber handgun from his property.

OCTOBER 22, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 35

Notices / Employment

PAGE 36 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - OCTOBER 22, 2008

Notices / Employment

Polk Co. marriage licenses Rebecca Jo Baumgartner, Frederic, and Jason Hilding Hover, Frederic, Oct. 14.

Roxanne Marie Galloway, Laketown, and Robert Quinton Wattenberg, Denver, Colo., Oct. 16.

Polk Co. deaths Bernice Minerva Gilbert, 88, Luck, died Sept. 30, 2008 Anna E. Kreutzian, 85, Clam Falls, died Oct. 3, 2008 Victor J. Kielty, 67, Garfield, died Oct. 12, 2008

OCTOBER 22, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 37

Notices / Employment

PAGE 38 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - OCTOBER 22, 2008

Burnett County civil court American Family Mutual Insurance Company vs.

Christopher L. Rousseau, Maplewood, Minn., $4,260.53.

Frederic Fuel Company vs.

Lynne Harmon, Grantsburg, $476.85.

Frederic Fuel Company vs.

Denise Myren, Siren, $802.64.

Voyager Village vs. Barry C. Johnson, Danbury, $1,572.11.

Voyager Village vs. Larry J. Milbeck, Webster, $811.14.

Marshfield Clinic vs. Gary L. Stoner, Webster, $507.30.

Marshfield Clinic vs. Tracie M. Peterson, Webster, $1,554.19.

Marshfield Clinic vs.

Douglas A. Mattson, Webster, $437.68.

Notices

OCTOBER 22, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 39

Never miss a chance to say, “I love you”

by Mary Stirrat BALSAM LAKE — When 7-year-old Cody Wade took the $2 he earned and went to Family Dollar with his sister, his mom, Harlene Fitzpatrick, didn’t know it would be the last time she would see his zest for life.

But while Fitzpatrick watched for him from the window at a friend’s home on Hwy. 46 in Balsam Lake, Cody decided to take a shortcut.

He had just seen a friend at Family Dollar who had the exact same car as he had, and he wanted his mom to know.

Rather than come to the highSeven-year-old way at his usual — spot, Cody Wade. where Photo submitted Fitzpatrick could see him from the window and go meet him, he cut through the ditch and up onto the road.

Then the unbelievable happened.

Cody was struck by a pickup truck, sustaining massive head injuries and a broken pelvis. Friends outside heard the accident and told Fitzpatrick that “Little Man” had been hit.

As Balsam Lake First Responders and the Unity Area Ambulance rushed to the scene, Fitzpatrick and her friend performed CPR on Cody and revived him.

He was helicoptered to Region’s Hospital in St. Paul, Minn., and later transferred to Gillette Hospital.

The accident happened Friday, Oct. 3, and Cody died Wednesday, Oct. 8.

“My little boy was dead at the scene, and I gave him life for five more days,” said Harlene.

Emergency and hospital personnel did everything they could to help Cody, she said, but it was his time to go.

“It was a sheer accident. Our book is written. We just live it everyday until the Lord decides to bring us home.”

Cody was a warm, loving, generous boy, said his mom, one who would take 20 toy cars to school and bring home one, because he gave the rest away.

“He was a rambunctious little boy,” Fitzpatrick said. “He lived life to the fullest. He loved his hugs and he loved his kisses. Never mad. Everyone loved Cody. He was always ready for a hug and a kiss, or a high-five.”

Fitzpatrick said she’s always heard that when a child dies the parents often question whether they told their son or daughter often enough that they love them.

“Cody got out of bed that morning and, like usual, came running out and said, ‘Love you, Mom!’ I know that morning I got to tell him I love him.”

Along with cars and books, Cody had a love for the outdoors and fishing, nurtured by his Kinship mentors, Jim and Mary Jo Skemp. His favorite songs were “Jesus Loves Me” and “Last Dollar (Fly Away)” by Tim McGraw.

Although Fitzpatrick and her children, Cody and Cori-lynn, 11, have lived in Polk County less than three years, the outpouring from the community has been — and continues to be — outstanding, she said.

The fire department held a pancake breakfast in Cody’s honor, and Unity School, where Cody was a second-grader, is planning a benefit to raise money for playground equipment in Cody’s name. Family Dollar has set Coins for Cody cans at local businesses, collecting money to buy “Arthur” books in Cody’s honor.

“Cody loved ‘Arthur,’” Fitzpatrick said of Cody’s favorite stories. “His teacher would find 20 ‘Arthur’ books in his desk.”

Cody’s mom, Harlene Fitzpatrick, with daughter Cori-lynn. Cori-lynn is holding 7-week-old Mohawk. — Photos by Mary Stirrat except where noted The books will be given to the school, labeled saying that it is hoped the reader will love them as much as Cody did.

Earlier this year, said Fitzpatrick, the second-grade classes went to the apple orchard. McDonald’s in St. Croix Falls, where Fitzpatrick is a manager, is going to donate an apple tree to that orchard in honor of Cody.

“That way, every year the secondgraders can pick an apple from Cody’s tree,” she said.

For Cori-lynn, said Fitzpatrick, some of the money raised through the various benefits will be used to allow her to go to a camp for kids who suffer the kind of loss she is experiencing. Some may go into a college fund for her.

Faith Lutheran Church in Balsam Lake and Kolstad Family Funeral Home in Centuria have been very supportive, Fitzpatrick said.

With no local church connection, she had contacted Balsam Lake Police Chief Sheryl Gehrman about making funeral arrangements. Soon afterward the pastor from Faith Lutheran contacted her to say it would be taken care of and that a gravesite had been procured in Bunyan Cemetery.

Kolstad Family Funeral Home in Centuria donated a headstone to the family. The church and funeral home in Hudson, where Cody’s father lives, also contributed to the funeral.

“I’d just like to thank everybody for what they’ve done,” Fitzpatrick said. “’Unity School has been a big support for Cori-lynn. In addition, the guidance counselor, Doug Ramich, is visiting the elementary school classes to talk about what happened.

“It’s amazing in a small community like this – how they all come together,” she said. “They welcome you with open arms. I’ve never had a door shut in my face in this community.”

In some ways, said Fitzpatrick, she feels she was better prepared than some for the tragedy that took her son’s life.

“Two years ago I lost my 18-year-old brother to a brain injury,” she said. Just weeks before, Cody and his uncle met for the first and only time.

After her brother was injured, Fitzpatrick was with her father at her brother’s bedside. She was there as the doctor explained her brother’s condition, and supported her dad through her brother’s death.

This time Fitzpatrick’s father was with her, as she held Cody after his life support was disconnected.

“That was the hardest decision you could ever make,” she said.

Fitzpatrick’s heart goes out to the young man who was driving the vehicle that struck Cody.

“He just didn’t have any time to stop,” she said. “Accidents happen.

That’s why they’re called accidents.

Even as adults we don’t always pay attention.”

The driver, 18-year-old Cody Turnquist of rural Centuria, came to visit Cody in the hospital, said Fitzpatrick, adding, “I just wrapped my arms around him.”

She and Turnquist share a loss, said Fitzpatrick, and she feels they can help each other through it. ”I would like to get to know him,” she said. ‘I think if we work together we can build a bond and work through this to ease both our minds. It’s a long healing process, and I think we can heal together.”

Fitzpatrick believes she will be reunit-

Money received through Coins for Cody will be used to purchase some of Cody Wade’s favorite books. They will be donated to Unity School in Cody’s honor. ed with both her brother and Cody, but meanwhile Cody lives on in others in a very real way.

“He gave sight to two people,” said Harlene. “He donated his corneas, heart valves, both kidneys, his pancreas and liver.”

But the loss is also very real, and always will be.

“I miss the way he runs his cars on the wall and on the counters,” she said. “I always told him not to do it. Now I miss the sound of him running his cars on the wall.”

PAGE 40 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - OCTOBER 22, 2008

Members of the Leader staff took a break at their Centuria plant in this photo, taken sometime between 1933 and 1938. Editor Bennie Bye is shown third from the right.

75 years ago

the nation’s first cooperativeowned newspaper was born in a printing shop on Centuria’s Main Street, providing a voice for area farmers and others.

Today, the Inter-County Cooperative Publishing Association still publishes the Inter-County Leader, as well as the Washburn County Register and five Advertisers.

Our offices and crew have grown in size and numbers, but the dedication remains the same.

Thank you for your patronage and here’s to the next 75 years...

OCTOBER IS NATIONAL CO-OP MONTH

‘Follow the Leader’

Currents N O R T H E R N

O ct ober 22 , 200 8 2nd Se ct io n B I nt e r-C ount y Lead er

News and views from the Northwest Wisconsin community

A People to People visit down under

by Nancy Jappe WEBSTER – Now that they have been home for a while, Rachel Larson and Danielle Stanton have had time to process the experience they had this past summer. The two are juniors at Webster High School. Through the People to People Student Ambassador Program, they were able to spend three weeks in the second-largest of the Fiji Islands, New Zealand and Australia.

At first, when talking about the trip, Larson and Stanton focused on the places they visited and the sights they saw. Now they are looking at the trip from a different angle, from the impact the experience has made on their lives and how they have grown as individuals because of it.

People to People was founded by President Dwight D. Eisenhower back in 1956. At that time, according to the Internet, Eisenhower called a special White House conference of American leaders.

As the result of that conference, the People to People mission developed around the idea of personal exchanges and firsthand experiences with other cultures around the world.

The Student Ambassador Program under which Larson and Stanton traveled was added in 1963. Since then, thousands of young Americans have traveled across international borders and returned home with a greater sense of what it means to be a good neighbor and a world citizen.

The People to People Web site states: “As Student Ambassadors and leaders travel under the banner of People to People, they represent the best of our country: hope, courage, openness and a love of peace.”

Ever since they were in elementary school, Larson and Stanton have received invitations to go on People to People trips. Invitations are sent through the recommendation of teachers or of people who have gone on previous trips.

Stanton remembers getting an invitation a couple of years ago for a trip to

A school that the girls visited in Fiji.

Rachel Larson (L) and Danielle Stanton, juniors at Webster High School, spent three weeks this past summer visiting Fiji, New Zealand and Australia on a trip set up through People to People, a program that allows ordinary citizens of different nations the opportunity to communicate firsthand with one another. – Photo by Nancy Jappe New York that involved CSI (crime scene investigation). She didn’t accept that invitation, and said she went Down Under because Larson had decided to make the trip.

According to the girls, a People to People Student Ambassador has to have an open mind, be a responsible person, be friendly and be willing to try anything.

They agreed that the two of them fit those qualifications.

Before leaving for the trip, the girls had to take three tests for each country they were to visit – one test on geography, one on art and the third on entertainment. They had to get a score of 100 percent on each of the tests, but they

could retake the tests over until they got all the questions right.

Preparation to make the trip started in January 2007.

They left the United States June 21, nearly a year and a half later, returning home July 9. The first leg of the trip ended with a stop in the Fiji Islands, the girls’ favorite place of the three countries they visited.

The official name for this area is the Republic of Fiji Islands, an island group in the South Pacific Ocean with an estimated population in 2001 of 844,000 people. Fiji was settled first about 3,500 years ago. Major credit for the discovery and recording of the islands has been

All photos submitted except where noted

given to Captain William Bligh who sailed through Fiji after the mutiny on the Bounty in 1789. The first Europeans who lived on the islands were shipwrecked sailors and runaway convicts from Australian prison colonies.

On the Internet, the Fiji Islands are billed as a truly relaxing tropical getaway. Larson and Stanton loved being there. “The people were so nice and friendly. They would wave at our bus,” Stanton said, adding, “Here in America you wouldn’t see people waving at a bus.” When she got home, Stanton tried a waving experiment. “People thought I was weird,” she reported.

There are 300 different islands in the Fiji group, with two main islands. The girls flew into the airport at Nadi on the second-largest of the main islands.

While on the island, they got to go behind the scenes, visiting a school where the teachers were eager to let them talk and interact with the students. Larson went to a geography class where she was able to show, on a map in the classroom, where she and Stanton live. Stanton went to an economics class, and tried, with embarrassment, to learn how to say the number 33 in the native language.

Larson and Stanton found the people in Fiji to be very positive people. They had expected the local people to be kind of “snooty,” to use their word, because they were coming in as tourists. They were afraid the people wouldn’t want to get to know them. The opposite happened. The people were really nice to them, and they wanted to know what it is like to live in the United States.

The people in Fiji are not allowed to have guns, which means less crime. People aren’t afraid to go out at night. Only the police carry guns.

The hotel they stayed in was right on the Pacific Ocean. Larson’s favorite memory is of seeing horses playing in the ocean. The girls were amazed to find that animals of all kinds (horses, goats, dogs, etc.) were allowed to wander anywhere. What was also surprising, know-

See People to People, page 2

This photo shows the famous Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House in Sydney, Australia. The steel-arch bridge carries rail, vehicle and pedestrian traffic between the central business district and the North Shore.

According to the Guinness World Book of Records, the bridge is the world’s widest long-span bridge and the tallest steel arch bridge (429.6 feet from the top to the water).

PAGE 2 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - OCTOBER 22, 2008

People to People/from page 1 ing that animals had no limits, was the lack of dead animals along the road.

They were taken on a cruise on a pirate ship to Mystery Island just as the sun was setting. “The sky was so pretty,” Stanton said, adding that they enjoyed being on the ocean.

The climate in Fiji is tropical, and the clothing the girls were advised to bring along – shorts and warmweather gear – fit in really well. Then came New Zealand. “We shivered when we got off the airplane,” Stanton and Larson said, adding that they had to go shopping right away for warmer clothing.

The girls were traveling with a group of 39 student ambassadors, along with four delegate leaders in their middle 20s to middle age. Because they were together almost constantly, the group became like family. Stanton and Larson said that, even three weeks after the trip, they were still ready to wake up and go talk to group members. They enjoyed having a good time with people they had never met before.

In New Zealand, the two were assigned to stay in separate homes for two days, with two different families. Both families had young people in their age group.

They went sightseeing, saw a crater and climbed a mountain. They were able to luge, on a toboggan, in the rain. “It was fun,” they both agreed.

On the day they climbed the mountain, they later learned, the native people got the mountain back, after its belonging to the government for hundreds of years.

Crushed shells on the mountain made it appear to be snow-covered.

Ninety percent of the trip was spent traveling, most

All photos submitted except where noted

The stop in the second largest of the Fiji Islands was a special one for Rachel Larson and Danielle Stanton. They loved their time there, the people and the things they did, including watching these dancers perform and the boys singing at the school. of that time by bus. In Australia, they were able to see and learn about kangaroos and koala bears, but they weren’t able to handle the koalas. Stanton took a video showing kangaroos boxing.

“If you get an invitation, you won’t regret it if you (go on one of the trips). You will regret it if you don’t go,” Stanton and Larson advise other students. They are very much aware that their reason for going was to learn about the countries they visited, then come back and share that knowledge with friends and family.

“The students inspire other people to go out,” Larson commented.

Stanton would willingly go back to Fiji for three months during the summer. Larson would go to Fiji

first, then to Australia. Stanton has found herself much more willing to go up to and talk to people since she got back from the trip. “I didn’t do that before,” she said.

“Sometimes I dream of going back to Fiji to spend more time with its people,” Stanton said. “I’ll be smiling, laughing and thinking about some of the good times I had. I’m so glad I went on (the trip).” “I am, too,” Larson added.

NOTE: The People to People Student Ambassador Program is headquartered in Spokane, Wash. The program is geared for students ages 10-18. Fees vary for domestic and international programs, with the cost varying between $5,000-$7,000 for foreign countries and $2,000-$3,000 in the U.S., all of which is the responsibility of the student going on the trip. According to the program’s coordinator, more than 344,000 students, adults and athletes have participated in the program since 1983.

Rachel Larson (L) and Danielle Stanton, Webster High School students who went on a People to People Student Ambassador trip to the Fiji Islands, New Zealand and Australia this past summer, are shown near the Sydney Opera House in Australia. The opera house is home to the Opera Australia, the This photo shows a mountain in New Zealand, one of the many sights Rachel Larson and Danielle Stan- Sydney Theatre Company and the Sydney Symton will long remember from their trip down under this past summer. The girls brought back a whole CD phony. Designed by a Danish architect, it is said to full of photos to commemorate their special opportunity to experience other cultures and to bring friend- be one of the world’s most distinguished 20th-cenship and color to these people’s impressions of life in the United States. tury buildings.

Gates honored

Cmdr. Dick Pelc and Amery VFW Cmdr. Dan Gellespie presented a plaque to District Veterans Affairs Officer Rick Gates in appreciation of presenting the 2008 Memorial Day speech. Gates was at the most recent Legion meeting, discussing the latest benefits and answered individual questions. – Photo submitted

Pearson performs Sunday Come to see and hear Jack Pearson play and sing his original music on Sunday, Oct. 26, at two worship services. The worship services of Clam Falls Lutheran Church and Zion Lutheran Church of Bone Lake are having Bring a Friend Sunday. The worship service at Clam Falls Lutheran is at 9 a.m., followed by a prepared brunch. The worship service a Zion Lutheran Church of Bone Lake, is at 10:30 a.m., followed by a prepared lunch. He plays guitar, fiddle, five-string banjo, mandolin, dobro and an assortment of small percussion instruments. Come and be blessed. – Photo submitted

OCTOBER 22, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 3

Holidays and Hunting – those are the themes for the November and December writer’s corner. Submit your favorite hunting and holiday stories.

Writer’s Corner

Silver

by Alberta Hanson On our farm we always had a German shepherd dog. Our first was named Pete, our second was Lucky, and our last was named Silver. Each was an excellent cattle dog, but Silver was the best.

Each day our dairy cows had to be chased up the road one-half mile to our sixty-acre pasture. Our dog Silver would keep the cattle moving forward as they walked by our neighbor’s fields and pastures full of cattle.

One time a man came driving up behind us as we were chasing our cows on the road with our dog Silver. We asked, “Do you want us to chase our cows to one side of the road so you can pass by?”

PoCo Penners The PoCo Penners meet the second Friday of the month at 2 p.m. at the county boardroom in the government center in Balsam Lake. Contact Brenda Mayer at 715-485-3571 or Iris Holm 715294-3174 for more information. - submitted

“No,” he replied, “I enjoy watching your dog walking back and forth behind the cows keeping them on the road.

On another day my husband and I were hunting for our cows in the wooded pasture. Because the cattle were lying down, we couldn’t hear the bell we had placed around one cow’s neck so the herd location could be pinpointed. My husband yelled, “Silver, get the cows!”

Silver ran into the pasture, found the cows, and chased them up to the gate. In the process Silver got sprayed by a skunk and was very irritated. And we were getting sick from the terrible odor. When we got home, we gave Silver a bath with canned tomatoes.

One Sunday when we were at church, a telephone call came in stating that our cattle had gotten out and were in the neighbor’s field. We left church, went home, and called for our dog Silver, “Silver, get the cows!”

Silver chased the cattle out of the neighbor’s field and headed them toward our pasture. Unfortunately he chased them too quickly and they couldn’t make the turn into the gate. The whole herd jumped over

the barbed wire fence into our pasture. They received some cuts and bruises, so milking was a sore time for some of the cows and “kicks” for us. But the cows were home at last thanks to Silver.

One day my husband came into the house and excitedly spoke, “I don’t know what to do! Our large bull got loose, he’s on the road, and I don’t dare to get close to him!”

“Let’s let Silver go get him,” I responded.

We yelled, “Silver, go get him!” as we pointed in the direction of the bull. Silver took off down the hill, across the swamp, and got behind the bull. He chased the bull down the road, turned him at the corner, and chased him up the hill into our driveway, straight toward the barn. My husband opened the barnyard gate and, as the bull ran through the opening, my husband quickly shut the gate behind him, thankful the problem was solved.

Silver was invaluable in helping us with our cattle.

In fact, you might say that our dog Silver was worth more than his weight in gold!

Northwest Regional Writers The Northwest Regional Writers meet at 1 p.m. the second Friday of the month either in Frederic or Grantsburg. Call Mary Jacobson at 715-3492761 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

It is 4:30 a.m. and I should be asleep.

I can’t sleep, we have a fundraiser dance coming up on Saturday night that by the time you read this will be over and I hope will have been a huge success. I know that you who missed it will have missed a great time and we will have missed you.

Speaking of missing people. I was startled the other day when my youngest granddaughter announced she was nine on this birthday. Nine!

She must be wrong. She was just three a couple of months ago. I know time passes quickly, but I had no idea how quickly. Where was I when she was becoming four, five and all the way to nine? The fact that my grandchildren are growing up so fast makes me think about my own mortality. My mantra is “Life is short, eat dessert first”. So help me, I am going to start doing that. In fact, I think I will have a hot fudge sundae for breakfast. We have had three deaths in our family in the past year and I am not going to miss out on hot fudge sundaes like some people do.

So, our last fundraiser before Christmas for Kids is over. We go forward from here. Hoping we can make Christmas happier for some of the kids in Burnett County. The economy is horrible and Christmas will be skinnier this year than others, but we will do our best.

I knit. Not much any more because there isn’t much time, but it is really the only hobby I do well. We have received mittens, scarves and hats that people have knitted for us to give to children at Christmas. There will be a coat giveaway before Christmas for Kids and hopefully everyone who needs a warm coat will find one. Mittens, scarves and hats will be there too. Children especially have a way of losing their mittens and hats. I also have a way of leaving my gloves behind when I go somewhere. I think the bank keeps a lostand-found box just for me. Somehow I set them down to do banking business and leave without them. Sometimes I give them away. Sometimes people need them more than I do.

I have been trying to organize my stuff. I think I will have a party and anyone who sees something they want (other than things we can’t do without, such as our furniture, etc.) can have it. Putstuff on eBay Blodgett ting is a great idea, but I don’t have the time or the knowhow to really make any money at it. I know Denny will say ... “wait, we paid good money for that,” but we no longer have use for so much and will never again need it. I am not a big saver. We have been robbed three times and my grandmother’s pearls and father’s ring and heirlooms are gone so what is the point of buying more? They aren’t the same and will not have the same meaning to me. I hope whoever has them are enjoying them, because they have a wonderful history.

We get many donations from people who are executors of estates. I am amazed at the things people keep. One man I know had 72 cases of toilet paper and drawers full of pens. It is so fun to try to figure out what they were thinking or why those things were important to them. My mother was not a saver.

She had a few things from her family and my father’s family that she passed on to me and I have already passed on to my children and grandchildren.

Mostly I get “what would I want that for?” Sentimentality seems less important to generations after mine than it did to us. I think that is why I ask people to write down what they remember about their childhood and raising their children. I often write for people. They give me the words and I put them on paper only to hope their children find them and appreciate knowing about their heritage. I am lucky. We have a member of the family who has worked very hard on our genealogy. I can go

Barb

Caregiver's

Gifts

back nine generations, but there is so much we don’t know.

Let’s say someone was a child during the Depression. We will have no knowledge of what it was like for our relatives to live during that time if they don’t write it down or tell someone about it and keep records. My father taped his memories. I have cassettes telling about his life with his grandparents and parents and what his life was like before I knew him, or at least began really knowing him. I don’t think my perception of people began until I had reached “the age of reason” and maybe even after that. I have memories, but his tapes told me so much more. I am lucky enough to have the bill from my birth. When I was born, my mother stayed in the hospital two weeks, which was the norm. My delivery and twoweek stay was $34. That was 67 years ago. I wonder if my parents agonized over how to pay that bill the way parents do now. My first recollection of minimum wage was twenty-five cents an hour. I must have been old enough to work by that point. I also remember going to the service station on the corner of First and Main Street in New Richmond and having my dad’s car filled with gas, windows washed, oil checked and mirrors shined. Gas cost nineteen cents a gallon then. I know many of you can go back further than that and remember things from your childhood that are things today’s children should know so they can appreciate what they have today. I think I have even been guilty of telling my grandchildren about when I was a young girl in school and had to walk miles (five blocks) to school in the freezing snow and it was all uphill. I do remember walking on snowdrifts so high the telephone poles were even with my head. I have a picture of that, taken with my grandmother’s square Brownie camera.

I guess, once more, I got off track. I was talking about Christmas for Kids and went in a completely different direction. What I was heading for was that each child in town did not have a Christmas gift. Maybe a stocking with

an apple or orange and in my case some walnuts, but it was Christmas and that was a gift. It really never mattered to us that others had dolls or jacks or balls or trucks. That stocking meant everything to a child who had been good all year so Santa would remember us. We even liked getting new underwear and socks. What I don’t remember is any child coming back to school and saying they got nothing. Our community saw that even those who could not afford gifts for their kids were given something to give them. That is what Christmas for Kids is all about. True, kids are asking for a lot more than underwear and socks, although we did have a seven-year-old boy who filled out his wish list and asked for underwear and nothing else. A call to his mother to find out what kind of toy he wanted let us know he had never really had toys and didn’t really want anything special. A coloring book and crayons would be terrific.

With our limited funds this year, there probably won’t be any namebrand clothes unless we can find a terrific sale. There won’t be computers or iPods or electronic toys that cost a fortune. There will be something for every child who fills out a wish list and, if expectations are kept at a reasonable level, everyone will be happy with what they get. We can get kids these gifts with donations from those who can give. We need money and new toys and clothes so every child can have a Christmas. Put simply, we need your donations. Seems I always get to the place where I am asking for something, but this is important. This is for children. Please help if you can. I want to thank the ladies from the Frederic community who knitted afghans, mittens, hats and scarves for our Christmas for Kids program. You have given us more than you can imagine. What a nice thing for a community to do.

See you soon, until then, God bless, Barb

Check out the Leader’s e-edition @ www.the-leader.net

PAGE 4 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - OCTOBER 22, 2008

Rolling Romance

by Marlys Hedberg My earliest memories of The Hall above the Cushing Co-op Store (later Vern’s Country Market) building in Cushing goes back to the year 1947. I lived at Alpha with my parents, Ernie and Florence Johnson, and my younger sister Virginia. My two older sisters, Melvina and Violet had moved away from home and had married.

I learned how to roller skate that year and found it to be so much fun! Louie Marek had purchased a large supply of clamp-on steel wheel roller skates. He wanted to provide good entertainment for area people. One night a week in the summer, Louie loaded his skates into a small trailer and pulled it with his car to the Grantsburg Fairgrounds.

The fairhouse was a large building with a smooth hardwood floor (which it still has). It was there that so many young people skated to the lively music of Louie’s phonograph and his collection of records.

For some, it was their very first time on skates. I was one of those people who learned to skate in the Fairhouse.

Many a time I skated into the wall!

Skaters always went counter clockwise—probably because most people were right-footed. To turn, you crossed your right foot over the left.

Louie Marek was my neighbor. He lived east of Alpha and then south a half mile on County Road M. Louie was married to Bernice Sazma, daughter of John and Josephine Sazma, who once owned The Coach, a diner and store made from an old railroad car in Cushing (where Stop-a-Sec is now). They owned the West Sweden dance hall at one time, too.

Since I lived only 1-1/8-mile north of the Alpha store, I could walk down to the store on skate night and catch a ride with Louie. Others rode with him too.

I remember one night I got there too late and missed my ride. What a miserable evening that was! I missed a night of skating!

Louie also hauled his skating equipment to the West Sweden Dance Hall one night a week. On those nights, I walked or rode my bike to Louie’s place to catch my ride. I had a headlight on my bike to help me on the trip home.

My dad was good to me and always gave me 40 cents for skating; 25 cents for admission and skate rental, and 15 cents for pop and a candy bar.

The Grantsburg Fairhouse provided months of good entertainment, but eventually the weather became too cold to skate in the unheated building. It

Collected by

Russ Hanson

River Road

Ramblings

Marlys Johnson and LeRoy Hedberg got married in 1949 after having met roller skating in Cushing, above the grocery store. was then that Louie hauled his load of skates down to Cushing every Sunday night. The Hall above the grocery store was the best place in Cushing to hold roller skating. Those who lived in and around Cushing looked forward to going to The Hall on Sunday nights.

There was a long stairway to The Hall on the south side of the building opening on the west end. Boxes of skates were carried up that long flight of stairs along with the phonograph, stacks of records, pop and candy. A young man from Grantsburg, LeRoy Hedberg, drove down to help Louie unload and setup for skating. All of the skates were the kind that clamped on to your own shoes.

LeRoy’s job was to help the skaters get their skates adjusted and clamped onto their shoe. A leather strap was fastened across the instep. A skate key adjusted the clamp to the width of the shoe. The skates were sometimes hard on our shoes—pulling loose the sole.

We skated to the good music for about three hours, I think from 7 to 10 p.m.

Now, that seems to me to be a bit late, with school the next day for many of us, but no one complained. We must have slept fast!

Halfway through the evening was the intermission. We could buy our candy bar and pop then, or climb down the

stairs and use the outhouse. Sometimes we left our skates on and got gravel in the bearings on the trip. Then LeRoy would remove the nut on the skate wheel and either put on a new wheel or replace the roller bearings in the old one. He remembers getting

about one dollar for his help each skating night. He also remembers holding many young women’s feet as he strapped on their skates for them!

With all of that skating, I believe every speck of dust was pounded out of that wood floor. I know it left a layer of dust on my hair, but that didn’t stop me from going back the next time.

LeRoy policed the group. He would not rent skates to someone who had imbibed. He enforced the no-smoking rule. Once a night the skaters were allowed to “crack the whip” forming a big chain of skaters and whipping the end ones around.

Roller skating in Cushing was a lot of fun. Many friendships were made between Cushing skaters and those from other areas. Some Cushing skaters I remember include Kenneth and Bev Hanson and Vergil and Bernice Brenizer.

Toby Baker was a good skater!

Some friendships even led to dating and then to marriage. It was that way for me. It was Christmas night, 1947, that LeRoy first took me home after roller skating in Cushing. We dated for a year and a half and then we married on July 2, 1949. It was good, clean fun.

LeRoy Hedberg had the job of fitting the clamp-on skates to the sole of the skater’s shoe. He captured the soul of one of his customers, Marlys, while doing it!

OCTOBER 22, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 5

Do you remember ?

A is for what?

Recently we visited Apple Hill Orchard and took our time going through the shop. So many varieties of apples. Honeycrisp first in line but there were many others. Recipe books with only apple recipes, children’s books about apples, coloring books, gadgets to peel or cut, jellies, etc. Konnie Didlo is a special friend and she and Abrahamzon Bill do a good job of developing their land.

It got me thinking about apples and all the sayings beginning with A is for apple (or perhaps Aardvark).

The apple never falls far from the tree. Meaning a child is like mother, like father. Sometimes not a good thing.

It only takes one bad apple to spoil the barrel.

On the other hand, an apple a day keeps the doctor away. It’s also said an apple is nature’s toothbrush.

We all enjoy the story of Johnny Appleseed. He must have planted the wild apple tree that once grew in our back 40. A windstorm uprooted it, but it was beautiful when it stood upright.

Remember the words to the song, “Can she bake an apple pie, Billy boy, Billy boy. Can she bake an apple pie charming Billy. She can bake an apple pie in the twinkling of an eye, but she’s a young thing and cannot leave her mother.”

My son says there are other verses. Does anyone out there know them? Are they available via the Internet?

However, I make a much better apple pie now than I did when I was a young thing. All these years of practice. My sons prefer flat apple pie made on a large tray-like cookie sheet with sides, and they like a light frosting on top. Isn’t that like gilding a lily?

We have our own orchard but, like us, it is growing old and we lost several trees the past winter. My sons bought three new trees, including two Honeycrisp saplings. My birthday tree was one of those that died.

It wasn’t Sweet Sixteen but some other variety.

I can’t remember my mother making apple pies.

Her specialty was making lemon chiffon pies. That and hickory nut cakes or mocha cakes with whipped cream between the layers, frosted with coffee-flavored frosting. The latter was always served after a holiday meal when relatives were dinner guests.

Speaking of foods, last week’s column touched on frying zucchini, telling you to dip the slices in beaten egg and roll in flour (not flower). My sons wanted to know if I rolled them in poppies.

Today, here on the farm, I made three apple pies for no particular reason at all. Just because I wanted to and I felt like it and I was hungry for a slice of apple pie.

There is an expression about “the house was in apple pie order.” I’m very orderly about cutting apples into little wedges and lining them up in the empty pie shell. So they are pretty neat.

Bernice

Behind the Signpost

Compiled by Bernice Abrahamzon

50 Years Ago Think how many Halloween games depend on apples. Bobbing for apples floating in a tub of water on the floor. Trying to bite into an apple suspended on a string. Trying to peel an apple so the skin is one long peeling. If you throw the peeling over your left shoulder, perhaps it will form itself into a letter of the alphabet that is the initial of your true love’s name.

I also recall a church leader cutting an apple crosswise through the core, revealing the pattern of the seeds. It had a legend to go with it. She demonstrated that one day for devotions at a meeting held at Whispering Pines United Methodist Camp.

How do you peel an apple?

I think most daughters and perhaps sons, do it the way their mothers did. I cut an apple into quarters, peel each quarter, cut out the core and seeds. Cut into wedges and put in pie shell.

Recently I saw a cook pare an apple until only the core is left. It goes to show there is more than one way to do something.

You’ve heard the expression about being an apple polisher. Does someone really do that? Unfortunately it has taken on a derogatory meaning. It is used in a negative sense, and means going out of your way to impress someone to win favors.

This is the time of the year when I remember the poem: “Margaret are your grieving Over golden grove unleaving When the world all piecemeal lies Know this It is Margaret you grieve for.”

It could just as easily use any woman’s name, not just Margaret. We recognize that all around us things are dying and we are also on our way.

We once had real bittersweet growing on an oak tree in our woods. The tree eventually died and fell so that was the end of our bittersweet wreathing the branches.

We once had a row of Japanese lanterns growing in a flower border near the barn. Those Japanese lanterns were crowded out by hollyhocks, and eventually our geese destroyed the hollyhocks.

So, in time, all things change.

We are most aware of changes now in the fall.

Where there is Faith There is Love Where there is Love There is Peace Where there is Peace There is God Where there is God There is no need.

–Anonymous Until next week, Bernice

Open house event - Haunted Forest Trail of Ghouls ST. CROIX FALLS – Join the Friends of Interstate Park and the St. Croix Falls Public Library for a hairraising fundraising event on Saturday evening, Nov. 1, at Wisconsin Interstate Park. The Haunted Forest Trail of Ghouls will take place entirely out-of-doors on the Skyline Trail near the Ice Age Center. Participants will be guided around a 20-30 minute trail loop by hanging on to a rope held between two volunteer leaders. As they navigate the trail they proceed through a variety of scare stations manned by more volunteers. For younger participants, or the faint-ofheart, there are junior frights from 5 - 6:30 p.m., followed by ghouls unleashed from 6:30 – 9 p.m.

Yes—it’s scary, yes—it’s different than anything we’ve ever done before, and yes—you won’t want to miss it! Tickets available at the event: $5 adults, $3 children (9 and under). All proceeds from this event will benefit the Friends of Interstate Park and the St. Croix Falls Public Library fundraising campaigns for new facilities. Entrance to the park is free for this open house event.

Interstate Park is located in St. Croix Falls, on Hwy. 35 just one-half mile south of Hwy. 8. For more information, or to volunteer to assist with the event, call Julie at 715-483-3747. - submitted

“A Midsummer Night's Dream” on stage this weekend SIREN – “All the World’s a Stage!” especially this weekend when over 60 Siren students team up with two professional actors to present Prairie Fire Children’s Theatre’s original musical adaptation of Shakespeare’s most enchanting classic “A Midsummer Night‘s Dream.”

Two performances are slated for Friday and Saturday, Oct. 24 and 25, at 7 p.m. in the Siren School Auditorium. The play was adapted by Prairie Fire managing director Ben Ratkowski and designed by executive director Deborah Nelson Pick with original music by Daniel Stock. A joyful romp of mistaken identity and pranks – all played out during a midsummer’s eve, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” continues Prairie

Fire’s tradition of performing classics as you have never seen them before.

The local cast includes many returning Siren student veterans and many newcomers ranging from grades two through 12. Prairie Fire Children’s Theatre professionals Chris Rosser and Kurt Anderson co-direct this production and will play the roles of Puck, the mischievous sprite and Nick Bottom, the colorful head of the acting troupe.

Tickets for the performances are available at the door. The cost is $5 for adults, $3 for students, and free to preschool and under. This weeklong Prairie Fire Children’s Theatre residency is being sponsored by Moms For Kids. - submitted

The Frederic Association of Commerce will sponsor this year’s Halloween party for children.-$2,600 in cash stock was retired by the Frederic Co-op.Hearing tests for Frederic’s students were set for Oct. 29.-The Frederic Rural Fire Department was called to the Milton Peterson farm to put out a small brushfire.-Harry Skriver, Indian Creek farmer, injured his hand in a combine.-Ernie Anderson, Lewis, suffered a heart attack while shaving and was a patient at the Frederic Hospital, and John Hanson also suffered a heart attack and was a patient in the same hospital.-Two new businesses were welcomed to Siren, including Curt’s TV and Radio Shop and Mae’s Beauty Shop.-Readers were urged to vote for Melvin Nack as Independent candidate for county clerk, Burnett County.-Glockzin’s Restaurant was serving a real turkey dinner for $1.25.Frederic’s Clover Farm Store advertised 2 lbs. of Hills Brothers coffee for $1.59.-Auctions were listed for Mrs. Edith Harris, Daniel Andrewson, O.R. Johnson estate with Lloyd Thor, administrator, Nick Lucente and Carl Sundeen.-The Milltown Swap Shop announced it was moving.-Readers were asked to vote Democratic, the party that stopped the sales tax.

40 Years Ago Specials at the Frederic Clover Farm Store included ground chuck at 69¢ lb., turkeys at 59¢ lb., bacon at 59¢ lb., cranberries at 29¢ lb. and squash at 29¢ lb.-At Our Own Hardware (Carlson Hardware) the October special was a set of bowls, unbreakable, rustproof, chip-proof, boil-proof at $1.59 with covers, 15 piece set of polyethylene.-Route’s Super Market, Frederic, had specials on wieners at 49¢ per 12-pack, beef pot roast at 47¢ lb., apples at 3 lbs. for 33¢ and popcorn at 11¢ lb.-Specials at the Frederic Co-op Store included 9 cans of beans for $1, peas at 5 cans for $1, diced carrots at 7 cans for $1 and fruit cocktail at 4 cans for $1.-Readers were urged to reelect Dueholm, your assemblyman.-Lavern Olson was back as assistant cashier at Farmers State Bank, Frederic.-The marriage of Mrs. Bernice Lind and Clarence Monson of Siren took place Oct. 4, at the Siren Methodist Church.-The Cancer Crusade exceeded its goal for 1968 in Burnett County.-Aluminum sheets used in production at the Inter-County Leader were on sale at Frederic for 25¢ each.

20 Years Ago Bone Lake Lutheran Church celebrated its 90th anniversary.-Oeffler’s Flower Shop, Frederic, advertised fall planting time to plant bulbs for tulips, hyacinths, crocus and also to plant large and hardy mums, yellow or pink.-Annie Berg celebrated her 100th birthday at the Luck United Pioneer Home.The Frederic American Legion and Auxiliary sponsored its annual pig roast dinner on Sept. 24, at the Legion hall. Tickets were $4 and $2.50. The grand prize was a $25 U.S. Savings Bond.-Grace Struck was honored on her 95th birthday, held at St. Luke’s Methodist Church, Frederic.-Frederic Hospital employees had a garage sale on Sept. 17.-Capeside Cove Good Samaritan Center needed RNs, LPNs, NAs for the p.m. shift.-Siren trustees listened to water complaints.-Catherine (Kat0e) Peterson sold her home near Round Lake and held an auction on Sept. 17 to sell household furniture and goods, plus yard and shop items.-Sept. 18-25, was National Kinship Week.-The Sand Lake dump would be closed.An old-time dance was held Sept. 18 at the American Legion Hall at Grantsburg, with the Bob Stusynski Band playing.

PAGE 6 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - OCTOBER 22, 2008

TOWN TALK/COUNTRY CHATTER Hi, everybody! Blacky here from Humane Society of Burnett County.

Well, if they passed out awards for goofing up, I’d probably take the top prize. I either need glasses, or need my sniffer tested because I made a mistake when I told you about the puppy, Cupcakes, last week. I thought he was a boy, when she’s actually a girl! In my defense, I’m not the only one who assumed this, but even so...I’m glad she is a baby and can’t read, or she’d take a bite out of my ear, for certain. Anyhow, she and her sister, Spice, are sure a cute pair of pups, and no one has claimed YAPpenings them, so they are waiting for someone to raise them into smart, happy dogs.

Scruffy and Micah have not been claimed by their owners either, and that’s too bad.

To refresh your memory, they are the two senior terrier mixes that were found near Grantsburg. Scruffy got a haircut last week and is no longer scruffy looking; thus, the shelter staff has given her a new name - Spiffy! I think she likes it. Micah didn’t get trimmed. His coat is pretty cool looking as it is, like he touched a static ball or stuck his paw in a socket. He’s real nice, but he likes to be top dog, so he should probably be the solo pet in his new household - or maybe get some counseling.

Lucky the hound puppy went home last week, and one newcomer has taken her place. Willard is a young, male golden retriever and Lab mix. He’s pretty handsome, and at first I thought he was stuck up because he ignored me. I found out later it was because I was calling him Wilbur, not Willard. Yes, I am a doofus. And a badsmelling one, too, according to my mom. She told me if I roll in one more carcass, she’s hanging a For Sale sign around my neck. I’m not worried, though. Who would buy a rotten-smelling dog? Plus, my mom always says that pets are not dispensible and are a part of the family, so I think I’m safe. I just have to stay outside until I get another bath. You know, if she’d stop making me smell like a bouquet of flowers, I might not have to counteract it by rolling around on a pile of entrails and decaying hide. I think that makes me irresitible, but she just says I stink. Hmmph.

But back to the shelter...when I was there playing with my friends the other day, I saw a new kitten had arrived - Tish is her name - and more kittens were supposed to be arriving. Tish was sleeping on her back and had her paws wrapped around the dangly thing that was sus-

Blacky

Shelter

pended from the top of her cage. I’m not usually a big sap for cats, but that picture was pretty adorable. Which reminds me, the shelter staff is grateful for the big donation of cat litter. My pals at the shelter have some pretty good friends out there. There’s something else I need to ask for, however, and I’ve been trying to find the right way to say it, but I’m not always too clever. So, I’ll just ask; we need some cash donations. Our funds are low, and we need money. We’ve got some fundraisers in the works, and our kringle sales are going well, but it costs a lot to run this operation. Donations are tax-deductible, you know, and you can be assured that the folks at the shelter won’t spend your money at a California spa.

They are too dedicated to the dogs and cats to engage in such antics! Anyway, if you readers could swing a few dollars, you’d be helping a lot. If you care to use the U.S. mail to send a check, our address is: HSBC, 7347 Midtown Rd., Siren, WI 54872.

We’ve gotten a lot of mail lately from folks that have adopted a new pet from our shelter. It is great to see pictures of them and hear how happy they are in their new homes. Some of them were puppies when they left, and I hardly recognize them all grown up! The people are tickled, and the dogs and cats, by the sounds of it, are being spoiled. I’m glad. You know, we dogs (and cats) are good to have around. We’re entertaining, we lower stress, we get you to exercise by walking us, we don’t care what you look like, we make you feel better when you have had a crummy day, and we’re always happy to see you no matter how many years we’ve been with you! What more could you ask for in a companion?

OK, so we can’t cook - big deal. Our plusses far outweigh our minuses. If you are considering a pet, please include looking at a shelter in your quest; they have a lot of fine animals.

As a final reminder, if you haven’t purchased a kringle or five yet, you’ve got until Tuesday, Oct. 28 to do so.

There are nine varieties to choose from, and sales benefit the shelter. I know the Leader staff purchased a lot of them, and I am hoping to come and help deliver them next month when they arrive. Maybe no one will notice if one goes missing...mmmm!

Well, I have to get going now. I’m getting closer to catching that chipmunk. Yesterday, I had him pinned in a pocket at the base of a tree. He wasn’t a big smartypants then, let me tell you. He was scared! I didn’t catch him, but I bet all he saw was teeth and claws when he closed his eyes for the night. A mental victory for me, if nothing else, but his day is coming.

In the meanwhile, take care, everybody, and I’ll see you here next week!

HSBC is saving lives, one at a time. www.hsburnettcty.org 866-4096

Siren Senior Center Business was as normal this week, nothing spectacular going on besides our usual activities. We have been enjoying an increase in our diners as the word has spread about the good food served at the nutrition dinner. The kitchen crew, as I have said before, goes out of their way to see that everyone is well fed and happy before they leave the premises.

At least four tables of players came out on Tuesday for dime Bingo. Twenty-six showed up for 500 on Wednesday and 23 on Friday for Spades. The winners for 500 were, Ed Berdal, Anke Olesen, Dorothy Cronquist and Sue Newberger. Winners at Spades were Gerry Vogel, Dwaine Bentley, Marjorie Nyberg, Nona Severson and Sue Newberger.

I wouldn’t say that the center is exactly going to the dogs, but we have had two whom have graced the center quite regularly.

Angel Johnson keeps an eye on our treasurer, Judy Johson, and I believe is under the impression that she is the assistant treasurer. She comes regularly to our monthly meeting, but I have noticed that she seems to be quite bored with the proceedings as I have personally seen her doze off and on. Irene Newberger, although she hasn’t quite got the knack how to play 500 or Spades as yet,

349-2964

joins the card players on Wednesdays and Fridays. I think she thinks she is the hostess as she spends her time flirting with the fellows and looking for attention from the gals.

Needless to say all of the seniors love them.

A reminder to all that Connie Crosby will be at the center on Thursday, Oct. 30, from 9 a.m. to noon to help filling out forms for fuel assistance.

If you need any information on materials that you should bring along, Connie may be reached at the government center, 349-7600.

Flu and Pneumonia vaccines will be given on Monday, Nov. 3, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Medicare, Humana, Anthem and Smart Value plans will pay for the shots for seniors.

The sheet is out for November’s Dining at Five on Thursday, Nov. 6. CeCe is planning on serving roast pork, au gratin potatoes, winter blend vegetables, salad bar, pumpkin cheesecake, plus the usual rolls, coffee and milk. Remember to call or stop in and sign up it.

Get well wishes to Helmi Larson, Bea Wallace and Della Smythe. The center is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday. No dining on Wednesday, but the center is open for coffee and cards. All activities begin at 1 p.m. Hope to see you there.

Siren

I don’t know about you guys there, but for me, fall is my favorite time of the year. After a good frost you still have warm, sunny days, but no bugs. I really enjoy watching the animals – squirrels, chipmunks, deer and even the black bear, as they ready themselves for the long winter.

Squirrels and chipmunks scurry back and forth collecting acorns, storing them away for winter meals. Deer and the bear, as they gorge themselves on the fruit of the mighty oaks to fatten themselves up for colder days.

Have you seen the swans on Little Doctor Lake? They are so beautiful and graceful; one of nature’s finest. Two were there for many days, then five. I’m sure soon they, too, will head for warmer places.

Tuesday evening Art and Bev Beckmark, along with Violet Beckmark, enjoyed an evening in Frederic at the Pilgrim Lutheran Church for the annual Thrivent dinner and meeting. Gratitude is extended to the preparers of the meal and desserts.

Sympathy to the family of Dean Johnson who passed

Barb Munger

Bev Beckmark

away Oct. 12.

The Siren Lioness have set the mitten tree up at the U.S. Bank. Those of you who have been busy knitting and crocheting items for the tree can now bring the items to the bank. The Lioness still have a good supply of yarn if you wish to still make some items – hats and mittens are always needed.

Flu and pneumonia vaccine time is here. The Siren area can get their shots on Tuesday, Oct. 28, at the government center, Room 165, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., or on Wednesday, Oct. 29, at the Siren High School library from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Remember people, the flu season isn’t far away.

On Saturday, Nov. 1, the Siren Northwoods Crossing Event Center will have the Experiencing a Northwoods Christmas craft event and sale from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Coffee and cookies by the Moms for Kids will be available to enjoy as well as their silent auction. This will benefit the Moms for Kids scholarship fund.

Dewey - LaFollette

468-2940

Karen Mangelsen

Sympathy is extended to Don Schleiss and family, and Judy Albee, due to the death of Don’s mother, Margaret Schleiss.

Hank and Karen Mangelsen visited Sue and Roger Mroszak Tuesday evening.

Lida Nordquist, Nina and Donna Hines and Karen Mangelsen joined Marlene Swearingen at the salad luncheon and auction held at Spooner UM Church Thursday. It was sponsored by the Sarah Circle.

Barry and Josh Hines came to visit Gerry and Donna Hines Thursday and stayed until Saturday.

Roger and Sue Mroszak went to Brainerd, Minn., Friday to visit Marie and Chuck Jorgensen. That afternoon they attended the production of Geritol Frolics, a selection of musical performances done by senior citizens of the area, which included Marie. Other friends came also, and after the show they all enjoyed a time of visiting and playing cards at the Jorgensen home. Sue and Roger returned home Saturday.

Beverly Brunclik visited Judy Albee Friday.

Chris and Colin Harrison were weekend guests of Lawrence and Nina Hines.

Hannah, Grace, Hank and Karen Mangelsen, Donna, Gerry and Nina Hines, Don and Lida Nordquist, and Marlene Swearingen went to the home of Joleen and Richard Funk Saturday afternoon. They helped Jan and Jim Schott celebrate their birthdays.

A large number of people attended the pig roast and community potluck picnic at the home of Garry and Beth Crosby Sunday. The pig was donated and roasted by Brent Nyreen.

Gerry and Donna Hines went to Rosemount, Minn., Sunday and visited at the home of Mark and Suzanne Hines.

They helped great-granddaughter Roxanne celebrate her first birthday.

Dave, Patty and Mandy Close, visited Hank and Karen Mangelsen Sunday afternoon.

News from the service Ryan M. Kalmoe of St. Croix Falls received a commission in the United States Navy as an ensign upon graduating from Naval Officer Candidate School in Newport, R.I., with Honor Class 23-08 on Sept. 19. Kalmoe is currently attending Surface Warfare Officer School in Newport and will report aboard the USS Tortuga in November as a division officer. The USS Tortuga, an amphibious dock landing ship, is currently forward deployed to Sasebo, Japan.

Kalmoe is a 2004 graduate of St. Croix Falls High School and a 2008 graduate of the University of Minnesota – Morris, where he graduated with a major in physics and minor in mathematics with high distinction and with honors.

Kalmoe’s parents, Mary Martin and Dean Kalmoe of St. Croix Falls, his aunt, Jane Gerber of St. Paul, Minn., and his fiancée, Faith Derynck of Rockford, Minn., all attended his officer candidate school graduation ceremony. - submitted

OCTOBER 22, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 7

TOWN TALK/COUNTRY CHATTER Lewis

653-4281 Pastor Tom Cook proved to be a real cook on Sunday when he served homemade vegetable beef soup after the service. (P.S. The soup was very good).

It was United Memorial Women Sunday with members of that group handling the service. Sylvia Schaetzel was in charge and also sang a solo and Kara Alden gave the message. LouAnn Gackle was in charge of the children’s message and LaVonne Boyer was in charge of cares, concerns and prayers.

Church-goers came to services with food items in hand for the Frederic food shelf. When items are put together, they pile up and help the ongoing need.

Nice to have visitors in church including Kris Hoover Beshire and her sister, Kay. Kris lives in Stevens Point and was visiting in the area, planning to stop to see Lauretta Hoover on her way home to Stevens Point.

Sheila Stapels and Bernice Abrahamzon went to the Apple Hill Orchard both this Sunday and last Sunday. The furnace unit that burns corn heated up the shop area very nicely. Many apple varieties available, apple cookbooks, apple gadgets (peelers, one to cut apples in wedges), honey and honey products, story and coloring books for children, candles, soaps, appealing gifts, etc. Konnie Didlo’s sister, Sue Johnson of Clam Falls, was visiting and helping in the shop.

Congratulations to Alice (Mrs. Charles) Ford who received this year’s UMQ gold pin. With only one pin awarded a year, Alice joined other men and women who have already had a pin presented to them. She has at-

Frederic Senior Center

Bernice Abrahamzon

tended Methodist Ladies Aid since she was 4 years old.

She has been active in church programs in many different towns through the years.

Starr Smith Warndahl reviewed the groups activities this year and the financial gifts for worthwhile projects such as the food shelf in Frederic, the CRA, the Salvation Army’s Milk Jug Project, Serenity Home in former Polk County Jail, refurbished and open to those needing short-term housing.

The beautiful leaves of autumn are fast falling, turning into leafy carpets underfoot.

The morning Frederic Library book club met last week to discuss the book “Snow Falling on Cedars.”

The final get-together of the Indianhead Rock and Mineral Society will be a 6 p.m. dinner meeting at Oakwood Inn in Luck. Order off the menu. If you wish to take part in

the gift exchange, bring a wrapped, rock-related item, valued at $5, marked for man or woman. The society will resume meetings in April 2009. Meanwhile, get out there and find prize minerals and rocks for bring-and-brag time. The dinner meeting is Monday, Nov. 3. Make reservations with Dan or Evie Beal at 715-472-8809.

Kara Alden was hostess at the October UMW meeting at the church. This is the month she most enjoys as she can have Halloween plates, cups and napkins. This year she treated the group to pumpkin blizzards, the special of the month at the Siren DQ, plus open-face sandwiches.

Another Sunday morning treat was the playing of the Lewis Church band and its lively music.

Happy birthday on Wednesday to Star Warndahl.

Daylight saving time ends Sunday, Nov. 2.

St. Croix Valley Senior Center Last week’s Tuesday Dominos winners were Deloris Benson in first place, Ione Meixner in second place and Janice Mevissen in third place. The 500 cards winners were: in first place Lonnie Jones, second place Cliff Qualle, third place Ruth Flostrand and in fourth place Mary Lou Lund. Thursday night 500 card winners were Roger Greenlea in first place, Kim Rosen in second place and Cliff Qualle in third place.

A monthly meeting was held with 21 members in attendance. It was decided to make the greeting cards for the Good Samaritan Nursing Home up at the nursing home instead of at the senior center. The date will be announced later.

Anyone 50 years of age or older is eligible to become a

member of the St. Croix Valley Senior Center. New members are always welcome. The membership year runs from June 1 to May 31, but you may join at any time. Dues are $8 per year, payable on June 1 for each year. There is a form for members to fill out that gets returned to the senior center. Each person also gets a membership packet, the bylaws and a current monthly calendar of events when they pay their annual dues.

The senior center is available for private rentals and community events. Call 715-483-3466 for information.

Stop by the senior center for a monthly calendar of events or a cup of coffee and a treat. All of our activities are open to the community, regardless of age. Come and join the fellowship and fun.

by Ardyce Knauber

Monday, Oct. 13, Spades was played at 1:30 p.m. with the following winners: Norma Nelson in first place, Lola Hinschberger in second place and Donald Danielson in third place.

Tuesday, Whist is played Wednesday pokeno, and as always, a happy group playing together and enjoying their coffee time.

Thursday 500 cards was played with the following winners: Tim Abrahamzon in first place, Hazel Hoffman in second place, Eleanor Bonneville in third place and Betty Schmitendorf in fourth place.

The morning coffee group and the pool players keep the center lively in the morning.

Friday pokeno was enjoyed.

Saturday, food and fellowship with a traditional fall meal of stew and salads, baked squash, fresh carrots and Clareese Marek’s cake for dessert. Card games and Bingo were enjoyed along with refreshments and visiting.

Stop in and visit us. Getting out with people in your age group helps keep you alive and young.

Fran Krause

Orange

Written for last week

On Monday, Michelle Carpenter from Idaho and Frances Ann and Gus Gates of Amery visited Pat and Nancy O'Brien.

Elaine Scott and Maxine Scott enjoyed a drive to see the beautiful autumn foliage in our Northwest Wisconsin country on Wednesday.

Betty Kulbeck and Elaine Paulus visited with Jack and Jeri Witzany following a pretty Sunday afternoon drive.

Members of the Harmony and Odds and Ends HCE clus hosted the HCE Scholarship Benefit Luncheon at Bethany Lutheran Church in Siren on Saturday.

Mark Krause drove to Stevens Point Saturday topick up Allyson and go on to Madison to join Karen and Jerry Hintz, and other relatives for the Badger-Penn State football game Saturday evening.

Frank Krause attended the Sarah Circle meeting at Wanda Flanigan's on Wednesday.

Parker is a prankster and a lover with a purr that will amaze you. He is all things kitten, playful, curious and sweet. Parker is a 10-week-old, orange, tabby kitten, neutered and ready to make your house his home.

The past week has been busy at the Arnell animal shelter. Fourteen dogs and 30 cats arrived; all needing a place to call home for a second chance. Two of the dogs were reclaimed, but that is still a large number of animals to take in for our small shelter. All of them come with a story. We hear tales of neglect, financial difficulties, domestic abuse and regret on the part of the human animals that bring them to us.

Times are hard for everyone.

Wal-Mart stores in New Richmond and St. Croix Falls donate dog and cat food beyond the shelter’s needs and we are able to distribute their bountiful donation to families in need through the Congregational Church Food Shelf in Amery and another in Osceola.

In this way we hope that the kindness of Wal-Mart will help families keep their pets and allow them to spend precious dollars on other household necessities. If a local food shelf is interested in distributing dog and cat food, please contact Mary at Arnell Memorial Humane Society.

Our adult cat sale was a success. Many of our ma-

Subscribe online!

LaVonne O’Brien

Written for this week

Bud and Natalie Flagstad spent a week in Florida. Reny Neinstadt stayed with Brianna and Brendon while they were gone.

Theresa and Dave Childers spent Thursday with Jack and Lavonne O’Brien. They got their property ready for winter. On Saturday, Mary Herman from Anoka, Minn. and Tim and Vikki O’Brien from St. Paul, Minn., visited their parents.

Doris Schauer’s daughter, Jean, came home to spend a few weeks with her mother and to visit friends and relatives.

Elaine Scott celebrated her birthday on Saturday, with Scotty, Ethel Daniels and Maxine Stone.

Marv Hanson from Menomonie visited with Fran and Kent Krause, Erv Pardun and Mick Sears on Thursday.

He was a former phy ed teacher and football coach at Webster.

Amy Kopecky and family and Fran Krause were among those attending the Burnett County 4-H Achievement Night at Siren High School Saturday evening.

ture cats found new homes with good families. It is always a special day when one of our loving older pets are adopted. And so now we have an over abundance of young kittens. We will switch gears and offer our healthy, rambunctious, troubadour kittens at a reduced adoption fee. They are available for instant hilarity and fun in all colors, black, orange, buff and brown tabby, white and solid gray. An entire litter of white with gray caps are playing, eating and sleeping at the shelter until their adopters walk through the door. Click on “Our Animals” at our Web site to view publicity shots of them and a brief description. We are at the height of kitten season and one more round of litters to go. Adopt a shelter cat today or better yet, spay and neuter your pets!

Arnell Memorial Humane Society, 715 268-7387 (PETS) or online: www.arnellhumane.org

Arnell Humane Society Happy Tails

Await

www.t he - l eader.n et

PAGE 8 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - OCTOBER 22, 2008

TOWN TALK/COUNTRY CHATTER

866-4334 Eighteen diners enjoyed the Dining at Five evening meal of pork chops and potatoes and gravy on Tuesday that was prepared by Nicky Quernemoen, who was subbing for Deb. I don’t know why the count was down so low because the food was delicious. I hope that more will sign up for the November evening meal on Tuesday, Nov. 11.

There were only eight dime Bingo players at the center on Wednesday afternoon but they still have lots of fun and laughs, and everyone enjoyed the refreshments furnished by Theresa Gloege and Gladys Beers. We were happy to have Ann Agerbeck’s guest, Mary Park of Black Duck, Minn., join us.

The nutrition site was closed on Thursday and the only activity going on was the regular group of pool players in the e v e n i n g .

The ladies card game was cancelled as most of the group attended the Lioness function at the Webster Community Center.

The Webster Lioness Club had a potluck dinner on Thursday evening at their monthly dinner meeting but no business was conducted because Lioness Billie Gravesen and husband Gary showed pictures of the African safari trip they took in M a y .

They flew to the O. R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, South Africa, and then went with their base guide from Kuvhima Safaris based in the Limpopo Province of SA to their hunting camp near Senegal/Johannesburg.

They also

Webster Senior Center

showed pictures of their six trophy animals, and had on display as centerpieces painted fruit and a large painted ostrich egg in addition to other artifacts. Also attending as their guests were Gary’s mother Marvel Mirriam, Helen Gravesen and her daughter Diane and Ed Weber of Webster. Carl and Gail Nordquist also attended and Carl showed a native spear made by his friend Aaron Makeya of Zimbabwe, SA, who is a fellow blacksmith.

Otis Taylor Post 96 American Legion Auxiliary had a chili supper on Friday evening at the Community Center and they are very grateful to all the auxiliary members, Debbie Korhonen, and Burnett Dairy for their donations. Not as many diners showed up as was expected but those who did enjoyed the chili and fixin’s and the large variety of dessert bars made by auxiliary members.

I was very happy to have my daughter Barb and Rodney Preddy and my namesake granddaughter, Mary Jane, from Menomonie, visit me on Saturday afternoon. I don’t get to see them enough and I miss having them living down the street from me.

There was a lot of toe tapping music going on at the Webster Community Center on Saturday evening as Dan Zimmer and his band, consisting of Dave Ingalls, Don Pashby and an unnamed clarinet player (I tried to get his name but failed), played a large variety of old-time and other favorite dance songs. Interfaith Caregivers are very appreciative of all those who attended this fundraiser as they will be using

the monies raised to go towards buying Christmas presents for needy children throughout Burnett County.

Members of Grace United Methodist Church, Webster, were surprised and very happy to have Bill and Alyce Foote join them for their Sunday morning service.

Daughter Billie brought them over from BMC Continuing Care, Grantsburg, where they are living.

We appreciate Pat O’Brien for mowing the lawn this week; and Terry Erickson for donating a Halloween gift to all the diners who were eating at the center on Friday.

Our get-well wishes and prayers continue for Dolly Peterson; Sharon Link; Donna Reimer; Marlene Kufalk; Mary Heier and Jane Wardean who are dealing with the pain caused by shingles; Sue Hanninen recovering from surgery for cancer in one of her lungs; and Dave Boatman recovering from a fall where he broke several bones in his back.

“I wanna be a clown!” “I’m going to be a hobo.” “I was a cat last year; I think I’ll be a gypsy this year.” Every year about the time the leaves begin to turn various shades of gold, brilliant reds, and brown, children think about what they will dress up as for Halloween. They love to put on masks and pretend to be something or someone other than themselves. From Mickey and Minnie Mouse to the Mummy who walks, they’re almost every character possible. I’ve even dressed myself up in a costume to wear at the senior center and the yearly Halloween party sponsored by the Lioness Club. But to be honest, I’m

Mary Klar glad when that night is over and the masks are off. I prefer those dimply pink faces to scarecrows and Raggedy Anns any day.

God prefers us to be open-faced with Him, too, and so do our friends. We all have several masks we keep in reserve for special occasions: the “sure-of-myself” one we wear when asked to speak before a group; the “shy” one to cover up insecurity in a crowd; the “smiley-face” mask for Sunday mornings when we don’t really feel like smiling; the “gloomy Gus” one when we want sympathy. Then there’s the “holierthan-thou” mask reserved to wear around “sinners.” It’s time to get rid of all the masks and to be honest with others and myself. After all, God sees right through them and loves me anyway, so why not accept myself as I am and trust God to make me what I should be? No amount of maskwearing is going to change me; only God can do that. Moses’ face shone after he had been in the mountain with God, and because this phenomenom frightened the people, Moses covered his face with a veil.

What if Moses’ face no longer shone, but he continued to wear the veil so people wouldn’t know? Suppose we wear the mask of a consecrated Christian, but in reality are dragging one foot in the world?

Who’s to know? Lord, help us never be ashamed to make a stand for what is true, and give us courage to be named as faithful followers of You. – Unknown. “But the Lord said unto Samuel,….for the man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” – 1 Samuel 16-7.

See you at the center!

Amery Senior Center

by Susan Shachtman, assistant director

The fall colors are amazing, the mornings are feeling a lot cooler, and I’m starting to feel my first cold of the season! For those of you who want to stay healthy during the upcoming winter, the Polk County Health Department will be holding an influenza vaccine clinic at the center. The date is Thursday, Oct. 23, from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. The flu vaccine is $30 per dose and the pneumococcal vaccine is $45 per dose. Medicare does cover the cost of both vaccines.

If you are looking for a fun way to celebrate Halloween, join us at the senior center on Friday, Oct. 31, for our first annual Halloween potluck and costume party. This will take place at noon and awards will be given for the best, scariest and funniest costumes! David Weber of Weber Apiaries

will also be here to speak about why bees are important. Just bring a dish to pass and enjoy the festivities.

On Monday, Oct. 27, we will be holding two sessions of Funeral and Estate Planning at Centennial Hall. The first takes place at 1 p.m. and the second at 7 p.m.

Our speakers will be Ed White from Williamson’s Funeral Home, Rick Gates from the VFW, and attorney Brian Byrnes.

There will be a question and answer session following the seminar. This is free and open to the public. Although these are difficult topics, they are important for all of us to think about and plan for.

On Monday, Oct. 27, at 1 p.m., will be the first official meeting of our new German Club! The club will meet at Centennial Hall on the fourth Monday of every month and the membership fee is only $5 per year.

There will be German refreshments served

at each meeting along with a program. The first meeting on Monday, Oct. 27, will be each person telling about their German heritage. We are very excited about this club and hope you will be as well.

Mark your calendars for Saturday, Nov. 22. Our 21st-annual bazaar and bake sale will take place here from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

This would be a great time to stock up on those Thanksgiving baked goods and start your Christmas shopping! Homemade rolls and lunch will be served and there will also be door prizes. If you are interested in selling your items, we still have a few tables available. You can contact us at 715-2686605 to reserve your table.

Gratitude is extended to Ginny and Wendell Anderson for hosting the 500 Card party with the help of Paul and Val Seidel.

Bob Norlander took first prize, Val Seidel took second, and Kim Rosen and Arlis

Rosen won the door prizes.

Congratulations to last week’s Wii bowling tournament winners - Carl Johnson in first place, Jerry Fisher in second, and Paul Seidel in third place. If you want to have some fun and don’t want to lift a heavy bowling ball, come to the center on Tuesdays at 1 p.m. The cost is $2 per person with prize money going to the top winners.

Congratulations to Carl Johnson who won first place in this week’s pool tournament! Val Seidel came in second, and Jerry Fisher placed third.

Monday’s bridge winners were Paula Schmid in first and Marion Christensen in second.

The winners in the Wednesday bridge group were Rachel Shay in first, Sydney Lund in second, Priscilla Peterson in third, and Shirley Staebler in fourth place.

Happy fall to all of you.

Births Born at Burnett Medical Center A boy, Carter James DuBois, born Oct. 15, 2008, to Angela DuBois, Grantsburg.

Carter weighed 6 lbs., 3 oz., and was 191/2 inches long. Siblings include Jacob and Ashley.

Grandparents are Diana Chute of Grantsburg and Jim Chute of Grantsburg.

••• A boy, Xavier Lee Massey, born Oct. 13, 2008, to Johnny Massey and Nicole Chute, Grantsburg. Xavier weighed 7 lbs., 14 oz. and was 21 inches long.

Siblings are Isaiah and Lakira. Grandparents include Jim Chute and Diana Chute of Grantsburg and Johnny Mossey Sr. of Apple Valley, Minn. Great-grandparents are Virginia Chute of Grantsburg and Rosie Moffett and Eddie Moffett of Madison.

••• Born at Amery Regional Medical Center A boy, Ayden John Burth, born Sept. 22, 2008, to Jayda Multer and Jason Burth, St. Croix Falls. Ayden weighed 8 lbs., 2 oz.

••• A girl, Mahiya Jadance Star Whitetail, born Sept. 25, 2008, to Deanna Martel and Mori Whitetail, Amery. Mahiya weighed 8 lbs., 8.5 oz.

••• A boy, Easton Thomas Petter, born Sept.

25, 2008, to Tara and Thomas Petter, Amery. Easton weighed 8 lbs., 8 oz.

••• A girl, Selah Rose Wagner, born Sept.

27, 2008, to Marcia and Aaron Wagner, Clear Lake. Selah weighed 7 lbs., 14 oz.

••• A boy, Carson Jeffery Dimas, born Sept.

30, 2008, to Shauna Posey and Jorge Dimas, Amery. Carson weighed 8 lbs., 7 oz.

••• A boy, Ethan Flores, born Sept. 30, 2008, to Yesika and Gilberto Flores, Amery. Ethan weighed 7 lbs., 3 oz.

••• A girl, Katharine Grace Woods, born Oct. 7, 2008, to Lisa and Thomas Woods, Frederic. Katharine weighed 6 lbs., 7 oz.

••• A girl, Quinn Avery Williamson, born Oct. 7, 2008, to Kayli and Christopher Williamson. Quinn weighed 8 lbs., 2 oz.

••• A girl, Paige Margaret-Rose McLain, born Oct. 10, 2008, to Jennifer Nelson and Rodney McLain, Amery. Paige weighed 9 lbs., 1 oz.

••• A girl, Shelby Lee LaVenture, born Oct. 10, 2008, to Sarah and Daniel LaVenture, Balsam Lake. Shelby weighed 9 lbs., 6 oz.

••• A boy, Oliver Brandon Mendlik, born Oct. 10, 2008, to Cammi Hotchkiss-Fox and Matthew Mendlik, Milltown. Oliver weighed 6 lbs., 14 oz.

••• A girl, Alissa Rae Burbach, born Oct. 11, 2008, to Julie and Robert Burbach, Clayton. Alissa weighed 5 lbs., 2.5 oz.

••• A boy, Mason Robert Lee, born Oct. 13, 2008, to Ashley and Jacob Lee, Amery.

Mason weighed 7 lbs., 5.5 oz.

••• Born at St. Croix Regional Medical Center: A boy, Hunter James Sears, born Sept.

23, 2008, to Aaron and Wendy Sears, Webster. Hunter weighed 7 lbs.

••• A boy, Remy Jay Johnson, born Sept.

27, 2008, to Amanda Leach, St. Croix Falls. Remy weighed 7 lbs., 5 oz.

••• A boy, William Thomas Maurer, born Sept. 28, 2008, to Tari Stage and Thomas Maurer, Centuria. William weighed 8 lbs., 2 oz.

••• A boy, Elijah Thomas Lantz, born Oct. 11, 2008, to Tim and Sherry Lantz, Taylors Falls, Minn. Elijah weighed 8 lbs., 4 oz.

••• A boy, Hunter Joseph Nelson-Aubart, born Oct. 15, 2008, to Kathy Nelson and Joseph Aubart, Amery. Hunter weighed 6 lbs., 4 oz.

••• A girl, Riley Paige Woodbeck, born Oct. 9, 2008, to Brian and Christine Woodbeck, Amery. Riley weighed 6 lbs., 10 oz.

••• A boy, Andre Marchello Anderson, born Sept. 23, 2008, to Jeffery and Dessy Anderson, Dresser. Andre weighed 7 lbs., 11 oz.

••• A girl, Payton Grace Millermon, born Oct. 4, 2008, to Tara Nelson and Matthew Millermon, Luck. Payton weighed 7 lbs., 9 oz.

••• A girl, Allison Elise Wilson, born Oct. 7, 2008, to Jeshua and Deborah Wilson, Grantsburg. Allison weighed 7 lbs., 13 oz.

••• A girl, Katherine Ellen Peterson, born Oct. 9, 2008, to Dale and Missy Peterson, Siren. Katherine weighed 9 lbs., 10 oz. Her big brother is Alex.

••• A boy, Nathan Curtis Boesel, born Oct. 12, 2008, to Scott and Jacquelin Boesel, Balsam Lake. Nathan weighed 7 lbs., 10 oz.

••• A girl, Cierra Jene Marie Chaffee, born Oct. 8, 2008, to Daniel and Kandice Chaffee, Balsam Lake. Cierra weighed 5 lbs., 10 oz.

••• A girl, Juniper Jola Englund, born Oct. 8, 2008, to Peter and Tricia Englund, Centuria. Juniper weighed 6 lbs., 1 oz.

••• Twins, Mia Judith Byrnes and Joseph Michael Byrnes, were born Sept. 25, 2008, to Brian and Laurie Byrnes, Amery. Daughter, Mia weighed 6 lbs., 1 oz. and son, Joseph, weighed 6 lbs., 6 oz.

•••

OCTOBER 22, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 9

Interesting end products So here’s a question for you: Do you know what gets recycled into what? Actually, sometimes it’s exactly what you’d expect. Old corrugated boxes turn into new corrugated boxes. Newspapers? Same pulp, different news; however some of the end products may surprise you. Here are just a few examples of the thousands of products that are created using recycled materials that would otherwise end up in our landfills.

The glass containing your juice today might be the glass containing your spaghetti sauce tomorrow. That’s because glass, especially glass food and beverage containers, food-grade glass, can be recycled over and over again.

Glass can also be used for other things you may not expect, like roads, glass cullet is often used as an aggregate in road base or asphalt, marbles, decorative tiles and landscaping, as well as surfboards. Glass can also be used as drainage backfill material, in this particular application glass is used to replace all or portions of washed stone/gravel as fill material around pipes or in utility trenches.

Another application is aggregate in concrete; several recycling demonstration projects have replaced a portion of the aggregate in ready mix concrete with glass aggregate.

The office paper collected goes into making different paper products such as face and toilet tissue as well as paper towels. Office paper incidentally is the most versatile of all recycled materials.

Polyethylene terephthalate bottles, No. 1 inside a set of 3 triangular chasing arrows; sorry some people still don’t know, are turned into everything from rugs to swimming fins, park benches and children’s toys to fiber for filling ski jackets and fleece shirts. High density polyethylene, or No. 2 plastic bottles can be recycled into trash bags, detergent bottles, some produce bags and many more products.

Did you know that carpet companies make new carpet out of plastic bottles?

Aluminum and steel cans are recycled for use in other steel and aluminum products, including new beverage containers. This not only conserves virgin mineral resources, but the recycling process uses approximately 75-percent less energy. Recycled aluminum and steel also finds its way into new appliances, tricycles, new vehicles, baseball bats and a whole lot more.

Questions about recycling can be answered by e-mailing or calling Jen at 635-2197, or jbarton@nwrpc.com. Our Web site is also has a lot of information on it regarding recycling, hazardous waste and special collections, the address is: www.nwrpc.com, come check it out.

Jen Barton

Earth

Notes

Follow the Leader.

PAGE 10 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - OCTOBER 22, 2008

POLK COUNTY LIBRARY NEWS Luck Public Library Boys Adventure Camp in the Library is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 22, from 3:45 – 4:45 p.m. We moved it back a little so you’d have time to get here from school.

Bring your scary stories and stories of your best practical jokes. We’ll have popcorn and group games. Boys between the ages of 6 and 12, please join us for a fun time. No need to register ahead of time. Just show up and have fun.

Beading with Wilma will be held Thursday, Oct. 23, at 3 p.m., at the library. Bring your project for help or start a new one with Wilma Gray. Come, relax, learn a new hobby and chat.

Local author Christopher Swanson has written a book of poetry entitled “Celebrity Sins.” Read the text and put the clues together to discover the celebrity behind the

described “Sins.” Swanson will be signing and selling books at the Luck Public Library Saturday, Oct. 25, from 10 a.m. to noon.

Come and meet this up-and-coming author.

Book club meets at the library Monday, Oct. 27, at 6:30 p.m. This month’s selection is “So Brave, So Young and Handsome,” by Leif Enger.

Pick up a copy and join us for what promises to be a great discussion.

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.-noon.

Clear Lake Public Library Gratitude is extended to Fritz Coulter of the Polk County Master Gardener organization for his very informative presentation on herbs.

“Mad River Road,” by Joy Fielding “The Hungry Ocean: A Swordboat Captain’s Journey,” by Linda Greenlaw “The Society,” by Michael Palmer.

New Books on CD “Mismatch,” by Tami Hoag “Swan Peak,” by James Lee Burke “Foreign Body,” by Robin Cook “Silks,” by Dick Francis “The Book of Lies,” by Brad Meltzer “The Curse of the Blue Tatoo,” by L. A. Meyer “Smoke Screen,” by Sandra Brown “Brisingr,” by Christopher Paolini “The Lucky One,” by Nicholas Sparks “The Dangerous Days of Daniel X,” by James Patterson “The Tenth Justice,” by Brad Meltzer “The Almost Moon,” by Alice Sebold “Charlie Bone and the Beast,” by Jenny Nimmo “Resolution,” by Robert B. Parker “Off Season,” by Anne Rivers Siddons

Monday Movie Madness Come join us on Monday, Oct. 27, at 6:30 p.m. for “The Thief Lord,” rated PG. Refreshments will be served.

Story times Story times are Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m. and Thursday mornings at 10 and 11 a.m.

Regular library hours Monday: Noon - 7 p.m.; Tuesday: noon - 6 p.m.; Wednesday: 3 - 9 p.m.; Thursday: 9 a.m.

- 2 p.m.; Friday: noon - 5 p.m.; and Saturday: 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. We can be reached by phone at 715-263-2802 or by e-mail at clearlakepl@ifls.lib.wi.us.

Frederic Public Library Check us out at the Halloween party The library will have a table at the 14th Annual Frederic Halloween Party at Birch Street School on Saturday, Oct. 25, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Be sure to stop by for treats and to sign up for free drawings.

Preschool story time meets on Wednesdays Preschoolers and their caregivers are invited to story time on Wednesday mornings at 10:30 a.m., for an hour of books and activities. If you like to read to children and wish to volunteer for a story hour, please talk to a librarian, and we will work with your schedule.

November book group titles are chosen The Thursday morning book group will meet Nov. 20 at 10 a.m. to talk about “Cry, the Beloved Country,” by Alan Paton, the highly acclaimed novel about Zulu pastor Stephen Kumalo and his son Absalom, set in the troubled and changing South Africa of the 1940s.

The evening book group will meet Nov. 20 at 7 p.m. to discuss “Out Stealing Horses,” by Per Petterson. Norwegian novelist Petterson tells the story of an aging widower who moves to an isolated house in eastern Norway, seeking a life of solitude, but it is not to be. Copies of the books are available at the library, and new members are always welcome.

Everyday savings at the library The wireless Internet access is free, the fresh, hot coffee is free, the daily newspaper is free, your library card is free, and borrowing materials is free. Stop in to learn what libraries are all about, and what we can do for you.

Hours and information Frederic Public Library, 127 Oak Street West.

715-327-4979, e-mail fredericpl@ifls.lib.wi.us.

Hours are Monday through Friday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; and Saturday 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Milltown Public Library Author visit Chad Lewis, author of the book “The Wisconsin Road Guide to Haunted Locations,” will visit the library on Saturday, Nov. 1, at 7 p.m. Bring your trick-or-treat leftovers to munch while learning about the supernatural occurrences in our state.

Book club The next gathering of the Milltown Book Club will be Wednesday, Nov. 5. This group is open to anyone and everyone – we talk about good books and bad books, share recommendations and discuss favorite authors.

No assignments and no stodgy questions!

The theme for the next discussion is America. Refreshments will be served.

Gamers Club Play with the new Wii until 7 p.m. on Thursdays. This is only open to high school and middle school teenagers who have a library card with under $10 in fines.

We are wireless Bring your laptops to the Milltown Public Library and enjoy our free, fast wireless Internet access. No library card necessary.

tively grow, breed, and genetically engineer our plants.

Story hour Milltown Public Library offers story time every Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. year-round. Story times are free and are designed for children under 6 and their caregivers. Each story time lasts 30 to 45 minutes and includes time to browse and check out books.

Family story time Family story times are Wednesdays at 6 p.m. and Saturdays at 11 a.m. Toddlers to second-graders and an accompanying adult are invited to join Tiffany every Wednesday evening and Saturday morning for a themed half-hour of fun, songs and stories. Glee guaranteed.

Perk up We now proudly offer Wren Blend coffee at the Milltown Library all day, every day we’re open! This organic, fair trade coffee tastes fantastic. Meet with friends in our coffee lounge which now has extra seating, or surf the Web on your laptop while watching the hustle and bustle of Milltown’s Main

Osceola Public Library Natural Step study circle “The Natural Step for Communities,” by Sarah James and Torbjorn Lahti provides examples of communities that have made dramatic changes toward sustainability, and explains how others can emulate their success. The discussion will be held Thursdays, now through Nov. 20, 6 p.m. Stop by and sit in the discussion.

Pumpkin carving party and bake sale We’ll provide the pumpkins if you bring the creative juices! Carve out your own toothy jack-o-lantern at the annual pumpkin carving party on Saturday, Oct. 25, from 1 – 4 p.m. While you’re there, help support the library by purchasing some yummy homemade snacks at the bake sale.

ECO book discussion “Botany of Desire: A Plant’s-Eye View of the World,” by Michael Pollan, will be discussed Wednesday, Nov. 12, 6 p.m. This work explores the nature of domesticated plants from the dual perspective of humans and the plants themselves. Pollan presents case studies that mirror four types of human desires that are reflected in the way that we selec-

Street. Our goal is to make your library the living room of the community – please check out and support this newest effort!

Magnified reader Gratitude is extended for the overwhelming support we received at the Unity Lions Club fundraiser last Saturday. Ticket sales, donations and proceeds from the silent auction will be used to purchase CCTV/magnified readers for the Centuria, Balsam Lake and Milltown public libraries.

Stop by today to see this wonderful resource for people with diminished eyesight. Gratitude also to the members of the Unity Lions Club for working hard to bring this resource to our community.

Hours The library hours are Monday 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Tuesday 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Wednesday 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Thursday 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Friday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. and Sunday closed.

Preschool story time Preschool story time is Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. Preschoolers and an accompanying caretaker are welcome to join director Nate on Thursday mornings for a half-hour of stories, fun and songs.

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.

Milltown Public Library hosted a Teen Read Week party on Saturday, Oct. 18.

Over 30 teenagers spent the night looking at books, playing video games and participating in fun activities that followed the theme of Books with Bite, including cookie decorating. – Photos submitted

Dresser Public Library

Centuria Public Library

OCTOBER 22, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 11

POLK COUNTY LIBRARY NEWS

Amery Public Library “The Story of Edgar Sawtelle,” by David Wroblewski. Set in northern Wisconsin in the Mellen area, Wroblewski’s first novel turns out to be a mesmerizing read about a family who has been immersed in dog breeding for generations. The Sawtelles have been breeding what they believe is the perfect companion dog, intelligent, biddable and thoughtful.

They want to raise a dog that will make good choices.

The Sawtelles are thrilled when their son, Edgar is born, until they realize that although he can hear and understand perfectly, he is mute. Their dog, Almondine, seems to sense when the baby needs something, for the child never cries.

Edgar grows up signing, and caught up in the life of dog breeding. He names all the pups and seems innately to connect with his furry pals. Life becomes more complicated when Edgar’s dad’s brother, Claude arrives on the scene. Claude is patient but he always gets what he wants in the end, says Edgar’s dad. Trudy, Edgar’s mom is happy to have Claude’s help but the family’s simple life becomes more difficult, for the brothers don’t see eye to eye.

Wroblewski has written a compelling first novel; the woods of Wisconsin are almost a character in this book of astonishing sensitivity about the relationship of man and animal.

The book is one of the best books this reviewer has read this summer and now an Oprah choice as well, don’t miss it.

Library notes Moving, moving, moving is on our minds these days. As this is published, the library is closed, until Monday, Oct. 27, when we open

at 225 Scholl Court in our new space. Gratitude is extended to everyone who helped with work, food and checking out part of our collection to return later.

The first story time in the new library will be on Wednesday, Oct. 29, the Halloween party, at 10:30 a.m. Come in costume if you like, for songs and stories. The story time room is on the left when you enter the new space. Follow the silhouettes of children to the children’s section.

The Friends of the Library book group meets on Friday, Nov. 17, to discuss “North River,” by Pete Hamill. Pick up a copy at the circulation desk and join us for exciting book talk.

Teens Read book group meets on Wednesday, Oct. 29, to discuss “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime,” by Michael Haddon. Join us for subs and drinks and book talk from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Pick up a book at the circulation desk and join us.

Gratitude is extended to everyone who participated in the Big Read, book groups at other libraries, school kids and groups at the senior center, Willow Ridge, Golden Age Manor and Evergreen Village. We had a great time reliving the 1920s.

Library hours Closed this week. Open at the new library space on Monday, Oct. 27, at 225 Scholl Court on the west campus of the Amery Regional Medical Center. Hours in the new library will be Monday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Tuesday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Wednesday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Friday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Polk County Library Federation Polk County plan for library service The background The plan of library service for a county shall provide library services to residents of those municipalities in the county not maintaining a public library under this chapter.

The services shall include full access to public libraries participating in the public library system and the plan shall provide for reimbursement for that access. Services may include books-by-mail service, bookmobile service, the establishment of additional libraries or other services deemed by the committee.

The Polk County Planning Committee The committee members for the 2008-2010 committee include: Sarah Adams, Polk County Library Federation Board of Trustees Nathan Deprey, director Osceola Public Library Virginia Zuncki-Bunker, St. Croix Falls Public Library Board of Trustees Patty Draxler, rural resident Christine LaFond, director, Clear Lake Public Library Nancy Mansergh, Polk County Library Federation Board of Trustees Gerald Newville, Polk County Board of Supervisors Betty Patterson, rural resident Keith Rediske, Polk County Board of Supervisors Tanna Worrell, Centuria Public Library Board of Trustees Committee was first appointed by the Polk County Board of Supervisors on Nov. 10, 1998, under the provisions of Chapter 43.11 of Wisconsin state law as amended by Act 150 which became law July 1, 1998. Since that time the plan has been updated and revised several times. The latest revision in July 2008 with approval at the Oct. 21 Polk County Board of Supervisors meeting.

A brief history of libraries in Polk County The 10 municipal libraries in Polk County have a long and varied history. Efforts to provide library service to residents started in the 1800s in both Osceola and Balsam Lake.

Amery’s library was founded in 1928. The other seven Polk County communities providing library service, Centuria, Clear Lake, Dresser, Frederic, Luck Milltown and St. Croix Falls, had their origins in the 1930s.

Local women’s clubs, a Stag Club, and an American Legion were all instrumental in initialing free public library service in their communities. Most of the village and city councils ere proving financial assistance by the 1940s while all libraries became publically supported by 1975.

The Polk County Board of Supervisors authorized a study of the potential for a county library in 1972. As a result, the Polk County Library Federation was officially organized in 1975. Since that time the Polk County Library Federation has been serving those citizens of our county that are not served by the municipal libraries; books-by-mail to rural residents, and inmates in the Polk County Jail; providing materials for educators in schools, home-school families, working with nursing homes providing large-print material and programming for that group of residents, programming on a weekly basis to the Adult Development Center, library lecture series, complete research for government departments, and continued working with the 10 municipal libraries in a variety of ways, making their service better and meeting the needs to the people of Polk County. Libraries in Polk County assist Polk County with their vision and mission statements Vision Statement - “Improve the quality of life for all who live, work and play in Polk County.” Mission Statement - “The mission of Polk County Government is to serve and represent the public with integrity.” Polk County Slogan - “Polk County-Gift of the Glaciers”

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; and Saturday: 10 a.m. - noon.

St. Croix Falls Public Library

National Friends of the Library Week The St. Croix Falls Library will be spending the 10 days between of Oct. 19 and 28 celebrating its Friends of the Library group.

The Friends of the Library/St. Croix Falls were established in 2007. Currently about 35 community members belong to the Friends.

These members actively volunteer their time to assist the Friends with fundraising efforts that include community events and the used book sales.

“The library has played an important role in my life and in my family’s life,” said Friends President Pat Mitchell. “I truly enjoy being able to give something back – and being an active member of this group is fun!”

All are invited to a morning coffee on Thursday, Oct. 23, from 10 a.m. until noon.

Come to get the latest on the new library building and the fundraising efforts.

“Our library would be much poorer without the Friends,” said library director Sarah Adams. “The funds they raise definitely put the icing on the cake. I think most patrons would be surprised to learn how many of the services and programs they enjoy are supported by the Friends.” Please contact the library at 715-483-1777 to learn how to become a member of the Friends.

More fun fundraising events! Mark your calendars!

Saturday, Nov 1: Haunted Forest: Trail Of Ghouls at the Interstate Park, 5 – 9 p.m.

Come scare yourself silly with this frightful fundraising event for the St. Croix Falls Public Library and the Friends of Interstate Park.

Junior frights will take place from 5-6:30 p.m.

The ghouls will be unleashed from 6:30-9 p.m., a truly frightening experience, only for adults and older children. Proceed with caution! Admission $5/adults and $3/children 9 and under. Interstate Park will have an open house on the day of the event, so no park admission necessary to attend.

Sunday, Nov. 9: Pancake Breakfast at the American Legion Post No. 143, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. Breakfast of pancakes, French toast,

eggs, hash browns, ham, juice, milk and coffee, all for $6. Children 10 and under eat free!

This event is sponsored by a group of Augsburg College students with the help of the SCF American Legion Post No. 143.

Saturday, Nov. 15: Spaghetti dinner and silent auction at the senior center, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Food and many interesting items donated by local merchants are up for auction.

Auction items will be on display at the senior center for previewing.

One in a hundred – Win two certificates for one-hour massages from Body of Knowledge. Value of $120. Tickets are $1 at the library. Only 100 tickets will be sold! Buy a ticket for a yourself, or a friend – it’s worth a chance.

Friends of the Library The Friends of the Library will meet Wednesday, Oct. 29, noon, in the library. Join us! Your membership will help increase the library’s collection of materials, support library programming, and provide advocacy for the library. The St. Croix Falls Friends of the Library is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.

Technology Free wireless is available at the library.

Also, visit the library Web site www.stcroixfallslibrary.org to get information on the building project, programs at the library and much, much more!

Story hour Listen to stories, create great art and have fun with other kids and parents every Wednesday, 10:30 a.m.

Hours, contact The library is open from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. every day, except Saturday 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Closed on Sunday. 715-483-1777. Check out the library Web site and explore the links – go to www.stcroixfallslibrary.org.

Balsam Lake Public Library Author visit John Bates author of “Graced by the Seasons: Fall and Winter in the Northwoods” and also “Graced by the Seasons: Spring and Summer in the Northwoods” will be here at Balsam Lake Library on Saturday, Nov. 8, at 10 a.m. Bates will be presenting a PowerPoint on fall/winter ecology with some readings from his books. The author will have books to sign and sell. These will make great Christmas gifts. Please join us for Bates presentation and coffee.

Bike rack Gratitude is extended for the Friends of the Balsam Lake Public library for the generous gift of a bike rack in front of the library. Nice to see bikes standing in a rack.

Hobby group Please join our hobby and craft group. We will meet every other Monday night at 6:30 p.m. Call 715-485-3215 for more info.

Free Wireless Internet Access Bring your laptop and use our free, wireless Internet connection. No library card is needed but a password is.

Story time Please join us for story time at 11 a.m. every Wednesday here at the library. All ages are welcome to join us for stories, crafts, music and snacks.

New books for October Here is a list of a few new fiction and nonfiction books: “Brass Verdict,” by Michael Connelly; “Testimony,” by Anita Shreve; “Rough Weather,” by Robert Parker; “Murder Inside the Beltway,” by Margaret Truman; and “Grace,” by Richard Evans.

Nonfiction “Greener Christmas,” by Goldsmith and “Against Medical Advice,” by James Patterson Book club November selection is “Forever Ours,” by Janis Amatuzio, MD. Written by a scientist in approachable, nonjudgmental language for anyone who has lost someone they love, this book offers stories that can’t be explained in purely physical terms. Amatuzio, known as the “compassionate coroner” of Minneapolis, offers stories of love, compassion, miracles and healing to those who have lost a loved one. Book Club meets Wednesday, Nov. 19, at 3 p.m Hours Balsam Lake Library, (under the water tower) at 404 Main Street, Balsam Lake.

Hours are Monday 10 a.m. - 8 p.m., Tuesday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Wednesday 10 a.m. - 8 p.m., Friday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m.

- 2 p.m. E-mail: balsamlakepl@ifls.lib.wi.us Web site http://www.balsamlake publiclibrary.org

Dresser Public Library Library hours Monday 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Tuesday noon–5 p.m., Thursday 10 a.m.–noon and 1–7 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Coming up Story time for lap-sitters and preschoolers is held on Thursdays at 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Crochet class for beginners is held each Tuesday from 6:30-7:30 p.m. New members of all ages are welcome!

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.

Subscribe online @ www.the-leader.net

PAGE 12 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - OCTOBER 22, 2008

Taylors Falls' 1930s Amusement Park James Seed made a name for himself as an entrepreneur. Seed was basically a real estate dealer and developer, and his advertisements appeared regularly in publications of his day. He was involved with so many business deals and promotions, he regularly made the news.

Seed was born in 1871 and died in 1940. He was still going strong in 1932, according to a clipping in a St. Croix Falls Standard-Press: “The grand opening of the Dalles Amusement Park, owned by James Seed and his son, Fred, will take place this Thursday night with a dance. The Dalles Amusement Park is quite a place. Mr. Seed has transformed a baron (sic) space into an attractive place. He has, in a unique manner, made a number of birch and pine fences surrounding his entire parking lot, built a large dancing pavilion, has both ladies’ and men’s restrooms with running water conveniences, a refreshment stand on the dance floor and also in the main building on the road.”

In the 1930s, Seed was also running the place on the bay on the west end of Deer Lake, known as Tipperary. Another brief venture, in the 1930s, was a zoo of sorts, probably an outgrowth of that at Tipperary, that Seed developed in St. Croix Falls on Washington (Main) Street, at the south end of the business district.

Also in the early 1930s, Seed was involved in the boating business in the Dalles. Bob Muller recalls that Seed, Art

Rivard and Bert Nelson had joined in that enterprise, based just below the bridge; at that time the Muller boat company docked at the landing, not Rosemarie lower realizing that the Vezina upper location had been available.

Some fierce competition ensued, with each company lowering prices (a 10-cent special, Sponsored by longer rides, and so on), but “they the St. Croix Falls Historical lasted sort of two Muller years,” Society says. That’s when Seed proceeded to build The Dalles Amusement Park south of the bridge in Taylors Falls. It included a restaurant, dance pavilion and – yes, a zoo.

Ken Rivard of Taylors Falls met his wife, Avis, when she was working at Muller’s ticket and concession stand.

They danced to the jukebox and occasional bands in Jim Seed’s pavilion.

Rivard knew Seed well, and commented that, “he was always busy, always into something. Jim liked to paint things red. He’d buy a quart of red paint that cost about 30 cents, and since gasoline was so cheap – only 13 cents a gallon, he’d mix the two, and end up with three gallons of red paint.” He used that to paint just about everything, including the birch and pine fence that surrounded the parking lots, extended

Braatz

A St. Croix

Tale

along the riverbank.

The zoo that Seed set up at his various enterprises, Rivard recalled, did include such creatures as alligators, monkeys, various birds and whatever. A museum was also a standard attraction at his places.

There’s no trace now of any of these entertainment businesses … however, another enterprise surfaces in the St. Croix Falls Standard-Press of December 10, 1925: “James Seed has just completed the grading and graveling, also putting in sewer and water on Kentucky Street from Madison Street to Monroe Street, which is a wonderful improvement to our village. This opens up the new Syndicate Addition in fine shape and there are three new houses already under construction in this new home site. Mr. Seed is offering 100 lots for sale in this new addition. They are nicely wooded, and set up high overlooking our beautiful village and the scenic St. Croix Valley, only a couple blocks from

the high school.”

Those houses still stand, including the one at 132 Madison Street, where Seed and his wife, Lottie, raised their children: Fred, Harry (who died young), and Irene (later, Sykes). A “baby Seed” is buried in the family plot.

Fred Seed, following in his father’s entrepreneurial spirit, became the youngest person ever appointed to the board of directors of the international Cargill Corporation, and became president of the company. Kenneth Rivard commented that, “He was a very intelligent, very highly educated person.”

A nephew of Fred, Paul Seed, who lives in Centuria, recalled a television broadcast in the 1980s of Mikhail Gorbachev, the Soviet leader, visiting the Cargill headquarters in Minnetonka, Minn., and stating that he appreciated that Cargill, under the presidency of Fred Seed, had protested against an embargo the United States had placed on the Soviet Union.

Taylors Falls, 1930

Photos submitted

OCTOBER 22, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 13

A trio of concerts remain in the 2008 Music Series at Festival Theatre ST. CROIX FALLS – Festival Theatre’s 2008 Music Series is moving into its final weeks with just three more concerts remaining. Claudia Schmidt performs on Saturday, Nov. 8, followed by two holiday concerts in December – Ann Reed with Dan Chouinard on Saturday, Dec. 6, and Monroe Crossing with two shows on Saturday, Dec. 20.

“Two years ago, our board of directors established the vision of Festival Theatre becoming a year-round center for the arts, providing our year-round residents more opportunities for high quality entertainment close to home. One of the best approaches to fulfill this vision is through our concert events. Our venue has stellar acoustics and no seat is more than 70 feet from the stage, so there is an intimacy at Festival Theatre that is more like being in a club than a concert hall.”

Starting off the last leg of concerts is an extraordinary talent, Schmidt, whose

Claudia Schmidt will be on stage on Saturday, Nov. 8.

Monroe Crossing will be the final performance of the 2008 Music Series at Festival Theatre on Saturday, Dec. 20. – Photo submitted three decades as a touring professional have found her traversing North America as well as Europe, accompanying her own vocals with guitar and dulcimer.

A Michigan native, Schmidt has covered a lot of musical ground, beginning with a stirring rendition of “Tammy” at age 4 around a neighborhood bonfire.

Now Schmidt performs in venues ranging from intimate clubs to 4,000-seat theaters, and festival stages in front of 25,000 rapt listeners. She is familiar with the mediums of radio and TV, including regular stints on Public Radio International’s “A Prairie Home Companion” in its early incarnation, and starring in an hour-long documentary called “I Sing Because I Can’t Fly,” produced by KTCA TV in St. Paul. She participated in the delightful Les Blank movie “GapToothed Women,” contributing a song as well as an interview. Schmidt wrote an award-winning score and performed in the Goodman Theatre’s 1992 Chicago production of Brecht’s “Good Person of Szechuan.”

Schmidt has recorded 14 albums of mostly original songs, exploring folk, blues, and jazz idioms featuring her acclaimed 12-string guitar and mountain dulcimer playing. Recently, she collaborated with the New Reformation Jazz Band on a Dixieland gospel recording and a tribute to Gershwin and Ellington in celebration of their 100th birthdays.

A musician who has always hated categories, Schmidt describes herself as a “creative noisemaker,” which has irritated some critics but delighted many audiences, who learn to expect anything at a Schmidt concert, hymn, poem, bawdy verse, torch song, satire and the gamut of emotions. She can weave the elements of music and stage into a program so unified and full of life that one critic has described a Schmidt concert as “....a lot like falling in love. You never know what’s going to happen next, chances are it’s going to be wonderful, every moment is burned into your memory, and you know you’ll never be the same again.”

Ann Reed will perform with Dan Chouinard on Saturday, Dec. 6, at Festival Theatre. – Photos submitted Festival Theatre subscribers may use their Flex Passes for the Schmidt event, otherwise tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door (the Ann Reed and Monroe Crossing concerts are $25 in advance or $30 at the door). The 2008 subscriptions are good through the end of the year, offering great savings with Flex Pass seating for both the music series and theater series.

Early reservations are highly recommended as concerts often sell out at Festival Theatre. For more information, to order tickets or join the Festival Theatre mailing list, call 715-483-3387 or 888-8876002. Tickets can be ordered on the Web at www.festivaltheatre.org.

Festival Theatre is located in downtown St. Croix Falls, at 210 North Washington Street. submitted

Community Bank encourages consumers to "pass" on an identity-theft nightmare this Halloween Community Bank offers customers identify-theft prevention tips GRANTSBURG/SIREN –This Halloween, Community Bank is urging consumers to follow some simple steps to “pass” on identity theft.

Identity theft, the fastest growing type of fraud, involves more than the misuse of a Social Security number; it also can include credit card and mail fraud.

Fraudsters are continually developing innovative ways to steal consumer’s personal information.

“The greater the public’s awareness of identity theft, the greater chance we have at preventing it. An educated consumer is the key to prevention,” said Ted Gerber, president. “Everyone enjoys a Halloween scare, but no one wants to wake

up to the real-life nightmare of having their identity stolen.”

Community Bank is encouraging customers to pass on an identity-theft nightmare this Halloween by following these tips: • Protect Protect your Social Security number.

Don’t carry your Social Security card with you or have your number printed on checks. Never give out your bank account or credit card number unless you initiated the contact. Use firewalls, antispyware and anti-virus software to protect your home computer. Put locks on mailboxes and protect mail before and after it gets into your home.

• Alert Be on alert for signs that your identity may be in jeopardy, including: bills that

do not arrive when expected; unexpected credit cards or account statements; denials of credit for no apparent reason; calls or letters about purchases you did not make; or telemarketing scams that trick customers into revealing personal account information.

• Shred Shred or tear up statements and other personal information that link your name to account numbers or your Social Security number. Criminals may be able to get access to your accounts and personal information by “dumpster diving” (retrieving canceled checks, deposit receipts or bank statements from dumpsters or trash bins).

• Scan Scan your credit report and accounts regularly. For your credit report, check

that everything is accurate, all accounts are yours and closed accounts are marked closed. Check your bank and credit card statements online for unauthorized charges. To access your free credit report, visit www.annualcreditreport.com.

In addition to educating consumers, banks use encrypted systems, employee training, strict privacy policies and rigorous security standards to protect customers’ personal information.

If you suspect that you are a victim of identity theft, contact your bank immediately, then file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission by calling toll-free 877-ID-THEFT (877-438-4338) or visiting www.ftc.gov/idtheft.

For additional information stop by Community Bank. - submitted

PAGE 14 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - OCTOBER 22, 2008

Classical guitarist reviewed by local writer

X

by Spike Maiden Mueller LUCK – Those in attendance at the Luck Public Library this past Saturday evening enjoyed a nicely balanced program of music from classical guitarist Peter Fletcher. Fletcher, expert at bringing Baroque period music to life, seems equally at home in other centuries of musical style. The centerpiece of the first half of his program was his own transcription of J. S. Bach’s “Lute Suite, BVW 996 in E minor.” Bach sounds well in transcription for nearly any instrumental grouping, but the modern classical guitar is particularly suited for recreating music written for the lute, a medieval ancestor of the guitar.

Fletcher’s performance brought out transparently the intricate lines of counterpoint in Bach’s music, contrasting one line of melody expertly against another. He rounded out the first half with more early Baroque music and “Sunburst,” by contemporary American guitarist Peter York, whose sonorities are familiar to modern ears, but with ties to the layered melodic style of the Baroque.

For the second half of his program, Fletcher offered more music of the newly passed century. Early 20thCentury French composer Erik Satie’s Gnossienne was first, followed by the “Usher Waltz,” by Russian-born Nikita Koshkin. Taking its inspiration from Edgar Allen Poe’s famous story, “The Fall of the House of Usher,” the harmony of the composition careens increasingly out of control, culminating in a thunderous series of Bartok-esque chords where the strings are allowed to snap back against the fingerboard of the instrument. It ends in a sequence of ghostly harmonics.

“The Sevilla,” from the “Suite Española” of Isaac Albéniz, tied the new and the old together, and displayed the guitar’s affinity for the harmonies and rhythms of Spain. Fletcher treated his audience to an encore of “Koyunbaba,” by the contemporary Italian guitarist Carlo Domeniconi. The name of the piece translates

Peter Fletcher roughly as “shepherd,” but also refers to a wild region of southwest Turkey, home to a mystical 13th-Century saint-like figure of the same name, and to his descendents who still reside in the area. It was written by Domeniconi in 1985, after he had become interested in the culture of Turkey and started the department of guitar studies at the conservatory in Istanbul.

ArtBarn present deer hunting comedy OSCEOLA - St. Croix ArtBarn will present the Jeff Daniel hunting comedy, “Escanaba in da Moonlight,” Thursday through Saturday, Oct. 23-25, at 7:30 p.m.

When the Soday clan reunites for the opening day of deer season at the family’s Upper Peninsula camp, the story begins about the history of the Soadys never bagging buck. A hunting story to beat all hunting stories, it is a hilarious tale of humor, horror and heart as Reuben goes to any and all lengths to remove himself from the wrong end of the family record book. General

admission tickets are $12 adults; $10 seniors and $8 students. ArtBarn is located at 1040 Oak Ridge Drive, one block east of Hwy. 35 next to the Osceola middle and high schools. For more information, call 715-294-2787 or visit www.stcroixartbarn.com “Escanaba in da Moonlight” will also be presented Nov. 7, 8, 14, 15, 21 and 22 at 7 p.m. at The SPACE, New Richmond. Tickets are $15.

Call 715-246-3180 or visit www.thespaceforcreativity.com. - submitted

GHS music department presents "America, Our Home" concert GRANTSBURG – The high school band and choir from Grantsburg will be presenting their annual fall concert, which features patriotic music on Sunday, Oct. 26, at 2:30 p.m., in the high school auditorium.

Music selection will include familiar pieces such as “America the Beautiful” and “American Patrol March” as well as new compositions. The high school band, choir, swing choir, travelers, vocal jazz ensemble and

handbells will each perform music that reflect on what it means to call America our home. The music department would also like the concert to honor men and women who have served in the military.

The American Legion will be represented by an honor guard, and the ladies auxiliary will serve refreshments following the concert. – submitted

Red Cross is looking for baby-sitting instructors POLK COUNTY - The St. Croix Valley Chapter, American Red Cross, is looking for people interested in becoming an instructor in baby-sitter training. They train the instructors to teach the American Red Cross Baby Sitter Training course. You will learn how to use course materials, conduct training sessions and evaluate the progress of the participants in a basic-level

course. As an instructor you will have the opportunity to teach lifesaving skills to youth primarily between the ages of 11-15, with the flexibility of choosing your own schedule. Please contact your local Red Cross office 715-485-3025 if you are interested in becoming a babysitter instructor. - submitted

OCTOBER 22, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 15

Frederic Elementary continues immersion in local history Historical society funds help keep students active in local history DANBURY – For the past five years the historical society in Frederic has been donating funds for the benefit of the Frederic Elementary fourth-graders.

With the funds the students are able to fund the transportation to local historical places in the hope to learn about the rich local history that surrounds the area.

On Friday, Oct. 17, Patricia Denn and her fourth-grade students traveled to Forts Folle Avoine Historical Park near Danbury. While there, students listened to costumed interpreters explain the impact that the fur trade had on the area and gave students a guided tour of actual sites where the fur trade flourished from 1802-1804. Without historical society funds to help support the transportation costs to places such as Forts Folle Avoine Historical Park, students might not have had the opportunities to visit these places.

The partnership between the historical society and the Frederic Elementary fourth-graders began in 2002-2003. Students visited the museum with historical society members in costume to re-enact the early days. The students also visited the local lumberyard, fire station and other historical areas. Various people also visited the classrooms to present information to the students about local history.

Along with these activities, students interviewed various seniors in the Fred-

Students learned from “Angelique” at Forts Folle Avoine last Friday, Oct. 17, as part of the Frederic fourth-graders, Immersed in History project. Angelique took students on a tour and explained how Native Americans traded furs with voyageurs for European goods, and other details about the history of the Forts. - Photo submitted eric Nursing Home, and other housing for the elderly about what it was like to go to school in a one-room schoolhouse.

After the interviews, students wrote their findings and presented them back to the person they interviewed with a report and a photo.

The next step was visualized when a group of four women visited the fourthgrade classroom one day, to teach the children about what it once was like to attend a one-room schoolhouse in the 1940s. For an hour, the students learned what it was like to walk to school

Wisconsin Interstate Park

Unraveling the mysteries of edible mushrooms

ST. CROIX FALLS – If you are interested in wild mushrooms then this is for you—a workshop all about identifying edible wild mushrooms presented by an experienced, self-educated mushroom hunter. Back for an encore presentation by popular demand – join Leslie Jo Meyerhoff at 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 25, at the Ice Age Center at Wisconsin Interstate Park to learn all about our local wild mushrooms.

Meyerhoff has lived in Polk County nearly 20 years and has been successfully harvesting wild edible mushrooms for the last 10 years. She has eaten more than 70 different kinds of mushrooms— many which are easily identifiable.

Learn about where and when to go foraging for mushrooms, and what to bring along. Learn to identify what you’ve found and how to prepare and preserve your harvest. Put your fears aside, separate fact from fiction, and join Meyerhoff as she demystifies those curious culinary collectables!

Preregistration is required; call Interstate Park at 715-483-3747 before Oct. 25 to register. The workshop is co-sponsored by the Friends of Interstate Park, a

nonprofit educational organization dedicated to promoting a greater appreciation of the human and natural history of Interstate Park by enhancing the park’s interpretive program.

A $5 per participant fee, payable to the Friends of Interstate Park, will be collected at the workshop. Please bring pen and paper, and a mushroom guidebook if you have one.

Gray Ghosts Appalachian Trail thru Hike Join “Gray Ghost” Chet Anderson at 1 – 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 25, at Wisconsin Interstate Park for a virtual tour of the National Scenic Appalachian Trail.

At 66 years of age, Anderson hiked all 2,176 miles of the trail through 14 states from March to August of this year. Share his experience through his photographs presented in the auditorium of the Ice Age Center. The program is co-sponsored by the Friends of Interstate Park, a nonprofit organization which supports the education programs in the park.

Interstate Park is located in St. Croix Falls, on Hwy. 35 just one-half mile south of Hwy. 8. A Wisconsin State park sticker is required to enter the park; daily passes are $7 for residents or $10 for nonresidents. For more information about the workshop call 715-483-3747. - submitted

Political yard signs I’m confused by a couple of yard signs I saw in my travels.

One simply says “Jesus”; I’m assuming these are for either Jesus Fernandez or Jesus Christ. I have been fairly diligent watching and reading about all the candidates but I’ve got to admit I’m not aware of what Jesus is running for.

The other sign that confuses me is “Hunters for Obama.” I’m assuming these hunters prefer spears and snares for hunting since Obama has a sterling record of voting absent or for legislation against firearms.

Brooke Biedinger Irregular

Columnist

I believe a political party’s record is more important than their promises.

I hope our next president won’t make me buy hunting licenses for everyone less prosperous than me.

through the woods, be divided into eight grades, ask permission to use the outhouse, ring the bell and put up the flag.

But it occurred to teachers, volunteers and students that it would be more fun to have an entire day of filled with historical experiences, and eventually, the Frederic fourth-graders, Immersed in History was born.

The project was funded in part with a grant from the Wisconsin Humanities Council, with Melinda Sorenson as the project director. It was created in 2004, with three parts, including interviews with elderly who either attended or taught at a one-room schoolhouse. With arrangements made by Dr. Emery Giles and Dr. Carolyn Wedin of the historical society, the other half of the class visited and interviewed 21 people at the Sunrise

Apartments. The students then traveled back to the apartments to give a report of the interview and read the entire report to the whole group.

“I feel it is my responsibility as a Wisconsin social studies/history teacher to teach about our own home, our own local history,” said Sorensen when the projects began. Sorenson and Denn were fourth-grade teachers at the time and worked under the leadership of Giles and others of the historical society.

Sorenson has been the social studies teacher at Frederic Elementary for many years, and although she is not teaching the fourth grade for one year, she continues to be involved this year with the projects. Denn is still teaching the fourthgrade students.

The interviews students accomplished with elderly about one-room schools, and the reading of several books that related to the topic, eventually led to a full day of immersion in the past for students. Historical society members sewed pinafores and bonnets for the girls and knickers for the boys. A paint company donated buckets for lunches. A list of the day’s activities was planned by teachers and society members to give students a genuine experience of what it was like to go to school in the 1940s. The students had a two-day immersion in history at the Lanesdale School in Balsam Lake.

Since then, fourth-grade students at the Frederic Elementary have been participating in various activities designed to teach them about local history with the help of the Frederic fourth-graders, Immersed in History.

Other projects the historical society has helped fund include the Lumbermill, a local dairy farm, the Frederic Depot Museum, the one-room schoolhouse and Polk County Museum. – Marty Seeger with submitted information

PAGE 16 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - OCTOBER 22, 2008

In challenging times, the St. Croix Valley Community Foundation leads ST. CROIX FALLS – Whether the phrase “may you live in interesting times” is a proverb or a curse, it is for sure that we’re deep in the middle of “interesting times.” These times are particularly interesting in the world of philanthropy, where charitably minded people give their own assets so that others may live better lives.

Some charities report that donations are down, and that certainly is a concern for people in the community foundation field. They have an abiding dedication to the communities they serve and want to make sure that in these times, especially, grants continue to be made to nonprofit organizations and projects that mean so much to those most vulnerable in our society.

Recently, the national Council on Foundations sent a letter to all of its member foundations encouraging them not to ignore the current credit crunch and other problems hitting the United States and the world.

Foundations themselves are hurting from the volatility of the stock market, which may limit their ability to respond. According to a recent Chronicle of Philanthropy article, while some foundations have said they will increase or maintain their current levels of giving, others said they expect to cut their grantmaking.

Ahead of the crisis, the board of directors of the St. Croix Valley Community Foundation considered this exact topic during their September meeting. Due to the passage of the Uniform Prudent Management of Institutional Funds Act in August, community foundation donors are now allowed to invade their principal in order to make grants. Prior to UPMIFA they could not do so. But even with the passage of UPMIFA a foundation’s board of directors does not have to allow the practice of invading principal.

Front row seated (L TO R): Chris Galvin of Woodbury, Minn.; Treasurer; William Campbell of River Falls; Gretchen Stein of Osceola, chair; Nate Jackson of River Falls; Steve Wilcox of Hudson, secretary. Back row: Charles Arnason of Marine, Minn.; Karen Hansen of Stillwater, Minn., vice chair; Michael Johnson of Bonita Springs, Fla.; Kathy Tunnheim of Stillwater, Minn.; C. Ann Brookman of Lake Elmo, Minn.; David Wettergren of Stillwater, Minn.; Gretchen Bell of New Richmond; Patty Draxler of Amery; Erv Neff of Stillwater, Minn.; Jim Gillespie of North Hudson; Shannon Hooley Enright of Stillwater, Minn.; Mark Vanasse of Houlton; James Lutiger of Hudson. Missing are Martha Harding of St. Croix Falls; and David Palmer of Stillwater, Minn. – Photo submitted But the board of SCVCF, all leaders in their own communities from throughout the St. Croix Valley, felt strongly that these are the very times that they should encourage their donors to make grants, even if it means invading principal. If the St. Croix Valley Community Foundation does not step up to help its communities,

who will? If not now, when? The board directed the staff to send letters to all their donors informing them of this decision and donors and organizations alike have called to thank them for this leadership.

They know that these volatile times will end, even though it may take longer than we would like. In the meantime, however, it is reassuring to know that the community leaders who make up the board of directors of SCVCF are so forward thinking and are willing to make the decisions that affect the quality of life for everyone in this beautiful region. - submitted

OCTOBER 22, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 17

Local group takes nine-day sightseeing tour SIREN – A group of 50 local residents recently returned from a nine-day bus trip that took them to New York City, Philadelphia, Pa., and Atlantic City, N.J. The group left Saturday, Sept. 27, from Siren Methodist Church on Diamond Tours Bus Lines of Appleton and returned Sunday, Oct. 5. Their driver was Patrick Marks, who lives near Appleton and has been driving bus for more than 30 years.

Group leaders were Shirley Bloom of Siren and Donis Taylor of Webster.

Their first sightseeing stop was downtown Chicago on a Sunday. The traffic was at a minimum and Marks knew the city and pointed out places of interest.

The eight nights of lodging were in top-notch motels with continental breakfasts. Five dinners were provided in the tour price, all held in fine restaurants.

One of the friendly seagulls on the shore at Atlantic City. Below, the beach and one of the city’s piers.

The architecture along the boardwalk at Atlantic City, N.J.

Barb Carlstrom gave each tour member a laminated four-leaf clover, symbol of good luck for the trip.

Once in New York City – the Big Apple – the group had a six-hour guided tour, seeing Central Park, Rockefeller Center, Times Square, Wall Street, the Empire State Building, St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Ground Zero, the site of the Twin Towers.

Water fountains in the city were decorated in pink in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. There was also “The Naked Cowboy,” a man wearing just his shorts, a cowboy hat and boots, playing

walked down) and other historic sites.

Enroute home there was a stop at Hershey’s Chocolate World, in Hershey, Pa. The trip took the group through WisThe 73 steps leading to the east entrance of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. consin, parts of Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York. Tunnels were a highlight of the guitar and singing in downtown New the boardwalk and almost petting the trip. There were four tunnels through York City. He makes a million dollars a seagulls. the mountains in Pennsylvania and the year, according to the tour guide.

In Philadelphia, the City of Brotherly Lincoln Tunnel in New York City, which There was a three-day stay at an At- Love, the two-hour tour included a visit travels for more than a mile under the lantic City casino/motel, right on the to Independence Hall, the U.S. Mint, the Hudson River, connecting New Jersey shores of the Atlantic Ocean.

Liberty Ball, the Philadelphia Museum of and Manhattan.

Group members had fun wading in Art (with the east entrance that includes “The countryside was beautiful and the ocean, collecting shells, walking on 73 steps to the entrance – ran up but clean,” said Millie Erickson of Frederic.

“There were tunnels we went through in Pennsylvania.”

Each gas fill for the bus – which holds 150 gallons – was more than $600.

Entertainment on the bus included movies, bingo, trivia games and lots of treats.

“It was a long trip – 2,865 miles – but it was a fun trip,” said Erickson.

More trips are in the planning stages.

There is one planned for Feb. 20 to March 2, 2009 – 11 days to Miami Beach and Key West, Fla. For more information call Shirley Bloom of Siren at 715-349-2514. – with submitted information

A group of 50 area residents took a nine-day bus trip recently to the East Coast, including stops in Atlantic City, New York City and Philadelphia. – Photos by Millie Erickson

Balsam Lake Fire Department visits Polk County Early Learning Center On Tuesday, Oct. 14, the Balsam Lake Fire Department visited the Polk County Early Learning Center. The children really enjoyed the opportunity to see a fire truck upclose, and to learn about fire safety. Gratitude is extended to the firefighters who took the time to come to see them. They are greatly appreciated. – Photos submitted

PAGE 18 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - OCTOBER 22, 2008

Management and Board of Directors

Doug Panek Manager

Vivian Byl Chairman - Luck

Konnie Didlo Asst. Manager

The faces behind our cooperative

Janet Oachs Grantsburg

Charles Johnson Trade Lake

Merlin Johnson Grantsburg

Harvey Stower Amery

The Inter-County Cooperative Publishing Association The Inter-County Leader • The Washburn County Register • The Advertisers • Commercial Printing

Front offices/bookkeeping

Sales representatives

Marlys Elrod Frederic

Julie Dahling Frederic

June Love Frederic

Millie Erickson Frederic

Judy Minke St. Croix Falls

Judy Ann Dittrich SCF manager

JoAnne Kittleson Frederic

Cindy Carlson Siren manager

Myrna Bistram Siren

Kim Talmadge Office manager

Rick Malecha

John Reed

Jackie Moody

Alice Schmidt

Anne Lindquist Frederic

Jim Schott

Editorial • Leader & Register newspaper staffs Washburn County Register

Inter-County Leader

Raelynn Hunter Editorial Assistant

Nancy Jappe Reporter

Brenda Sommerfeld Reporter

Marty Seeger Reporter

Tammi Milberg Reporter

Suzanne Johnson Office manager

Regan Kohler Reporter

Priscilla Bauer Reporter

Carl Heidel Reporter

Mary Stirrat Reporter

Diane Dryden Reporter

Larry Samson Reporter

Gary King Editor

Inter-County Leader Washburn County Register

Sherill Summer Reporter

Gregg Westigard Reporter

OCTOBER 22, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 19

Graphics Production Page Designers

Ad Designers

Gayle Olson Graphics production manager

Sue Buck Ad Coordinator

Shirley Christianson

Rita Fransen

Connie Magnuson

Becky Strabel

Karen Niles

Pam Nerby

Jackie Thorwick Page Designer

Mary Hedlund Photography

Proofreading

Typesetters

Graphics Artists

Katie Grey

Laurie Schmidt

Cindy Denn

Bonnie Tjader

Sue Renno

Connie Rich

Commerical Printing Commerical Designers

Bill Moran Production manager

Pat Bates

Michelle Flaherty

Mike Lonetti Lead pressman

Richard Brown Pressman

Lettie McDonough Subscriptions

Kevin Hacker Pressman

Robert Beyer

David VanderHeyden

Inserters

Circulation

Carolyn Foltz Coordinator

Commerical Printing

Web Press Operators

Peggy Dueholm Supervisor

Tonie Horky Supervisor

Jake Matz

Wendy Larson

Michael Elrod

Barb Hoag

Kerri Nielsen

Sue Pribula

Harmony Szurgot

Linda Raschick

Patty Roettger

Eugene Ruhn

Delivery

Robert Harrison

Stuart Bengtson

Randy Lunde

Gary Schommer

Tony Wilson

Tom Lahners

OCTOBER IS NATIONAL CO-OP MONTH

PAGE 20 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - OCTOBER 22, 2008

“Seeing Red!” The First-annual Fall Salon Art Exhibit at the Cafe Wren in Luck LUCK - Red, the color of fall, lined the walls of the Cafe Wren in Luck last weekend. Over 30 area artists shared their images with the community. The show was presented by Earth Arts, a collection of area artists who also sponsor a spring tour of the artists’ studios.

Photographer Earl Duckett caught the image of a brilliant red blossom.

What was the hen saying to the rooster? Artist Dick Lee did not say.

A delicate watercolor by Vivian Byl.

Photos by Gregg Westigard

The gallery at the Wren Cafe resembled a New York art scene Friday night during the opening reception, a chance to meet the artists.

SCFalls Autumn Fest: A bustling downtown ST. CROIX FALLS - Hundreds of folks spilled into downtown St. Croix Falls last weekend, Sept. 27-28, for Autumn Fest.

“The town was bustling,” said Melanie Nelson, a member of the Autumn Fest planning committee.

“There were people all over the Overlook Deck area and the St. Croix River Visitor Center, participating in all kinds of different Autumn Fest activities. But the neatest thing about it was that there were people milling in and out of stores throughout downtown.”

From Luhrs/Bjornson Artworks on the north end, down to The Occasional Sale, people filled the sidewalks. “There were more tourists in downtown than I’ve seen in years. Some from Virginia, Maryland, Duluth, they came from all over, it was wonderful,” said JoAnne Dehn, one of three partners of The Occasional Sale.

At this year’s Autumn Fest, cool air and overcast skies didn’t dampen the atmosphere. Over 40 booths; an art fair, community information booths and food, were scattered over the grassy lawn and parking lot of the overlook Deck on Saturday. Depending on the time of day you got there, drums or music played from the stage. Kids were jumping on mattresses, finding money in sawdust and pillow fighting with the St. Croix Falls Lions and Lionesses. Families were hitching rides along the river path on a Cinderella-like carriage, provided by Wilson Haflinger’s Carriage Company of Balsam Lake. In the Gaylord Nelson Parkway, children’s nature crafts were in full swing thanks to West Wisconsin Land Trust. And a series of informational workshops were taking place at the St. Croix River Visitor Center.

“This is real,” said Janey Raven, morning DJ on Mix 105, who was on-site doing a live broadcast. “I’ve been to just about every festival in the area this summer, and this is the neatest festival I’ve been to. The atmosphere and spirit of St. Croix Falls is tremendous, it’s not about the carnival rides or fireworks. It’s about real-life activities that everyone in your family really can participate in and enjoy!”

At 1 p.m., Olympian and St. Croix Falls native Megan Kalmoe took the stage.

“Thank you so much for your support,” she said.

Kalmoe, wearing official Olympic attire, spent part of the morning rowing with the St. Croix Rowing Club right near Lions Park. Club officials say they hope to get a club started in St. Croix Falls in the future.

Chili contest winner And the winner is … Wayne’s Café! Six St. Croix Falls restaurants participated in the first St. Croix Falls Restaurant Chili Contest last Sunday, Sept. 28, during the Autumn Fest celebration. Ida Loken, the prep cook at Wayne’s Café, was tickled pink to have made the

St. Croix Falls Royalty Ashley Kolve and Brandy Swenson volunteered at Autumn Fest. winning chili, and accepted the chili pepper trophy, sculpted by local artist Jim Shoop, with pride.

Families, couples, and even cast members rehearsing for the upcoming Festival Theatre production gathered around tables tasting chili and listening to the music of children’s entertainer Sandy Bishop. Most-enamored with her spirited folk tunes were the young ones, as they circled around her as to not miss a note.

Over two hundred people were served free chili at the event on the Overlook Deck. Local farmers donated produce and then six restaurants, The Buzz, the Dalles House, Embers, Fine Acres Market, Greccos on the St. Croix, and Wayne’s Café, prepared and served the food.

After the hard job of judging chili came free cider do-

The art fair at the Overlook Deck had artists from as far away as Duluth.

nated by Indian Creek Orchard, and dessert, milk and ice cream, was donated by Crystal Ball Farms in Osceola and served by volunteers from the United Methodist Church in St. Croix Falls.

But the biggest achievement of the day was raising over $400 for the St. Croix Falls Food Shelf.

Next time you’re in Wayne’s Café, be sure to look for the pepper trophy and order their award-winning chili.

Ida Loken, prep cook, and Matt Babcock, Wayne’s Cafe owner, accepted the trophy for the best chili during the Fest celebration.

OCTOBER 22, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 21

Festival Theatre presents...

Fire Prevention Week held at Webster

Featured artist: Rod Kleiss ST. CROIX FALLS – There simply cannot be an actor with more enthusiasm or sense of fun than Rod Kleiss. Now that he’s playing the role of Teddy Brewster in “Arsenic and Old Lace,” Kleiss has adopted yet another playful habit: upon entering the Festival Theatre building, he announces his arrival with Teddy’s bugle!

Kleiss is a three-year veteran of the Festival Theatre stage, having performed in 2006 as Raff Brinker in the record-setting holiday show “Hans Brinker or the Silver Skates.” Then, in 2007, Kleiss showed his singing prowess and gutsy nature when he performed in the musical revue “Uh-Oh, Here Comes Christmas.” In that production, he had to learn complicated dance steps and play a wide variety of roles.

Now Kleiss is reliving childhood as he plays the part of the eccentric nephew who thinks he’s Teddy Roosevelt.

Whether it’s charging up San Juan Hill (the stairway to Teddy’s second floor bedroom) or on a mission to the Panama Canal where he must bury yellow-fever victims (the basement of the Brewster mansion), Kleiss has the acting responsibility of portraying the lovable, earnest,

Rod Kleiss and unyielding nephew with all the bravado of one of America’s most colorful presidents.

“Who wouldn’t love playing Teddy Roosevelt!” exclaimed Kleiss at a recent Talk Back session following a Sunday matinee. With the trademark pince-nez eyeglasses and robust moustache, the character of Teddy is delighting audiences as well in the 1940s classic comedy directed by Tom Johnson – who Kleiss sizes up as a “brilliant” director.

Many northwestern Wisconsinites know Kleiss as the president of Kleiss Gears in Grantsburg, where his firm is a one-stop shop for the design and manufacturing of custom injection-molded plastic gears. His Burnett County connections also see him active with the Voyageur Village Playhouse.

Some of Kleiss’ favorite roles include Salieri in the Chimera Theatre production of “Amadeus,” Jack Manningham in the Lakeshore Players production of “Angel Street,” and Korgstad in the Park Square Theatre production of “A Doll’s House.” Kleiss’s training includes a stint with the famous Circle-InThe-Square Theatre School in New York City.

Festival Theatre’s production of “Arsenic and Old Lace” runs through Sunday, Nov. 2 (including every Thursday and Sunday at 2 p.m.) - submitted

WestCAP receives $3,680 grant from State Farm

WestCAP received a $3,680 grant from State Farm Insurance. The funds will be used to support their Families In Transition program. This program provides housing services for low-income individuals and families, including transitional housing for homeless families, eviction prevention, homebuyer education and foreclosure intervention. The check presentation took place on Friday, Oct. 10, at WestCAP’s facility in Glenwood City. Jackie Hunt, a State Farm agent from Menomonie and frequent volunteer for WestCAP’s Homebuyer Education classes, presented the check. WestCAP’s Executive Director Peter Kilde, stated, “We’re delighted to have State Farm as a partner. State Farm’s investment will assist us in helping qualified low-income families obtain homeownership and permanent housing.” WestCAP was one of the first community action agencies in the United States. Since then, WestCAP has worked to promote the self-sufficiency of low-income families in the rural communities of west central Wisconsin. WestCAP currently serves the Wisconsin counties of Barron, Chippewa, Dunn, Pepin, Pierce, Polk and St. Croix. - submitted

Tuesday, Oct. 14, the Webster Fire Department visited the Webster Elementary School for Fire Prevention Week. Twelve classrooms from K-4 and Early Childhood through second grade were taught to about smoke detectors, stop, drop and roll, getting out of their house and meeting their parents at a predetermined meeting place. Then all classes went through the Fire Safety House.

Shown is Mrs. Grindell’s first-grade class along with firemen Jeremy Hollis and Jerry Seaman. – Photo submitted

PAGE 22 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - OCTOBER 22, 2008

St. Croix Falls High School presents "Into the Woods" ST. CROIX FALLS – Few can resist the allure of childhood fairytales and their promise of “happily ever after.” But have you ever wondered what happens after “happily ever after”? The cast and crew of the St. Croix Falls High School drama department invite you to explore that question with them as they present the enlightening and entertaining musical “Into the Woods” on Thursday – Saturday, Nov. 13-15, at the St. Croix Falls Elementary Gymnatorium.

The Tony-award-winning musical blends the familiar fairy tales of Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk and Rapunzel with the unique story of a baker and his wife, played by Ben Anderson and Katie Burns-Penn, who set out to reverse a curse on their family that has prevented them from having children. As the characters set out “into the woods” on their own personal quests, each must come to grips

with the consequences of finding his or her “happily ever after.” Stirring music, outrageous humor, and thought-provoking morals make this a must-see performance. The show is directed by musical and theater director Shawn Gudmunsen, assistant director Holly Waterman, and publicity manager Sharlene Prinsen.

Rounding out the rest of the cast are: Jace Marek as Jack, Bridgette Bayle as Jack’s mother, Ali Greenlee as Cinderella, Paige Marek as Lucinda, Kierlyn Ward as Florinda, Lauren Lund as Stepmother, Ryan Jaremcek as Narrator and Mysterious Man, Dillon Peterson as Cinderella’s Prince, Zack Nelson as Rapunzel’s Prince, Sarah Perszyk as Witch, Anthony Locken as Steward, Ethan Anderson as Cinderella’s father, Brandi Swenson as Granny, Cindy’s mother and the Giant’s voice, Gabby Nuckles as Rapunzel, Mirielle Francis as Little

Red Riding Hood, Abby Swenson as Sleeping Beauty, and Jenna Bartusch as Snow White.

Behind the scenes is a fantastic crew that has worked hardto make the magic of the woods come alive: Shelley Wood, Allistant Nuckles, Rebecca Wampfler, Dillon Norgard, Haley Yunker, Kyle Yunker and Lauren Richter. Michelle Peterson has provided the artwork for the show’s publicity items.

The show opens at the St. Croix Falls Elementary Gymnatorium on Thursday, Nov. 13, at 7 p.m., with additional performances on Friday, Nov. 14, at 7 p.m., and Saturday, Nov. 15, at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.. Ticket prices are $3 for students and seniors and $5 for adults.

Thursday night and Saturday night are “dollar night” for all students. To reserve a ticket, please call 715-4832507 ext. 232. - submitted

Last call at the Frederic Depot/Museum, Oct. 25 and 26 FREDERIC – The final weekend for the 2008 season at the historic Frederic Soo Line Depot and Frederic Area Museum will be Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 25 and 26, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

If you have not seen the museum’s newest display, a one-fourth scale model of Clifford Young’s 1948 Aeronca Sedan, this will be your last chance until May 23, 2009, when the depot/museum opens for the 2009 summer season.

Young was a Frederic businessman who introduced several generations to flying in small aircraft. In 2008, Bill Java, originally from Frederic and once employed

by Champion Aircraft in Osceola, completed the model

of Young’s most remembered airplane and it is displayed at the museum.

The depot/museum has books by local authors Walt Wedin, Vernon Peterson, Carol Peterson and Larry Lee Phillipson, as well as the Centennial Edition of the “History of Frederic.” Always a great gift idea.

The Frederic Depot is the only remaining Soo Line Second Class Depot on the former Soo Line Railroad line that ran from St. Croix Falls to Superior until 1988.

Members of the Frederic Area Historical Society volunteer to keep the museum open to visitors and are dedicated to preserving the history of the Frederic community.

If you have not visited the depot/museum this year or have never seen it, the Frederic Area Historical Society will have the coffee on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 25 and 26, for the final weekend of the 2008 season.

Find out who the only Frederic resident to appear in “Ripley’s Believe It Or Not” was.

Did you know Casey Jones’ last public appearance was at the Frederic Depot/Museum? - submitted

Traffificc safety for point reduction class RICE LAKE – WITC Rice Lake continuing education will offer a traffic safety for point reduction class.

This class is designed for persons concerned about safe, defensive driving as well as those persons in need of point reduction. Upon successful completion of this course, a person can have a three-point reduction in any point total accumulated against his/her Wisconsin driving record, if they have not used this option in the past three years.

Preregistration is required. For more information, call WITC Rice Lake at 715-234-7082, ext. 5257. - submitted

OCTOBER 22, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 23

4-H Achievement Night held Saturday, Oct. 18 SIREN – The 4-H clubs of Burnett County held their annual achievement night on Saturday, Oct. 18, at the Siren High School auditorium. After a welcome by 4-H Leaders Association President Becky Strabel and UWExtension Youth Development educator Mary Pardee, the following recognitions were given: Community service award: Jolly H’s 4-H Club Friend of 4-H: Kevin Schoessow, UW-Extension Agricultural agent Volunteer of the Year: Craig Bowman Best record book: Jordan Webster, Josie Schinzing, Lucas Stiemann, Mathew Wampfler, Jillian Schinzing and Rose Kopecky Best overall record book: Jillian Schinzing Outstanding jr. members: Jessica Strabel and Cody Isaacson Cloverbuds – Kerik Stubbe and Jordan Webster reOutstanding sr. members: Jillian Schinzing and Jacob ceived recognition as outstanding Cloverbuds.

Stiemann Jr. leadership: Jessica Strabel, Alan Strabel, Cody Cloverbuds are 4-H’ers in grades one and two.

Isaacson and Lucas Stiemann Cody Isaacson, Rose Kopecky and Jared Anderson Sr. leadership: Jacob Stiemann, Jillian Schinzing, (2009) Michael Wampfler, Kaylynn Anderson Citizen Washington focus: Jacob Stiemann, Kaylynn Achievement: Rose Kopecky, Michael Wampfler and Anderson (2008); Jillian Schinzing, Rachel Gloodt, alJacob Stiemann ternate-Alan Strabel (2009) Foods award: Jared Anderson National 4-H Congress 2007: Jade Johnson (2007), State youth conference: Alan Strabel, Ellie Isaacson, Kelley Wampfler (2008), Jacob Stiemann (2009) Jillian Schinzing, Rachel Gloodt (2008); Olivia Kopecky, Key Award: Kelley Wampfler

Jr. Leaders – Receiving recognition as part of the 4-H Jr. Leaders Association are (L to R): Kelley Wampfler, Jillian Schinzing, Michael Wampfler, Alan Strabel, Jake Stiemann, Ellie Isaacson, Cody Isaacson, Mathew Wampfler, Jared Anderson, Jamie Kopecky, Kaylynn Anderson, Sam Kopecky and Rose Kopecky.

Outstanding Cloverbuds: Kerik Stubbe, Jordan Webster and Lane Johnson Beginning leadership award: Synclare Stubbe, Allie Webster, Josie Schinzing and Anneka Johnson Alumni award: Jeanna Colombo Special junior award: Jessica Strabel, dairy; Alan Strabel, beef; AmySue Greiff, Robotics; Olivia Kopecky, arts and crafts; Cody Isaacson, becoming involved; Synclare Stubbe, art; Alexi Gloodt, cultural arts (music); Allie Webster, community service; Jordan Webster, community service; Emily Stiemann, community service; Arik Hochstetler, artist extraordinaire; Bill King, aerospace technician; Tymber King, willing worker; Cassidy Quimby, beef; Thorvo Lundeen, natural science; Austin Otis, all-around member; Mark Olson, goats and Richard Schneider, Mr. Organized Best of Garden tour: Jared Anderson Window display 2007: First place - Wood Creek, Coomer Badgers, Wood River Beavers, Jolly H’s; Second place -Orange, Two Rivers Window display 2008: First place - Wood Creek, Jolly H’s; Second place - Two Rivers; Third place - Wood River Beavers 4-H scholarship ($150): Abigail Coyour and Jade Johnson Junior Leader assn. members: Kaylynn Anderson, Jared Anderson, Cody Isaacson, Ellie Isaacson, Sam Kopecky, Rose Kopecky, Jamie Kopecky, Alan Strabel, Cortland Summer, Jillian Schinzing, Derek Stevens, Jacob Stiemann, Michael Wampfler, Kelley Wampfler and Mathew Wampfler For more information on 4-H in Burnett County, contact Mary Pardee at the UW-Extension office at 715-3492151 or mary.pardee@ces.uwex.edu. - submitted

PAGE 24 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - OCTOBER 22, 2008

Polk-Burnett awards $13,000 to local programs through Operation Round-Up CENTURIA – Polk-Burnett’s Operation Round-Up awarded $13,000 to 20 community organizations at its fall 2008 quarterly meeting. Grant recipients are: 1. Ruby’s Pantry Food Distribution Outreach, $1,000 to cover costs for two food distributions, including supplies, flyers and delivery 2. Kinship of Burnett County, $1,000 to continue to provide mentoring for children 3. Good Samaritan Society of St. Croix Valley Auxiliary, $500 to help purchase an automatic wheel chair washer 4. Polk County Adult Development Center, $500 to help pay operating expenses and fuel costs at Summer Place Greenhouse 5. Frederic Chapter 239, Order of the Eastern Star, $400 to provide crisis care kits for women, with distribution at local hospitals 6. Wild Rivers Habitat for Humanity, $500 to upgrade office computer, printer and fax machine 7. The Heart of David, Inc., $1,000 to purchase equipment for school antidrinking and driving presentations 8. Burnett County Restorative Justice Response, Inc., $500 to expand existing programs that benefit victims and hold offenders accountable 9. Grantsburg Music Festival Society, $500 to support Music in the Park: musi-

cian fees, sound equipment and advertising 10. Orange Community Center, Inc., $500 to help replace the historic school building’s roof 11. Polk County Aging Programs, $1,000 to help pay mileage expenses to deliver meals to homebound senior citizens 12. Family Resource Center of St. Croix Valley, Inc., $200 to begin offering parenting programs in a larger area, including Polk County 13. Town of Jackson Volunteer Fire Department, $900 to purchase a remote area lighting system for night use, fires and rescues 14. Interfaith Caregivers of Polk County, Inc., $1,000 to recruit and train volunteers to assist seniors and adults living with disabilities 15. Grantsburg High School, Boys Golf, $500 to purchase equipment, uniforms and tournament entry fees 16. Community Referral Agency, $500 to replace kitchen and household equipment at the CRA shelter 17. Car Care: Christians in Action, $1,000 to cover the cost of annual liability insurance so groups can continue to provide basic car repairs for those in need 18. St. Croix Valley Senior Center, $500 to cover expenses for a health edu-

New Richmond physicians join panel at the Wound Healing Center in Amery AMERY – New Richmond Medical Clinic physicians Allen Medini, M.D., family practice and Michael Melby, M.D., surgeon, recently joined the panel of doctors at the Wound Healing Center, a division of Amery Regional Medical Center.

Since the Wound Healing Center’s opening in June, it has experienced unprecedented growth due to the overwhelming demand for this specialized service. In order to maintain the level of care expected, the center needed to add more physicians and was extremely pleased to have both Dr. Medini and Dr. Melby join their team of professionals.

The Wound Healing Center offers a comprehensive program that includes state-of-the-art treatment for nonhealing wounds - a wound that hasn’t healed within 30 to 60 days. Wounds won’t heal due to a variety of factors such as age, diet, circulatory problems, diabetes, arthritis, kidney disease and smoking.

Nonhealing wounds require an individualized course of action to promote healing.

Specialized treatments at the Wound Healing Center, like hyperbaric oxygen therapy and wound debridement, are technical and require highly skilled professionals who have been educated in these areas.

Medini and Melby completed specialized training at the National Healing In-

Michael Melby, M.D., surgeon

cation seminar for the community 19. Siren Fire and Rescue, $500 to help purchase an ATV to help with search and rescue and fire protection 20. Communities United in Education, $500 to help underwrite the Big Top Chautauqua’s performance in Siren Funding for Operation Round-Up is donated by members of Polk-Burnett who volunteer to round their monthly electric bill up to the next even dollar amount. The monies are combined and

grants are awarded quarterly to organizations that improve our local quality of life.

The next application deadline is Monday, Dec. 1. Nonprofit organizations interested in applying for a grant or co-op members who’d like to round their bill up in support of Operation Round-Up may call 800-421-0283 or visit polkburnett.com. – from Polk-Burnett

A n n i v er s ar y c el e b r at ed Jeannie (Weyenberg) Wicklund and her husband, Jerry, are shown here in the room in their Webster home that Jeannie has run as Jeannie’s Christian Variety Store for the past 12 years. They are inviting the public to visit the store Sunday, Oct. 26, from 1-5 p.m. to celebrate that special anniversary. In speaking of anniversaries, Wicklund mentioned several other special years – the 18 years she has lived in her house in Webster, the 10 years (in 2009) that she and Jerry have been married, and the four years they have owned Midget, their dog that is a mixture of dachshund and Chihuahua. – Photos by Nancy Jappe

Allen Medini, M.D., family practice stitute, located at Ohio State University, in order to learn the unique combination of advanced treatment options used at the Wound Healing Center. Since the center provides a progressive, state-ofthe-art multidisciplinary wound care therapy program, all physicians on the panel attended this specialized training.

Other members on the panel include: medical director, Dr. Anders Ulland; ARMC’s chief medical officer, Dr. James Quenan; family practice physician, Dr. Craig Johnson; and podiatrist, Dr. Lynnelle Gabriel. Together, these physicians, along with nurses and therapists, provide individualized care for people with wounds that have resisted healing.

“Wounds that fail to heal, and at their worst lead to amputation, are hidden epidemics that affect millions of people in this country,” said Michael Karuschak, CEO of Amery Regional Medical Center.

“These wounds primarily affect the elderly, and the need for wound care will only increase as our population ages. In the next 30 years, one in five Americans will be over the age of 65. Nothing speaks more to quality of life than knowing you and your family have immediate access to the best medical care available right in your own neighborhood.” - submitted

Women Taking Action breakfast Maltee McMahon, Certified True Colors ® facilitator at Bremer Bank, was the speaker for the first Women Taking Action breakfast for women in business in Polk and Burnett counties. The breakfast was held at Adventures Restaurant, Siren, Tuesday, Oct. 14.

The mission for the Women Taking Action series is to provide tools for empowerment, opportunity and diversity for women in today’s business world. Forty women were signed up for the first in the series, which is sponsored by Bremer Bank. – Photo by Nancy Jappe

OCTOBER 22, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 25

Capitol ceremony celebrates 2008-09 New Wisconsin Promise Schools of Recognition MADISON – State Superintendent Elizabeth Burmaster praised Frederic Elementary School, Luck High School and Webster Middle School and High School for being among 182 schools in the state that received New Wisconsin Promise School of Recognition honors for the 2008-09 school year during a special Monday, Oct. 13, ceremony at the state Capitol in Madison.

Burmaster welcomed Kelly Steen, Frederic Elementary principal and Shari Matz, Frederic School Board member and parent, noting that schools receiving the New Wisconsin Promise School of Recognition Award are working with their local communities to raise achievement for all of their students.

Burmaster welcomed, (L to R): Frederic Elementary Principal Kelly Steen and Frederic School Board member and parent Shari Matz, noting that schools receiving the New Wisconsin Promise School of Recognition Award are working with their local communities to raise achievement levels for all of their students.

L to R: State Superintendent Elizabeth Burmaster; Webster High School science teacher Rick Seume and Principal Tim Widiker. – Photos submitted

Webster Middle School representatives are shown receiving the New Wisconsin Promise School of Recognition Award on Monday, Oct. 13. Pictured are State Superintendent Elizabeth Burmaster; Tony Bell, middle school social studies teacher; Jeff Walsh PK-6 principal and Tim Widiker 7-12 principal.

State Superintendent Elizabeth Burmaster (L) presents the second consecutive New Wisconsin Promise School of Recognition Award to retired Luck teachers Carol Winchell (C) and Barbara Pe- ministrators and other staff memtersen (R) during a special ceremony at the state bers at these schools that contributes to student success Capitol. and helps us fulfill our New Wisconsin Promise to provide a quality education for every child and to close the Burmaster also welcomed retired Luck teachers Carol achievement gap between economically disadvantaged Winchell and Barbara Petersen; Webster Middle School students and their peers.” representatives Tony Bell, middle school social studies “I’m so impressed with the teachers and staff at the teacher, Jeff Walsh, PK-6 principal and Tim Widiker, 7- Frederic Elementary School. They believe in the three 12 principal; and Webster High School representatives C’s of education…commitment, commitment, commitscience teacher Rick Seume and Principal Tim Widiker. ment. I have seen this through the excitement and in“Being named a New Wisconsin Promise School of terest in learning through my own daughter’s eyes. As Recognition celebrates the efforts schools make to cre- an active member of the community I have also seen ate a learning climate that supports every student,” the teachers and staff inspire excellence throughout the Burmaster said. “It is the work of teachers, parents, ad- entire student body. Congratulations on your New

Wisconsin Promise Award. I consider this the perfect report card,” said Maria Ammend, Frederic parent.

“I am proud to be a part of Frederic Elementary School, we have dedicated employees that provide creative lessons so all students will succeed. We have a caring, upbeat environment and students know we really care about them and their learning. A lifetime of learning starts at Frederic Elementary School,” said Steen. “This is the second consecutive year that Frederic Elementary has received this recognition and our goal is to continue to achieve this recognition for many more years. Way to go, parents, students, staff and the community of Frederic – you are awesome!” - submitted

Shell Lake recognized as Promise School MADISON — State Superintendent Elizabeth Burmaster praised Shell Lake Elementary and Shell Lake Middle/High School for being among 182 schools in the state that received New Wisconsin Promise School of Recognition honors for the 2008-09 school year during a special Monday, Oct. 13, ceremony at the state Capitol in Madison.

Burmaster welcomed Shell Lake staff members noting that schools receiving the New Wisconsin Promise School of Recognition Awards are working with their local communities to raise achievement for all of their students.

“Being named a New Wisconsin Promise School of Recognition celebrates the efforts schools make to create a learning climate that supports every student,” Burmaster said. “It is the work of teachers, parents, administrators, and other staff members at these schools that contributes to student success and helps us fulfill our New Wisconsin Promise to provide a quality education for every child and to close the achievement gap between economically disadvantaged students and their peers.”

“As the new elementary principal, I am excited about the quality and commitment of our staff and how well children have responded to teachers as learners. The strength of our district is the strength of our relationships between home and school,” said Mike Werner, elementary principal.

State Superintendent Burmaster is shown with Shell Lake Elementary School staff members (L to R): Valerie Haack, fifth-grade teacher; Brian Nord, district administrator; and Mary Butler, secondgrade teacher.

“What gets talked about gets accomplished! The staff at Shell Lake talks about school improvement, school goals and school climate all the time. Each staff person takes a special interest in our students and the school community,” said Don Peterson, 7-12 principal.

“As a community member, I’m very proud that our school district’s accomplishments have resulted in

State Superintendent Burmaster welcomed (L to R): Krista Malin, middle school teacher; Brian Nord, district administrator; and Stephen Bulgrin, K-12 vocal music instructor. — Photos submitted being recognized as a Promise School. The efforts of our school will not only benefit the students, but will enable them to become effective, contributing members in their future communities as well. Strong schools help build strong communities and, in turn, a strong society,” said Jane Clark, parent and community member.

— from Shell Lake Schools

E-edition - this complete issue is online now. www.the-leader.net

PAGE 26 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - OCTOBER 22, 2008

CHURCH NEWS News from the pews at Pilgrim Lutheran Church

It's wise to follow these wise sayings

The wise Proverbs of King Solomon apply to life today even as they did in his time.

Psychology texts, novels, and a myriad of other writings, mirror the pithy and practical proverbs of the Bible. Taken individually, they can teach us how to live moral and spiritual lives. Here are a few to consider, from The Message translation of the Book of Proverbs, chapters 10 and 11: Perspectives “Ill-gotten gain gets you nowhere; an honest life is immortal.” In other words, a guilty conscience is not worth our stealing those paper clips from the office or cheating on our tax statement.

“Make hay while the sun shines—that’s smart; go fishing during harvest—that’s stupid.” Hay bales rot when left out in the rain while we take our ease.

“An evasive eye is a sign of trouble ahead, but an open, face-to-face meeting results in peace.” It’s always hard to look someone in the eye when we’ve been dishonest in our dealings with them.

“The more talk, the less truth; the wise measure their words.” Methinks he talks too much who tries hiding the truth about a misdeed.

“God’s blessing makes life rich; nothing we can do can improve on God.” Whether poor or rich by the world’s standards, the Lord’s presence and favor are our greatest asset.

“The fear of God expands your life; a wicked life is a puny life.” God-fearing obedience brings us peace of heart which brings less stress which brings longer life.

“Without good direction, people lose their way: the more wise counsel you follow, the better your chances.” Especially during this election campaign, we need to pray for wisdom in choosing leaders who are honest in directing our country.

“The one who blesses others is abundantly blessed; those who help others are helped.” We’re all stewards of God’s gifts and must use them for his righteous cause and for the benefit of the needy.

“The one who seeks good, finds delight; the student of evil becomes evil.” We’ll become what and whom we follow after.

Lord, help us to believe in and take your wise sayings to heart. Give us wisdom in making right moral choices for our own sake, for the sake of others, and for Jesus’ sake, amen.

(Mrs. Bair may be reached at sallybair@gmail.com)

Sally Bair Eternal

FREDERIC – This past Sunday was the 23rd Sunday after Pentecost. It is that time of the year to decorate the altar with fruits of the harvest.

The dedicated quilting ladies of the church met on Wednesday morning, Oct. 22, from 9:30 until noon to put together many quilts to be shipped overseas via Lutheran World Relief. These quilts will bring comfort, warmth and love to people in many countries around the world. The group would like to make more quilts and they would like your help. As a helper you can show up at the church in the basement on the fourth Wednesday of the month with your sewing fingers and if you have extra material that is always a welcome feature too. There are never enough quilts made to meet the needs of the people so won’t you please consider joining the group? The group will meet again on Wednesday, Nov. 26, from 9:30 a.m. until noon and you can call Jan Berg, 327-8786, for more information.

On Saturday morning, Oct. 25, from 8 until 11 a.m., the church will again be having a giveaway day for anyone in need of toddlers and children’s coats, jackets, mittens, scarves, ski pants and boots. Come early as last year they were gone early in the morning. You can still donate to this worthwhile project by dropping items off at the church in the morning or at Affordable Quality Appliances in downtown Frederic. For more

information call Sylvia Hansen at 327-8235 or LuAnn Ackerly at 327-4737. Winter will be upon us soon and all children need to be dressed warm.

Please join the church for worship services on Sunday, Oct. 26, as eight students will be confirmed. They have completed two years of instructions in the Lutheran faith and now they will be affirming their baptismal vows that were made for them as a baby or a young child. After worship there will be Sunday school, which begins at 10 a.m. and there will be a special story time presented by the official storyteller herself, Leona Cummings. Everyone young and old is invited to join the group as Cummings talks about “The Way it Was.” On Wednesday, Oct. 29, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. the sixththrough 12th-graders will be Trick-or-Treating for the Frederic Food Pantry. The students are encouraged to wear a costume for the occasion as there will be prizes awarded. Please leave a light on to indicate that you want us to stop, or you can put the food outside your door and we will stop at your house. Depending on how many students they have, they are hoping to cover the Frederic Area but if they miss you, you can always drop your items off at Affordable Quality Appliances in downtown Frederic. – submitted

Moose Lodge presents check to Burnett County Restorative Justice Gerry Vogel (R), community services cochair for Burnett County Moose Lodge No. 1194, presented a check for $1,416 to Lisa Johnson (L) and Brandy Horstman from Burnett County Restorative Justice Response.

The check represents the proceeds from a benefit supper held recently at the Moose Lodge. Up to this point, Restorative Justice has been funded largely through grants.

With grant sources becoming less and less available, the board of directors has had to reach out to the community to support the work it does. – Special Leader photo

OCTOBER 22, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 27

PAGE 28 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - OCTOBER 22, 2008

CHURCH NEWS Rejected spouse blames himself for breakup of marriage Q: When my wife left me for another man, I felt like the whole thing was my fault. I still feel that way. I had never even looked at another woman, yet here I am taking the blame for her affair. Rationally, I know I’m being very unfair to myself, but I can‘t help it. Or can I? DR. DOBSON: It is the typical reaction of a rejected spouse, like yourself, to take the full responsibility for the behavior of an unfaithful spouse. The wounded partner – the person who was clearly the victim of the other’s irresponsibility – is the one who suffers the greatest pangs of guilt and feelings of inferiority.

How strange that the one who tried to hold things together in the face of obvious rejection often finds herself wondering, “How did I fail him? I just wasn’t woman enough to hold my man. I am “nothing” or he wouldn’t have left. If only I had been more exciting as a sexual partner – I drove him to it – I wasn’t pretty enough. I didn’t deserve him in the first place.”

The blame for marital disintegration is seldom the fault of the husband or wife alone. It takes two to tangle, as they say, and there is always some measure of shared blame for a divorce.

However, when one marriage partner makes up his mind to behave irresponsibly, to become involved extramaritally, or to run from his family commitments and obligations, he usually seeks to justify his behavior by magnifying the failures of his spouse. “You didn’t meet my needs, so I had to satisfy them somewhere else,” is the familiar accusation. By increasing the guilt

of his partner in this way, he reduces his own culpability.

For a husband or wife with low self-esteem, these charges and recriminations are accepted and internalized as indisputable facts.

You must resist the temptation to take all the blame. I’m not recommending that you sit around hating the memory of your wife.

Bitterness and resentment are emotional cancers that rot us from within. However, I would encourage you to examine the facts carefully.

Ask yourself these questions: “Despite my many mistakes and failures in my marriage, did I value my family and try to preserve it? Did my wife decide to destroy it and then seek justification for her actions?

Was I given a fair chance to resolve the areas of greatest irritation? Could I have held her even if I had made all the changes she wanted? Is it reasonable that I should hate myself for this thing that has happened?”

If you examine objectively what has occurred, you might begin to see yourself as a victim of your wife’s irresponsibility rather than a worthless failure at the game of love.

••• Q: I’ve read that it is possible to teach 4-year-old children to read. Should I be working on this with my child?

DR. DOBSON: If a youngster is particularly sharp and if he or she can learn to read without feeling

Dr. James

Dobson Focus on the Family

undue adult pressure, it would be advantageous to teach this skill. But that’s a much bigger “if” than most people realize. There are some parents who find it difficult to work with their children without showing frustration over immaturity and disinterest.

Furthermore, new skills should be taught at the age when they are most needed. Why invest unnecessary effort trying to teach a child to read when he has not yet learned to cross the street, tie his shoes, count to 10 or answer the telephone? It seems foolish to get panicky over preschool reading. The best policy is to provide your children with many interesting books and materials, read to them every day, and answer their questions. You can then introduce them to phonics and watch the lights go on. It’s fun if you don’t push too hard.

••• 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:

First Baptist Church Webster

OCTOBER 22, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 29

Dean A. Johnson Dean A. Johnson, 76, Siren, died Oct. 12, 2008, at Indianhead Medical Center in Shell Lake.

Dean was born April 25, 1932, in Webster, to Agnes (Johnson) and Clifford Rambo.

Dean grew up in the Burnett County area.

Dean married Budd Johnson on June 12, 1948, in Pine City, Minn. The couple lived their entire married life on Herman Johnson Road. Dean was a cook for the school system for 34 years. She belonged to PTA, ladies aid and Homemakers in the area.

Dean was preceded in death by her parents; stepfather, Harold Kuhnly; and brothers, Robert and Gerald.

Dean is survived by her husband, Budd, of Siren; children, Jerry (Joyce) Johnson of Siren, Sandra (Dirk) Benzer of Shell Lake, Bruce Johnson of Siren and Cheryl (Brad) Turnbull of Siren; grandchildren, Dan Maurer, Carey Meyer, Bruce Johnson, Allisa Johnson, Chad Benzer, Lance Benzer, Troy Benzer, Kelly Dahlstrom, Jason Johnson and Janet Daniels; stepgrandchildren, Brandis Turnbull and Jennifer Turnbull; 26 great-grandchildren; sisters, Jean, Janet, Judy and Bonnie; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held Friday, Oct. 17, at Swedberg-Taylor Family Funeral Home, Siren Chapel, in Siren, with Pastor Steve Ward officiating. Music was provided by soloist Joan Daniels and organist Fran McBroom. Interment was at Lakeview (Siren) Cemetery. Casket bearers were Dan Maurer, Chad Benzer, Bruce Johnson, Lance Benzer, Jason Johnson and Troy Benzer.

The Swedberg-Taylor Family Funeral Home, Webster, was entrusted with arrangements.

Helen D. Peterson Helen D. Peterson, resident of Milltown, died on Friday, Oct. 17, 2008, three days short of her 87th birthday.

Helen was born Oct. 20, 1921, the seventh of eight children to Gustave H. and Susie K. (Fritts) Buske on a farm outside Byron, Minn.

Helen’s family later moved to Rochester, Minn., where she attended school, graduating in 1940.

Helen married Floyd W. Peterson on March 1, 1941.

Floyd entered the service two days after they were married. She followed Floyd to Boise, Idaho, where he was in military police training and then on to Dayton, Wash. After their daughter, Gloria, was born, it became difficult to keep following Floyd, so she returned to Rochester. She lived there until Floyd was discharged in November 1945.

Floyd wanted to go to Wisconsin to visit his folks, and they decided to move to the Luck area. They lived there until 1950, when they moved to Frederic where they raised their six children. They moved to Milltown in 1974.

Helen worked for 32 years at Stokelys in Frederic, she also worked at Duncan Yo-Yo in Luck, M.P.M. in Frederic, and also as a substitute kitchen helper at Frederic High School, plus many years of baby-sitting for friends and family.

Helen was saved, baptized and joined the First Baptist Church in Milltown in 1946. Floyd and Helen were active at First Baptist, serving in many capacities.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents; five brothers, Gustave, Ernest, Roy, Murlin and Lyle; two sisters, Marie Schlee and Frances Skare; daughter, Gloria; son, Wayne; and her husband, Floyd (who passed away in 1999).

Helen is survived by son, Roger (Vickie) Peterson; daughter, Marcia (Steve) Pomerleau; daughter, Gail (Randy) Schadow; son, David (Kim) Peterson; 11 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews and cousins; three sisters-in-law, Arlene Schwartz, Josie Robinson and Alice Buske.

Funeral services were held at First Baptist Church in Milltown, on Monday, Oct. 20, with Pastor Marlon Mielke officiating. Music was provided by pianist, Vickie Peterson and soloist, Randy Schadow. Casket bearers were her eight grandsons, Brad and Brian Peterson, Jeff and Allen Pomerleau, Scott Peterson, Jeramy Schadow and Tyler and Kyle Peterson. Interment was at the Milltown Cemetery.

The Rowe Funeral Home of Luck was entrusted with arrangements.

OBITUARIES Donny S. Van Gundy

H.J. (Herbert) Martin

Donny S. Van Gundy, 28, Balsam Lake, died Oct. 18, 2008, at the St. Croix Regional Medical Center.

Donny was born on July 27, 1980, in St. Croix Falls to Donny G. Van Gundy and Marilyn (Fox) Van Gundy.

Donny grew up in Balsam Lake, where he graduated from Unity High School in 1998. Soon after graduating, Donny started working with his stepfather at Direct Forest Products in the hardwood lumber industry. He enjoyed working in the hardwood industry and was currently employed at Balsam Mill Works in New Richmond. On the weekends, Donny was able to fulfill his true passion and do what he really loved. That passion was singing in a rock band: Donny was the lead singer of Maximum Dosage, a local band. In his free time, he enjoyed playing poker, volleyball, softball, singing, shooting pool, building things and watching horror movies.

It was always Donny’s dream to meet his hero, the father that he lost when he was only 3 months of age.

All find comfort in knowing that he is now getting to know the father he never knew.

He is preceded in death by his father, Donny G. Van Gundy; paternal grandfather, LaVerne Van Gundy; maternal grandparents, Ruby and Vern Fox; aunts and uncles.

He is survived by his mother, Marilyn (Duane) Gurtner of Balsam Lake, sisters, Erica and Paige Gurtner; grandmother, Iona Van Gundy of Luck; aunts, uncles, cousins, other relatives and friends as well as some very special close friends.

Funeral service will be held on Thursday, Oct. 23, at 11 a.m., at Faith Lutheran Church in Balsam Lake. The Rev. Diane Norstad will officiate the service. Music will be provided by Dorene Hendrickson and Suz Thomson.

Casket bearers will be Ricky Fox, Joe L’Allier, Arnie Dojan, Mike D’Agostino, Desi Armstrong, Brandon Scheuer, Jason Short and Andy Bayle.

Visitation will be held at the Kolstad Family Funeral Home in Centuria on Wednesday from 4 - 7 p.m. and then again at the church on Thursday from 10 until the time of service at 11 a.m.

Donny will be laid to rest next to his father at the Milltown Cemetery following the funeral service. A luncheon will be served at the church following the cemetery service.

The Kolstad Family Funeral Home is entrusted with funeral arrangements.

Herbert Joseph Martin, 36, formerly of Luck, died on Saturday, Oct. 11, 2008, doing what he loved best, riding his 2007 Harley-Davidson motorcycle.

He enjoyed dancing, horseback riding, loud music, children, computers and helping people. He was voted employee of the year at Northern Technologies International Corporation, as an IT specialist.

He was preceded in death by his son, Travis; nephew, Brandon; and his grandpa Eugene “Bruce” Emerson.

He is survived by his mother, Wendy Martin; stepmothers, Robin Gucinski and Dee Martin; his fathers, Jim Martin and Dave Gucinski; brother, Michael Martin; sister, Stephanie Martin; two nephews, Lance and Alexander; and hundreds of other family members too numerous to mention.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, Oct. 16, at 11 a.m., at the St. Croix Valley Funeral Home and Polk County Cremation Society, St. Croix Falls. Interment was at Bone Lake Cemetery. Pastor Bowman officiated at the graveside.

The St. Croix Valley Funeral Home and Polk County Cremation Society, St. Croix Falls, was entrusted with arrangements.

Olive M. Christner Olive M. Christner, 79, Spooner, died Oct. 15, 2008, at Care Partners Assisted Living.

Olive was born Feb. 6, 1929, in Denver, Colo., to Clarence and Rena Johnson. Olive enjoyed fishing, traveling to Texas, camping and traveling in their Airstream. She took time to make great wine, raise flowers and grandchildren and be with her family.

Olive was preceded in death by her parents; first husband, Donald LeMone; and son David LeMone.

She is survived by her husband, Winton Christner, Webster; daughters Kathy Desjardins, Webster, Linda (Wes) Stellrecht, Spooner, Sue Christner, Muskeegon, Mich., Rebecca Christner-Kemp, Rice Lake; brothers Harvey Johnson of Kentucky, Harold (Isabella) Johnson, Michigan; 13 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; along with other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held Monday, Oct. 20, at Scalzo-Taylor Family Funeral Home with Pastor Marty Nolet officiating. Music was provided by Jo Henrikson.

Interment followed at Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Spooner. Casket bearers were Tony Christner, Matt Christner, Chad Stellrecht, Brian LeMone, Yancy LeMone and Chris Culvey.

The Scalzo-Taylor Funeral Home, Spooner, was entrusted with arrangements.

Agnes Elizabeth Branstad Agnes Branstad, 98, Grantsburg, died Saturday, Oct. 11, 2008, at the Burnett Medical Center Continuing Care Center.

She was born March 12, 1910, to William F. Powell and Hedwig Skriepietz Powell in the township of Glencoe in Buffalo County.

She was baptized at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Waumandee, where she later received first Communion.

She attended school at Hillside Grade School. She worked as a farm helper at area farms after completing grade school. She attended the Cook County School of Nursing in Chicago, Ill., and graduated as a licensed practical nurse; then she made her way to St. Paul, Minn., where she was a nurse at St. Luke’s Hospital.

She married Ben Branstad and worked as an industrial nurse at Ford Motor Company, where Ben also worked. Ben and Agnes loved retirement on Ben’s farm near Grantsburg and were proud of their prize raspberries and flowers.

Agnes pursued her nursing career after Ben’s retirement in St. Croix Falls Hospital and at Frederic Hospital.

She was preceded in death by her husband; six siblings, Anna (Ruben) Bielefeldt, Alvin (Ella Ziegler), Wilma (Cyril) Katzbahn, Cecelia (Harold) Belveaux, William (Joyce Weber) and Hervina (Gordon) Denison.

She is survived by Ben’s children and families, Shirley Branstad Carlstrom and Donald A. Branstad; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Funeral services were held Friday, Oct. 17, at the United Methodist Church, Grantsburg. Burial was at Riverside Cemetery.

The Edling Funeral Home, Grantsburg, was entrusted with arrangements.

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Maybelle Claudia Carlson Maybelle Claudia Carlson, 94, died peacefully on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2008, at Middle River Health and Rehabilitation Facility, South Range.

Maybelle was born April 26, 1914, in Blaine Township, the youngest child of Carl Albert and Amanda (Holmgren) Carlson. She attended Aspen School. Her early years were spent on the farm trying to keep up with her four older brothers. Hoping to be included in their work and fun, she declared that her name was “Billie,” a nickname that persisted until her death. She loved the outdoors and riding horses. As a teenager, she was confirmed in the Zion Lutheran Church in Markville, Minn., and remained actively Christian throughout her life. She was an avid reader of the Bible as well as other material.

An early job was with Gillette Hospital in St. Paul, Minn.; during WWII she worked at Holman Field in Minneapolis, Minn., assisting in maintenance of B-24 bombers. She spent many years as a beauty operator in St. Paul, Minn., taking time out to care for her ill sister, Hildene, in Arizona; and later her mother, Amanda, during her declining years. Although, Maybelle remained single and childless, she developed warm relationships with her nieces and nephews, particularly Virginia Carlson Bowles, Gary Carlson and Kay Carlson Jones.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Hildene and Elaine; brothers, Len, Bertel, Harry, Ragnar and Victor.

She is survived by 13 nieces and nephews and their families.

Funeral services were held at Zion Lutheran Church, Markville, Minn., on Oct. 9, with Pastor Tim Faust officiating. Music was provided by Don Carlson, soloist, and Annette Carlson, organist. Interment was at Hillcrest Cemetery, Blaine Township, property donated to the town by her grandfather, August Carlson, in the early 1900s, from a corner of his homestead. Casket bearers were Donald Carlson, Ralph Carlson, Gary Carlson, Donald Bowles, Edward Carlson and Galen Jensen.

The Swedberg-Taylor Family Funeral Home, Webster, was entrusted with arrangements.

OBITUARIES Violet J. Miller

Nick C. Karels

Violet J. Miller, 97, of Grantsburg, died at Burnett Medical Center Friday, Oct. 17, 2008.

Violet was born May 21, 1911, to Edward and Alma (Gilson) Abrahamson. She was raised in the Freya community. Her father died when she was a toddler and her brother, Edward, was a baby. Her mother, Alma, married Edward’s brother Oscar, and the family grew to seven children.

Violet married George E. Miller on May 18, 1932, in Pine City, Minn. They built a farm next to the Abrahamson farm in Freya, and had one daughter, Mary Lou. They moved to Siren in 1942 and built another home. They resided in Siren many years, where they were members of the Siren United Methodist Church.

Violet loved to cook, sew and garden. She cooked at Lake Superior North Shore, Westlund’s Café, Siren Hospital, Grantsburg Hospital and Capeside Cove.

Two years after George died, Violet moved to Grantsburg Courtyard Square Apartments. She lived there for 17-1/2 years, and was the last of the original tenants to leave. She fell in 2007, and was moved to Burnett Medical Continuing Care Center in Grantsburg.

Violet was preceded in death by her husband, George Miller; parents; brother, Edward; sisters, Alice Warn, Elsie Rubin and Anna Carlson.

She is survived by her daughter, Mary Lou (Charles) Wright, Grantsburg; grandchildren, Peter, Minneapolis, Minn. and Renae Wright and husband Gadbois, St. Paul, Minn.; great-grandchildren, Magdalena and Rene; brother, Gust Abrahamson, Melrose, Minn.; sister Dolores Hinze, St. Paul, Minn.; nieces and nephews and friends.

Funeral services were held on Monday, Oct. 20, at Central United Methodist Church, Grantsburg, with Pastor Carolyn Saunders officiating. Interment was at the Mud Hen Lake Cemetery.

The Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home was entrusted with arrangements.

Nick C. Karels, 70, Grantsburg, died Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2008, at the Burnett Medical Center after a valiant fight against cancer, surrounded by his family.

Nick was born Dec. 4, 1937, in Amboy, Minn., to Chris and Martha Karels. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. He moved with his family to Wisconsin in 1953 where he married the greatest love of his life, Alma Mae Johnson of Clam Falls in 1956. Together they made their home in such places as California, Minnesota and Wisconsin.

He began his career in the building industry working with cement and wood. He owned various enterprises including: Wood Lake Broom Factory and Karels Construction. In 1971, he began K-Wood Truss Rafters Inc. and remained active in its leadership until his death.

Nick and Alma enjoyed several years of travel in the United States and Europe. They spent their winters in Florida and Arizona until his health prevented further travel. Nick and Alma have a lake home on Spirit Lake.

Nick was known for his many talents in woodworking, where he shared his gifts of creativity with so many people. He loved horses and spent many enjoyable hours training, driving, trail riding, teaching his children and grandchildren the love and care of horses.

Golfing with his wife and friends was a passion.

He is survived by his wife, Alma; children, Cynthia (Philip) Leonard and Leah (David) Steffen; three grandchildren, Jacob Steffen, Lauren and Clara Leonard; brother, Chris Karels; sister, Doroth Mauer; brothers and sisters-in-law, Gerald and Elsie Johnson, Lynn and Boots Johnson and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Nick was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Ann (Jack) Gore, Ida (Fred) Kahrer, Joyce (Victor) Weingartz and brother-in-law, Jerome Maurer.

A celebration of life was held at Faith Lutheran Church on Wednesday, Oct. 22.

The Edling Funeral Home, Grantsburg, was entrusted with arrangements.

Paula Marie Heffner Paula Marie Heffner, daughter of Lois and the late Bill Heffner, formerly of Siren and Frederic, died Oct. 16, 2008, of cancer.

Paula lived in California.

She is survived by her three children, Ashley and twins, Ana and John, of Mission Viejo, Calif.

Ellis E. Richter Ellis E. Richter, 90, Luck, died Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2008, in Luck.

Memorial services will be held Saturday, Oct. 25, at 1 p.m., at the Luck Senior Center in Luck.

A complete obituary will be published at a later date.

The Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home, Webster, was entrusted with arrangements.

Joseph Dick Joseph Dick, 86, a resident of Centuria, died at his home Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2008. Services for Joseph are pending. Please visit www.kolstadfamilyfuneralhome for more information and times. A full obituary will be published in a later edition.

The Kolstad Family Funeral Home, Centuria, was entrusted with arrangements.

Carl E. Borgen Carl E. Borgen, 83, a longtime resident of Danbury, died quietly at Colfax Nursing Home on Sunday, Oct. 12, 2008.

Carl was born Aug. 31, 1925, in Wales, N.D., to Elsie (Gradwell) and Oliver Borgen. He was raised with four brothers and eight sisters.

Carl was a veteran, serving in the Army. He was a farmer, carpenter and the father of six children.

Carl was preceded in death by his parents; and son, Carl Borgen Jr. He is survived by G. Thomas (Nola) Borgen, Ethel Faye (Terrance) Lyon, Donald Lynn (Helen) Borgen, Turrie Ein (Iris) Borgen and Shelley Ann (Wallace) Bedard; many grandchildren; great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, longtime partner Celia Fredrickson and friends.

Funeral services were held Thursday, Oct. 16, at Swedberg-Taylor Family Funeral Home, Webster, with Pastor Steve Ward officiating. Music was provided by organist Fran McBroom. Interment followed on Oct. 17 in Hannah, N.D. The Swedberg-Taylor Family Funeral Home, Webster, was entrusted with arrangements.

OCTOBER 22, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 31

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OCTOBER 22, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 35

Students of the Week GRANTSBURG

FREDERIC

Korey Carlson has been chosen Frederic Elementary School’s student of the week. He is in first grade and the son of Eric and Chrissy Carlson. He is very responsible and conscientious about his work. He is a good friend to his classmates.

Korey loves to challenge himself by reading books and he also likes to play board games with his mom and dad.

Sawyer Tietz has been chosen Frederic Middle School’s student of the week. He is in seventh grade and the son of Joe and Donna Tietz. He helps out with farm chores, enjoys outside activities and plays jr. high football. Hobbies include reading, hunting and fishing. Sawyer gets his work done and is polite. He is a hard worker, loyal, gets along with teachers and students, never complains and is a good citizen.

Chrissy Chenal has been chosen Frederic High School’s student of the week. She is a junior and the daughter of David and Nancy Chenal. She works at Paradise Landing. She is involved in AODA, Kinship, yearbook, student council, volleyball, basketball and softball. Hobbies include swimming, ping pong, running and going to the movies. She is an honor roll student and has a good work ethic.

Charli Siebenthal has been choGrantsburg Elementary sen School’s student of the week. She is in second grade and the daughter of Ed and Lona Siebenthal. She is very kind and helpful to the other students. She is very responsible.

Her favorite things about school are math and writing. Her hobbies include playing school at home.

Tanner Nielsen has been chosen Luck Middle School’s student of the week. He is in sixth grade and the son of Steve and Joelle Nielsen. He is very conscientious and a hard worker. He always has his work done on time.

He is willing to help out other students in the class. He is in soccer. In his spare time, he enjoys playing football and building stuff out of broken electronic toys.

Cain Lindquist has been chosen Luck High School’s student of the week. He is a freshman an the son of David and Melissa Lindquist. He is a friendly student who puts forth great effort every day. He is a fun student to have in class. He received a positive shirt for working hard. In his spare time, he enjoys fishing, playing video games and spending time with his cat. His future plans are to have a successful farm.

Zack Clark has been chosen St. Croix Falls Elementary School’s student of the week. He is in kindergarten and the son of Tracy and Dan Clark. His favorite thing about school is doing arts and crafts. At home, he loves to play football with his brothers, Luke and Kaden. Zack is a fun and caring part of class.

Joy Dunlap been chosen Siren Middle School’s student of the week. She is in eighth grade and daughter of Jim Dunlap and Dedra Good. She is a great person to have at the school and almost always has a smile on her face. It's nice to see her positive attitude and to be greeted by her every day. She is friendly and outgoing and enjoys music and playing in the gym. She works hard at school and keeps trying even when things get hard.

Mariah Rohm has been chosen St. Croix Falls Middle School’s student of the week. She is in sixth grade and the daughter of Lisa and Larry Rohm. She has four sisters. Her pets are five cats and two dogs. She enjoys volleyball, basketball, skiing, wake boarding and knee boarding. She is involved with yearbook, booster basketball and band. Mariah is a lot of fun. She works very hard, has lots of friends and enjoys every day!

WEBSTER

SIREN

Sarah Shaffer has been chosen Siren Elementary School’s student of the week. She is in third grade.

She is a caring and helpful person.

When she gets her work done, she is ready and willing to help someone else who needs it. She is in flag football and recruited some of her classmates to also play. She likes to design clothes, go shopping, likes dogs and football. She is a joy to have in class.

Alexa-Jo Maslow has been chosen Grantsburg High School’s student of the week. She is a sophomore and the daughter of Jonathen and Jackie Maslow. She is a wonderful student to have in the classroom because of her strong leadership skills. She has terrific team-working skills and has a bright smile and positive attitude.

She is involved in her church and choir. Hobbies include piano, drums, writing, singing and writing music.

ST. CROIX FALLS

LUCK

Dennis Brule has been chosen Luck Elementary School’s student of the week. He is in second grade and the son of Christina and Kevin Jensen and Dennis Brule. He is a hardworking student who loves to learn. He likes to challenge himself in both reading and math. At home, he likes to ride his bike, try to practice on his skateboard and play PIG with his mom and dad. He is a great student, friend and citizen in the classroom and on the playground.

Austin Handy has been chosen Grantsburg Middle School’s student of the week. He is in seventh grade and the son of Brian and Rebecca Handy. His favorite class is gym and particularly likes basketball. He also loves the outdoors and goes bowhunting after school.

Austin is trustworthy and very responsible. He can be counted on to go the extra mile. He helps out in other classrooms and tutors younger students.

Annie (Quixin) Li has been chosen Siren High School’s student of the week. She is in ninth grade and the daughter of Jintang Li and Yucanwang Li. She and her parents moved here from China when Annie was 7. She is a hardworking student in the classroom and demonstrations her strong work etic in her extracurricular activities as well. She is involved in volleyball, band and track and field. She has a positive attitude.

Jason Peterson has been chosen Webster Elementary School’s student of the week. He is in second grade and the son of Jason and Crystal Peterson. He is very responsible. He loves to read and help his peers. His favorite food is bologna and he loves to draw and color with his brother.

Toni Petersen has been chosen Webster Middle School’s student of the week. She is in fifth grade and the daughter of Brian and Mary Petersen. Toni has shown her care for others and great effort in school. Her positive attitude has really helped others.

She is a joy to have in class.

Tanya Johnson has been chosen Webster High School’s student of the week. She is a freshman and the daughter of Laurie and Greg Johnson. She is very hardworking and has a GPA of 3.355. Tanya gets all of her assignments in on time and she has a great attitude.

She is involved in volleyball, basketball and track. Hobbies include volunteering, reading and bike riding.

UNITY

Ciera McClure has been chosen Unity Elementary School’s student of the week. She is in second grade and the daughter of Mike and Patricia McClure. She is the first to jump to the needs of other students and this positive attitude has reflected to the rest of the class. She is an exceptional student in academics, leadership, citizenship, but very humble to it all.

Cash Hickethier has been chosen Unity Middle School’s student of the week. He is in seventh grade and the son of Scott and Audrey Hickethier.

Cash was chosen because he has the ability to lift the spirit of those around him and his character is admired. He is kind and shows respect to others. He has a good sense of humor and his leadership stands out.

Sterling Hibbard has been chosen Unity High School’s student of the week. He is a junior and the son of Gary and Debra Hibbard.

Hobbies include video games and playing guitar. He plans to attend college for computer engineering.

PAGE 36 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - OCTOBER 22, 2008

OCTOBER

THURS.-SAT./23-25 Osceola

• ArtBarn presents “Escanaba in da Moonlight,” 7 p.m., 715-294-2787.

THURSDAY/23

Coming events

Amery

• Stamping and scrapbooking at the senior center, 9:30 a.m.

• Flu clinic at the senior center, 12:30-3:30 p.m.

• German Club meeting at senior center, 1 p.m., 715-268-6605.

Frederic

• Spades played at the senior center, 1 p.m.

• Support group for people with bipolar disorder and depression at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 7:30 p.m. Call 715-327-4436 for more info.

St. Croix Falls

• The Polk County Genealogy Society will meet at 7 p.m. at Senior Center. Tim Ericson will speak. 715-294-3447.

TUESDAY/28

Balsam Lake

Amery

• American Red Cross Infant/Child CPR Class at Red Cross office, 5:30-9:30 p.m., 715485-3025, www.scvarc.org.

• Habitat for Humanity monthly meeting, at Our Savior Lutheran Church, 6:30 p.m., 715268-4843, 715-483-3134.

• 500 Card Party at the senior center, 6:45 p.m.

Dresser

Luck

• VFW Post 4186 & Auxiliary Spaghetti Dinner at the hall, 4:30 to 7 p.m.

• Take off pounds sensibly, at senior center, 5:30 p.m., 715-472-2341.

Frederic

St. Croix Falls

• 500 cards at the senior center, 6:30 p.m., note time change.

Luck

• Exercise, 10-11 a.m.; Skipbo, 11 a.m.-noon; 500 cards & Dominos, 12:30 p.m., at the senior center.

Siren

• Food & Friends Community Dinner at Siren Covenant Church, 5-6 p.m.

• Luck Area Historical Society to meet at the museum, 7 p.m.

Siren

• Candidates Forum, Room 165, Burnett County Government Center, 7 p.m.

WEDNESDAY/29

St. Croix Falls

Danbury

• Exercise, 10-11 a.m.; Skipbo, 11 a.m.-noon; health seminar, 1 p.m.; 500 cards, 6:30 p.m., at the senior center.

• “Arsenic and Old Lace” at Festival Theatre.

2 p.m.

715-483-3387, www.festivaltheatre.org.

• Football tailgate party, at the high school football field, 6 p.m.

FRI. & SAT./24 & 25 Grantsburg

• Haunted Pavilion at the Grantsburg Fairhouse, 7-9 p.m.

• Fishbowl Chapter D.U. Sportsmen’s Night Out at Ike Walton Lodge, 5:30 p.m., 715-8668644.

Frederic

• Pokeno played at the senior center, 1 p.m.

St. Croix Falls

• Friends of the Library meeting at the library, noon.

If you're looking for a quiet spot to relax this fall, almost any area lake will suffice. Boat traffic is significantly reduced in the fall of the year. - Photo by Marty Seeger

Siren

• Prairie Fire Children’s Theatre presents “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” 7 p.m. Sponsored by Moms For Kids.

FRI.-SUN./24-26 Amery

• Prophecy conference at Amery Free Lutheran Church, Fri. 7 p.m., Sat., 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Sun. 9-10:15 a.m., 715-268-9218.

St. Croix Falls

• 2nd-annual watercolor workshop gallery show at First Presbyterian Church, Fri. 4-7 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

FRIDAY/24

St. Croix Falls

• “Arsenic and Old Lace” at Festival Theatre.

Sat. 7:30 p.m.; Sun. 2 p.m. 715-483-3387, www.festivaltheatre.org.

SATURDAY/25 Amery

• “A Gala Preview Concert” at the Northern Lakes Center for the Arts, 7:30 p.m., 715-2586811.

Balsam Lake

• Red Cross baby-sitting training class at the Balsam Lake Red Cross office, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m., 715-485-3025.

Frederic

Amery

• Bingo at the Amery Senior Center, 1 p.m.

• Wii Game Night at the senior center, 6:30 p.m.

Frederic

• Pokeno played at the senior center, 1 p.m.

Grantsburg

• Harvest Supper at United Methodist Church, 4-7 p.m.

St. Croix Falls

• Bridge, 10 a.m., at the senior center.

• Food & fellowship at the senior center, noon.

Games after dinner.

• Free Coats For Kids distribution at Pilgrim Lutheran Church, donations may be dropped off 9 a.m.-noon through Oct. 24, 8-11 a.m., 715327-4737, 715-327-8235.

• LWML Fall Bazaar & Bake Sale at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Frederic, 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

• 14th-annual Halloween party at the elementary school. Preschool through sixth-grade party, 5-8 p.m.; grades seven through 12 dance, 8:30-11:30 p.m., 715-327-8142.

Lewis

St. Croix Falls

• Gray Ghost’s Appalachian Hike presentation at Interstate Park, 1 p.m.

• Mysteries of the Edible Mushrooms workshop at the Ice Age Center, 10:30-11:30 a.m., 715-483-3747.

SUNDAY/26 Clam Falls

• Jack Pearson performs at the Clam Falls Lutheran Church, 9 a.m.

Grantsburg

• Haunted Pavilion at the Grantsburg Fairhouse, 7-8:30 p.m.

St. Croix Falls

Grantsburg

FRIDAY/31 Amery

• Haunted Pavilion at the Grantsburg Fairhouse, 7-8:30 p.m.

• “America Our Home” concert at the high school, 2:30 p.m.

• Potluck Halloween Costume Party at the senior center, noon.

Luck

• Halloween Party at the Dresser Hall, 6-7 p.m.

Osceola

• Pokeno played at the senior center, 1 p.m.; monthly meeting, 1:30 p.m.

• Jack Pearson performs at Zion Lutheran Church, 10:30 a.m.

• Bob Milne, ragtime/gospel pianist to perform at United Methodist Church, 4 p.m., 715755-2275, oumc@centurytel.net.

• Final weekend for 2008 season at historic Frederic Soo Line Depot and Frederic Area Museum, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Author Christopher Swanson book signing at the library, 10 a.m.-noon.

Luck

• Oktoberfest at Grace Lutheran Church.

Church Polka Service at 9:15 a.m.; Zion at 11 a.m. Brunch 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at Grace.

Spooner

Shell Lake

MONDAY/27

• Benefit for Karen Ennis at the community center, noon-6 p.m., 715-635-6151.

Frederic

• 500 cards at the senior center, 6:30 p.m., note time change.

Danbury

• Jazz/Gospel Concert by Don Stille at Yellow Lake Lutheran Church, 2 p.m. (note time change).

• 2nd-annual chili feed & swap meet at Sundown Saloon, 10 a.m.-?.

• Great Pumpkin Train rides plus family activities, 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m. & 2:30 p.m.

715-635-3200, www.spoonertrainride.com.

THURSDAY/30

• Exercise, 10-11 a.m.; Skipbo, 11 a.m.-noon; 500 cards, 6:30 p.m., at the senior center.

• “Arsenic and Old Lace” at Festival Theatre.

2 & 7:30 p.m.

715-483-3387, www.festivaltheatre.org.

SAT. & SUN./25 & 26 Frederic

Webster

• Benefit specialist Connie Crosby at the Webster Senior Center to help people apply for fuel assistance, 9 a.m.-noon, 715-349-7600, ext. 1239.

West Sweden

Dresser

Frederic

Grantsburg

• Haunted Pavilion at the Grantsburg Fairhouse, 7-9 p.m.

St. Croix Falls

• Bridge, 10 a.m., at the senior center.

• Harvest Party For Kids (up to sixth grade) at Alliance Church of the Valley, 6-8 p.m.

Amery

• Funeral & Estate Planning Seminar at the senior center. Open to the public. 1 & 7 p.m.

Taylors Falls Lighting Festival picks theme TAYLORS FALLS, Minn. - Taylors Falls will celebrate its 24th-annual Lighting Festival on Friday, Saturday and Sunday of Thanksgiving weekend, Nov. 28, 29 and 30. The 2008 festival theme highlights Minnesota’s sesquicentennial with “Taylors Falls –the place to come for over 150 years.” The town ornament shows just two of the ways people have been encouraged to come to Taylors Falls over the years. Ornaments will go on sale for $12 in many of Taylors Falls shops starting Saturday, Nov. 8.

A delightful look at the festival theme will be the holiday decorating at the 1855 Folsom House Museum which will be open for guests each of the three festival days. Eight rooms will be decorated by unique designers incorporating the many ways people have come to Taylors Falls over the past 150 years. The Folsom House is open all three days of the festival and Friday through Sunday, Dec. 5, 6 and 7. Groups, such as the Red Hat Ladies, church groups and organizations, can enjoy this lovely house at prearranged times any of the days between Friday, Nov. 28 and Sunday, Dec. 7, by calling

The 2-1/2-inch polished pewter medallion shows a photo of the first of five bridges over the St. Croix River from Taylors Falls on one side, a 1928 road sign used to encourage tourism on the other. Ornaments will go on sale starting Saturday, Nov. 8, in many downtown Taylors Falls stores. The cost will be $12. - Submitted photo

651-465-3125.

Residents and businesses alike are invited to decorate their homes and shops with lights and garlands. Cash prizes of $75, $50 and $25 will be awarded first, second and third places respectively for residential lighting.

There will also be an honorable mention. Certificates will be awarded for Best Commercial Outdoor Lighting and Best Window. Judging takes place Friday evening, Nov. 28. There is no formal entry form. The judges will drive up and down each street to make their choices. Be creative and have fun decorating for the holidays.

The festival brochure will be available mid-November from Taylors Falls shops or visit www.taylorsfallschamber.org. - submitted