Leader|oct 8|2008

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

• “Arsenic and Old Lace” @ SCFalls • Mixed Sampler Quilt Show @ Siren • Indianhead Chorus @ Balsam Lake “Wild Woods and Water” @ Siren • Gun show @ Dresser See Coming Events and stories

Leader INTER-COUNTY

WE EKEN D WA TCH :

Serving Northwest Wisconsin

CRA: Healing begins

$1

O h s o m od

New director settles in; former director sentenced PAGE 5

7-year-old fights for life In coma after being struck by pickup truck PAGE 3 OCTOBER IS NATIONAL CO-OP MONTH

Dramatic drop in meth cases Summit highlights need to continue fight PAGE 2

No liquor license at BL Economy’s effect on property values makes assessor’s job difficult PAGE 13

Gableman accused of judicial misconduct Former Burnett County judge and newly-elected State Supreme Court justice faces charge filed by the Wisconsin Jucicial Commission PAGE 3

IN S ID E

Grantsburg Middle Schooler Clara Leonard was stopping traffic in the oh so mod outfit she sported last week for the Blast from the Past day held as part of the school’s homecoming week’s special dress-up days. More photos inside. - Photos by Priscilla Bauer

B r av in g ca nc er Unity student counts on faith, family and friends; Benefit set for Oct. 18

Band shell dedication Currents section

Life is just a bowl of...peaches?

Currents page 17

One is good...three are better Currents feature

SPORTS

Saint golfers headed to state Page 17

by Mary Stirrat BALSAM LAKE — Cancer is a scary word.

It’s even scarier when you are a 13-year-old and you are told you have it.

That’s what happened at the beginning of August to Unity eighth-grader Sanay Hemingway, but she didn’t succumb to fear, and she has used her illness to inspire others.

Sanay was admitted at Children’s Hospital in St. Paul Friday evening, Aug. 1, after suffering from back pain that grew increasingly worse. CT scans at Amery showed a large mass, so she was taken to Children’s.

About 2 a.m. Saturday, the oncologist came to talk with Sanay and her parents, Lois and Dave Hemingway, who were staying with her at the hospital. Initial tests indicated a tumor the size of a cantaloupe on her left ovary.

Surgery was scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 5, at noon.

Sanay records in her CaringBridge site how she was

See Braving cancer, page 35

Sanay Hemingway, an eighthgrade student at Unity Schools, is battling cancer with help of family and friends. - Photo by Mary Stirrat

The Inter-County Leader is a cooperative-owned newspaper

PAGE 2 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - OCTOBER 8, 2008

Leader

Serving Northwest Wisconsin

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

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

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An update on the meth challenge Dramatic success, but battle continues

BALSAM LAKE - There has been a dramatic drop in the number of meth cases in Northwest Wisconsin - considered ground zero by state Attorney General J. B. Van Hollen when it comes to meth crime.

Last Thursday, Van Hollen joined 50 regional legislators, law enforcement personnel, social workers and others gathered at Balsam Lake for a meth summit.

The group was informed that despite progress, meth continues to be a problem throughout Northwest Wisconsin and while meth labs have been shut down throughout the region, meth supplies continue to originate from Mexican suppliers, according to state Sen. Sheila Harsdorf.

That’s a problem that has been going on for a few years, according to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.

That agency estimated two years ago that as much as 80 percent of the nation’s meth supply comes from socalled superlabs in Mexico and the southwestern United States.

The supply has increased, being routed by traditional drug cartels with ties to organized crime, the agency claims.

Harsdorf is chair of the St. Croix Valley Task Force, was one of the cohosts of the summit along with Eric Johnson, St. Croix County district attorney, Tim Moore, Polk County sheriff.

Area state Reps. Ann Hraychuck, John Murtha, and Kitty Rhoades will also be attending.

Harsdorf said lawmakers wanted to hear from people who deal directly with meth addicts - and hear ideas about the next steps lawmakers should take to battle the problem.

Additional funding for jail alternatives, such as the drug court program, and for drug treatment and helping families affected by meth use were discussed. The culture that involves alcohol abuse and a growing use of pharmeceuticals was also noted.

Over the past three or four years, local law enforcement has stepped up education and enforcement involving methamphetamines. A law that Today’s summit highlighted that while we have made progress in shutting down meth labs, we must be vigilant and collaborative in our continued efforts to fight meth use,” said Harsdorf, lead Senate author of the Crackdown on Meth Act. “Enforcement, treatment, and education must partner to combat meth abuse – as it destroys families, escalates property crime and raises costs to taxpayers.”

Van Hollen applauded the dramatic reductions in meth labs in the sevencounty region after the passage of the Crackdown on Meth Act. Lab cases dwindled from 372 in 2005 to 161 in 2007, a drop of over 60 percent since enactment.

One of the key components of battling meth was the passage of legislation that required cold medications containing pseudoephedrine - an ingredient used in the production of meth - to be placed behind a pharmacy counter and limited the amount one person could buy in one day or a month.

Discussions about future actions focused around protecting children, lowering recidivism through use of local tools such as drug courts, and ensuring resources are available to deal with treatments and correction issues. Gary King with information from the office of state Sen. Sheila Harsdorf and State Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen and the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel

Sen. Sheila Harsdorf, St. Croix County District Attorney Eric Johnson, Polk County Sheriff Tim Moore and Wisconsin Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen hosted a summit on meth abuse in Balsam Lake Oct. 2. - Photo submitted

The chart above shows the number of meth cases handled by the state crime lab in 2005, 2006 and 2007, showing a dramatic decrease from 726 in 2005 to 370 in 2007. The numbers overlaid on the counties (right) represent that county’s number of meth cases in each of the years.

BELOW: A 10-year tracking of meth cases statewide.

Every page of the Leader is available online. www.the-leader.net

OCTOBER 8, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 3

Gableman accused of judicial misconduct Complaint filed this week by the Wisconsin Judicial Commission MADISON - According to a story in The Capital Times of Madison this week, Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Michael J. Gableman is being accused of judicial misconduct when he was a Burnett County Circuit Court judge.

A formal complaint filed Tuesday by the Wisconsin Judicial Commission in the Supreme Court states that the commission found probable cause to believe Gableman willfully violated the Wisconsin Code of Judicial Conduct because of a TV ad that ran in March 2008 in support of Gableman’s campaign to unseat incumbent Supreme Court Justice Louis Butler.

“The false statements expressed in the advertisement related to Louis Butler’s background, qualifications and experience constitute a misrepresentation of facts,” the commission said in the complaint. “The misrepresentation was made knowingly or with reck-

Michael Gableman in Siren’s Fourth of July parade this past summer. - Photo by Gary King less disregard for the truth by Judge Gableman.”

According to Associated Press, the commission claims Gableman knew an ad wasn’t true when it claimed Butler found a “loophole” to free a child molester he had represented as a public defender. The complaint states that Buter did represent Reuben Lee Mitchell in an appeal from 1985 to 1988.

Although both the Wisconsin Court of Appeals and Supreme Court agreed the circuit court committed an error,

No new positions this year for overworked departments Burnett County budget situation delays any new hiring for now

by Sherill Summer SIREN – None of the Burnett County Supervisors at the public safety committee meeting denied that the clerk of court office is understaffed. To underscore this point, the clerk of court, Trudy Schmidt, announced that the number of new cases jumped 37 percent in September over August counts, and the number of documents flowing into the office also jumped, by 34 percent, last month.

Despite the consensus that the clerk of court office needs help, the new position request for the clerk of court office was denied.

Chairman Phil Lindeman hopes to provide help in the office by shuffling

employees around from other department.

The decision not to hire was described as a temporary, quick-fix solution, not a permanent solution, and the clerk of court office is not alone in having its new position request denied. All new position requests were denied, explained Lindeman, because there just isn’t the money there to hire.

The forestry and park department is being asked to use contracted foresters to help the forestry department stay caught up, and the sheriff’s department also had a new position request denied and will have to make do with current staff levels.

Follow the Leader.

the Supreme Court determined the mistake was not sufficient to warrant a new trial, so Mitchell remained in custody. He was released on parole in 1992 and was convicted of sexually assault a child three years later.

The commission wrote, “Louis Butler did not cause, facilitate or enable Mitchell’s release from prison and had no responsibility for or connection with Mitchell’s subsequent commission of a crime.”

The complaint will go to a Judicial Conduct Panel selected by the chief judge of the Court of Appeals. The panel will report its findings of fact, conclusions of law and recommend discipline if any to the Supreme Court, which will review the report and issue a final decision.

A previous case resulted in a public reprimand for Justice Annette Kingsland Ziegler for sitting on 11 cases involving a band where her husband served on the board of directors without disclosing that fact to the parties - with information from The Capital Times and Associated Press

Boy remains in coma following accident BALSAM LAKE - A 7-year-old local boy remained in a coma, Tuesday, Oct. 7, at Gillette Children’s Hospital in St. Paul, Minn. after being struck Friday afternoon by a pickup truck.

Cody Ward is listed in serious condition but responds to pain stimulus, according to information from the Polk County Sheriff’s Department.

The boy darted out into traffic while trying to cross Hwy. 46 on the west end of Balsam Lake, according to witnesses.

He was struck by a pickup truck driven by Cody L. Turnquist, 18, of rural Centuria.

Traffic at the time was “moderately heavy,” according to a news release from the sheriff’s department.

The boy was treated at the scene by Balsam Lake First Responders and Unity Area Ambulance. Life Link helicopter transported the boy directly from the scene to Regions Hospital in St. Paul. He was later transferred to Gillette Hospital.

The boy is the son of Harlene FitzPatrick of rural St. Croix Falls. with information from the Polk County Sheriff’s Department

J u st c al l u s Fr e d

A new sign for the village of Frederic was placed on a post during a construction project recently, but Chris Prondzinski noticed the name of the town had been misspelled. “They took the incorrect sign down and quickly put up the old one,” Prondzinski noted. “They showed me the blueprints for the new sign, and they were correct, but someone in the sign department wasn’t paying attention.” - Photo submitted

The 75-year history of the InterCounty Cooperative Publishing Association, which produced the nation’s first cooperative-owned newspaper - the Inter-County Leader can be found in a special open house edition online in our e-edition section at www.the-leader.net

PAGE 4 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - OCTOBER 8, 2008

Candidates respond to Leader survey

BURNETT/POLK COUNTIES - This is the second in a series of questions being posed to candidates for the local offices of District 73 Assembly, District 28 Assembly and State Senate, District 10.

This week’s question: Would you support increasing the state sales tax rate from 5.5 percent to 6 percent, netting an additional $800 million or more, that could be used to cut state income tax rates by about 12 percent?

State Assembly race - District 28 Rep. Ann Hraychuck, Democrat incumbent The Legislature should not consider any tax increase before they target tax reform to benefit hardworking families while eliminating tax codes that provide preferential tax treatment for certain corporations and individuals.

Our tax codes are unfair to most families, who not only pay their taxes, but end up having to also pay the corporation share as well. It is very disturbing that some of the most profitable businesses in America like Microsoft and Wal-Mart are able to avoid paying state income taxes because they are able to manipulate the tax code.

I am especially bothered about the homeowner property tax burden that has increased as corporations pay less.

Thirty years ago, homeowners and corporations equally shared property tax payments. Today homeowners shoulder 70 percent of the tax burden while business pays only 30 percent. We can improve property tax relief if all taxpayers assume a shared responsibility for our shared prosperity.

Not only am I working to achieve greater tax equity, I co-sponsored the homeowners property tax exemption proposal, which would reduce property taxes for the average homeowner by $600. In recent years, the scale of tax relief has not helped the homeowner.

Our first priority should be to redistribute the dollars that are paid in order to treat homeowners with the relief they deserve.

Kent Muschinske, Republican challenger No, I would not support this type of an initiative.

The key phrase to which I object is, “could be used to cut state income tax rates…” Wisconsin has a history of good intentions regarding substituting one tax for another—each time the revenue source to be reduced was left unchanged and the net result was higher taxes. The only way to control taxes is to control spending, and that must be the first step taken on the road to fiscal responsibility and a balanced budget.

Unlike my opponent, I would also vote against the introduction of any new taxes or assessments. Not only did Ann Hraychuck vote in favor of increasing health care costs by creating a new $418 million hospital tax to be paid by sick people, she also initiated legislation to raise the sales tax on certain retailers in the district.

Tax swaps don’t work, and I can’t believe anyone would expect families and businesses to tolerate additional tax increases. Instead of raising taxes and growing government, I’ll work hard to impose reasonable limits and control spending, allowing people to take home more of their hard-earned money.

State Assembly - District 73 (seat being vacated

by Frank Boyle) Jeffery Monaghan, Independent candidate Again, thank you for this opportunity to respond to these very serious issues which affect the state of Wisconsin and especially the 73rd District which I seek to represent. I have stated on my Web site (www.monaghan2008.com) that I would never vote to increase any tax or create any new tax. So, simply, I would vote “no” on any tax increase – but in fact, I like the proposal to reduce the state income tax as stated. And our goal must be to cut taxes. Period.

Here’s why: In this current state budget deficit, we need to realize we are spending more than our revenues indicate we have. Twenty-five of 50 states nationwide are running budget deficits.

Other governors around the nation realize that the sooner we execute a new direction of reducing our spending, build a reserve fund, and cut taxes, prosperity will be here again. We need to build a growth economy where money spent in an area is spent several times over on goods and services. That vision comes from local entrepreneurs, small business, and corporate retooling to train their workforce and manufacture items locally instead of importing goods from overseas. We need a greater self-discipline to take care of ourselves with the resources we have. That’s American. That’s patriotism.

But more importantly, we need this kind of leadership to inspire local vision and virtue. True patriotism embraces the idea that we can improve our quality of life when we come together with skills and talents to participate in a growth economy – where businesses are

interdependent and money is spent several times over. We need leadership that doesn’t just think of spending money but also invests wisely to create new sources of revenue which is publicly shared.

For example, rather than increasing taxes (on either sales or income) we could invest as an equity partner in the Murphy Oil expansion in Superior.

Every citizen would have shared ownership and a share in the profits of our oil industry. Too, the expansion would put numerous people to work, and we could work our way out of this recession. Wages would increase, and taxes would decrease as those profits go directly to state government. Like Alaska and Texas, our oil industry would benefit all. And any time we want we could sell our equity interest and get the money back. It’s an investment, not an expense. And it’s not fuzzy math.

I have written our Congressman Dave Obey and challenged him as House Appropriations chairman to fund a $10 million account modeled after the IRRRB (Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board) in northern Minnesota. With this money small businesses could borrow and later pay back in order to build a factory which manufactures solar panels or wind turbine technology or a biofuel plant as we transition to renewable sources of energy nationwide. Also, I favor mandatory recycling of plastics, glass, and metals instead of burying them in a landfill. A new business could be started sorting our garbage and selling the raw materials. And all of these businesses could be cooperatives – not necessarily privately owned for the purposes of creating private wealth – and the profits could be shared by municipalities or county governments. We need to see our future as one of securing the blessing of liberty and cementing our national security.

Do you see my point? The leadership I am advocating is local control of our resources to create wealth which is shared publicly and builds a local

growth economy. This creates revenue which allows us to reduce taxes and not increase them. I do not want to play a shell game over the sources of revenue which state government mishandles with budget deficits anyway. As an Independent, I am much more serious with my time and energy devoted to the citizenry not a political agenda which is funded by special interests. And I think the less money we take from taxpayers actually helps people and government.

Nick Milroy, Democratic candidate Wisconsin has a fundamental problem with taxes. A proposal to shift the burden from income taxes to sales tax is nothing more than a shell game that will hurt working families.

Many of the biggest corporations doing business in our state pay virtually nothing in state income taxes, while hardworking families have taken on the brunt of the state tax burden. Property taxes have gone through the roof, and the cost of everyday items (e.g. food, gasoline, energy) has skyrocketed.

Middle-class working Americans can no longer afford to bail out corporate special interests with broken tax policies brought to us by Republicans. It’s time we focus tax cuts on the people who are working longer and harder than ever before, just trying to get by, rather than on the fat cats who bankroll lobbyists to do their bidding.

State Senate District 10

Alison Page, Democratic challenger The Wisconsin State Legislature should undertake a comprehensive review of the state’s tax structure to determine the most fair and appropriate balance of taxing methods (income tax, fees, property tax and sales tax) to be used to raise funds for essential state programs. This review should be done in conjunction with efforts to ensure tax dollars are used as wisely as possible, eliminating unnecessary state regulations and programs. No tax increase of any type should be considered until this review is completed.

Sheila Harsdorf, Republican incumbent I support tax reductions that are sustainable, which is achieved by controlling and reducing government spending.

“Tax swaps” – wherein politicians propose increasing one tax to lower another have failed repeatedly over our state’s history. Did you know that Wisconsin has increased the sales tax and income tax five times under the guise of “lowering property taxes”? Yet, our property taxes are higher than ever!

We need to reduce the tax burden through spending limits.

Gov. Doyle has also rightfully rejected proposed tax swaps. At the end of the day, taxpayers pay from one pocket or another, and tax swaps have regrettably ended up as an excuse to raise taxes and spend more. To deliver property, sales, and income tax relief, we need to reign in government spending. This should be a priority.

While my opponent has called for both sales and income tax increases and wants to grow the size of government, I believe we need a government that lives within the means of taxpayers.

OCTOBER 8, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 5

P O L K

C O U N T Y

H E A D L I N E S

JoAnn Phernetton new CRA executive director Burnett County native takes lead at support agency

by Gregg Westigard MILLTOWN – The Community Referral Agency in Milltown has a new executive director, JoAnn Phernetton.

The Webster native comes to CRA at a time when the agency is emerging from a challenging year that saw the arrest of the previous executive director, the replacement of many longtime staff members, a large turnover on the CRA Board of Directors and a significant loss of donations.

The Community Referral Agency offers help and protection to victims of domestic violence, serving Polk and Burnett counties and the St. Croix Ojibwa Tribe. It operates a 24-hour crisis line and shelter house for women and children at risk. CRA also provides

JoAnn Phernetton is the new executive director of the Community Referral Agency in Milltown. The Webster native has years of experience in working with victims of violence. - Photo by Gregg Westigard

many services, from counseling to housing to financial support, for its clients.

Phernetton joins CRA with many years of experience. She worked in the Burnett County as a child protection specialist in the Children and Families Unit of the county human services department. That work brought her in contact with many of the public agencies she will be working with at CRA. It also gave her hands-on experience with much of the community CRA serves.

Phernetton worked in northern Minnesota for the past two years, involved in work with at-risk elderly persons.

“There is a large and growing need to help domestic violence victims,” Phernetton says. “CRA tells women that you don’t have to put up with what you have been getting. We help them build strength and self-esteem as they build new lives.”

All this takes community support and money. After a year of upheaval at CRA,

Phernetton faces the job of rebuilding the public image of the agency and increasing its financial support. A private nonprofit, CRA depends on gifts and grants to support its work. That year included a period with a large turnover in the staff, the arrest of the agency head, Alta Tann, for theft from the clients and drug possession, and a number of resignations from the governing board. This turmoil resulted in the loss of a large amount of donations.

“We are rebuilding community trust,” Phernetton says. “While all of this was happening in CRA, the need for our services never stopped. The violence increases, and the clients still need CRA.” Phernetton says that many volunteers have continued their commitment to the agency and the domestic violence victims. They work with a committed and professional staff of 10, trying to meet a need that increases as a weakening economy leads to an increase in family stress and abuse.

Former CRA director sentenced

Addiction problem hurt clients and CRA, Tann offers apology

by Gregg Westigard BALSAM LAKE – “I can not describe the seriousness and the scope of consequences of your conduct,” Judge Robert Rasmussen told Alta Tann last Friday, Oct. 3, at her sentencing hearing. “You have done severe damage to an organization. You have done damage to two women. You have done unknown damage to others who may have sought to seek help.”

Tann was arrested in August 2007 and charged with theft and possession of

[At her sentencing hearing, Alta Tann read this statement which she had handwritten in a spiral notebook.

Judge Rasmussen asked her if she would share it with the court, and it was entered as exhibit No. 1 for the Oct. 3 court date.]

To the board of CRA: I apologize for my selfish actions and the harm I’ve caused. I never intended to hurt anyone but myself in my quest for drugs. I let you down and my heart hurts because of it.

To the staff of CRA who aided in my getting help: I am so proud of you. You did exactly what you were supposed to do to protect the clients and the agency.

I will never forget your courage. I apol-

narcotic drugs. The executive director of the Community Referral Agency in Milltown, she was accused of using her position to take prescription drugs from residents of the CRA shelter, women who had come there to escape domestic violence. After a year of court dates, and after a year of treatment for drug addiction, Tann entered a plea of guilty to theft with the possession charges read into the record. She was sentenced to four years of probation and 30 days in jail.

“Your direct victims were vulnerable people,” Rasmussen said. “They were there (at CRA) because they were under issues of control and manipulation. You were in a position to repeat that. You revictimized these victims. I can’t get

my arms around the entirety of collateral damage you have done.”

“You must serve some jail time,” Rasmussen continued. “A first-time shoplifter gets five days. You are a mature lady. Your crime is much more significant, not in the same league as shoplifting. The message must go out to the public that this can not be tolerated.”

Rasmussen noted that Tann had made great progress in coming to terms with her addiction. He said that as long as she kept her condition under control, she would be of no danger to the public.

“Addictive behavior is the greatest cause of criminal conduct,” Rasmussen said. “Addictive behavior is some of the most difficult behavior to understand.

Alta Tann’s statement

ogize to you for putting you in such a difficult position. I also thank you for your intervention.

To the clients of CRA: I apologize for the harm I may have caused you. I pray that you find the help you need as I did. I never stopped caring about you.

My disease separated me from controlling my behavior. Please believe I wish you well.

To the court and Polk County Justice System: Thank you for allowing me to get the help that I needed. You also have helped to save my life and for that I am eternally grateful. It was right that I should have to answer to you for my behavior.

The tornado that I had become was bent on self-destruction. I apologize for

the positions you were all placed in while trying to do your jobs. I know now that I have a disease called addiction. I will always have this disease. I knew I needed help but could not see past the fog to get help.

Through your compassion and caring, and my hard work, I have been clean for 13 months. I attend self-help groups on a regular basis, and I have a sponsor. I am also doing service work for the groups that I attend.

To the community at large: I apologize for the hurt I may have caused you. I know that in my illness I compromised friendships and trust.

Some of you asked how I made it through the first six months of my employment. The truth is I tried not to

But it is not acceptable behavior.”

Rasmussen noted that Tann had hurt the CRA in its reputation and its fundraising ability. He added that CRA had incurred significant legal expenses and could still ask for restitution.

Tann read a handwritten statement apologizing to the CRA staff, clients, board and the community (see attached story). She added that she knows there is no way to undo what she has done but will continue to work on herself and her addiction.

“I am extremely pleased with the progress she has made with her treatment,” Ken Davis, her public defense attorney told the Leader. “She will now give back to society what she took. She will.”

feel, and I succeeded most of the time.

Conditions of my bond prevented me from calling you. But you are and always will be in my heart.

To my family: Thank you for seeing me through this dark time even as you were hurting because of my addiction.

I apologize for my behavior, and as you know, I am doing all that I can to make sure my disease stays under arrest.

The hurt and pain I have caused you stays with me each day. I wish I could take back that which caused you to distrust me but I can’t.

I can only do the next right thing whatever it is. I don’t ever want to disappoint you in this manner again.

I appreciate your loving support.

– Alta Tann

The needs of CRA BURNETT/POLK COUNTIES - The Community Referral Agency operates a shelter, but that is just a part of its services. The needs of the agency are great.

For starters, CRA is on duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week because violence never sleeps and a victim may need help anytime. The shelter and the emergency phone line need 24/7 staffing.

Heating and food costs are rising.

Victims have more needs than a place of refuge, they need support and counseling. CRA employs a dedicated, professional staff of 10 to work with the clients.

CRA has many clients out in the community. Many of these people need funds for food, clothing, and gas as they try to re-establish daily lives that have been uprooted. Adults need help in

healing emotional wounds and help in looking at jobs skills and work opportunities as they try to build a new life.

Children need to get back to school, with transportation and school supplies.

All this means that CRA needs money, supplies and volunteers. The money need is large for the private nonprofit organization. It costs at least $400,000 a year to keep CRA operating.

The agency also has a list of needed donated items, from new sleepwear and undergarments to gas cards, phone cards and postage stamps. As winter comes, there is a need for warm clothes.

The agency depends on volunteers of all kinds. Many professionals volunteer their services for such things as legal help, counseling and job training. CRA needs drivers, fundraisers and commu-

nity speakers. Persons wanting to be part of the volunteer staff are screened and trained. And many in the communi-

ty have served as volunteer members of the CRA Board of Directors.

A look at the numbers

the stress of economics problems in our society takes its toll on families.

Not all survive.

Remembering the domestic violence homicide victims Polk County Sue Wieland, stabbed to death by her boyfriend Roland Krueger, shot to death by his wife Samantha Verby, shot to death by her boyfriend Mikayla Tester, killed by her father Zachary Wolfe, killed by his father

Domestic violence in our area

NORTHWEST WISCONSIN - Not all domestic violence victims are served by CRA, but the numbers for that agency alone are high.

In 2007, CRA provided services to 784 women, 79 children and 46 men. Of those, 59 women and 49 children took actual shelter in the safe home for a total of 3,437 days of shelter. CRA provided 5,706 miles of transportation and 946 hours of support group help.

The numbers are higher for 2008 as

PAGE 6 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - OCTOBER 8, 2008

B U R N E T T

C O U N T Y

H E A D L I N E S

Sheriff’s department now has commercial vehicle patrol

by Sherill Summer SIREN – Expanded commercial motor vehicle enforcement in Burnett County may, at first, only seem to affect drivers of commercial trucks with upward of 16 wheels, but now that a Burnett County deputy has the scale to weigh trucks and the training to perform a full inspection, all Burnett County drivers maybe a little bit safer. The roads themselves remain in better shape because of it also.

Deputy Steve Sacharski has the equipment and has completed all the training needed to patrol commercial semi trucks and other commercial vehicles.

In just a few months, as a part of his normal duty, he has performed 23 stops of commercial vehicles and has found 33 violations that meet the criteria of putting the vehicle out-of service until the violation can be corrected. He said he is especially seeing a lot of vehicles with unsecured loads.

Each stop can take about an hour if the truck is well-maintained. However, an inspection of a truck with a many things wrong can take several hours.

Even though the sheriff’s department owns a set of scales to weigh trucks, currently there is no way to conveniently transport the scales around, but Sheriff Dean Roland already has plans to get a

vehicle that can transport the scales, and there will likely be more weight enforcement in the future.

Roland doesn’t envision the program to be enforcement only; he also sees a public service component. Already he is creating a list of mechanics that can help keep commercial vehicles in compliance with safety standards, and Sacharski has offered to help with any questions drivers might have, especially on securing loads properly. The way he sees it, he would rather help anyone out beforehand so that he doesn’t have to confront problems on the roadside.

Although Roland views the enforcement as a measure to make the roads safer, Bob Morehouse, the highway commissioner, views the commercial vehicle enforcement, especially the enforcement of overweight vehicles, as preserving the road infrastructure because overweight vehicles are especially hard on roads, and money has been tight to fix roads.

A manual used in commercial motor vehicle enforcement shows pictures of safety hazards to watch for. In the background is a scale that is used to weigh commercial vehicle trucks. – Photo by Sherill Summer

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The Inter-County Leader: Bringing you the local news for 75 years

OCTOBER 8, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 7

P O L K

C O U N T Y

H E A D L I N E S

Luck welcomes new village administrator

by Mary Stirrat LUCK — Ties to the area plus experience in management and public relations equal a good fit for Luck’s first administrator, Kristina Handt.

The volunteerism of the community, exhibited when all the books were moved from the old library to the new in a matter of hours, has greatly impressed her, said Handt. In communities the size of Luck, she said, it can sometimes be difficult to get things done because of a lack of resources.

“That doesn’t seem to be a problem in Luck,” she said. “Everyone seems willing to pitch in.”

She looks forward to coupling that “sense of civic pride and volunteerism”

with outside resources to bring in grants and work with surrounding municipalities to accomplish successful projects, she added.

Handt came on the job Sept. 15, attending her first village board meeting last week. She spent the last four years as legislative assistant to Minnesota state Sen. Gary Kubly.

After growing up in Elk River, Minn., and graduating from Elk River High School, Handt obtained her undergraduate degree from UW-River Falls. She then worked for Congressman Jim Oberstar in Chisholm, Minn.

When she went back to school for paralegal certification, Handt began working at Kohl’s Department Store.

New plans for former Wendy Lou’s discussed

by Tammi Milberg DRESSER–Brian and Marie Mottaz were present at the Dresser Village Board meeting Monday, Oct. 6, to discuss plans for the former Wendy Lou’s, former Murphy’s building on Hwy. 35 in the village.

The business has been vacant since Wendy Lou’s closed shop. Prior to that, it operated as Murphy’s Bar and Grill, and before that it was vacant after Louie’s closed its doors.

Marie Mottaz is the daughter of the individual that operated the establishment as Murphy’s. Brian and Marie’s plans are to reopen the business and rename it The Boulevard Sports Bar and Grill.

They informed the board that they would like to have the business be a

family-type-atmosphere restaurant.

They also asked the board about applying for a liquor license and have yet to submit an application.

The Mottazs indicated they would like to have the place open in December if their plan goes well.

In other business, the village board approved the 2009 ambulance service contract per capita to two entities. Two entities serve the village, and they pay one-half of the per capita rate to each ambulance service. They approved an $8 per capita payment for Osceola Ambulance and the same for LifeLink III. LifeLink III was requesting $11 per capita, but the board declined that amount.

The next regular board meeting will be Monday, Nov. 3, at 6:30 p.m.

Lions donate

When the events of Sept. 11, 2001, occurred, her direction changed and she remained at Kohl’s, working her way up from a part-time seasonal employee to district auditor.

She eventually went to work with Kubly, completing her master’s degree in advocacy and political leadership at

CRA benefit Friday, Oct. 17 Make a Difference Challenge 2008 MILLTOWN - Friday evening, Oct. 17, is a chance to support the work of the Community Referral Agency and meet Joann Phernetton, the new executive director. The fall fundraiser at the Milltown Community Center starts at 5:30 p.m. with a wine, cheese, and hors d’oeuvres social hour, a chance to min-

Local fire departments receive state grants and hand tools; communication equipment; and off-road vehicles for fire suppression.”

Local fire departments receiving grants are: Apple River - $1,632, Dresser-Osceola-Garfield - $3,184, Grantsburg - $4,975, Frederic $1,406.50, Deer Park – $2,116, Jackson Township - $1,297, Lorain - $4,720, Milltown - $4,637.50, Osceola $3,812.50, Scott Township - $5,908.50, Siren - $5,262.50 and St. Croix Falls $2,162.50.

Forest Ranger Ross Larson of Grantsburg states, “Statewide over $879,000 was awarded and 266 fire organizations received funding. The total amount for our local fire departments this year was $41,114. Since the program began in 1997, fire departments in Burnett and Polk counties have been awarded over $408,000.” from the DNR

gle with the special guests including Judges Ken Kutz and Robert Rasmussen as well as Sen. Sheila Harsdorf and Rep. Ann Hraychuck.

The evening will include live music, an auction and comments from the special guests.

Interested in attending the fall event, making a donation or volunteering?

Call CRA at 715-825-4414. - Gregg Westigard

Frederic man charged in burglaries BALSAM LAKE–The Polk County Sheriff’s Department arrested Timothy Clark, 44, Frederic, on Sept. 30, following a search warrant execution at his residence.

Clark was connected to two burglaries on May 20, and Aug. 17, in which power tools, an outboard motor and frozen food was reported stolen.

The sheriff’s department received information that a chain saw taken from one of the burglaries was pawned at a pawn shop in Fridley, Minn. A search warrant was issued and during the

Lion President Elect- the Rev. Jody Walter (L) turning over funds raised at the Friends of the Pool Ball Tournament, held Saturday, Sept. 6, to Lion Phil Knuf. Knuf wears many hats; he is on the Friends of the Pool Committee, president of the village of Frederic and supporting longtime member of the Frederic Lions Club. The net funds raised for the Friends of the Pool was $1,101. – Photo submitted

BURNETT/POLK COUNTIES Several local fire departments from Burnett and Polk counties were recently awarded grants according to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. These grants, known as Forest Fire Protection grants, are funded by the state of Wisconsin forestry mill tax and the United States Department of Agriculture.

According to Webster Forest Ranger Renae Paulson, “The Forest Fire Protection grant program was established in 1997 to help local fire organizations increase and strengthen the DNR’s fire suppression capabilities on forest fires. The FFP grant program provides funds on a 50-50 cash match basis for the purchase of forest fire suppression equipment. Fire departments may use the funding for the following items: protective clothing; fire training; fire prevention materials; fire equipment including hose, pumps, foam,

Kristina Handt, new village of Luck administrator – Photo by Mary Stirrat

the same time. She received her degree, with a concentration in small community leadership, from UM-Duluth in December 2007 “It was interesting how that previous experience in management at Kohl’s coupled with public relations experience working with the senator and congressman, could prepare me for this position,” she said.

“It was the next logical step to use that degree and my previous experience to move forward in my career.”

Handt’s father and stepmother have been in Webster for the past seven or eight years, which she said was an added draw. Her stepmother passed away about two weeks ago. She will be staying with her father until her home in St. Paul sells and she purchases a place in Luck.

Although she is now a Wisconsin resident, Handt holds on to her passion for the Minnesota Vikings.

“As long as they keep pace with the Packers I’ll be happy,” Handt said. “It’s a good week to be a Viking fan versus a Packer fan.”

search on Sept. 30, several items from both burglaries were recovered.

When Clark was arrested, he admitted to pawning and selling some of the stolen property from the burglaries. He was charged with two counts of burglary and possession of stolen property.

Clark is currently on a probation hold for theft in Polk County, is a convicted felon with substantial history of aggravated robbery, burglary, theft, drug possession and fleeing police in a motor vehicle. –from the Polk County Sheriff’s Department

Think pink FREDERIC – In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, please join the women of the Frederic Evangelical Free Church as Deanna McWilliam tells the story of her personal battle with breast cancer. Think pink, bring a friend and prepare to cry and laugh.

The retreat is on Friday, Oct. 17, 9:1511:15 a.m., refreshments are served and child care is provided. Frederic Evangelical Free Church is located on Old CTH W and Churchwood Lane, in Frederic. Please call 715-327-8767 for more information. – submitted

Completes basic training ST. CROIX FALLS — St. Croix Falls senior Pvt. Brittany A. Christensen returned from boot camp in August to finish her final year in high school.

Christensen was 17 years old during boot camp, graduating from D. Company 3-34 Infantry 4th Plt. Raiders at Fort Jackson, SC. Christensen’s parents are Jari Livingston, Luck, and Tracy and Denise Christensen of Lake Geneva.

Grandparents are Rollin and Nora Asper, Luck, and John and Nancy LaDoucer, Turtle Lake. Great-grandmother is Dorothy LaDoucer, Frederic.

Her parents, siblings, and grandparents are very proud of her accomplishments.

— submitted

Pvt. Brittany A. Christensen

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

L e a d e r We b Po l l

Total votes: 35

The healing begins

This week’s question

Local food shelves

1 votes I have used one for a while 3 votes Used one for first time this year 19 votes I have donated 12 votes Neither donated or used

F O R U M

Raise legal age for driver’s license

1. Yes, to 17 2. No, it’s fine the way it is (16) 3. Yes, to 18 or higher

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

J o e H e l l e r

Stories on the CRA this week reflect a new beginning for the domestic abuse shelter and all it means to our communities in Burnett and Polk counties.

The hiring of a new director. The sentencing of its former director. The strong, worded statements by the judge, focusing on what the former director’s actions meant in relation to how important the CRA was - and is - are both enlightening and cathartic events in their own right.

It was more than a year ago the Leader published a story of internal turmoil within the CRA - at the urging of CRA staff members. It led to an exchange of acrimonious letters to the editor and the drawing of sides. Some said the public needed to know about the internal struggle - even though the CRA is a private, nonprofit entity. Others said the publicity hurt the fundraising efforts for the agency.

In the end, even though the unfortunate headlines may have oversimplified the story, it was the justice system that brought the story to an unforeseen end, and began the healing.

Today, there’s a new optimism at CRA that will carry it far in retaining and expanding on its role in our community, helping the victims of, and educating the public about domestic abuse.

October marks the 27th anniversary of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. There’s no issue more important as it relates to our communities - and that’s why the CRA’s renewal and continued success in its work deserves our attention and support.

75 years in the making

We tell stories.

And since it was founded 75 years ago, our newspaper, the Inter-County Leader, has told thousands of stories - from wars to weddings, graduations to gridiron greatness, births to deaths.

In nearly 4,000 issues since 1933, the Leader has kept the people of Burnett and Polk counties informed of what goes on in their backyard - and of local connections with the world.

Our own story began in the Great Depression with a group of farmers some local newspapers deemed radical in their struggle to gain a stronger voice in their quest for a better economic future. Feeling unfairly characterized and perhaps even slandered by reports in local papers and papers across the state, those farmers felt they needed some way to speak out for their own interests.

The movement to form cooperative businesses was reaching a peak across the nation - and so it was that the group of local farmers in Polk and Burnett counties began their own newspaper. For $5 you could become a voting member in the cooperative. Bennie Bye, a journeyman journalist, took on the job of editing and managing the new paper.

The initial editorial content of the Leader in 1933 focused on the milk strikes and dispelling rumors about the strike.

But Bye also made it clear that the Leader was to be a vehicle to offer a forum for everyone.

“No lines have been drawn,” Bye wrote in the premiere issue, “but all stock has been sold with the understanding that this is to be a cooperative paper serving the best interest of the common people, whether they be farmers, professional men or businessmen...”

The original goal of the Leader met, the nation’s first cooperative-owned newspaper continued as a strong public forum on a number of issues, Bye at the helm for 20 years, a clear voice, advocating cooperatives throughout the upper Midwest.

Seventy-five years and four editors later, the Leader maintains a realization of its roots, a strong public forum and a proud record of defending freedom of the press.

Not to overlook the cooperative principal of providing needed services and jobs.

October is National Cooperative Month. And we know ICCPA carries on the best aspects of a cooperative as the countdown to a century begins.

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

Our cold case

Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen this week announced that the state's Department of Justice has received a $500,000 federal grant for the solving of cold cases - unsolved crimes - usually homicides - that have left a guilty party unpunished due to the lack of forensic or other evidence.

As Van Hollen notes in a press release, as criminal investigations age, the likelihood of a successful outcome is dramatically reduced. Key evidence degrades or is lost, witnesses disappear and memories fade.

Advancement in DNA technology and other investigative strategies provides hope for solving cases that have gone unsolved for years. But how many local agencies have the time and resources to pursue cold cases?

It may be pretentious to suggest, but perhaps some of that grant money could be used on an unsolved murder, that occurred 23 years ago now, in the city of St. Croix Falls - on Main Street. A 45-year-old woman was shot three times as she left home one cold December morning to go to work in Centuria.

At least one local authority claims to know the identity of the killer - and expressed great frustration with the lack of evidence to bring the killer to justice.

From what has been disclosed about the case, there may be no technology that would help solve this case.

But we urge the attorney general to take note of Polk County’s unsolved murder.

All editorials on this page by editor Gary King

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

T h e

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

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OCTOBER 8, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 9

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

John McCain loves calling himself a maverick. So what is a maverick anyway? According to the American Heritage Dictionary, a maverick is an unbranded range calf or colt or a person who resists adherence to a group. Does McCain fit the definition?

In the 2000 campaign he broke with the right wing of the Republican Party and declared that the Rev. Jerry Falwell was an “agent of intolerance;” but someone reined him in and soon he was embracing the good reverend and even gave the commencement speech at Falwell’s Liberty University. McCain first opposed the Bush tax cut for the rich, but someone reined him in and now the Bush tax cut for the rich is a wide plank in his economic platform.

McCain toes the neoconservative Bush line on privatizing Social Security, health care, free trade, deregulation of banks and all corporations in general and tax breaks for oil companies. He agrees with Bush’s disastrous war in Iraq and like Bush has no exit strategy.

He wants the U.S. to occupy Iraq for 100 years or more. Like Bush, McCain has let the real terrorists like Osama bin Laden slip from his radar screen.

It looks like the Old Maverick wears the Bush and Company brand.

Paul Sexton Siren

Sandy’s lesson to us Several weeks ago I received a call of a sandhill crane harassing the neighborhood at the Clayton trailer court by looking for handouts from the neighbors.

I proceeded to that location and found the young crane had been caged awaiting my arrival. “Sandy,” I called the crane, was then transported to my home to a cage more suitable for her size. I fed her and treated a sore foot that she had, and after several days, she was ready to be released back to the wild.

After calling Crex Meadows for an update on the crane flock, I drove Sandy out to the Fish Lake area and walked her out on the dike and down the marsh to a flock of her own species. Sandy just walked with me until she saw the large birds and then would not even be pushed towards them. Sandy seemed to be very afraid of the new environment, but I said goodbye and said, “You’re free – fly away,” and walked back to my truck. As I proceeded to River Road, I heard a thump on my truck’s topper – to my disbelief here was Sandy on top of the truck not wanting to be here in Crex.

I put her in the truck, and the next day when a flock flew over Clam Falls I tried releasing her again. To my surprise, she flew around the farm and then walked with me while I did chores. I felt bad for her and thought how true this is of humans also.

Humans tend to want the security and government handouts even if it means giving up their freedoms and having more government control. I guess the moral of my experience is to let Americans know, “Be careful how you vote in November.”

Tamara Larson Clam Falls

Hardworking Harsdorf I have known Sheila Harsdorf for many years and have great respect for her. She is a hardworking farmer who relates well to the people she represents.

She studies issues carefully, is honest and is a very humble state senator.

I am the mother of Kathy, a handicapped daughter, whom I personally

cared from until I was unable to do so.

My daughter was placed in a group home, and after a short while, I encountered a problem there. Medical Assistance paid for her needed medicine, but the staff there had used Kathy’s pocket money to pay for her medicine because the pharmacist (out of town) said he had to be paid in order to fill her prescription. After much hassle, I contacted state Sen. Harsdorf and relayed my story to her. She immediately contacted resources for me, and within an hour the pharmacist called me back and returned Kathy’s money to her!

I am 90 years old, and I appreciate when matters get handled so efficiently.

I learned that Harsdorf was compassionate and knowledgeable and there for Kathy and me. She personally addressed my problem. I never have to hesitate to call her now. Our district is fortunate to have her for our state senator.

Lois Kordosky River Falls

Are you registered?

I am writing on behalf of all the Burnett County town and village clerks, please contact your town/village clerk if you are not sure or are not registered.

Although you can register at the polls on election day, it could mean standing in a line. If you register at the polls or before – be sure to bring your valid Wisconsin driver’s license with you.

If you have any questions, please contact your clerk or call me. My office hours are Tuesday and Friday from 2 – 6 p.m., 715-866-8404, or call me at home 715-866-8412.

This will most likely be a big voter turnout, so if you are registered ahead of time, I know all the election boards will thank you.

Lorraine Radke Town of Jackson Clerk

Welfare abuse It concerns me that in-home health care for the elderly may be cut. These people have paid their dues and now need help.

What concerns me also is the young people on welfare. When welfare was set up, it was meant to help people going through a rough patch.

We have people that have been on welfare for years. This needs to stop.

They need to get off their backside and work. They need to get their priorities straight and pay their own bills. I told a co-worker that about her son. She said, he deserves to have some fun. I say so do the taxpayers. All I said was for him to pay his bills first.

They seem to have money for cigarettes, alcohol, casino and motel or cabin rent for vacations, but can’t pay their fuel, etc. We even have to pay more on our electric bills for deadbeat freeloaders.

Some women keep having babies to get more money. I know one that bragged about how much her boyfriend made, but it would be dumb to marry because then she wouldn’t get help.

Others don’t report all their income. I think Social Services needs to check up on these people and not give so freely.

I think there is fraud here.

Martha Heiden Amery

It’s in his book McCain’s words from his book, “Faith of my Fathers,” page 188, “I recognized the target. I dove in on it just as the tone

went off signaling that a SAM (missile) was flying toward me. I knew I should roll out and fly evasive maneuvers, ‘jinking’ in flyers parlance, when I heard the tone. An A-4 can outmaneuver a tracking SAM, pulling more G’s than the missile can take. But I was about to release my bombs when the tone sounded, and had I started jinking, I would never have had the time nor, probably the nerve, to go back in once I had lost the SAM. So, at about 3,500 feet, I released my bombs, then pulled back my stick to begin a steep climb to a safer altitude.” The SAM blew off his right wing.

I surmised from reading his book, it was McCain’s own fault he lost his plane and became a prisoner of war.

1. He exercised bad judgment under pressure 2. He ignored what he had been trained to do.

3. He knew he could and should outrun the missile.

4. The bombs were not released on the target.

He was always breaking the rules at the academy. Where he was called a spoiled brat by his superiors because admiral- grandpa and admiral- dad would step in to keep him from being kicked out.

It is also fair to say, it was Henry Kissinger who refused the offer of his release, because the enemy could use it as propaganda against us as a country where the privileged get released. He did however get privileged treatment which he admits. (It’s in the book.)

Maureen Conboy Rice Lake

Why Muschinske I’m supporting Kent Muschinske for Assembly on Nov. 4, and I hope you will too.

Muschinske has strong roots, coming from a family with a long history of service; to their country and to their community. He is a pro-life, pro-family defender of freedom, a compassionate conservative that will keep the best interests of the people he serves ahead of his own.

Muschinske shares the values of many of our friends and neighbors here in western Wisconsin. He knows that nuclear power should be an important part of a comprehensive plan for energy independence. Ann Hraychuck voted against developing nuclear power in Wisconsin. Muschinske is in favor of making health savings accounts deductible. Hraychuck has voted against this, keeping Wisconsin one of only a very few states that does not allow deductibility. Hraychuck also voted against a 4-percent yearly cap in college tuition increases. Muschinske is in favor of this, making college more affordable. There is one group, however, that Hraychuck did decide to help in the area of college costs: She voted to allow illegal aliens to attend UW and Wisconsin Technical Colleges and pay only in-state tuition! Muschinske is obviously against this bad idea.

Hraychuck also voted against a badly needed property tax freeze and even against a ban on partial birth abortions.

It’s clear to me that Hraychuk is certainly not representing my interests in Madison. Muschinske has proven his leadership abilities as an Air Force officer and also as an airline captain. He offers a real choice in a time of need.

He believes there is an alternative to the tax-and-spend mentality that has plagued our capital for decades. He thinks the surest way to improve the economy is to promote local job growth and development, not drive jobs away with more taxes, assessments and burdensome red tape. His vision of a

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

smaller more efficient government dedicated to the protection of life and liberty is one with which I whole heartedly agree. Please join me in sending Muschinske to the Wisconsin State Assembly, 28th District.

Sincerely, Steven J. Pyle Osceola

Two-percent limit Our Polk County Board is in the process of finalizing the 2009 budget, which will be approved in November with property tax bills mailed in December. The state of Wisconsin has 72 counties and only one, Eau Claire County, had a higher annual percent increase in property tax levy than Polk County’s 13.52-percent increase for budget year 2008. In Wisconsin, the average increase in county property tax levy was 4.45 percent for budget year 2008. This is according to data provided by the nonpartisan Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance.

From budget years 1990 to 2008, the Polk County property tax levy increased from $3.9 million to $19.8 million, a 507-(yes, five-hundred-seven) percent increase while the population increased 32 percent (per Wisconsin For Department of Administration). this time period, only one other Wisconsin county, Columbia, had a higher percentage property tax levy increase.

The property tax levy for the 2008 budget increased $2,356,400 over the 2007 budget. That is the greatest annual dollar increase in Polk County history. Some county board members have offered very good ideas on how to cut spending while others seem to have no trouble spending your hard-earned cash.

It is good that the people of Polk County have money trees to pay their taxes.

Polk County Board Supervisors talk about providing services to county residents, but what greater service could they do for the greatest number of residents than to minimize property tax levy increases.

County board members who voted for the 13.52-percent property tax levy increase are: Patricia Schmidt, Marvin Caspersen, Keith Rediske, Gerald Newville, Michael Larsen, Jay Luke, Diane Stoneking, Kim O’Connell, Gary Bergstrom, Arthur Gamache and Larry Jepsen. Hopefully, some of these elected officials will have mercy on us homeowners. Renters should remember that their cost of renting will likely increase when property taxes increase.

Now is not the time for our county to be spending huge sums of money. We may be headed into a recession or a depression like the 1930s. Higher property taxes will negatively impact people who are losing their jobs and homes.

Please tell your Polk County Board Supervisor not to increase the property tax levy by more than 2 percent.

Call the Polk County Clerk at 715-4859226 to get the name and phone number of your Polk County Board Supervisor or go to the Web site http://www.co.polk.wi.us/. The next Polk County Board meeting is Tuesday, Oct. 21, at 6 p.m., but is subject to change, and you should verify by calling the county clerk. You are allowed three minutes to express your views at the beginning of the meeting.

Dennis Radcliff Osceola

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PAGE 10 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - OCTOBER 1, 2008

Why no BTN? I’d like to know why our local cable company – Lakeland – doesn’t carry the Big Ten Network. Here we are in the center of the Big 10 states but have to watch some outside college and their sports.

I’m a sports fan and enjoy our home states. I’m sure others feel as I do, let’s see what we can do about it.

BTN Sports Fan Hazel Bohn Frederic

Make it honest Mr. Eiler Ravnholt if you use my name regarding my tenure in office be honest. The 20-some bills Mr. Hartung referred to in his letter were bills that I authored and got signed into law by three different governors. Also, along with these pieces of legislation, the initiatives will not go without notice. I am not here to blow smoke, I am just asking you and the other Kool-Aid drinkers to try a little honesty for a change. I have fully endorsed Kent Muschinski, not because he is a Republican, but because he is honest and will represent us and not himself.

It is easy to claim credit by co-sponsoring a piece of legislation, but it takes a lot more work to author a bill and usher it through the process. I forgot to mention one more authored bill of mine.

Much to the dismay of Democrats and the governor, my legislation that dealt with illegal aliens obtaining driver’s licenses got signed into law.

I am, along with many other people, waiting for a bill number of legislation authored by (lawmaker) Hraychuck that became law.

Ravnholt if you have to write drivel in the paper make it honest drivel.

Mark Pettis Hertel

Selfish interests District 1 Supervisor Dueholm at the last county board meeting, announced that he would bring a resolution to the October county board meeting to withdraw the county’s appeal of the sale of Golden Age Manor. It would be nice if Supervisor Deuholm actually represented the interests of the people in District 1 and the taxpayers of Polk County as opposed to the selfish interests of his political allies in Amery. We are told that GAM will show a profit this year— maybe as much as a million dollars.

Being new to county government may explain Dueholm’s naivety in believing this lie. This nonsense comes to the board every year during the budget presentations. GAM has, for several years

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

now, predicted a breakeven or profit in August or September that becomes a six-figure deficit at the end of the year.

A year ago, Supervisor Stoneking stood before the board and argued against the sale of the home because they had solved their financial problems and were going to show a profit from now on. Of course, when the end of the year rolled around a couple of months later and the “rest of the story” was made known the “profit” had reverted to another six-figure loss. This is the same story in a different year, and the outcome will be the same as well.

Dueholm and the rest of the tax and spend liberals on the county board that refuse to face the realities of government have to be made to understand that the county cannot continue to pour good money after bad on that nursing home. If they cannot come up with solutions that are real and not the piein-the-sky lies of the GAM staff, then the county cannot address the rest of the very real budget crisis that they have created by their ongoing refusal to address realities. GAM has done nothing to reduce its operating cost from last year, and nothing suggests any significant increases in revenue that would sustain profitability at GAM, so why would anyone believe that the deficits won’t continue? It is time for this county board to look for ways to reduce costs throughout county government rather than this never-ending commitment to voting in favor of what makes them “feel” good and makes the taxpayers the victims of their naïve ignorance.

The county board should do whatever it takes to complete this long-overdue sale of GAM. Additionally, they should sever all ties to the law firm that has consistently given the county board such inept legal advice. This appeal should be funded by the law firm responsible for the bad advice that led to the appeal, not the taxpayers of Polk County or the county’s insurance company.

Bob Blake Clam Falls

Narrow vision Clear Lake is an exceptionally fine village in which to live. Our quality of life didn’t just happen; it is the result of many good leaders who balanced the needs of residents with their own forward-thinking vision.

Clear Lake has an excellent, well-run library which is indispensable to people living in this area of lower Polk County.

It can provide this outstanding resource because of the support of the Polk County Library Federation.

I recently saw a paper circulated by county Supervisor Herschel Brown which characterized the work of the Polk County Library Federation incorrectly and which bordered on gossip.

Hraychuck receives an A from the NRA BALSAM LAKE – State Rep. Ann Hraychuck, D-Balsam Lake, recently received an A rating from the National Rifle Association, as well as their endorsement.

“I am honored to have earned this high grade and the NRA’s endorsement. As your state representative, I will defend our constitutional right to keep and bear arms. I look forward to continuing to work with members of the NRA on second Amendment issues and sport/hunting legislation,” said Hraychuck.

Wally Trudeau, of Amery, is a sportsman and member of the Wisconsin Conservation Congress. Trudeau was pleased to hear that the NRA recog-

nized Hraychuck’s commitment to the Second Amendment.

“I have seen Ann Hraychuck here at home volunteering her time to help disabled hunters in a special deer season and helping kids learn the outdoor shooting sports. I have also traveled to Madison and seen firsthand Representative Hraychuck working at the Capitol, fighting for our natural resources, hunting, fishing and our Second Amendment Rights.”

Hraychuck has also been endorsed by the Wisconsin Bear Hunters’ Association and the Safari Club International. - from the campaign of Rep. Hraychuck

We should expect better from a man who was elected as one of Polk County’s leaders.

Budget decisions need to be made on accurate information, not in accordance with a supervisor’s narrow interests.

As I have learned of the activities of our Polk County Board of Supervisors, I am appalled by the lack of expertise of some supervisors in assessing the present and future needs of Polk County citizens. It seems some people were elected whose main agenda is to serve their own narrow interests rather than what is good for all residents of this fine county. Maybe some have not been here long enough to appreciate our county’s heritage of supporting education, the arts and preserving our natural resources.

I moved back to my hometown of Clear Lake in 2002 because I remember the many talented people who did so much to make this area a fine place to live. I am a widow who is willing to pay my share of taxes to preserve the good life we have here.

Voters in this county need to be aware of the facts and the real issues that need to be considered in establishing our county’s budget. We need to quit electing people who are inexperienced in governing and who have a narrow vision of what is needed for this county to continue to be a great place for families, for retirees and a fine place for people to come for recreation.

Edna Knutson Bjorkman Clear Lake

Lyme hearing In Washington, D.C., last week, 100 senators and representatives gathered for a congressional briefing on Lyme disease. Sens. Chris Dodd and Joe Lieberman and the National Capitol Lyme Group sponsored the event.

“Cure Unknown – Inside the Lyme Epidemic,” author Pamela Weintraub, addressed the group along with Andy Abrams Wilson, director of the recently released, award-wining documentary, “Under Our Skin – The Untold Story of Lyme Disease.”

Congressional representatives pushed aside the provided lunch to take notes, listen and watch an abbreviated version of “Under Our Skin.” The toll of Lyme disease on the constituents portrayed in the film later spared a spirited discussion on the floor of the House.

Our Wisconsin Lyme Action Group and several generous individuals covered the cost of copies of the books, which were given to legislators who attended the event and delivered to the offices of those who did not attend.

Through a generous donation from Rachel Berger of Roberts, our Lyme group was able to purchase a copy of “Under Our Skin.” We will be showing the film in the Amery High School Auditorium on Tuesday, Oct. 14, at 7 p.m. There is no admission charge.

Please come.

Marina Andrews Luck

bility to avoid it being at our expense.

We should all be considered forewarned about risky endeavors and unwise investments, but we never seem to learn, nor do unscrupulous speculators cease their efforts to become more wealthy. So, it is not at all unusual that the subprime mortgage mess came to be.

Our Constitution recognized the need for checks and balances in the operation of a government for the people, while providing astounding and revolutionary protection and liberties for individual citizens of this great nation. It is our magnificent foundation, but the freedom it provided to us did not come without its dangers. The more freedom, the more possibly of abuse. It has, therefore, been necessary for our government to regulate the affairs of business.

Perhaps most notable was the trust busting of President Theodore Roosevelt.

So where was the oversight that should have prevented the subprime mortgage mess? The 1929 stock market crash led to 60 years of tight controls on speculation, but then, with prosperity and encouragement of free markets, deregulation became the norm.

Deregulation has been a hallmark of the Bush administration, and understandably so, due to its affiliation with wealthy corporate interests, particularly the oil industry.

The subprime mortgage mess could have and should have been avoided, but the oversight was missing. There have been some efforts towards initiating regulatory reform. In early 2007, Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson proposed a Blueprint for Regulatory Reform, but it withered on the vine. In any case, even if it would have addressed the subprime mortgage mess, it would have been too little too late.

Now this country is faced with a terrible financial crisis, one that no one really totally understands. No one really seems to know what to do. Worse, no one can say what will be the outcome, regardless of what is done. Yet we rush into what may be a financially disastrous “quick fix.” Steve Chapman of the Chicago Tribune wrote on Sept. 25, 2008: “A group of 122 economists, including at least two Nobel laureates, signed a letter this week summarizing the danger: ‘If the plan is enacted, its effects will be with us for a generation.

Fundamentally weakening markets in order to calm short-run disruptions is desperately short-sighted.’

“If this bailout goes, through, the term ‘limited government will be permanently retired.

“Paulson and Bernanke say, and probably believe, that their program is for the good of us all. But remember what Thoreau thought of their l9th-Century counterparts. ‘If I knew for a certainty that a man was coming to my house with the conscious design of doing me good,’ he wrote. ‘I should run for my life.’”

Ron Ylitalo Grantsburg

The price of freedom We in this great country are blessed with a great amount of freedom in our lives and endeavors. We can say what we wish, go where we want and live where we desire. The American dream of being successful in some fashion has always been more than a dream. The opportunties have encouraged waves of immigration. It has always been possible to engage in business enterprises with relatively little government interference, although there are, of course, laws against fraudulent enterprises.

There are no laws, however, against earning lots of money. That is hardly criminal, but we all have some responsi-

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.

OCTOBER 8, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 11

Invasion of the sea-smurfs A little-noticed story surfaced a couple of weeks ago in the Army Times newspaper about the 3rd Infantry Division’s 1st Brigade Combat Team.

“Beginning Oct. 1 for 12 months,” reported Army Times staff writer Gina Cavallaro, “the 1st BCT will be under the day-to-day control of U.S. Army North, the Army service component of Northern Command, as an on-call federal response force for natural or manmade emergencies and disasters, including terrorist attacks.”

Disturbingly, she writes that “they may be called upon to help with civil unrest and crowd control” as well.

The force will be called the chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear or high-yield explosive Consequence Management Response Force. Its acronym, CCMRF, is pronounced “seasmurf.” These “sea-smurfs,” Cavallaro reports, have “spent 35 of the last 60 months in Iraq patrolling in full battle rattle,” in a combat zone, and now will spend their 20-month “dwell time” — time troops are required to spend to “reset and regenerate after a deployment” — armed and ready to hit the U.S. streets.

The Army Times piece includes a correction stating that the forces would not use nonlethal weaponry domestically. I called Air Force Lt. Col. Jamie Goodpaster, a public-affairs officer for Northern Command. She told me that the overall mission was humanitarian, to save lives and help communities recover from catastrophic events.

Nevertheless, the military forces would have weapons on-site, “containerized,”

Economy in the Badger State These days we find ourselves at a critical crossroad for our nation and our state. The financial mess that has been created by Wall Street’s greed and Washington’s incompetence threatens us all. While our national leaders struggle to try and find a way out of this mess, it has become clear that here in Wisconsin we need to take control of our own destiny.

We can no longer afford to wait around for help from Washington. For the past eight years our economy has gotten worse, health care has gotten more expensive and virtually nothing has been done to make our country more energy independent. The time has come to start changing things right here in Wisconsin.

I am proud to announce that, along with my legislative colleagues in Madison, I am endorsing an economic plan to protect jobs, help families who are struggling with skyrocketing prices and invest in renewable energy production right here in Wisconsin. In the opening weeks of session, if Democrats are in control of the state Assembly, we will make economic change our top priority.

My plan will focus on creating sustainable, family supporting jobs right here in Wisconsin by investing in renewable-energy production. Each and every year our state spends $20 billion on energy and the vast majority of that money goes out of the state and out of the country. If we can create 10 percent of that energy right here in Wisconsin we can retain billions in our state economy and add 20,000 green jobs in our state.

By doubling the state’s renewable grant and loan program and creating a new 25-percent tax credit for research and development in the renewable fuel industry we can chart a cleaner, sustainable path for our state’s econo-

she said — that is, stored in containers — including both lethal and so-called nonlethal weapons.

They would have mostly wheeled vehicles, but would also, she said, have access to tanks. She said that use of weapons would be made at a higher Amy level, perhaps at the Goodman secretary of defense level.

Talk of trouble on U.S. streets is omnipresent now, with the juxtaposition of Wall Street and Main Street. The financial crisis we face remains obscure to most people; titans of business and government officials assure us that the financial system is “on the brink,” that a massive bailout is necessary, immediately, to prevent a disaster. Conservative and progressive members of Congress, at the insistence of constituents, blocked the initial plan.

If the economy does collapse, if people can’t go down to the bank to withdraw their savings, or get cash from an ATM, there may be serious “civil unrest,” and the “sea-smurfs” may be called upon sooner than we imagine to assist with “crowd control.”

The political and financial establishments seem completely galled that people would actually oppose their massive bailout, which rewards financiers for gambling. Normal people worry about paying their bills, buying groceries and gas, and paying rent or a mortgage in increasingly uncertain times. No one ever offers to bail them out. Wall Street’s house of cards has collapsed, and the rich bankers are getting

my.

We also need to focus on keeping the jobs we already have, which is why I am supporting doubling the Wisconsin Manufacturing Extension Ann Partnership Hraychuck Program. This program provides job-train28th District ing grants to Assembly companies so they can compete in the global marketplace. Rather than waiting for the jobs to be outsourced, programs like this give people the skills they need to keep their jobs and make their companies even more prosperous.

Our state can also play a role in cracking down on the Wall Street-style abuses that have brought our nation’s economy to its knees. I have supported legislation to prohibit the state from granting contracts to corporations that send American jobs overseas. I am also supporting a plan to bring more transparency to corporate tax records.

It should be just as easy to find out what taxes a Wall Street corporation pays, or doesn’t pay, as it is to find out how much a homeowner pays in property taxes.

We have the power to choose a new direction for our state economy. Green jobs and renewable energy will be key parts of the future global economy.

Rather than waiting for Washington to get with the program, I think we can start right here in the Badger State.

As always, please feel free to contact my office by calling toll free 888-5290028 or e-mail Rep.Hraychuck@legis.wisconsin.gov.

little sympathy from working people.

That’s where the sea-smurfs come in.

Officially formed to respond to major disasters, like a nuclear or biological attack, this combat brigade falls under the U.S. Northern Command, a military structure formed on Oct, 1, 2002, to “provide command and control of Department of Defense homeland defense efforts.” Military participation in domestic operations was originally outlawed with the Posse Comitatus Act in 1878. The John Warner National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007, however, included a section that allowed the president to deploy the armed forces to “restore public order” or to suppress “any insurrection.” While a later bill repealed this, President Bush attached a signing statement that he did not feel bound by the repeal.

We are in a time of increasing economic disparity, with the largest gap between rich and poor of any wealthy industrialized country. We are witnessing a crackdown on dissent, most recently with $100 million spent on “security” at the Democratic and Republican national conventions. The massive paramilitary police forces deployed at the RNC in St. Paul, Minn., were complete overkill, discouraging protests and conducting mass arrests (National Guard troops just back from Fallujah were there). The arrest there of almost 50 journalists (myself included) showed a clear escalation in attempting to control the message (akin to the ban on photos of flag-draped coffins of dead soldiers). There are two ongoing, unpopular wars that are costing lives and hundreds of billions of dollars.

Nobel- winning economist Joe Stiglitz estimates that Iraq alone will cost more than $3 trillion.

In December 2001, in the midst of restricted access to bank accounts due to a financial crisis, respectable, middle-class Argentinians rose up, took to the streets, smashed bank windows and ultimately forced the government out of power, despite a massive police crackdown and a failed attempt to control the media. Here in the U.S., with the prospect of a complete failure of our financial system, the people have spoken and do not want an unprecedented act of corporate welfare. We don’t know how close the system is to collapse, nor do we know how close the people are to taking to the streets. The creation of an active-duty military force, the sea-smurfs, that could be used to suppress public protest here at home is a very bad sign ••• Denis Moynihan contributed 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.

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Most western Wisconsin bars and restaurants have “hazardous” levels of indoor air pollution One Chippewa County bar exceeds six times hazardous level set by EPA SIREN - Ordering dinner and a drink in western Wisconsin may be hazardous to your health. New indoor air-quality tests conducted in Burnett County, and seven other western Wisconsin counties, reveal establishments where smoking is permitted had levels of indoor air pollution well above what’s considered hazardous exposure by the Department of Natural Resources.

“Pollution at this level, if it was outdoors, would be considered absolutely unacceptable. People would be told to stay home, shut the doors and windows and avoid doing anything strenuous,” said Carol Larson, R.N., health officer, Burnett County Department of Heath and Human Services. “This kind of poor air quality is dangerous to everyone, but especially for individuals with serious health problems like asthma or heart disease. People are putting their health at risk simply by going to or working inside these establishments.”

“What’s worse,” added Diana Manning, coordinator of the Burnett County Tobacco-Free Coalition, “is many families don’t realize how bad the air quality is, and they bring their kids along to dinner or to meet friends, exposing their children’s developing lungs to the 50 toxins in secondhand smoke known to cause cancer, heart and lung disease. These children are more likely to have severe asthma, ear infections and lung problems. We now know secondhand smoke is a known cause of sudden infant death syndrome.”

“We know tobacco smoke is the single greatest cause of small particulates indoors,” said David Ahrens, a researcher at the UW Comprehensive Cancer Center in Madison. “These tiny bits of air pollution then lodge deep into lung tissue and artery walls triggering asthma and other serious respiratory conditions as well as contributing to heart disease and lung cancer.”

According to the U.S. Surgeon General, secondhand smoke exposure is a serious public health hazard that causes premature death and disease in children and nonsmoking adults. Secondhand smoke contains more than 4,000 chemicals, 50 of which are known to cause cancer, heart and lung disease: acetone, cadmium, arsenic, cyanide, carbon monoxide, and benzene among many other chemicals.

Manning also pointed out that because Burnett County is so rural, there are few options for people to consider besides restaurants or taverns that allow smoking. Bartenders and other workers should not have to choose between their health and their jobs.

The tests, which measured levels of small particulate pollution, found air quality in most places was two to three times more dangerous than the hazardous level.

Of the 58 establishments tested in Eau Claire, La Crosse, Burnett, Polk, Pierce, Chippewa, Clark and Rusk counties only smoke-free establishments had “good” air quality.

The Department of Natural Resources sets 40 micrograms of small particulates per cubic meter as the maximum rate of exposure in a single day based on standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency. Yet numerous bars and restaurants where

smoking was permitted tested with anywhere from 100 to 1,440 micrograms of small particulates per cubic meter.

The 1,440 microgram reading—six times greater than the hazardous level—was measured inside a Chippewa County bar.

The 58 places tested were selected based on their popularity in order to best represent the risk people in these counties face during an evening out. Each monitoring team spent 30 minutes in each location testing the air with a Personal Aerosol Monitor. The teams also recorded the number of people inside and the number of people smoking every 15 minutes. The data analysis and report were completed by staff from the Paul P. Carbone Comprehensive Cancer Center, UW-Madison. The report will also be available online through UW-CCC at http://www.cancer.wisc.edu/uwccc/index.asp, under Featured News. To download a copy of the 2006 U.S. Surgeon General report on the health consequences of tobacco smoke: http://www.cdc.gov/tobacco For more information on the health consequences of secondhand smoke, a copy of the smoke-free dining guide for Burnett County, resources on cessation or to become involved in tobacco prevention and control activities contact Diana B. Manning, MSW, Coordinator, Burnett County Tobacco-Free Coalition 715-349-7600 Ext. 1260. dbmanning@burnettcounty.org. - from Burnett County TobaccoFree Coalition

Siren passes ordinance to allow ATVs on village streets

by Nancy Jappe

SIREN – At its meeting Thursday, Oct. 2, the Siren Village Board approved an ordinance that will allow ATVs on village streets. The approval motion specified that state-licensed riders under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult rider. Board member Josh Henry abstained for the vote due to conflict of interest, being that he is the recreation officer for the Burnett County Sheriff’s Department.

Henry cautioned residents of the village of Webster, however, saying that any resident riding on roads in the village could be ticketed because the village has not signed an ordinance permitting ATV travel within the village.

With the passage of this ordinance and once signage is put up, all streets in the village of Siren are now

Spreading the love Interfaith Caregivers plan dance

by Olivia Main WEBSTER - Winston Churchill once said, “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”

The members of Interfaith Caregivers have certainly made the most of their lives. And now they are planning a dance to raise money to further the giving.

Interfaith Caregivers of Burnett County originally started 11 years ago to help with the needs of the elderly of Burnett County, but was soon helping children and adults alike. With Helping Hands - Christmas for Kids, which helps give food, clothes and gifts to children, supplying wood to people unable to heat their homes, building ramps for the elderly, etc., there is no one Interfaith is not willing to help. And if Interfaith is unable to help, they will try their best to find someone who can.

Barb Blodgett, the director of Interfaith, acknowledges everyone involved. “My thanks go out to those who volunteer. We could not do this without you,” Blodgett said. “Thank you to those who do donate.

You are our angels who keep us going.”

Nobody can do everything, but everyone can do something. Those who wish to help Interfaith Caregivers can donate or volunteer time by calling 715-866-4970 for information.

And don’t worry. Helping can be fun! A dance to raise funds for Helping Hands will take place Saturday, Oct. 18 from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Community Center in Webster. Dan Zimmer and his band will be the evening’s entertainment. Remember to bring your dancing shoes!

open to ATV traffic except Hwys. 35 and 70, Main Street and CTH B. The routes set up in the ordinance were created as authorized under Wisconsin State Statute 23.33(8).

All ATV riders must obey the posted route speed limit of 10 miles an hour. They must ride in single file on the right-hand side of the paved portion of the roadway. As specified by the board, licensed riders under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult rider.

ATVs are allowed on the roadways in the village from 6 a.m. until 10 p.m. Headlights and taillights must be used. All ATV operators and passengers under the age of 18 must wear a helmet.

During this meeting, village board members passed a motion to keep the stop sign at the intersection of Fourth Avenue and South Shore Drive. Siren Police Chief Chris Sybers said that his officers had been doing radar control at that intersection at different times, and found very little traffic there. They have only handed out one citation since the stop sign was put in.

The board’s public service committee had been asked to review the stop sign and let people know that the stop sign would either go or stay. The final answer from the board is that the stop sign will stay.

Another motion passed by the board at this meeting allows the Siren Area Lions Club to add additional electrical wiring in Crooked Lake Park, with oversight to be given by village Administrator Randy Surbaugh and public works Director Mike Bentley.

Tim D’Jock, owner of the Jackpine Trading Company, Siren, came to the Siren Village Board meeting Thursday, Oct. 2, to see if his application for a Class A fermented beverage and liquor license would be approved. D’Jock plans to put in an off-sale liquor store in his business complex, but until he got approval from the board, he hadn’t put any plans together. The board approved the application, allowing D’Jock to go ahead with his planning. – Photo by Nancy Jappe

Drug court graduate gives program high marks A recent Burnett County Drug Court graduate, Ritchard Cook, is shown reading a letter addressed to drugs and alcohol. Cook told the public safety committee that the drug court program is the best program treating addiction he has ever experienced because the program is long term and the consequences of any lapses are immediate, instead of waiting for charges to work through the court system. Cook took the opportunity of speaking to county supervisors on the committee to call for a halfway house in the area that would support those who have recently reached sobriety. – Photo by Sherill Summer

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No liquor license available in Balsam Lake Economy’s effect on property values makes assessor’s job difficult

by Mary Stirrat BALSAM LAKE — Liquor licenses are in demand in Balsam Lake, but there are none to be had right now.

Resident Barb Geiseinger applied to the village board for a license, believing that the one held by the now-closed Dalton’s would be available. When checking with village attorney John Schneider, however, the board found that formal action must be taken for Dalton’s license to be revoked and made available to another establishment.

“At this point in time,” village President Guy Williams told Geiseinger at the Monday, Oct. 6, meeting of the board, “there is not a license available because at this point Dalton’s license has not been revoked.”

Village ordinances state that a liquor license can be revoked for nonuse if the license has not been used for six consecutive months.

After the six-month period, the license holder has another 90 days to request a renewal. If, however, the license is not used for six months and the license holder makes no move to renew it in the three-month time frame, the village can revoke it and issue it to another party.

The ordinance does not state how regularlly the bar must be open within the six-month period.

Dalton’s has been closed for more than a year, Geiseinger told the board, so she thought it should be available.

Part of the problem, said Williams, is that the board took action to renew the license effective July 1, at which time the clock started over. If the bar isn’t opened between July 1 and Dec. 31, he said, the bar owners will be given 90 days to request another renewal.

According to a letter to Williams from attorney Schneider, if there is no request for renewal within the 90-day period, the village board can issue the license to another qualifying applicant.

Revocation of the license does not occur automatically, Schneider said in his letter. “I believe the village needs to

McQuillan.

“None of us are lawyers,” said trustee Mike Voltz. Liquor license issues should go directly to Schneider, he added.

“At this point in time,” Williams concluded, “there is no license available. If Dalton’s does not comply by Dec. 31, then they would have another 90 days to comply. After that the license would be available.”

The board voted to direct Schneider to draft a letter to Dalton’s to inform them of the status of their license, and to indicate that the revocation process will be started if it is not used by Dec. 31.

Like the sign, the party’s been cancelled at Dalton’s in Balsam Lake.

The bar has been closed for about a year, but it wasn’t until this week that the village board took action to initiate forfeiture of the liquor license. – Photo by Mary Stirrat

take some affirmative action to cause the license to be forfeited,” he wrote.

Carol and Denny McQuillan, owners of the Thirsty Otter, indicated that they had sought Dalton’s license knowing that it should be available due to nonuse.

Because the board was unaware that it should take action to revoke the license, McQuillans purchased for $10,000 the one special license that is available in the village.

“We asked if (Dalton’s license) were to be available, why couldn’t we buy that and put the $10,000 license up for grabs,” said Carol McQuillan.

Williams said that, until Geiseinger’s application brought the issue to light, he was unaware of the process of revocation.

“I would think you’d be aware of our own ordinance,” said Denny

Difficult assessment Balsam Lake is up for a full assessment update of property values, said assessor Barb Zempel, but the current market and economic situation make it a little tricky to carry out.

Assessed property values in Balsam Lake, said Zempel, are out of compliance with state law requiring assessments be within 10 percent of the market value, which is based on recent sales.

Last year, assessments were at 73 percent of the going sales prices.

Now, however, the market is “tanking,” as trustee Mike Voltz put it.

Sales are down so its harder to compare assessed values with market values, and prices are down. According to Zempel, the decreasing sales prices could bring assessments more in line again with market values, last calculated in 2003.

In addition, she said, bank sales of foreclosed properties are included in the sales used to determine market value.

“These are going cheap,” she said.

“There are enough of them now that they will start throwing the ratio (between assessed values and market values).”

The board approved Zempel’s contract for the full value assessment, at $15,600, with the condition she report again to the board on the situation in February.

If market values have dropped far enough to bring the assessments into compliance, the contract will be voided.

The cost amounts to about $22.50 per parcel. This is in addition to the annual maintenance contract of $10,200.

Business signs An ad hoc committee on advertising/directional signs for businesses is close to making recommendations to the board on what type of signs should be allowed.

“It’s a directional sign only that tells where the businesses are,” said committee chair Jim Broome.

At this point, he said, the idea is to have no more than three signs per business, all six-inch black lettering on a white background. The size of the sign will be 7 inches by 6 feet.

Main Street businesses will not be allowed a sign, nor will businesses located outside the village limits.

There will be a yet-to-be-determined annual fee for the signs, and they must meet Department of Transportation requirements.

The committee will meet again Monday, Oct. 20, at 6 p.m., to iron out the final details.

Other business • The board voted to allow Shooting Stars 4-H Club to use the fire hall for its monthly meetings, providing access to the equipment areas are secured with a padlock. The club, which is a year old, has outgrown the meeting room at the village hall. “We have a very good group of kids we’re working with, said club leader Pam Garvey.

• A request from Police Chief Sheryl Gehrman to purchase a new laptop computer from Connecting Point in Amery for $988 was approved by the board. The purchase will be made with funds from the equipment budget.

• This Saturday, Oct. 11, from 8 to 10 a.m., is the annual open house and free pancake breakfast at the fire hall, said Fire Chief Tim Moore.

• At the recommendation of the planning commission, a conditional use permit was granted to Judy Swenson to operate a hair-care business from her home at 207 2nd Street West.

• A two-year contract with Unity Area Ambulance Service was approved, at $9 per capita. With 1,075 village residents, the total cost for the service is $9,675 per year. The rate has remained unchanged for several years, said ambulance service director Carol Pool.

Candidates to forum at unique town-hall meeting Forum on health care issues BALSAM LAKE – Candidates for state Assembly, Rep. Ann Hraychuck and Kent Muschinske, District 28, and candidates for state Senate, Sen. Shelia Harsdorf and Alison Page, District 10, will discuss their positions on health-related topics at a unique, town hall meeting and forum on Wednesday, Oct. 15, at the Unity High School Auditorium.

The one-hour town hall meeting/forum, entitled: Healthy Communities: How Does Wisconsin Measure Up? gets under way at 7 p.m.

“This unique format gives citizens the opportunity to learn more about some of the most important health

care topics facing us this election and the chance to hear directly from candidates on these issues,” said Gretchen Sampson, health officer for the Polk County Health Department. “No one needs to be reminded that Wisconsin voters face some very difficult choices this election year. We are interested in learning about what priorities candidates have and what solutions they will offer for supporting healthy communities.”

The town hall meeting and forum is being sponsored by the Polk County Health Department which represents promoting, protecting and preserving health through partnerships with people and communities. “We expect a number of providers, advocates, concerned citizens, community volunteers, health care

professionals and parents to attend,” said Sampson.

“How we pay for health care for our seniors, veterans, people with disabilities and how we invest in prevention programs are key issues for us here in western Wisconsin. We are looking forward to asking tough questions of our candidates to learn where they stand.”

During the town hall meeting/forum, expert presenters will provide an overview of health-related issues and provide questions. Audience members as well will have the opportunity to ask their questions of the candidates in a moderated question and answer format. – from the Polk County Health Department

Citizens to participate in Eureka Township community meetings POLK COUNTY – “The Eureka Town Board, in cooperation with the Eureka Planning Commission, will hold a series of community meetings to share comments, ideas and opinions on Eureka’s way of life, today and in years to come,” announced Gene Krull, town chairman. “The meetings will be held every Wednesday in October, starting on Wednesday, Oct. 8, at the Eureka Town Hall,” added Krull.

“We are soliciting citizens comments and suggestions regarding the town’s future and the discussions at these meetings will form the basis for the content of the town’s comprehensive plan,” stated Patti Lehmann, chairperson of Eureka’s planning commission. Public participation is critical to the success of

Eureka’s comprehensive plan and all town residents are urged to participate.

The topics to be discussed on Wednesday, Oct. 8, are land use planning and housing. On Wednesday, Oct. 15, transportation, economic development and agriculture will be the topics. The following Wednesday, Oct. 22, there will be a discussion on the town’s cultural and natural resources. And finally, on Wednesday, Oct. 29, the topics will be intergovernmental cooperation and planning on how to follow up on the ideas, comments and suggestions provided by the citizens.

“The primary purpose of these meetings is to provide a forum for our residents to express their ideas, comments and suggestions,” stated Krull. “We prom-

ise that there will be no speeches, political or otherwise, by the town officers and planning commission members” he indicated.

“In addition to this series of community meetings, the planning commission sent out a survey to gauge the residents interests and concerns in our community,” commented Lehman. “We are very pleased at the 26-percent rate of response from our residents. This demonstrates that our citizens are very interested and concerned about our community,” added Lehmann.

“This is an excellent opportunity for our community to come together and define a common vision that will enhance our quality of life and we look forward to everyone’s participation,” indicated Krull. - submitted

PAGE 14 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - OCTOBER 8, 2008

Stabbing suspect appears in court Tw e n t y - t h r e e - y e a r - o l d Jeromy Lambert of Webster appeared in the Burnett County Courthouse for his initial appearance on Friday, Oct. 3. He is facing charges two counts of substantial battery, Felony I, from a stabbing incident in Hertel on Sunday, Sept. 28, where two brothers were allegedly stabbed with a steak knife at a party.

Lambert (L) appears with his attorney Mark Biller (R). Lambert’s next court appearance is scheduled for Monday, Oct. 20. – Photo by Sherill Summer

DMV service centers closed Oct. 13 STATEWIDE — Division of Motor Vehicles customer service centers and phone centers throughout Wisconsin will be closed for business on Monday, Oct. 13, Columbus Day, so that all frontline customer service representatives may receive technical process and procedural updates and training.

Although staff at DMV phone centers will be in training and unable to take

calls, DMV’s automated phone system will remain available, so motorists can access recorded information.

DMV would like to remind customers that many services do not require a visit to a service center and are available online at: www.wisconsindmv.gov <http://www.wisconsindmv.gov>. — from DMV

No Polk County budget after two months Proposal must be completed by Friday

by Gregg Westigard BALSAM LAKE - Polk County is still a long way away from having a proposed balanced budget for 2009. The personnel and finance committees, meeting together and separately, have been reviewing proposed department budgets and staffing plans since the first week in August. After two months of meetings, a long joint meeting of the two committees Tuesday afternoon and evening, Oct. 7, ended with a possible gap between available revenues and requested expenses of some $400,000.

The committees must come up with a proposed balanced budget by this Friday in order for that 2009 budget to be presented in the agenda for the Tuesday, Oct. 21, county board meeting.

The finance committee will meet at 2 p.m. today, Wednesday, Oct. 8, to try to come up with more cuts or money. The personnel committee meets Thursday, Oct. 9, at 9 a.m. to look at more staffing changes. A completed proposed budget must be in the county clerk’s hands on Friday.

There are 10 members on the two committees. Personnel includes Russ Arcand, Herschel Brown, Gerald Newville, Keith Rediske, and Patricia Schmidt. Finance includes Gary Bergstrom, Bryan Beseler, Kathryn Kienholz, Mick Larsen and Brian Masters.

This is a very diverse group. It includes the only longtime members on the county board, Schmidt, Newville and Larsen, and three members elected last April, Brown, Kienholz and Masters. Geographically, Schmidt, Brown, and Kienholz live in the northern part of the county. Newville and Arcand live in the southeast comer. The cities of Amery and St. Croix Falls are represented by Larsen and Rediske. The group includes the youngest board member, Beseler, and the oldest, Newville. The members also sit on seven of the eight other governing committees. Only human services is not represented.

Latest actions The Tuesday meeting heard depart-

ment appeals of previous cuts and looked at remaining differences between the proposals from the finance and personnel committees. No new changes were proposed.

The home care program in the health department is still set for elimination.

The only entire program identified for closing, its services will be phased out in 2009.

Land and water resources will be cut $60,000, the equivalent of one staff person, despite an appeal from department head Tim Ritten. He said that his department protects the county lakes where 40 percent of the property tax revenue is generated, but his staff is less than 2 percent of the county budget and employees. Ritten said that the board has set protecting the quality of life as a priority goal and his department protects the environment.

A proposal to close the county library was reversed. Finance had approved the cut, citing a duplication of services with the areawide Indianhead Library Federation. That would have saved $207,000. The committee heard mixed messages about the effect the cut would have on local library programs and voted to cut just one of the three employees.

Economic development, the department involved in bringing new jobs to the county, did not get the additional $20,000 it requested.

Some new information emerged on the future of Golden Age Manor, the county nursing home in Amery that may have been sold. Bergstrom said that if the sale is upheld by the Supreme Court after a review of the case, that sale might be effective as of last April 1, and any profits for the current year might have to go to the new owner. There was also some confusion about whether the supplemental payments program, once identified as the IGT money, is support payments for the current year based on past deficits or a reimbursement for past losses. Much of the GAM issue has been discussed in closed session and new information is coming out in small bits.

By this Friday, many of these issues should be resolved. A proposed budget will be presented to the fall board for discussion in October.

Repeat offender faces new sexual assault charges

by Sherill Summer SIREN – Charged with first-degree sexual assault, Warren S. Harer, 50, Grantsburg, appeared before Judge Ken Kutz for an initial appearance on Friday, Oct. 3. The class B felony carries a maximum sentence of 60 years.

Allegedly, Harer inappropriately touched an 8-year-old girl on Saturday, Sept. 20, while the girl was staying overnight at a friend-of-the-family’s home in Meenon Township. The alleged victim’s mother reported the incident to Burnett County Sheriff’s Department on Monday, Sept. 22, and Harer has been in custody since Thursday, Sept. 25.

During the brief appearance, Kutz recused himself of future court proceedings because he was the prosecutor of earlier sexual assault charges against Harer. Kutz was the Burnett County District Attorney at the time when Harer faced eight felony charges for inappropriate sex with a 17-year-old woman in 1994. In that case, the sexual contact was reported to be consensual and had occurred regularly for the previous year and a half.

In that case, Harer plead not guilty by reasons of mental defect. Dr. John Laney was appointed as a court expert to determine Harer’s mental capacity.

Both the district attorney and the defense attorney agreed to be bound to

Warren Harer is shown in the Burnett County Courthouse. He is facing first-degree sexual assault charges. – Photo by Sherill Summer Laney’s finding, and after he determined Harer appropriate for institutional care, Harer was committed for 53 years and four months. However, Harer was released on Oct. 30, 2003, from the institutional care to a conditional release under the jurisdiction of the department of corrections.

Because of the new charges, this conditional release is under review. A court date to consider the revocation of the conditional release will be on Wednesday, Oct. 15, in front of Judge James Babbitt.

Iver’s Mountain reclamation permit issued

Public comments answered

by Gregg Westigard LAKETOWN/BALSAM LAKE - The reclamation permit for the Iver’s Mountain quarry in Laketown was issued by the Polk County Land and Water Resources Department last Thursday, Oct. 2. The permit, issued to Mathy Construction and its subsidiary, Milestone Materials, was required before Mathy could open a rock and gravel quarry on company-owned property on Mountain Drive. A number of public comments and concerns about the mine were reviewed but none of them stopped the issuance of the permit. However, two pending issues could delay the mine opening.

In a letter to the company, Tim Ritten, land and water resources director, says that Mathy has satisfied all the ordinance requirements for operating and closing a nonmetallic mine, including the payment of all fees. This was the only official permit Mathy needs to start the mining of the basalt rock, commonly called traprock, on its 377-acre parcel of land. However, Ritten told the Leader that he has been advised that a contested case hearing may be requested to review the department’s action. In addition, the Laketown Town Board has adopted a moratorium on new mining. The effect of that moratorium is not known.

The mine on a scenic hilltop north of CTH B has drawn a large amount of public interest and concern, including petitions to Save Iver’s Mountain, referring to pioneer area-resident Iver Jorgensen. A public hearing on the mine was held at Unity School Sept.

18. The Land and Water Department hear eight public comments at that hearing and received an additional 34 written comments. A summary of those comments and a department response to each has now been released.

The eight oral statements were presented by property owners and residents close to the quarry site. All of

them expressed concerns. Of the 34 written comments, half were against the permit and half favored the issuance. Many of those expressing concerns were local residents. Of those 17 writing in favor of the permit, at least four were Laketown residents and at least five were Mathy employees.

The four local residents, two couples, live some four miles west of the site. Their comments include statements that the mine is good, for Laketown and that land ownership rights within the law should be upheld. One pointed out that Mathy owns the land and should be allowed to use it. Another said the plan is good and he would not mind a mine on his land.

Concerns were expressed about springs on the site, endangered species, soil depth at restoration, archeological history, river and wetland damage, blasting, and road use and noise. The department responded to each comment.

Responses in summary • The mine site is outside the boundaries of the shoreland zoning ordinance and stormwater runoff ponds are in the plan.

• No endangered species were found on the site during a DNR survey. A threatened cactus will be reestablished.

• There are no “springs” on the site.

There are three “seeps” which will be lost during the mining. A fourth seep on the Hansen property and the source of nondrinking water for two families will not be affected by the mining.

• The depth of subsoil and topsoil has been increased in the plan. The replanting of grasses meets requirements.

• An archeological survey is not required.

• Concerns about noise, blasting, development, air quality, and road use are zoning issues, not reclamation issues. Laketown is not covered by a zoning ordinance.

OCTOBER 8, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 15

Candlelight vigil recognizes victims of domestic violence

by Sherill Summer SIREN – CRA of Milltown held a candlelight vigil at Crocked Lake Park in Siren on Monday, Oct. 6.

The agency, which advocates for and shelters victims of domestic

violence held the vigil to commemorate October, Domestic Violence Month. The vigil also brought together family members of the late Cynthia Wahlen who tragically lost her life to domestic violence in

Family members of Cynthia Wahlen gather at a candlelight vigil to recognize domestic violence and plant a tree in Wahlen’s memory.

The eldest daughter, Toni VanDoehren is shown speaking to the crowd.

Best of Show

Joe Betz, Minn., was awarded a first place Best of Show award and a first-place trophy in his class during the Frederic Lions eighth-annual Classic Car Show. Betz displayed a 1949 Mercury Woody Wagon on the ball field of Coon Lake Park Saturday, Oct. 4. More photos and information will be in next week’s Leader. – Photo by Brenda Sommerfeld

1991. A tree was planted at the park in her memory, and her eldest daughter and frequent advocate for domestic violence awareness, Toni VanDoehren, spoke about her mother’s death.

Following are her comments: “When I found out about this ceremony, my sisters and I were instantly honored and proud of this act of kindness, awareness and respect. CRA recommended our family comment on how this act of domestic violence toward our mother affected us. Our answer to this is: “It affects us every day; the death of our mother isn’t something that we will ever get over. Not only was she a mother, but she was also a daughter, an aunt, a wife and a friend. This was a traumatic event in our lives that we were powerless to. At times, we are still angry at the fact that our mother was taken from us before her time, displeased that our children will never know their grandmother and what she Grandchildren of Cynthia Wahlen help plant a stood for, and frustrated that our mom tree in honor of their grandmother who lost her life didn’t get the choice to live her life to in domestic violence. – Photos by Sherill Summer the fullest. In the short time we spent with our mother (for me, 18 years; Ryan, 14 years and Leigh, 12 years) she did teach us this...stand up for yourself, sing out loud and dance whenever possible, laugh every day, dream big and work hard, love your family and friends unconditionally and be good to yourself and others.

“Knowledge is power and I often find myself wondering if my mom would have known more signs of control, abuse and/or mental illness; she may still be alive today. We (my family and I) would like to thank CRA for the services they provide Burnett and Polk county citizens. We as a community are fortunate to have this agency to inform, educate, and protect victims of domestic violence, their families, as well as any other member of the community.”

Real Estate

JoAnn Phernetton, director of the Community Referral Agency, gives the dedication comments for the ceremony.

PAGE 16 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - OCTOBER 8, 2008

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Sidewalk repairs needed on Luck’s Main Street

New administrator to discuss options with business owners

by Mary Stirrat LUCK — Kristina Handt, Luck’s new village administrator, was given what may be an unpopular job by the village board at its Wednesday, Oct. 1 meeting.

She will, however, have the chance to meet local business owners in the process.

With sidewalks up and down Main Street more than 25 years old and in a state of deterioration, Handt was given the charge of finding out how business owners feel about the prospect of paying for upgrades.

Kristina Handt, Luck’s new village administrator, at her first meeting of the Luck Village Board.

Past practice has been for the village to pay for curb and gutter work, which is also needed in some places, but when the sidewalk was last replaced in 1982 it was done at the business owners’ expense.

Trustee Marsha Jensen first broached the subject by asking if the streets committee had budgeted anything for side-

Luck Library President Marty Messar, standing, presents the proposed 2009 library budget to the Luck Village Board. With Messar (L to R) are library director Jill Glover, and library board members Amy Dueholm, treasurer; Tam Howie, vice president; and Tom Horst. – Photos by Mary Stirrat walk repair next year. “They’re all — every single one of them — falling apart,” she said.

Jack Holdt, chair of the committee, said that the only budgeted repair is for curb and gutter by Main Dish.

“They do a good job of salting,” commented village President Rich Callister.

The same is true in front of the post office, he said, and the curb and gutter there are also in rough shape.

“Eventually we’re going to have to deal with it,” Jensen said, referring to the sidewalks.

“Maybe we should go down Main Street and as business owners what they think about it,” said Holdt.

The reset of the board agreed to his idea, appointing Handt to the task.

Luck Library budget Members of the Luck Library Board brought the 2009 budget to the village board for review and discussion. Not including 2009 insurance for library director Jill Glover, which is still up in the air, the budget reflects a less-than 3 percent increase over the 2008 budget.

Library board president Marty Messar emphasized that the budgeted amounts for electric and heat in the new building are estimates, because there is no past history to go by. The building is shared with the Luck Area Museum, and the library is responsible for 70 percent of utility costs.

“We are absolutely whistling past the cemetery in the dark,” he said regarding anticipated costs.

Included in the budget, which is yet to be approved by the board, is an increase in Glover’s hours from 35 per week to 40. Also included is 25 hours per week for the assistant librarian, which has been in effect since July.

The 2009 budget, without insurance, is $81,340. The budget last year, with a $4,000 stipend to Glover in lieu of insurance, was $79,710. If the library provides insurance, which will be determined at the Tuesday, Oct. 14, meeting of the library board, the additional cost could be around $12,000.

According to Messar, village attorney John Schneider found that the village is not required provide insurance for

Glover, although she is an employee of the village. The item will be negotiated between the library board and the library director, Messar said. If insurance is provided at $12,000, the budget will be at $93,340, reflecting a 17-percent increase over last year.

Along with a 3-percent increase in pay for library employees, the budget includes a $1,050 increase in programming from $450 to $1,500.

“We feel with the space we have we can really pick up in this area on the programming we provide to the community,” said Messar.

The library will receive $22,622 in 2009 through Act 150, a state law requiring that local libraries be reimbursed for providing services to patrons outside the municipality in which it is located.

It will receive an additional $3,553 for services provided to patrons in Burnett County.

In the past, as the library was anticipating building a new facility, this revenue has been put into the library’s building fund. Last week the board discussed using it to offset the operational budget.

In other library business, the board voted to amend the loan amount for the new construction from $200,000 to $128,144. The loan will be repaid over the next five years from pledges to the construction project.

Other business • At the recommendation of the planning commission, the board approved a conditional use permit for Gwen Anderson to open a nail salon at her home on 8th Street.

• The board voted to spend $2,450 from the contingency fund to put a steel roof on Building No. 2 by the shop. The building was built in 1975 and has the original roof.

• The board agreed to require applicants for an operators license to meet the board before the license will be approved.

Flight operations for SCRMC rooftop helipad now under way ST. CROIX FALLS – “After some months, construction on our medical center’s new helipad is finished, and flight operations began at 8 a.m., Friday, Oct. 3,” said John Tremble, SCRMC’s CFO. Life Link III Senior Captain Chris Kruse, who piloted the first flight and landing on the new helipad, was very pleased, telling Tremble that “this is the best pad we’ll be landing at.” The medical center has over 80 helicopter transports a year.

“Having a helipad right at the hospital will reduce transport time for critically ill patients who require the services of a trauma or heart center and for whom every minute counts,” Tremble continued. “We expect to save 10-15 transport minutes by no longer having to move patients to our former groundbased pad at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church.

“When a person is having a heart attack,” said SCRMC cardiologist Dr. Glenn Nickele, “literally every minute counts because the risk of death and major complications can be significantly reduced if no more than 90 minutes passes from a patient’s home or local hospital ER to a cardiology center like Regions Hospital, where an artery blockage can be cleared. Time saved with this new helipad will literally make a dramatic difference for patients.”

The medical center is also currently working with the Unity Ambulance EMTs to implement a system that would save even more precious minutes. “EMT staff would do an EKG for a

Air ambulance Life Link III making its first landing on St. Croix Regional Medical Center’s just-completed rooftop helipad. — Photo submitted patient in the ambulance and fax it to the medical center to be read by a physi-

cian,” explained Mary Erickson, RN, nursing director. If a heart attack was

Forecast from the street The prospects for a mild winter is good according to this weather forecaster. The woolly bear caterpillar is making its appearance as the weather turns cooler. They have been prognosticating the weather for many years. If the red stripe is wide it will be a mild winter, a narrow stripe is a sign of a cold winter. Scientists say that the red color is an indication of age. The adult stage of this insect is the Isabella tiger moth. — Photo by Larry Samson

indeed in progress, staff would call immediately for helicopter transport.

“As a result,” Erickson continued, “the helicopter would very close or already at SCRMC when the patient arrived at the hospital.”

Two very generous grants helped make this life-saving helipad a reality.

The medical center received a $250,000 grant from the Hardenbergh Foundation of North Oaks, Minn.

According to Jeff Peterson, the foundation’s executive director, the grant was given “based on the extraordinary need and the special service the construction of the helipad will bring to the community.” SCRMC also received a $1 million grant from the Fred C. and Katherine B. Andersen Foundation to aid in helipad construction and other projects at the Lloyd Olson Surgery Center. — submitted

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Saints golfers are headed to Madison!

Benoy beats Danielson by a stroke for sectional title

by Marty Seeger OSCEOLA – The scheduled 18-hole sectional golf tournament was rescheduled to just nine holes of play on Tuesday, Oct. 7. It was a sloppy, miserable day for golf, but it didn’t seem to sway the Saints golf team as they made their way to the top to win the sectional championship trophy, and another trip to state in Madison.

“We’re happy to be going back to Madison for another year,” said coach Jeff Benoy, who’s not unfamiliar with taking St. Croix Falls golfers to University Ridge Golf Course. Benoy has taken six teams there in nine years of coaching.

Last year the Saints found themselves in a similar situation at the sectional tournament. It was a rainy day that was also shortened to just nine holes.

Although they sent two individuals, they missed sending the entire team to state by just one stroke.

This season it has been a back-andforth battle with Baldwin-Woodville, but the Saints beat them out this year by two strokes 178 to 180.

“I knew that they had it in ‘em if they played up to their ability,” Benoy said.

Teams had to endure a steady rain from start to finish, and although it would have been easy to give in to the conditions, Benoy says the team was Osceola Sectional Tuesday, Oct. 7

Team Points St. Croix Falls 178 Baldwin-Woodville 180 Northwestern 194 Spooner 196 Osceola 207 Stanley-Boyd 216 Ladysmith 227 Amery 227 Area Individual Points Name Points School Jenny Benoy 37 St. Croix Falls Marissa Campeau 39 St. Croix Falls Cortney Rasmussen 48 St. Croix Falls Tess Hedrick 54 St. Croix Falls Brittany Buss 56 St. Croix Falls

Extra •Points ••

The sectional champion Saints include (L to R): Tess Hedrick, Marissa Campeau, coach Terry Benoy, Jenny Benoy, Courtney Rasmussen, Brittany Buss, Taylor Stowell and coach Jeff Benoy. - Photo submitted able to keep focused the entire time.

“Our kids just didn’t do it [give up], and just hung in there,” said Benoy.

Senior Jenny Benoy is making her fourth trip to Madison, and was the individual sectional champion with a one over par, 37. Benoy had been one stroke behind Osceola’s Lindsey Danielson a couple of different times over the course of the season, but was able to overcome and finish one stroke ahead.

Junior Marissa Campeau (39) is making her second trip to Madison, but four other Saints will be going for the first time. Sophomore Tess Hedrick (54), sophomore Brittany Buss (56) and junior Cortney Rasmussen (48). Although Taylor Stowell did not compete in the sectional tournament she may get a chance to play at state.

“They kind of just did what they needed to do, so we’re really happy for them,” coach Benoy said.

The Saints will play a practice round this Sunday, Oct. 12, at University Ridge to learn as much as possible about the course before playing 18 holes the following Monday, and another 18 on Tuesday.

“We’re happy that all six kids can go.

Its really going to be fun, we’re all look-

Senior Jenny Benoy is this year's Osceola Sectional champion. - Photo

by Marty Seeger

Five Unity/Luck tennis players advance to sectionals Sectionals at Durand Wednesday, Oct. 8

by Brenda Sommerfeld OSCEOLA – After taking second at the conference competition, hopes were high for the Unity/Luck team at subsectionals, held at Osceola on Monday, Oct. 6. Three of the singles players and two of doubles teams hopes became reality as they won their matches to move onto the sectional competition in Durand on Wednesday, Oct. 8.

In order to move on to sectionals, the No. 1 flights had to win one match and all other flight positions had to win two.

No. 1 singles player Stephanie Kothlow and No. 1 doubles team of Elizabeth Ebensperger and Alesa

Paulsen easily moved ahead as they both beat their opponents in two sets, 60 and 6-1. Kothlow played the Phillips No. 1 player. Ebensperger and Paulsen’s competition was Ellsworth’s Chelsey Weiss and Cassie Howe.

No. 2 singles player Lexie Kothlow and No. 3 singles Christine Franzel each had to win two matches in order to advance. Both accomplished the task.

Kothlow played an Amery player and won, 6-2 in both sets in her first match, and Ellsworth’s Brooke Stoetzel was her second opponent. She took Stoetzel in two sets, 6-3 and 6-1. Franzel was put up against two Ashland opponents. The first she won, 6-0 and 6-2. The second match was a shutout by Franzel, 6-0, in

See Tennis/ page 25

Lexi Kothlow advaced in the No. 2 singles spot. - File photo by Marty Seeger

SHELL LAKE - Longtime Shell Lake wrestling coach Jim Campbell is being named to the George Martin Hall of Fame by the Wisconsin Wrestling Coaches Association in an official ceremony in Green Bay on Friday, Nov. 7.

Campbell began coaching during the 1978-79 school year where he was the althletic director and taught phy ed and health. He did this for 15 years, and since then he's Jim Campbell continued as the head wrestling coach and athletic director. Campbell posts a career dual meet record of 226-85-4, with several conference, regional and sectional titles, and a state championship in 1988. He was named Coach of the Year in 1988 and 2005. - Marty Seeger with submitted info ••• DULUTH, Minn., - Former St. Croix Falls catcher, Jessica Lundgren recently played in Duluth, Minn., for the UW-River Falls fast-pitch team.

The Falcons won all three games, as Lundgren played left field and is the teams left-handed hitter. The junior is known for her speed on the Falcons team and steals many bases each season. Lundgren will be traveling to the Rebel Spring Games in Orlando, Fla., March 8-14, 2009. - Marty Seeger ••• LEADER LAND – The Luck at St. Croix Falls football game can be heard on 104.9 FM on Thursday, Oct. 9, beginning at 7 p.m. The Grantsburg at Webster game on Thursday, Oct. 9 can be heard on 105.7 FM at 7 p.m. The Amery at Durand game is being broadcast on Thursday, Oct. 9, on 1260 AM at 7 p.m.

••• DETROIT, Mich. – The Green Bay Packers at Seattle game can be heard on Sunday, Oct. 12, beginning at 3:15 p.m. on 105.7 FM. ••• MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – The Detroit at Vikings game can be heard on 104.9 FM at noon on Sunday, Oct. 12.

••• MADISON – The Penn State at Wisconsin Badgers football game can be heard on Saturday, Oct. 11, on 1260 AM at 7 p.m. The Badgers at Boston College hockey game can be heard on Friday, Oct. 10, at 6 p.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

SPORTS RESULTS DEADLINES: WEDNESDAY - MONDAY: 1 p.m. the following business day. TUESDAY: 10 p.m. Missed deadlines mean no coverage that week!

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

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Saints reign as regional champions!

Somerset tied for fifth with a 464, Ellsworth placed seventh with 465, Luck-Unity eighth with 541 and ninth was Prescott with 619.

“It was certainly a good one,” said Benoy of the girls regional title. “Tess Hedrick has been playing very well as of late. Her performances have made a big difference. The girls just have to stay focused and have some fun out there.”

Defeat Baldwin-Woodville by 18 strokes

by Marty Seeger LUCK – After going back-and-forth with the Baldwin-Woodville golf team all seasonlong, the Saints brought their A game to the regional tournament, last Wednesday, Oct. 1.

“It was s great day,” said coach Jeff Benoy. “The girls certainly have the talent to compete like they did. To say we weren’t pumped up after the match would be a lie!”

The Saints won with a score of 379 to Baldwin-Woodville’s 397 on a tough Luck Golf Course, which had its greens plugged the day before, adding additional challenges.

“When it gets to this point in the season, the mental approach the girls take to the course is the most crucial thing,” Benoy said. “They have to believe that the next match is going to be their best.

We’re doing a pretty good job of that right now.” Jenny Benoy led the Saints with key scores of 43 and 39, and Marissa Campeau shot 44 on both the

Saint golfer Courtney Rasmussen stayed within a few strokes of her teammates to help them win the regional championship. – Photo by Marty Seeger front and back nine. Tess Hedrick followed with scores of 50 and 48 and Brittany Buss shot 56 and 55. Cortney Rasmussen was one stroke behind Buss with a 54 and 58.

Osceola came in third place overall with a score of 430. Lindsey Danielson

has been the leader on the Osceola team for the past four seasons. She won her fourth-straight conference title recently, and led the regional championship with a total of 77.

Amery came in fourth place with a score of 453, St. Croix Central and

Luck/Unity Regional Wednesday, Oct. 1 Team Points St. Croix Falls 379 Baldwin-Woodville 397 Osceola 430 Amery 453 Somerset 464 St. Croix Central 464 Ellsworth 465 Luck/Unity 541 Prescott 619 Area Individual Points Name Points School Jennifer Benoy 82 St. Croix Falls Marissa Campeau 88 St. Croix Falls Tess Hedrick 98 St. Croix Falls Lindsey Staper 110 Luck/Unity Brittany Buss 111 St. Croix Falls Courtney Rasmussen 112 St. Croix Falls Johanna Allino 118 Luck/Unity Emily Sterling 126 Luck/Unity Janelle Larsen 187 Luck/Unity

Luck-Unity girls fall just short of season goal of St. Croix Central (109) to go to the sectional tournament in Osceola.

Despite the near playoff opportunity, Staple is a sophomore and will get another shot at it again next season. In fact, the only golfer who ended her high school career is senior Johanna Alling, whose team leadership will be missed.

She golfed on the team for three seasons, and ended her final outing with a total 118, the second-best score on the team.

“The team will truly miss Johanna Alling’s leadership next year,” said Steen.

Emily Stelling scored a 126 at the regional tournament and Janelle Larson shot a 187.

“All of the girls improved throughout the year and have high expectations for next season,” Steen said.

Stapel one stroke away from playoff ending

by Marty Seeger LUCK – The Luck-Unity golf teams season ended at the regional championship in Luck last Wednesday, Oct. 1, but it was a positive season overall.

As a team the Cardinals dropped over 100 strokes from where they started at the beginning of the year, but fell just short of their regional tournament goal of shooting 10 strokes below their average.

“All of the girls had goals to score 10 shots less than their averages, however, they fell short by a few shots,” said coach Ron Steen.

Lindsey Staple led the team with a total score of 110, and was just one shot away from a playoff with Anna Marns

Senior Johanna Alling finished her season scoring the team’s second best total. – Photos by Marty Seeger

Lindsey Staple led the Luck/Unity golf team during the regional tournament on Wednesday, Oct. 1.

Unity/Luck tennis finishes with 6-1 conference record No. 2 singles Lexie Kothlow completed her game in two sets, winning 6-1 and 6-2, finishing the conference season with a record of 6-1. No. 4 singles Alex Davison took another win, going 5-2 in the conference. Davison won in two sets, 6-1 and 6-0.

The No. 1 and No. 2 doubles teams each finished their conference season with records of 5-2. No. 1 doubles Elizabeth Ebensperger and Alesa Paulsen won over Durand, 7-6 and 6-4.

No. 2 doubles team Jessi Kutina and Katherine Ebensperger won the first, 62, lost the second set, 6-4, but won the third, 6-1.

Kothlow and Franzel finish undefeated Unity/Luck 6, Durand 1

by Brenda Sommerfeld DURAND – With one loss to New Richmond and the final win, 6-1, in a rain makeup match against Durand on Thursday, Oct. 2, the Unity/Luck tennis team finished with a 6-1 conference record.

“The girls are playing well and are excited for our subsectionals at Osceola on Monday,” coach Sarah Schmidt said.

The No. 3 doubles team was the only players to lose to their Durand opponent. Katie Petzel was not able to play, so JV player Mary Maiden-Muller stepped up into her place. MaidenMuller and Maddie Anderson fell to Durand, 6-1 and 6-1.

“They played hard but didn’t quite pull it out,” Schmidt said.

No. 1 singles player Stephanie Kothlow and No. 3 singles player

Thursday, Sept. 25

Unity/Luck 6, Durand 1

No. 1 doubles team Alesa Paulsen and Elizabeth Ebenseperger won their round over Durand on Thursday, Oct. 2. – Photo submitted Christine Franzel are both undefeated in the conference, 7-0. Kothlow has an undefeated overall record of 17-0 after

defeating Durand’s 6-2 and 6-0. Franzel is 14-1 overall after winning 6-3 and 6-1 to Durand.

Singles: No. 1 Stephanie Kothlow (U) d. Lindsay Lein (D) 6-2, 6-0; No. 2 Lexie Kothlow (U) d. Hayley Kallstrom (D) 6-1, 6-2; No. 3 Christine Franzel (U) d.

Lisa Lien (D) 6-3, 6-1; No. 4 Alex Davison (U) d.

Marissa Haglund (D) 6-1, 6-0.

Doubles: No. 1 Elizabeth Ebensperger-Alesa Paulsen (U) d. Kristine Berger-Jackie Johnson (D) 7-6, 6-4; No. 2 Jessi Kutina-Katherine Ebensperger (U) d. Alyssa Thermos-Stephanie Johnson (D) 6-2, 4-6, 6-1; No. 3 Chelsea Anderson-Jenny Hudalla (D) d. Maddie Anderson-Mary Maiden-Muller (U) 6-1, 6-1.

OCTOBER 8, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 19

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Cardinals control Eagles Move to 2-2 in the conference Luck 35, Unity 13

by Marty Seeger LUCK – It was a chilly evening for fans, but a hot night for the Cardinals football team as they routed the Eagles in a decided victory to get their second conference win of the season, moving them to 2-2.

“We had a good game Friday with Unity,” said coach Josh Hetfeld. “We spread our offense some to try and take advantage of some speed.”

Arnold Gorr helped the Cardinals with a big 55-yard run in the first quarter after picking up a fouled snap. It set up the first score of the game on a 1yard run from Gorr to give Luck an early 7-0 lead.

Then two minutes later, Luck’s outside linebacker Collin Svoboda caused a fumble and recovered it near midfield.

Arnold Gorr ran hard for the Cardinals during their homecoming game.

Outside linebacker Collin Svoboda popped the ball loose on a Unity runner and recovered it for the Cardinals during the first quarter. – Photos by Marty Seeger Luck moved the ball close to the end zone on a huge gain by Gorr, which set up a Brandon Gutzmer 1-yard touchdown run.

Running back Dustin McKinney was running strong on the Eagles next possession, but Luck linebacker Roger Steen intercepted a pass on their own 35-yard line with 1:40 to go in the first quarter. The Cardinals did a nice job of stopping McKinney, who is one of the Eagles leading offensive threats.

“I was happy that we didn’t allow McKinney to have any big plays,” Hetfeld said. “He’s a real good back who is going to get yards, you just have to try and stop the big play.”

In the second quarter the Cardinals forced the Eagles to turn the ball over on downs. The Cardinals controlled the ball and the clock while opening up a long drive that started with a 15-yard run from Carson Giller. Later on the

drive Landen Strilzuk ran for a big gain and Giller connected with Nick Morgan on a 15-yard pass play. Despite a penalty bringing up a third-down-and-15 situation, Morgan ran it in 16 yards on a screen pass to give the Cardinals a 21-0 lead.

But with just 1:13 left in the first half, the Eagles made a big comeback and quarterback Luke Nelson connected with Jason Vlasnik for 60 yards. Nelson then hit Eric Goulet on a screen pass for the score, which left it 21-7 at halftime.

A big McKinney run in the opening of the third quarter was eventually called back on a penalty, and other penalties led the Eagles to turn the ball over on downs, giving Luck great field position on the Eagles 25-yard line. Giller scrambled for two 11-yard plays and eventually scored on a three yard run with 7:46 to go in the third quarter. Then just a minute later, Morgan intercepted a pass

for Luck.

“Four turnovers and penalties just killed any chance of us getting back into the game,” said Eagles coach Dave Anderson. “Every time that we would start to get a drive going we would have a big play brought back because of a penalty, or give the ball right back to them on a turnover. It was a very frustrating game.”

The turnover couldn’t be converted into a scoring opportunity for Luck, but the Eagles were able to capitalize on their next possession on a 25-yard touchdown pass from Luke Nelson to Vlasnik to make it a 28-13 game after the third quarter. It would be the final touchdown of the game for the Eagles, and the Cardinals punched in another in the fourth quarter after Morgan intercepted his second pass of the game.

Strilzuk ran in the final touchdown for Luck on a 1-yard run with 47 seconds left to end it.

Luck’s Giller rushed for 117 yards on 16 carries, and Gorr picked up 78 yards on four carries. Giller passed for 83 yards on seven completions and 13 attempts.

McKinney had 127 yards on 17 carries and Nelson completed three of 10 passes for 99 yards with two touchdowns and three interceptions.

Team Unity Luck

1 0 14

2 7 7

3 6 7

4 0 7

F 13 35

TEAM STATISTICS Unity Luck 45-221 52-199 Rushes-yards Passes 3-11-99 7-13-83 320 282 Total yards 1-25 Punts-average INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS Rushing - Dustin McKinney (U) 17-127; Carson Giller (L) 16-117; Arnold Gorr (L) 4-78; Eric Goulet (U) 15-61; Landen Strilzuk (L) 19-64; Seth McKenzie (U) 4-26; Brandon Gutzmer (L) 9-24; Rush Hickethier (U) 5-17; Nick Morgan (L) 4-11; Luke Nelson (U) 2-6; Tyler Fox (U) 2-6.

Receiving - Jason Vlasnik (U) 2-83; Eric Goulet (U) 1-16; Nick Morgan (L) 5-53; Landon Strilzuk (L) 1-15; Cole Mortell (L) 1-15.

Webster winning streak ended by Clear Lake scoring the team’s seven.

“I thought the second half, we played better football, both offensively and defensively,” Voeltz said.

Pope, Kyle Godfrey and Zach Quigley provided the Tiger teams rushing yards. Pope totaled 51 yards, Godfrey had 61 and Quigley made it 56.

The two passes completed by Chad French were to Brad Nutt for 16 yards and Jake Mosher for 6 yards.

Travis Moser led the Webster team in tackles with seven solo and three assists.

Pope was another leader on defense with seven solo tackles and two assists.

Nick Kriegel, Nutt and French each had five solo take downs and a couple assisted.

“We just didn’t have enough big plays on offense or defense this week,” said Voeltz.

Tigers play better second half than first Clear Lake 19, Webster 7

by Brenda Sommerfeld CLEAR LAKE – The Clear Lake Warriors took the Webster Tigers winning streak and undefeated record away as they overpowered them in a win of 19-7 on Friday, Oct. 3.

“We give Clear Lake a lot of credit for the way they played the game,” Tiger coach Jeromie Voeltz said. “They came out and took control from the opening kickoff, seemed like we were on our heels the whole night.”

The Warriors dominated in the first half with three touchdowns by senior running back Jake Espeseth. Espeseth received a 2-yard pass from Matt O’Connell in the first three minutes of the first quarter. In the second quarter, Espeseth had a 2-yard run and a 60-yard punt return TD. One kick was completed, putting Clear Lake up 19-0.

“They were extremely tough to stop,” Voeltz said of the Warrior offense.

“They have so many weapons on offense, that we couldn’t shut them down completely. Seemed like when we would try to shut down the run, they would pass and when we tried to shut down the pass, they ran the football.”

Both Webster and Clear Lake had 60 plays, but the Warriors totaled 339 yards, while the Tigers only went 178.

The Webster Tigers huddle up before walking to the line during a game earlier this season. – File photo by Brenda Sommerfeld “We were able to move the ball at times, but either penalties or mental mistakes caused us to give the ball back,” Voeltz said.

Penalties were a problem on both sides of the ball for both teams. Webster gave 50 yards away with six penalties and Clear Lake totaled 85 yards in 10 penalties.

“In our situation, we can’t afford to make those types of mistakes during the football game,” Voeltz commented.

The second half was a different ball game for the Tigers, they held the Warriors from scoring and were able to put in a TD of their own. Dan Pope scored in the third quarter on a 3-yard run. Pope also scored the extra point,

Team 1 2 3 4 F Webster 0 0 7 0 7 Clear Lake 7 12 0 0 19 Scoring CL - Jake Espeseth 2-yd. pass from Matt O’Connell (kick good) CL - Jake Espeseth 2-yd. run CL - Jake Espeseth 60-yd. punt return W - Dan Pope 3-yd. run (Dan Pope kick) TEAM STATISTICS Webster Clear Lake First downs 11 14 Rushes-yards 49-153 31-129 Passes 2-11-25 16-30-210 Total yards 178 339 Penalties-yards 6-50 10-85 INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS Rushing - Kyle Godfrey (W) 6-61; Zach Quigley (W) 18-56; Dan Pope (W) 14-51.

Receiving - Brad Nutt (W) 1-17; Jake Mosher (W) 16.

PAGE 20 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - OCTOBER 8, 2008

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Panthers take away Pirates Homecoming hope had 1.5 and Derek Bertelsen and Larson each had one.

Offensively, Bertelsen did most of the rushing with 87 yards in 16 attempts.

Austin Eskola had one good run, resulting in a first down, going 11 yards. Kyle Johnson was just shy of his own first down with nine yards and Matt Wood and Josh Phillipps each totaled six yards.

“Our players are playing hard despite not winning,” Lehne said.

Pirates played without six starters St. Croix Central 46, Grantsburg 0

by Brenda Sommerfeld GRANTSBURG – As the St. Croix Central took a lead of 32-0 at halftime, many fans hopes of a homecoming victory for Grantsburg started to fade.

With six starters out, the Pirates were shut out by the Panthers 46-0 on Friday, Oct. 3.

The Grantsburg team was short their starting quarterback, middle linebacker, Team 1 2 3 4 F St. Croix Central 12 20 7 7 46 Grantsburg 0 0 0 0 0 Scoring SCC - Zack Gillis 3-yd. run SCC - Ronald Moore 31-yd. pass from Andrew Thomley SCC - Jesse Krizan 34-yd. pass from Andrew Thomley SCC - Zack Gillis 65-yd. run (Kyle Cress kick) SCC - Jonathan Stephens 13-yd. run (Kyle Cress kick) SCC - Andrew Thomley 1-yd. run (Kyle Cress kick) SCC - Joe Poulin 13-yd. run (Kyle Cress kick) TEAM STATISTICS St. Croix Central Grantsburg First downs 34 10 Rushes-yards 51-293 27-127 Passes 8-12-118 0-6-0 Total yards 411 127 Punts-average 1-40 5-24.8 Penalties-yards 9-60 3-15 INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS Rushing - Derek Bertelsen (G) 16-87; Austin Eskola (G) 1-11; Kyle Johnson (G) 1-9; Matt Wood (G) 1-6; Josh Phillipps (G) 2-6; Devin Trantanella (G) 4-5; Brent Myers (G) 2-3.

Pirate Derek Bertelsen tries to get around a St. Croix Central Panther defensive during their game on Friday night. – Photos by Brenda Sommerfeld left corner, left wingback, right guard and right outside linebacker, while the Panthers came out with their strong lineup.

“St. Croix Central was very good, as I expected,” coach Keith Lehne said.

The Pirates had some trouble holding onto the ball with five fumbles. Each fumble resulting in a St. Croix Central recover. Three of them were even inside the 40-yard line, putting the Panthers in

good position to score. Only the last recovery in the fourth quarter resulted in a SCC TD, the others were held off by the Pirate defense.

Brad Berner and Tony Larson led the team in tackles with seven solo and two assists. Two of Berner’s solos were for a loss of yards. Brent Myers had four solo and three assists and Tyler Myers had five solo and two assists. Nick Simmons had 2.5 tackles for a loss, David Larsen

Grantsburg’s Thane Larson takes down a St. Croix Central running back at the game on Friday, Oct .3.

Past Pirate teams honored at homecoming halftime

Players from the undefeated 1958 Pirate football team that were present at the Grantsburg Homecoming game were (L to R): John Stusek, Stan Miller and Wayne McKenzie. – Photos by Brenda Sommerfeld

The 1978 team was also honored for being undefeated. Members of the team that walked onto the field at halftime of the Pirates game were (L to R): Jeff Finch, Scott Hoffman and Steve Johnson.

Siren Dragons slayed by Shell Lake Lakers “We played hard until the end,” Webster said. “We may some injuries, but I am proud of the way most of the kids are continuing to work hard and finish strong.”

Unforced errors continue to plaque team Shell Lake 63, Siren 6

by Brenda Sommerfeld SIREN – Five touchdowns in the first quarter set the tone for the Shell Lake team in their 63-6 win against Siren on Friday, Oct. 3.

“Shell Lake is a very good football team,” Dragon coach Brian Webster said. “We gave them a short field and that is never good, especially against a team like Shell Lake.”

The Dragons had some big passing and very nice rushing plays, but with unforced errors, they couldn’t keep the ball. There were two fumbles lost and three interceptions. One of the interceptions even resulted in a 70-yard return TD for the Lakers during the second quarter.

The two completed passes were to Brennan Moose with 39 yards and Eric Keith with 4 yards.

Rushing was Jeremy Wikstrom, who had 51 yards and scored the team’s only

Siren’s Jeremy Wikstrom, No. 35, rushes the ball as Will Haines looks to block. – Photo by Larry Samson touchdown on a 10-yard run in the fourth quarter, Moose totaled 34 yards and quarterback Christian Hall had 32 yards.

Moose took seven of the nine kickoff returns. He averaged 20 yards a carry

and had a long return of 60 yards.

Hall not only lead his team as quarterback on offense, but led on defense with four total tackles. Andrew Brown completed two and Collin Tewalt and Mike Hunter each had 1.5 solo and one assist.

Team 1 2 3 4 F Shell Lake 35 13 9 6 63 Siren 0 0 0 7 7 Scoring SL - Luke Gronning 54-yd. run (Luke Gronning kick) SL - Evan Fox 17-yd. pass from Jake McQuade (Luke Gronning kick) SL - Luke Gronning 5-yd. run SL - Jake McQuade 41-yd. run (Evan Fox pass from Jake McQuade) SL - Tom Helsern 34-yd. run (Luke Gronning kick) SL - Jake McQuade 15-yd. run (Luke Gronning kick) SL - Tyler Anderson 70-yd. int. return SL - Mitch Kraetke 27-yd. run (Jake McQuade kick) SL - safety SL - Mitch Kraetke 5-yd. run S - Jeremy Wikstrom 10-yd. run (Christian Hall kick) TEAM STATISTICS Shell Lake Siren First downs 11 6 Rushes-yards 18-273 22-117 Passes 1-3-17 2-13-43 Total yards 290 160 Punts-average 0-0 3-17.7 Penalties-yards 1-5 2-10 INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS Rushing - Jeremy Wikstrom (S) 15-51; Brennen Moose (S) 2-34; Christian Hall (S) 4-32.

Receiving - Brennen Moose (S) 1-39; Eric Keith (S) 14.

OCTOBER 8, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 21

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Saints remain perfect with win over Cameron Offensive line gives Saints a fourth-quarter edge St. Croix Falls 32, Cameron 18

by Marty Seeger CAMERON – The Comets came out ready to play during their homecoming game last Friday, Oct. 3, against the undefeated Saints.

“They came out fired up,” said Saints coach Rod Sempf of the Comets, who led the game 18-17 in the third quarter, and were the first to score just four minutes into the game.

Defensively the Saints have been solid all seasonlong, but the first touchdown of the game gave Cameron some momentum early in the game.

“We broke some defensive responsibilities early in the game, and we just made some mental mistakes on defense,” Sempf said. “It really got them going.”

The Saints got on board first on a 22yard field goal by Sam Schmidt, and that’s where the first quarter remained.

Cameron retook a 12-3 lead early in the second quarter on a pass play, but the Saints bounced back to score two times in the second quarter. Bushweiler scored both with a 1-yard run with 7:23 in the half, and again on a 9-yard carry with 1:04 to go. Bushweiler scored a total of three touchdowns in the game and led the team with 121 yards on 21 carries. Nick Foeller had a nice game rushing as well with 103 yards on 13 carries.

With the Saints padding a 17-12 lead, the Comets went ahead midway

Saints quarterback Matt Vold No. 9 prepares his offensive line for battle in a game earlier this season. The Saints offensive line was a deciding factor in the Cameron game on Friday night. – File photo by John Reed through the third quarter and held that lead until 7:33 remained in the fourth quarter, when Foeller ran it in for 3-yard touchdown. They scored again with just over four minutes to go in the game on a 4-yard run by Bushweiler.

“We just stopped making mental errors on defense and started moving the ball,” Sempf said.

The Saints totaled 249 yards rushing, with Matt Vold completing three of five passes for 67 yards. Cory Gebhard caught one of those passes for 34 yards.

Sempf credited his success on offense in the second half to his offensive line.

“Our line played outstanding on Friday night, and controlled the game,”

said Sempf, and added that there were times where the running backs would pick up 8 to 10 yards before getting contact from a defender.

“The key was when our offensive line just decided that we’re going to win this football game, and just dominated the fourth quarter,” Sempf said.

The core of the Saints offensive line consists of sophomore Ryan Jaremczuk, juniors Joe Raygor and Blake Yunker, and seniors Matt Jacobs and Andy Lauritsen.

Team 1 2 3 4 F St. Croix Falls 3 14 0 15 32 6 6 6 0 18 Cameron Scoring C - Joey Spanel run SCF - Sam Schmidt 22-yd. field goal C - Nick Gaven 10-yd. pass from Tanner Linsmeyer SCF - Chase Bushweiler 1-yd. run (Sam Schmidt kick) SCF - Chase Bushweiler 9-yd. run (Sam Schmidt kick) C - Kolby Kiehl 1-yd. pass from Tanner Linsmeyer SCF - Zach Foeller 3-yd. run (Sam Schmidt kick) SCF - Chase Bushweiler 4-yd. run (Zach Foeller run) TEAM STATISTICS St. Croix Falls Cameron 22 18 First downs Rushes-yards 39-245 27-88 2-4-50 10-18-150 Passes Total yards 295 238 INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS Rushing - Chase Bushweiler (SCF) 21-121; Zach Foeller (SCF) 13-103; Josh Yunker (SCF) 4-25.

Receiving - Cory Gebhard (SCF) 1-34; Zach Foeller (SCF) 2-16.

Vikings clobber Bruce 50-13 tackles.

This week, the Vikings are preparing for a big game against Turtle Lake (4-1).

With a win, the Vikings could tie for a second-place spot in the conference behind the undefeated Shell Lake Lakers.

“This will be an interesting game.

They’re pretty good, and we’ve played well the last couple of weeks, so we’re really looking forward to it,” Belanger said.

After the Turtle Lake game, the Vikings will be facing a bye week due to the addition of Winter in the Small Lakeland Conference. They’ll finish out the year with a game against Shell Lake on Thursday, Oct. 23, before the Level 1 playoffs begin on the following Tuesday.

Anticipate Turtle Lake in upcoming home game Frederic 50, Bruce 13

by Marty Seeger BRUCE – Everything seemed to go Frederic’s way last Friday as they routed Bruce for their fourth conference win of the season, moving them to third place in the conference standings.

“Both [offense and defense] were working extremely well, said Vikings coach Ken Belanger.

Frederic struck the first blow to Bruce when quarterback David Harland connected with Andrew Kurkowski on an 18-yard pass with 9:19 remaining in the first quarter. Bruce tied it back up just 15 seconds later on an 87-yard kickoff return, but the Vikings responded with a 5-yard run from Tony Peterson. The Vikings momentum on offense grew and carried into the second quarter as they scored 29 points, including a safety that was recovered by Peterson.

“The kids really played a good game,” Belanger said. “They were ready to play and they did well.”

Bruce scored once in the second quarter after the Vikings allowed them a short field, but it didn’t seem to matter.

Harlander scored the first touchdown on a 1-yard run and connected with a 17-yard pass to Kurkowski. Bruce then scored their second touchdown of the game, and Peterson scored on an 8-yard run. Harlander connected again with Kurkowski on a 30-yard pass, and Peterson rounded out the first half with a 5-yard run.

The Frederic defense goes for Bruce as the football is in the air during their game on Friday, Oct. 3. – Photo by Nancy Anderson In the end, Harlander completed 11 of 17 passes for 231 yards and three touchdowns. Ben Ackerley led the team in receiving with five catches for 131 yards, and Kurkowski caught five passes for 90 yards with three touchdowns.

Zach Anderson caught two passes for 39 yards.

Peterson was the leading rusher with

127 yards on 17 carries with three touchdowns, and Tyler Calabria had 82 yards on 14 carries.

On defense Cody Gruel had an outstanding night with a team leading five tackles, two assists, three sacks and 3.5 tackles for loss. Zach Anderson had four tackles and four assists, and Trae Gehl, Ian Anderson and Peterson each had 3.5

Team 1 2 3 4 F Frederic 14 29 7 0 50 Bruce 7 6 0 0 13 Scoring F - Andrew Kurkowski 18-yd. pass from David Harlander (Adrianna Otte kick) B - Tyler Zimmerman 87-yd. kick return (Kurt Johnson kick) F - Tony Peterson 5-yd. run (Adrianna Otte kick) F - Tony Peterson safety F - David Harlander 1-yd. run (Adrianna Otte kick) F - Andrew Kurkowski 17-yd. pass from David Harlander (Adrianna Otte kick) B - Jesse Zelek 10-yd. run F - Tony Peterson 8-yd. run F - Andrew Kurkowski 30-yd. pass from David Harlander (Adrianna Otte kick) F - Tony Peterson 5-yd. run (Adrianna Otte kick) TEAM STATISTICS Frederic Bruce First downs 26 7 Rushes-yards 44-280 28-57 Passes 12-21-260 4-17-82 Total yards 540 139 Punts-average 0-0 4-21.8 Penalties-yards 4-35 2-10 INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS Rushing - Tony Peterson (F) 17-127; Tyler Calabria (F) 14-82; David Harlander (F) 7-42; Claire Erickson (F) 4-18; Ben Ackerley (F) 2-11.

Receiving - Ben Ackerley (F) 5-131; Andrew Kurkowski (F) 5-90; Zach Anderson (F) 2-39.

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Luck falls to St. Croix Falls in Tuesday action Unity falls in four, Lakers topple Siren, Pirates oust Vikings St. Croix Falls 3, Luck 0

by Marty Seeger ST. CROIX FALLS – The Saints volleyball team moved to 6-2 in the conference with a win over Luck (25-11, 25-6 and 25-17), on Tuesday, Oct. 7.

Sarah Petznick led the Saints with eight kills, and Amanda Larson had seven kills. Carissa Libbenga contributed five kills and Alicia Chelberg had four. Gabby Nuckles led in assists with 17. Jamie Rohm had 13 digs and Alex Confer had 12 on the night.

Luck’s Morgan Denny led the Cardinals with six kills and Brittney Danielson had four. Ali Lehmann led the team in digs with seven.

Turtle Lake 3, Unity 1 TURTLE LAKE – The Eagles volleyball team lost to Turtle Lake in four games on Tuesday (20-25, 25-23, 17-25 and 20-25).

“Amanda Kuske had some amazing digs and saves,” said coach Kasee Hickok. “One of the line judges made the comment, ‘Ive never seen someone with so much hustle and determination.’ I agreed with her.”

Hickok said Turtle Lake had some key blocks and set the tempo when they

Luck Sophomore Ashley Overby gets the ball over the net in a game against Clear Lake on Thursday, Oct. 2. - Photo by Marty Seeger

Saints senior Amanda Larson bumps the ball over the net. - Photo

by Brenda Sommerfeld

Siren fans cheer on the home team on Tuesday, Oct. 7 as the Dragons went up against the Shell Lake Lakers. The Lakers won 3-0. - Photo by Brenda Sommerfeld

needed it.

“Sam Hill had some great serves and sets that really made a difference in our play as well,” Hickok said.

Shell Lake 3, Siren 0 SIREN – The Dragons lost a match in three games, 25-16, 25-20 and 25-20, to Shell Lake on their home court Tuesday, Oct. 7.

During the first game, the Lakers were up 18-8, but with Ashley Guevara serving aces and several errors on Shell Lake’s side, Siren was able to come back in it.

The Dragons were able to keep the lead in the second game with Janey Emery and Amber Guevara taking turns at the net, until Shell Lake scored their eighth point on a block, evening things, 8-8. The Lakers quickly moved their score to 20 while Siren struggled to 12. Megan Baasch had a few big plays for Siren, setting them on a scoring binge. Shell Lake had two final major hits to end the second game, 25-20.

Errors by the Lakers brought Siren to a quick lead, 4-1, in the beginning of the third game. The Dragons held the lead with tips from Baasch and Ashley Guevara, kills from Guevara and Emery and unanswered serves by Emery. Once Siren hit 13, the Lakers made a run to come back and tie it up 16-16. Shell Lake kept Siren at 16 as they piled on the points to 24. The Dragons weren’t giving up and rallied back four more points until being called in the net for the Lakers to score their game point. Brenda Sommerfeld

Grantsburg's Kortney Morrin smashes the ball over the net against Frederic on Tuesday, Oct. 7. - Photo by Priscilla Bauer Grantsburg 3, Frederic 0 GRANTSBURG – The Pirates easily remain undefeated in conference and overall as they pushed past Frederic in three games, 25-9, 25-9 and 25-11, on Tuesday, Oct. 7.

The Grantsburg team will next go up against the Turtle Lake Lakers at home next Tuesday, Oct. 14, while the Vikings play Siren at home. - Brenda Sommerfeld Birchwood 3, Siren 0 SIREN – Despite good effort on the Dragons part, Siren lost in three games, 25-17, 25-21 and 25-14, to the Birchwood

Bobcats during their nonconference match on Monday, Oct. 6.

Janey Emery led the team in attacks with nine, while Ashley Guevara was right behind Emery with eight. Emery also led with four blocks and even assisted in two.

Carley Emery completed four kills and four assists. Sarah Howe was the leading setter with eight assists. Amber Guevara had two unanswered serves throughout the night. - Brenda Sommerfeld

Webster wins one at Amery Tournament Webster 2, Prairie Farm 0 Spring Valley 2, Webster 0 Amery 2, Webster 0 Webster 1, Unity 1

by Brenda Sommerfeld AMERY – The Webster Tigers won one match against Prairie Farm and split their last match with the Unity Eagles during the Amery Volleyball Tournament on Saturday, Oct. 4.

Prairie Farm lost the two games to Webster, 25-15 and 25-10. Spring Valley defeated the Tigers, 25-15, in both games. Webster lost to Amery, 25-14 and 25-13. The Unity match was split, with Webster winning the first and Unity winning the second game.

Kara Gall, Michelle Gibbs and Loreto

Stange each took turns attacking at the net throughout the day. Gall totaled 12 kills, Gibbs had 12 and Stange completed 11 kills.

Stange also led the team in digs with eight and had six serving aces. Ally Rydel also had six aces for the Tiger team, while Siiri Larsen had five.

Becca Schrooten put up the most assists with a total of 21 and Larsen totaled 14.

The Webster volleyball team takes a timeout in a previous match this season. – File photo by Brenda Sommerfeld

OCTOBER 8, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 23

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Saints fall victim to undefeated Pirates Krysta Laqua, Chrissy Chenal and Cori Schmidt were equal hitters at the net. Laqua led with four and Chenal and Schmidt each had three. Schmidt also had the team’s only block.

Ana Miller and Becca Anderson each had three serving aces for the Viking team.

Libero Alex Lonetti led her team in digs, totaling 12, while Chenal and Schmidt each had 10.

Other area teams fall to opponents Grantsburg 3, St. Croix Falls 0

by Brenda Sommerfeld GRANTSBURG – The Grantsburg Pirates continue to make the sport of volleyball look easy. Coach Bill Morrin and his Pirate team easily defeated another top conference player, St. Croix Falls, on Thursday in three games, 25-7, 25-13 and 25-15.

The Saints fall to 5-3 in the West Lakeland Conference after Grantsburg’s win. The Pirates continue as undefeated after losing only one game and no matches this entire season.

“We were very nervous in the first game,” St. Croix Falls coach Scott Petznick stated. “I did expect that.”

The Saints nerves were definitely visible in the first game as they lost, 25-7.

The score was only close in the very beginning, until the Pirates started hitting in the famously hard kill shots.

Kortney Morrin, Annie Palmquist and Lauren Romanowski, along with many other members of their team knocked shots into St. Croix Falls territory that the Saints just weren’t able to get under.

Morrin and Palmquist both totaled 16 kills during the three games and Romanowski added four kills and blocked four. Larissa Wilhelm assisted with 16 kills and Emily Cole with 11.

Things got better for the Saints during the second game.

“I thought we pulled it together and started to really figure out their hitters and we were able to block and challenge them,” Petznick commented.

Grantsburg slowed a little in the beginning of the second game, as the Saints were able to tie it up, 6-6. The Pirates pulled it back together, not allowing St. Croix Falls hitters to get many past them and dominating the rest of the game with kills and blocks to win, 25-13.

“We had some nice long rallies with them, but we don’t have the firepower that they do,” Petznick said.

“Grantsburg is so strong hitting, we can’t match them in the hitting, but I felt my girls did a great job trying to dig and block them.”

Northwood 3, Siren 0 MINONG – The Dragons lost to the Northwood Evergreens in three games, 25-6, 25-5 and 25-15 on Tuesday when they traveled to Minong.

Ashley Guevara and Janey Emery split the blocking and attacking, as Sarah Howe and Carly Emery put up the assists. Several Siren players helped in the back court getting digs for the team. Deanna Phernetton led the team in digs, while Meghan Baasch, Janey Emery, Jessica Tills and Guevara each also contributed.

Grantsburg’s Kallie Thoreson knocks in a kill over St. Croix Falls Sarah Petznick and Amanda Larson. – Photo by Brenda Sommerfeld Digs for the Saints greatly improved in both the second and third games. The Pirates controlled the third game winning, 25-15. St. Croix Falls Alex Confer, Jamie Rohm and Emily Scheuermann each did a nice job digging Grantsburg’s hard hits.

“We dug a lot of their hits and that was exciting to see,” Petznick said.

Grantsburg had Morrin total 15 digs, Cole had 10 digs and Sarah Wald had nine for the team.

Turtle Lake 3, Webster 2 WEBSTER – The Tigers stayed tight with the Turtle Lake Lakers throughout their match on Thursday, but couldn’t pull out a win. Webster lost the first game to the Lakers 25-15, came out to take the next two, 25-19 and 25-21, but fell to Turtle Lake in the final two, 25-20 and 15-12.

The loss wasn’t due to lack of trying.

Many of the Lady Tigers showed poten-

Luck’s Aleah Lemieux tips the ball over the net into a Clear Lake player during their game on Thursday, Oct. 2. – Photos by Marty Seeger

tial at the net with kills. Michelle Gibbs lead the team, like in the last few games, with nine. Kara Gall, Kendra Spurgeon, Nikki Steiner, Alyssa Main and Loreto Stange each also took their turns knocking in kills against the Lakers.

Both Siiri Larsen and Becca Schrooten had nice games as the team’s setters.

Schrooten totaled 13 assists and Larsen put up 10 for the team’s hitters.

Ally Rydel got to the right place at the right time most often with her eight digs, while several other Webster players got under a few of the other Laker kills.

Stange and Rydel each had four serving aces and Gibbs totaled three.

Solon Springs 3, Frederic 0 FREDERIC – The Vikings stayed close with Solon Springs in the first game, losing 25-21, but couldn’t keep the momentum going as they lost the next two, 25-8 and 25-14, on Thursday night.

Clear Lake 3, Luck 0 LUCK – The Cardinals came out firing against Clear Lake on Thursday, Oct. 2. Luck got out to an early 5-1 lead in the first game and it seemed as though their momentum might carry them through, but Clear Lake quickly rebounded to take all three games from the Cardinals (25-14, 25-19 and 25-11).

Morgan Denny led with nine of the Cardinals 16 kills on the night, with Aleah Lemieux adding three with two blocks and Ali Lehmann putting up two kills.

Denny also led the team in digs with four, and Melissa Jenssen, Lemieux and Brittney Danielson had three digs each.

– Marty Seeger Shell Lake 3, Unity 0 BALSAM LAKE – The Eagles dropped three games to Shell Lake on Thursday (25-12, 25-15, 25-23).

The Eagles had trouble containing two powerful Shell Lake hitters but came back strong in the third game and nearly took it to four. It was the Eagles last home game of the season, with regional tournament play not beginning until Tuesday, Oct 21. – Marty Seeger

Eagle Marisa Hacker rolls a hit over the net while Shell Lake’s Sarah Jamme’ goes up to block it.

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Conference cross-country meet coming up own,” Wilson said.

Wilson also mentioned that Samantha Nelson rolled her ankle during the meet due to the conditions of the course, which affected her time somewhat, but she still finished 12th overall.

Grantsburg cross-country coach Paul Huskamp used six adjectives to describe the cross-country meet in Amery on Tuesday, Oct. 7.

“Cold, miserable, rainy, muddy, slippery, windy! The girls did the best they could under the circumstances.”

Michelle Lund led the girls and finished in 20th place. Angela Gaffney took 23rd. Huskamp said that Cherissa Vollendorf slipped during one part of the race and another runner forgot a knee brace, which affected her stride.

As for the boys, there wasn’t a full team, as some are sick or injured.

“Hopefully we’ll be healthy for Shell lake,” Huskamp said.

Athletes compete with weather conditions in Amery on Tuesday

by Marty Seeger AMERY – “It was a tough course,” said Vikings coach Nate Wilson after the cross-country meet in Amery on Tuesday, Oct. 7. Seventeen teams competed in Amery in less than pleasant conditions.

“It was an exact repeat of the race last year,” Wilson said.

The Frederic girls cross-country team placed second-place in their division for the small schools and seventh overall among 16 full teams.

The Bruce girls team finished with 187 and Frederic finished with 181. The Grantsburg girls finished with 214. It will be an interesting battle between the three girls teams at the conference meet in Shell Lake next Tuesday, Oct. 14. Ten teams will compete including Flambeau, Bruce, Webster, Grantsburg, St. Croix Falls, Cameron, Unity, Shell Lake, Frederic and Winter.

Wilson said the team has been making strides to prepare for the conference

St. Croix Falls girls lead other runners during a previous invitational this season. – File photos by Marty Seeger meet, and is starting to peak at the right time. One of those who recently made improvements has been Tara Anderson.

“She’s right on top, which is good, and all the other girls are holding their

Unity/Luck’s Paul Mueller placed fourth for his team during the Amery Invitational.

Webster’s Rose Kopecky took third for her team at Amery on Tuesday, Oct. 7.

Webster boys rule in Amery The Webster boys cross-country team dominated 17 teams in different divisions on Tuesday, with Jack Taylor taking an overall second-place finish among 184 competitors. The Tigers total points were 46, with Osceola taking the second-place spot with a score of 95.

Quentin Johnson took sixth overall, Bryan Krause took 10th, Nick Krinkie was 12th, Chaz Heinz was 17th and Devin Greene placed 27th.

Grantsburg boys runners did not have enough runners for a team with many sick or injured during the Amery Invitational. Coach Paul Huskamp hopes to have everyone well by the conference meet at Shell Lake.

Amery Cross-Country Invitational - Tuesday, Oct. 7 Place

Boys Teams

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

Webster Osceola St. Croix Central New Richmond Amery Menomonie Prescott Bruce Glenwood City Somerset Chetek St. Croix Falls Unity/Luck Boyceville Spring Valley Baldwin-Woodville Elmwood

Boys Overall Individuals Place Finisher 2 6 10

Taylor, Jack Johnson, Quentin Krause, Bryan

Team

Webster Webster Webster

Time

17:53.05 18:51.42 19:10.02

12 16 17 27 31 34 45 52 60 63 77 80 83 84 87 91 94 96 97 98 102 103 109 113 114 120 121

Krinkie, Nick McKinley, Steven Heinz, Chaz Greene, Devin Emerson, Matt Elmgren, J.T. Sundstrom, Tim Frey, Alex McKinney, Dennis Krause, Brad Gravesen, Nathan Muller, Mickey Lindgren, Nick Rinnman, Adam Krueger, Steven Heinz, Taylor Mueller, Paul Lusk, Tim Biorn, Daniel Erickson, Jim Anderson, Ben Thayer, Joe Larson, Alec Fontaine, Trevor Christensen, Kyle Isaacson, Cody Kelash, Rashaud

Webster Grantsburg Webster Webster Grantsburg Webster Webster St. Croix Falls Unity Webster St. Croix Falls Unity Grantsburg Webster Unity Webster Unity St. Croix Falls Grantsburg Webster St. Croix Falls St. Croix Falls Unity Webster St. Croix Falls Webster St. Croix Falls

19:18.70 19:37.28 19:38.55 19:54.10 20:05.68 20:12.38 20:44.02 20:57.37 21:15.02 21:18.59 21:54.40 22:01.98 22:13.08 22:14.34 22:16.40 22:22.16 22:29.99 22:31.14 22:31.82 22:41.74 22:57.42 22:58.01 23:06.98 23:15.00 23:20.36 23:39.19 23:41.26

126 145 168 169 176 179 183

Place 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

Bublitz, Tyler Wolfe, Christian Johnston, Mitchell Hays, Matt Rude, Matthew Peterson, Brady Nichols, Sam

Unity St. Croix Falls Unity Unity St. Croix Falls Unity St. Croix Falls

Girls Teams

24:00.99 24:49.33 26:45.61 27:01.91 28:21.48 29:25.73 31:16.51

New Richmond Amery Bruce St. Croix Central Somerset Osceola Frederic Grantsburg Baldwin-Woodville Hinckley-Finalyson Prescott Menomonie Elmwood Spring Valley Webster St. Croix Falls

Girls Overall Individuals Place Finisher

13 17 20 23 25 49 51 54 66 72 74 82 89 103 105 111 133 137 140 145 147 148 152 153

Team

Nelson, Samantha Frederic Knauber, Sarah Frederic Lund, Michelle Grantsburg Gaffney, Angela Grantsburg Karl, Calla Frederic Van Tatenhove, AimeeGrantsburg Karl, Sage Frederic Pardun, Shaina Webster Salas, Rachel Webster Banks, Jessica Grantsburg Smith, Meghan St. Croix Falls Ticknor, Leah Grantsburg Vollendorg, Cherissa Grantsburg Willow, Kelsey St. Croix Falls Kopecky, Rose Webster Anderson, Tara Frederic Martinson, Tashina St. Croix Falls Bollig, Ashley St. Croix Falls Kopecky, Olivia Webster Lennartson, Alison Unity Bublitz, Brittney Unity Dyson, Danielle Webster Martin, Carley St. Croix Falls Seephung, Pare Webster

Time

17:22.30 17:29.55 17:35.44 17:37.75 17:46.22 19:15.80 19:21.05 19:23.77 19:34.39 19:49.47 19:54.85 20:21.76 20:45.29 21:10.32 21:17.89 21:42.33 22:44.87 23:06.36 23:25.86 24:10.84 24:27.82 24:52.95 26:50.95 27:12.36

OCTOBER 8, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 25

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Tennis/continued from page 16 each of the two sets.

No. 4 singles player Alex Davison lost in her first match to Phillips’ Haley Elmendorf, taking her out of the running. Davison won one set, but lost two others.

The No. 2 doubles team, Jessi Kutina and Katherine Ebensperger, won their first match against Hurley’s No. 2 team in two sets, 6-2 and 6-2. BaldwinWoodville also fell victim to this pair, losing 6-1 and 6-0 in their second match.

Maddie Anderson and Katie Petzel of the No. 3 doubles team didn’t quite make the cut to sectionals, losing in their second match to their BaldwinWoodville opponents in three sets.

Anderson and Petzel won their first match against Barron’s Brandy Lippold and Rachel Hanson in two, 6-2 and 6-1.

The pair did win their first set against Baldwin-Woodville, 6-3, but lost the next two, 6-1 and 6-3, taking away their sectional chances.

Monday, Oct. 6

Subsectional Tournament at Osceola

(9 teams: Amery, Ashland, Baldwin-Woodville, Barron, Ellsworth, Hurley, Osceola, Phillips, Unity/Luck)

The Unity/Luck tennis team has been having one of their best seasons on record. - File photo by Marty Seeger

Hole-in-one winner

No. 1 Singles: Stephanie Kothlow (U) d. Anna Coyle (P) 6-0, 6-1.

No. 2 Singles: Lexie Kothlow (U) d. Sarah Schieffer (Am) 6-2, 6-2; Lexie Kothlow (U) d. Brooke Stoetzel (E) 6-3, 6-1.

No. 3 Singles: Christine Franzel (U) d. Katie Stipetich (Ash) 6-0, 6-2; Christine Franzel (U) d.

Alexandra Watral (Ash) 6-0, 6-0.

No. 4 Singles: Haley Elmendorf (P) d. Alex Davison (U) 2-6, 6-7, 5-7.

No. 1 Doubles: Elizabeth Ebensperger-Alesa Paulsen (U) d. Chelsey Weiss-Cassie Howe (E) 6-0, 6-1.

No. 2 Doubles: Jessi Kutina-Katherine Ebensperger (U) d. Jessalyn Barker-Alissa Kutz (H) 6-2, 6-2; Jessi Kutina-Katherine Ebensperger (U) d. Jessica JohnsonTanis Klingler (BW) 6-1, 6-0.

No. 3 Doubles: Maddie Anderson-Katie Petzel (U) d.

Rachel Hanson-Brandy Lippold (B) 6-2, 6-1; Danielle Mundt-Abbey Gadbois (BW) d. Maddie AndersonKatie Petzel (U) 3-6, 6-1, 6-3.

Punt, pass and kick Tristan Brewer, 11, participated in the Knights of Columbus Punt, Pass and Kick Competition semifinals at Turtle Lake High School.

He placed first in his age group with a total combined score of 234 points. He will travel to Marshfield on Saturday, Oct. 18, for the state finals. Brewer is a sixth-grader at the Grantsburg Middle School. Photo submitted

Terry Larsen of Larsen Auto and Motorsports in Osceola hands Jeanne Taylor of Webster a check for $10,000. Taylor shot a hole in one at the Frederic Golf Course this past summer. The hole was sponsored by Larsen Auto and Motorsports of Osceola. Congratulations Jeanne Taylor. - Photo submitted

Siren Ballpark gets tennis court

A ribbon cutting for the new tennis court at the Siren Ballpark was held Thursday, Oct. 2. On hand were (L to R): village board member Luanne Swanson, ballpark representatives Rudy and Ruth Mothes (Ruth holding a dozen Rotary roses purchased for her by her husband), village President Janet Hunter, village administrator/engineer Randy Surbaugh and village board member/tennis player Joan O’Fallon. Donations from Mike Myers, the Siren Area Lions Club, the Siren Tourism Commission, Lilac Press, the village of Siren, Rudy and Ruth Mothes and U. S. Bank made possible the tennis court and the basketball court to come. – Photo by Nancy Jappe

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Amery native inducted into Augsburg College Athletic Hall of Fame MINNEAPOLIS – Amery native Julie Hanson, a 1993 alumnus of Augsburg College, was named to the college’s Athletic Hall of Fame during ceremonies on Sept. 25, during Augsburg’s Homecoming week.

Hanson was a multisport athlete at Augsburg, playing both women’s basketball and softball. She also played one year on Augsburg’s club golf team, and even volunteered to play one tennis match in 1992 to fill out an open position. In basketball, she earned All-MIAC honorable-mention honors twice, scoring 913 career points – ninth in school history, with 537 career rebounds –

A R E A Hacker’s Lanes

Sunday Afternoon Mixed Standings: Mark’s Girls 28, Chippewa Checks 26, Spare-Us 20, The Gutter Busters 17, Sandbaggers 16, Hot Shots 12, Hole in the Wall 10, Gold Rush 9.

Women’s games: Gail Linke (Mark’s Girls) 190, Cheryl Matrious (Chippewa Checks) 170, Dorothy Barfknecht (Hot Shots) 162.

Women’s series: Gail Linke (Mark’s Girls) 540, Cheryl Matrious (Chippewa Checks) 447, Dorothy Barfknecht (Hot Shots) 418.

Men’s games: Gary Barfknecht (The Gutter Busters) 221, Don Hughes (The Gutter Busters) 208, Rick Benjamin (Chippewa Checks) 206.

Men’s series: Don Hughes (The Gutter Busters) 609, Scott Morrison (Gold Rush) 554, Rick Benjamin (Chippewa Checks) 534.

Team games: The Gutter Busters 843, Mark’s Girls 814, Sandbaggers 791.

Team series: The Gutter Busters 2388, Mark’s Girls 2378, Gold Rush 2293.

Games 50 or more above average: Gary Barfknecht (+55); Jamie Mier (+62).

Splits converted: 6-7: Jim Loomis.

Monday Afternoon Seniors Standings: Cardinals 12, Swans 9, Zebras 8, Eagles 8, Badgers 8, Bears 7, Nite Hawks 6, Bye 0.

Women’s games: Betty Schandorff 189, Betty Anderson 175, Thelma Hendricks 169.

Women’s series: Lila Larson 455, Betty Schandorff 447, Thelma Hendricks 425.

Men’s games: Jim Morten 210, Dick Coen 202, Roger Messer 193.

Men’s series: Roger Messer 573, Dick Coen 568, Jim Morten 533.

Team games: Swans 634, Nite Hawks 628, Cardinals 625.

Team series: Nite Hawks 1817, Eagles 1769, Swans 1729.

Monday Night Ladies Standings: Miller’s Chicks 26, Thrivent Financial 23, Hacker’s Lanes 21, House of Wood 19, AnchorBank 15, Mane Attractions 14, Bye 12, The Bottle Shop 10.

Individual games: Nancy Anderson (HL) 219, Jennifer Renfroe (MC) 200, Rachelle Petersen (BS) 199.

Individual series: Nancy Anderson (HL) 537, Rachelle Petersen (BS) 532, Rhonda Bazey (HW) 521.

Team games: Hacker’s Lanes 678, Mane Attractions 631, The Bottle Shop 624.

Team series: Hacker’s Lanes 1884, Mane Attractions 1789, The Bottle Shop 1707.

Tuesday Youth (2 Games) Standings: The Two Pinheads 7.5, Glamorous Bowlers 5, Pin Heads 4.5, The Eliminators 1.

Girls games: Jori Braden 89, Harli Kelton 70.

Girls series: Jori Braden 155, Harli Kelton 130.

Boys games: Zach Schmidt 142, Austin Bruss 134 & 129.

Boys series: Austin Bruss 263, Zach Schmidt 235, David Lindberg 212.

Team games: The Two Pinheads 246, Pin Heads 221, The Eliminators 194.

Team series: The Two Pinheads 475, Pin Heads 401, The Eliminators 347.

Tuesday Classic Standings: Great Northern Outdoors 47, Bottle Shop 44, Hacker’s Lanes 43, Yellow Lake Lodge 40.5, Olsen & Son 31.5, SCVH 31.5, Reliables 11.5, Pioneer Bar 11.

Individual games: Roger Tollander 299, Rita Bohn 289, Gene Ackland & Ron Skow 255.

Individual series: Gene Ackland 704, Roger Tollander 686, Brett Daeffler 679.

Team games: Great Northern Outdoors 689, Yellow Lake Lodge 682, Bottle Shop

eighth in school history, 43 career blocked shots and a 47-percent fieldgoal average – second-best in school history. She led the team in scoring and rebounding in both her junior and senior seasons.

In softball, Hanson earned All-MIAC and second-team All-West Region honors in 1992 as a catcher. That season, she became one of just six players in school history to have an errorless fielding season. In her career, she threw out 20 runners trying to steal, the third-best total in school history.

Hanson majored in psychology and physical education at Augsburg, and

B O W L I N G 626.

Team series: Yellow Lake Lodge 1973, Great Northern Outdoors 1926, Bottle Shop 1802.

Consecutive strikes (5 or more): Roger Tollander 11x.

Games 50 or more above average: Roger Tollander (+106), Rita Bohn (+120), Gene Ackland (+54).

Series 100 or more above average: Roger Tollander (+107), Rita Bohn (+104), Gene Ackland (+101).

Wednesday Night Early Men’s Standings: A-1 Machine 13, Pioneer Bar 12, Four Seasons Wood Prod. 11, Larsen Auto Center 10, Cummings Lumber 10, Lewis Silo 9, Parker 8, Skol Bar 7.

Individual games: Chris Rowell (P) 278 & 258, Dale Frandsen (PB) 246.

Individual series: Chris Rowell (P) 720, Dale Frandsen (PB) 649, Duane Doolittle (LS) 626.

Team games: Lewis Silo 1032, Pioneer Bar 987, A-1 Machine 959.

Team series: Pioneer Bar 2764, Lewis Silo 2758, Parker 2719.

Thursday Early 3-Man Standings: Wikstrom Construction 45, Fab Four 38, Full Timers 38, Grindell Law Offices 35, Hell Raisers 34.5, Frontier Trails 32.5, K-Wood 26, Bye 10.

Individual games: John Chamberlin (FTr) 265, Brett Daeffler (KW) 245, Ed Bitler (KW) 232.

Individual series: John Chamberlin (FTr) 693, Brett Daeffler (KW) 637, Mark Bohn (FF) 627.

Team games: Frontier Trails 607, KWood 600, Fab Four 596.

Team series: Frontier Trails 1719, Fab Four 1686, Hell Raisers 1618.

Consecutive strikes (5 or more): Brett Daeffler 6x, Ed Bitler 5x, John Chamberlin 5x & 8x, Mark Bohn 5x.

Splits converted: 2-4-10: Dennis Lieder, John Chamberlin.

2-10: John Chamberlin. 4-7-9: Joshua Henry. 4-9: Simon Nelson. 5-7: John Chamberlin, Mark Bohn. 3-10: Jim Wikstrom x2.

Thursday Late Standings: Fisk Trucking 12, Stotz & Company 12, Bazey Racing 11, Hansen Farms Inc. 10, Hog Wild BBQ & Grill 8, Johnson Upholstery 7.

Women’s games: Rita Bohn 185, Rhonda Bazey 170, Rita Frandsen 150.

Women’s series: Rita Bohn 500, Rhonda Bazey 484, Rita Frandsen 435.

Men’s games: Dale Frandsen 254, Mark Bohn 244, Gene Wynn Jr. 240.

Men’s series: Mark Bohn 683, Gene Wynn Jr. 644, Dale Frandsen 621.

Team games: Hansen Farms Inc. 975, Bazey Racing 931, Fisk Trucking 916.

Team series: Hansen Farms Inc. 2854, Bazey Racing 2759, Fisk Trucking 2733.

Friday Night Ladies Standings: Frederic Design & Promotion 30.5, Pioneer Bar 22, Skol Bar 19.5, Hole in the Wall 17.5, Meyers Plus 14.5, The Dozers 13, Junque Art 13, The Leader 10.

Individual games: Jen Carlson 193, Karen Carlson 192, Gail Linke & Ruth Taylor 191.

Individual series: Karen Carlson 556, Missy Hernandez 544, Cara Holicky 499.

Team games: Junque Art 676, Skol Bar 631, Meyer’s Plus 615.

Team series: Skol Bar 1873, Junque Art 1824, Pioneer 1708.

Games 50 or more above average: Ruth Taylor, Val Lindahl.

Splits converted: 4-7-10: Melinda Linke.

6-7-10: Gail Linke. 5-7: Cindy Denn.

Saturday Youth (3 Games) Standings: Army of Two INC 13, N & L’s 11.5, ? 10, The Odd Balls 8.5, Pin People 6, La La La 5.5, Earth Energy 5.5, Bye 4.

Girls games: Lori Linke 230 & 178, Corissa Schmidt 166.

Girls series: Lori Linke 558, Corissa Schmidt 470.

Boys games: Josh Bazey 223, Christian

Hall 194, A.J. Walsh Brenizer 194.

Boys series: Josh Bazey 533, A.J. Walsh Brenizer 530, Christian Hall 510.

Team games: N & L’s 390, La La La 365 & 362.

Team series: La La La 1043, N & L’s 1028, ? 907.

Saturday Night Mixed Standings: Skowl 10, Handicaps 9, Schmidt House 4 9, Lakers 7, Generation III 6, Dead Eyes 5, CC Lupinos 5, GDB 5.

Women’s games: Deb Ingram (SK) 211, Mona Renfroe (GE) 184, Deb Ingram (SK) 182.

Women’s series: Deb Ingram (SK) 562, Kelly Schmidt (SH) 449, Mona Renfroe (GE) 433.

Men’s games: Ron Skow (SK) 289, Don Hughes (sub) 242 & 237.

Men’s series: Ron Skow (SK) 704, Don Hughes (sub) 673, Scooter Morrison (sub) 601.

Team games: Skowl 782 & 733, Generation III 731.

Team series: Skowl 2150, Handicaps 1983, Generation III 1952.

McKenzie Lanes

Monday Night Madness Standings: Scottay’s Trucking 14, Pepie’s Gals 14, Peper Tire & Align. 10, Ole’s Country Market 8, McKenzie Lanes 6, Mishaps 6, Alleycats 4, Bye 2.

Individual games: Julia Delougherty 187, Heather Donahue 186, Denise Johnston 179.

Individual series: Tammy Beckwith 511, Julia Delougherty 487, Barbara Benson 455.

Team games: (Handicap scores) McKenzie Lanes 611, Peper Tire & Align.

611, Scottay’s Trucking 608.

Team series: (Handicap scores) Peper Tire & Align. 1746, Scottay’s Trucking 1728, Ole’s Country Market 1716.

Monday Night Ladies Standings: McKenzie Lanes 50.5, Edina Divas 47, Metal Products 44, Wolf Creek Log Furniture 42.5, Sam’s Carpentry 41, Milltown Appliance 40, Frederic Truck & Tractor 35, Bye 20.

Individual games: Dana Amundson 246, Kelley Hill 225, Amber Duncan 208.

Individual series: Dana Amundson 571, Kelley Hill 557, Kathy McKenzie 543.

Team games: (Handicap score) Sam’s Carpentry 1050.

Team series: (Handicap score) Edina Divas 2952.

Tuesday Women’s Day Standings: Custom Outfitter 56, Gutter Dusters 54.5, Country Gals 46, Tomlinson Insurance 46, Kassel Tap 45, Hauge Dental 44.5, B & H Builders 43, Bye 5.

Individual games: Jan Kruse 197, Norma Hauge 194, Toni Sloper 185.

Individual series: Toni Sloper 510, Kelley Hill 499, Jan Kruse 493.

Team games: (Handicap scores) Custom Outfitters 809, Gutter Dusters 796, Tomlinson Insurance 775.

Team series: (Handicap scores) Custom Outfitters 2336, Tomlinson Insurance 2279, Gutter Dusters 2258.

Tuesday Night Men’s Standings: Greatland Trans. 64, Steve’s Appliance 55.5, McKenzie Lanes 55, The

has worked for 3M for 14 years in various positions. She has served as a volunteer in numerous capacities through 3M, including as an e-mentor for Johnson High School students and working with Junior Achievement students. She and her partner, Roni Harless, live in Somerset.

Nine individuals were inducted into the Augsburg Athletic Hall of Fame this year. The Athletic Hall of Fame, in its 36th year, has 241 members and one team among its ranks. – submitted Julie Hanson is now one of the 241 members in the Augsburg Athletic Hall of Fame. – Photo submitted

R E S U L T S Dugout 50, Hack’s Pub 49, Dream Lawn 47.5, Nel-Lo-Hill Farm 43.5, Glass Bar 35.5.

Individual games: Sam Leggitt 286, Dick Wallis 267, Gene Braund 267.

Individual series: Sam Leggitt 758, Rick Fox 710, Roy P. Price 655.

Team games: (Handicap scores) Greatland Trans. 1214, McKenzie Lanes 1191, Steve’s Appliance 1169.

Team series: (Handicap scores) McKenzie Lanes 3485, Greatland Trans 3430, The Dugout 3328.

Wednesday Early Mixed Standings: Hendrick’s Motor 18, Cutting Edge 16, 3 Musketeers 14, Holiday Station Stores 14, Top Spot 10, Lite House 10, Suzie Q’s 8, Hack’s Pub 6.

Women’s games: Janice Fox 197, Katthy Braund 194, Dizie Welling & Amy Eibs 167.

Women’s series: Janice Fox 537, Kathy Braund 513, Dixie Welling 473.

Men’s games: Mike Welling 258, Gene Braund 247, Greg Dick 237.

Men’s series: Mike Welling 706, Greg Dick 677, Gene Braund 660.

Team games: (Handicap scores) Hendrick’s Motor 700, 3 Musketeers 690, Top Spot & Holiday Station Stores 669.

Team series: (Handicap scores) Hendrick’s Motor 2051, 3 Musketeers 2003, Cutting Edge 1893.

Wednesday Night Men’s Standings: Harvest Moon 30, Reed’s Marina 30, Tiger Express 26, Dalles Electricians 24, Davy’s Construction 22, McKenzie Lanes 22, Edina Realty 22, Hanjo Farms 16.

Individual games: Jason Loney 277, Jim McKenzie 269, Dan Flaherty 268.

Individual series: Dan Flaherty 713, Brad Hacker 704, Gordy Johnson 670.

Team games: (Handicap scores) Tiger Express 1100, Davy’s Construction 1062.

Team series: (Handicap scores) Davy’s Construction 3057, Tiger Express 3007.

Thursday Night Ladies Standings: K.C. Electrical 61.5, Hack’s Pub 59.5, Eagle Valley Bank 55.5, Bont Chiropractic 52.5, Hauge Dental 46, RiverBank 44, Century 21 42, Cutting Edge Pro 39.

Individual games: Brenda Lehmann 210, Samantha Messer 194, MarySue Morris 194.

Individual series: Penny Kammerud 531, Lois Swenson 519, Denise Donaghue 518.

Team games: (Handicap scores) Bont Chiropractic 1048, Century 21 1044, Hack’s Pub 1020.

Team series: (Handicap scores) Bont Chiropractic 2934, Eagle Valley Bank 2888, Hack’s Pub 2886.

Saturday Night Mixed Doubles Standings: The In-Laws 33.5, Ten Pin Titans 28, Fisk Trucking 26, Pin busters 24, Roller Coasters 24, Eureka Bombers 23, Tiger Express 23, Happy Campers 22.5 Women’s games: Diane Fisk 197, Kathy Braund 185, Rachel Carney 179.

Women’s series: Diane Fisk 487, Kim Delaney 471, Kathy Braund 466.

Men’s games: Roger Fisk 279, Gene Braund 245, Ervin Lehmann 236.

Men’s series: Roger Fisk 710, Gene Braund 672, Ervin Lehmann 605.

Team games: (Handicap scores) Ten Pin Titans 920, The In-Laws 917, Fisk Trucking 898.

Team series: (Handicap scores) The InLaws 2713, Fisk Trucking 2580, Ten Pin Titans 2576.

Black & Orange

Early Birds Standings: Black & Orange 11-5, Gandy Dancer Saloon 9-7, 10th Hole 6-10, Log Cabin Store 6-10.

Individual games: Rita Tesch (10th) 180, Donna Crain (B&O) 174, Alice

Henrich (B&O) 173.

Individual series: Kay Casey (10th) 466, Donna Crain (B&O) 456, Rita Tesch (10th) 441.

Team games: Black & Orange 895, 10th Hole 817, Gandy Dancer Saloon 792.

Team series: Black & Orange 2480, 10th Hole 2406, Log Cabin Store 2343.

Games 50 or more above average: Alice Henrich 173 (+54).

Monday Night Men’s Standings: Bruce’s Auto 11-1, Black & Orange 8-4, Glass & Mirror 8-4, Larry’s LP 5-7, Pope’s Construction 2-10, Vacant 2-10.

Individual games: Vern Nottom (B&O) 224, George Kern (B&O) 206, Larry Johnson (L) 192.

Individual series: Vern Nottom (B&O) 573, Dean Eytcheson (BA) 520, Art Bliven (L) 509.

Team games: Bruce’s Auto 919, Black & Orange 912, Larry’s LP 884.

Team series: Black & Orange 2686, Bruce’s Auto 2673, Larry’s LP 2532.

Games 50 or more above average: Vern Nottom 224 (+68); George Kern 206 (+68).

Series 100 or more above average: Vern Nottom 573 (+105).

TNT Ladies Standings: Cashco 15-5, Larry’s LP 119, Flower Power 8-12, Wild Bill’s 6-14.

Individual games: Jennifer Kern (L) 194, Cheryl Hansen (C) 180, Mary Ellen Smith (C) 177.

Individual series: Jayne Schwartz (C) 486, Jennifer Kern (L) 472, Mary Ellen Smith (C) 454.

Team games: Cashco 897, Larry’s LP 847, Flower Power 827.

Team series: Cashco 2619, Flower Power 2448, Larry’s LP 2363.

Splits converted: 4-10: Carol Phelps.

Wednesday Night Men’s Standings: Cashco 9-3, T & P Tree Service 9-3, Lions 6-6, Northview Drive Inn 6-6, 10th Hole 4-8, Black & Orange 210.

Individual games: Roger Tollander (C) 203, Jason Hansen (C) 201, Mike Young (N) 197.

Individual series: Roger Tollander (C) 543, Jason Hansen (C) 529, Monte Rinnman (C) 528.

Team games: Cashco 1004, Northview Drive Inn 937, Lions 891.

Team series: Cashco 2882, Northview Drive Inn 2751, Lions 2567.

Games 50 or more above average: Jason Hansen 201 (+55); Mike Young 197 (+52).

Early Risers Standings: A+ Sanitation 16-4, Hole in the Wall 12-8, 10th Hole 9-11, Gandy 317.

Individual games: Lylah Nelson (A+) 185, Phyllis Myers (A+) and Carol Phelps (A+) 157, Angel Paulzine (HITW) 151.

Individual series: Lylah Nelson (A+) 477, Phyllis Myers (A+) 439, Carol Phelps (A+) 433.

Team games: A+ Sanitation 687, Hole in the Wall 653, Gandy Dancer 644.

Team series: A+ Sanitation 2002, Hole in the Wall 1904, Gandy Dancer 1834.

Thursday Night Ladies Standings: Lips 12-4, Check Services 10-6, Pour House 6-10, Ben Ott Construction 4-12.

Individual games: Tooter Barnes (PH) 172, Angie Olson (CS) 167, Dawn Kleis (PH) 166.

Individual series: Jackie Churchill (L) 445, Vicki Sjoholm (CS) 440, Tooter Barnes (PH) 437.

Team games: Pour House 703, Ben Ott Const. 697, Check Services 690.

Team series: Check Services 2015, Pour House 1955, Lips 1934.

OCTOBER 8, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 27

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Disrespectful Student Hijinks An incident at the Fergus Falls, Minn., homecoming football game last Friday night is in the news.

Apparently a lad attired in only a sombrero, tennis shoes, and a military-style gas mask upstaged the marching band by running down the field at halftime.

Unfortunately for the youth, he did not have a getaway plan and will likely find himself in trouble both in the juvenile courtroom and the principal’s office.

The event spawned reflection on the stunt pulled by what was presumed to be Hayward High School students prior to the Hurricanes 2007 Homecoming game. It seems that vandals welcomed their homecoming opponent (who would be traveling up Hwy. 63) with a two-word invective painted on a bridge that spans over the

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highway. (One of the words was “Spooner.”

Think of Herman Melville’s “Captain Ahab” for the other word.)

Apparently the authorities promptly removed the original message, but those who traversed Hwy. 63 last weekend on their way home from the Bayfield Apple Fest noticed that the “Spooner” graffiti had been recreated on the other side of the bridge, along with a footnote that showed last year’s score along with a statement conveying a “better luck next time” sentiment. The Hurricanes (6-0) travel to Spooner (1-5) this Thursday night for what is likely to be a heated, but one-sided rematch.

Of course, it should be stated unequivocally that both the Fergus Falls streaker and the Hayward-area bridge vandals should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. Such acts are uncalled for.

He Ain’t Ever Caught a Rabbit Shut-ins and cheapskates who opted not to attend a local football game but stayed home and listened to the radio were able to listen to the Unity-Luck, St. Croix Central -Grantsburg, and St Croix Falls-Cameron games last Friday night.

Channel surfers who lingered on the Unity-Luck broadcast (a 35-13 Cardinal

Fire-breathing ticket sales

LEADER S P O R T S SCOREBOARD FOOTBALL

TENNIS

Team St. Croix Falls Clear Lake Webster Luck Cameron Unity Grantsburg

Conf.

3-0 3-1 2-1 2-2 1-2 1-3 0-3

Overall 6-0 5-1 5-1 4-2 1-5 1-5 0-6

Team Shell Lake Turtle Lake Flambeau Frederic Northwood/Solon Springs Bruce Weyerhaeuser/Birchwood Winter Siren

Conf.

5-0 5-1 4-1 4-2 3-2 2-4 1-4 0-5 0-5

Overall 6-0 5-1 5-1 4-2 3-2 2-4 1-5 0-6 0-6

Small Lakeland Conference

Scores

Friday, Oct. 3 Frederic 50, Bruce 13 St. Croix Central 46, Grantsburg 0 St. Croix Falls 32, Cameron 18 Luck 35, Unity 13 Clear Lake 19, Webster 7 Shell Lake 63, Siren 7

Upcoming

Thursday, Oct. 9 7 p.m.

Luck at St. Croix Falls Cameron at Unity Friday, Oct. 10 7 p.m.

Turtle Lake at Frederic Grantsburg at Webster Flambeau at Siren

GIRLS GOLF Upcoming

Monday & Tuesday, Oct. 13 & 14 8 a.m.

State at University Ridge, Madison

CROSS COUNTRY Upcoming

Tuesday, Oct. 14 4 p.m.

Conference at Shell Lake

Upcoming

Thursday - Saturday, Oct. 16 - 18 8:30 a.m. State at Nielsen Tennis Stadium, Madison

VOLLEYBALL

West Lakeland Conference

Team Grantsburg Clayton Frederic St. Croix Falls Clear Lake Webster Shell Lake Unity Turtle Lake Siren Luck

Scores

Conf.

7-0 6-1 5-3 5-2 4-2 3-4 2-4 2-4 2-2 2-6 0-7

Overall 9-0 7-1 6-4 5-2 3-2 6-4 2-4 4-6 2-2 2-8 0-10

Thursday, Oct. 2 Grantsburg 3, St. Croix Falls 0 (25-7, 25-13, 25-15) Solon Springs 3, Frederic 0 (25-21, 25-8, 25-14) Shell Lake 3, Unity 0 (25-12, 25-15, 25-23) Clear Lake 3, Luck 0 (25-14, 25-19, 25-11) Turtle Lake 3, Webster 2 (25-15, 19-25, 21-25, 25-20, 15-12) Northwood 3, Siren 0 (25-6, 25-5, 25-15) Monday, Oct. 6 Birchwood 3, Siren 0 (25-17, 25-21, 25-14) Tuesday, Oct. 7 Grantsburg 3, Frederic 0 (25-9, 25-9, 25-11) St. Croix Falls 3, Luck 0 (25-11, 25-6, 25-17) Unity at Turtle Lake Shell Lake 3, Siren 0 (25-16, 25-20, 25-20)

Upcoming

Monday, Oct. 13 7:30 p.m. Birchwood at Luck Tuesday, Oct. 14 7:30 p.m. Siren at Frederic Webster at St. Croix Falls Unity at Luck Turtle Lake at Grantsburg

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victory; see game story elsewhere on these pages) were treated to an unexpected, but stirring musical interlude. It seems that somehow the subject of Elvis Presley was brought up in the broadcast and color man Dennis Anderson alluded to lead announcer Kurt Mayer that in his younger, more hirsute days, he (Anderson) was occasionally confused with Presley.

Anderson then broke into a few bars of an improvised rendition of Elvis’ wellknown hit “Hound Dog.” “I’ve always thought Anderson should be on the stage,” said one listener, “but I was referring to a stagecoach leaving Polk County. Now I’m thinking of a different kind of stage. That man can sing!”

Was that a misprint?

Readers who zealously pore over the weekly bowling scores were stunned to see that ace kegler Darren McKenzie recently rolled an incredible 812 series at the region’s premier venue, McKenzie Lanes in Centuria.

Fancy Footwork Spies who were able to attend Frederic’s rout of Bruce last Friday reported on the exquisite touchdown grab made by Viking Andrew

PREPS

LEFT: Six year old Rylee O'Brien is showing her team spirit as she sells tickets at the Siren versus Shell Lake football game on Friday, Oct. 3. — Photo

by Larry Samson

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The Swami

The Relaxed Saint THE SWAMI e-mailed: In your column last week you said we should relax against Cameron, but our coaches kept telling us not to take the Comets lightly. So we listened to our coaches and, wouldn’t you know it, we fell behind early. But then at halftime we remembered what you said (i.e. “take a breather”) and we came on like relaxed gangbusters for a comfortable 14-point win. Thanks!

The Swami replied: I’m happy I was able to help your team stay undefeated. But, unlike Cameron, don’t take Luck lightly this week. The Cards will be fired up.

PREDICTS

Erasmus B. Dragon e-mailed: When I want on-target predictions spiced with great wit and insight, I read your column in the Leader. It’s the first item I turn to after the obituaries and Town Talk/Country chatter.

The Swami Replied: I’d like to at least move ahead of Town Talk on your preference list, but obituaries have always been a tough nut to crack. But I’ll keep trying.

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Kurkowski on a pass thrown by FHS’ gunslinging quarterback David Harlander. Kurkowski snagged three touchdown throws on the evening and exhibited tremendous balance and agility in keeping his feet in bounds on one of the catches. Witnesses said the caliber of the catch was something one would expect to see at the next-higher level of football.

Ryan Longwell – Mr. Clutch Another former Green Bay Packer is having a great year. Those of us who stayed up past our bedtime Monday night saw Longwell, the ex spinach and mustard-wearing kicker, split the uprights from 30 yards out to give our Minnesota Vikings a splendid 30-27 road victory at New Orleans.

Meanwhile, Broadway Brett Favre and his Jets had the week off and will resume action at home this Sunday versus Cincinnatti. Unfortunately, our Vikings play in the same time slot, so we Favre fans won’t be able to see the league’s top-rated quarterback in action on network TV this week.

John Ryan may jmr202@yahoo.com.

OF THE

NAME: David Harlander SCHOOL: Frederic YEAR: Senior COMMENTS: Vikings quarterback David Harlander has had several great games already this season, but had one of his best against Bruce last Friday as he not only rushed for 42 yards on seven carries but completDavid Harlander ed 11 of 17 passes for for 231 yards and three touchdowns. The Vikes won handily 50-13. – Marty Seeger

The Prediction King was 7-1 last week, raising his mark to 30-13, or 70 percent.

This week, he responds to several of the e-mails he’s received recently.

Items may have been edited for clarity or other reasons.

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NAME: Jenny Benoy SCHOOL: St. Croix Falls YEAR: Senior COMMENTS: Saints golfer Jenny Benoy is making her fourth trip to Madison after she won the sectional championship as an individual in Osceola on Tuesday, Oct. 7. In miserable conditions, Benoy Jenny Benoy shot a one over par, 37 and led sectional champion Saints team to another state appearance. –Marty Seeger

Vigilant Sportsman from Grantsburg e-mailed: How many wood ducks were in the pile you mentioned in your column last week? Isn’t three the daily limit? Keep up the good work in predicting Grantsburg’s games. They gave you some trouble early, but now you seem to know the Pirates tendencies.

The Swami Replied: That was a misprint. I just rechecked and there was just three wood ducks in the pile, plus some mallards and stuff. Yes, it took me a few weeks to figure out G-burg, but now I’m supremely confident when I pick their games.

This week: Webster 34, Grantsburg 12 – The Tigers restore the roar.

Flambeau 46, Siren 6 – The Falcons have only one loss.

Frederic 33, Turtle Lake 26 – This should be a very entertaining football game.

St. Croix Falls 24, Luck 13 – Beneath Cards’ coach Josh Hetfeld’s “aw shucks” exterior is an intense motivator who will have his charges hungry for an upset.

Cameron 26, Unity 15 – The Eagles aren’t that far away.

Clear Lake 35, Colfax 6 – Here’s a crumb for you Colfax readers.

Durand 21, Amery 20 – Durand looked great early but has been slumping lately.

Washburn 30, Hurley 20 – You can throw away the record book when these rivals clash, but the Castle Guards will cement their playoff spot with this homecoming victory.

The Swami answers all e-mails and can be reached at predictionking@yahoo.com.

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

O UTDOORS INTER! COUNTY LEADER

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

Crashin' the grouse woods once again

I can still remember the spring of 2001, when nearly 40 grouse flushed from a sliver of prickly ash in an area no bigger than a Greyhound bus.

Fortunately for the Marty grouse, the hunting season was long over Seeger and I was on a casual walk after the long winter. It’s something The I haven’t seen since, and doubt that I ever Bottom Line will.

Later that year my dad and I flushed about 15 birds from a windrow during the regular hunting season, only to come out of it with a jammed gun, a few swear words and a couple of feathers. The grouse kept coming, and not getting a single one was probably due to the awestruck feeling of seeing so many birds flush from cover in such a short window of time.

It was an amazing couple of years for hunting grouse, and during the best year, I bagged close to 50 birds. That included the ones that were harvested while I attended Vermillion Community College in Ely, Minn., a place well known for its grouse hunting. But no matter where you ventured, the ruffed grouse could be found in nearly every corner of the woods.

Chasing the ruffed grouse then was cheap adventure, and a great way to see the countryside or even get lost. It

also afforded me the freedom from buying chicken from the grocery store.

At that time, gas was about $1.10 per gallon, shotgun shells were a dime a dozen, and as a poor college kid, grouse sandwiches had become a popular lunchtime favorite during the fall.

It also afforded many dinners and multiple recipe ideas.

The number of birds I missed during that time probably doubled the number I actually harvested, but over a short period of time the grouse population seemed to plummet faster than a bird busting away from an alder stand. My interest and passion for chasing grouse never changed, but the birds seemed to slowly vanish, thus ending my pursuits altogether – until recently.

The years prior to and after 2001 happened to be during the peak of one of the well-known grouse cycles, which tend to peak every eight to 10 years, and then taper off rapidly not long afterward. During the best part of that cycle it wasn’t uncommon to journey just a couple of miles and be greeted with the sights and sounds of 20 or more different birds. That changed quickly, but over the past couple of weeks, old hunting haunts have produced an average of about three birds for every two miles walked. That’s an increase in my book, and in comparison to the past few years, I feel rewarded to have seen more than just one bird per outing.

There’s no doubt that the heavy foliage has a lot to do with seeing and even hearing fewer birds this time of year. Not having a dog can make it somewhat difficult too, but the numbers seem to be slowly working their way back, and perhaps we’re on the

One ruffed grouse in the bag is good start, but the best of the season is right around the corner. - Photo by Marty Seeger cusp of another great couple of years of grouse hunting. During the annual drumming surveys the DNR reported a statewide increase in the populations of grouse by 7 percent from 2007-2008. It’s not a monumental increase by any means, but it’s a pretty good start.

The overall habitat in some of the areas I hunt has changed dramatically, which is the biggest contributor to the number of grouse in the area, but habitat loss affects everyone, and every grouse, no matter where you hunt. I’d hate to think that I may never again see the numbers I did eight to 10 years ago,

but I remain hopeful, as long as habitat still exists.

Currently, the aspen and popple are fluttering their yellow-green leaves, making grouse hunting a worthy challenge. But the winds and rain will soon be sending those leaves to the forest floor, ensuring that the best of the season’s grouse hunting is yet to come.

Regardless of the numbers this year, there’s good reason to be in the woods this fall, and for me, it looks as though grouse sandwiches will be on the menu once again.

Hunters being asked to help check deer herd health SPOONER – Hunters in northern Wisconsin planning to hunt the October antlerless only deer hunt from Thursday-Sunday, Oct. 16-19, are being asked to assist state wildlife officials in a deer herd health check. Hunters willing to help with this important project should drop off adult deer heads (no fawns) at a Department of Natural Resources collection point.

DNR wildlife biologists say that assisting in this effort will help the department ensure the quality of deer hunting in the north.

“Our primary heath monitoring is for CWD and bovine TB,” says Mike Zeckmeister DNR Northern Region wildlife expert, “but we will be looking for any health concerns and issues in our deer herd.”

The goal is to sample 500 adult deer per sampling unit with most sampling units equaling one county. Zeckmeister says wildlife health specialists especially want heads during the early bow, youth deer hunt and October antlerless season in Herd Control Units.

DNR needs bow and antlerless only

deer from participating units in Polk, Barron, Washburn, Burnett, Douglas, Bayfield, Ashland, Iron, Rusk, Taylor, Sawyer, Price, Lincoln, Langlade, Oneida, Vilas, Forest and Florence counties. Hunters should also check the 2008 Deer Hunting Regulations pamphlet for the participating units and other information about the antlerless hunt.

Hunters can find the nearest collection point by calling any of these DNR Service Centers: Antigo – 715-627-4317; Ashland- 715-685-2900; Cumberland715-822-3590; Florence - 715-528-4400;

Hayward- 715-634-2688; Ladysmith 715-532-3911; Park Falls - 715-762-3204; Rhinelander- 715-365-8900; Spooner715-635-2101; Superior - 715-392-7988; or Woodruff- 715-356-5211.

For more information contact Zeckmeister at 715-623-4190 ext. 3121 or the nearest DNR wildlife biologist. – from the DNR

On track...

While on a small secluded panfish lake, Jennie Carlstrom (L) landed the largest fish of her life, and her first fish of the year on a slip bobber tipped with a small sucker minnow. It was only Carlstrom’s second career walleye, and it was the first walleye the Carlstrom’s have seen come out of the tiny lake in many years. Len Carlstrom (R) hand-landed the fish and it was released. Ten-year old Satchel Sabin was also fishing with the Carlstroms on the day the fish was caught. - Photo submitted

••• The seventh-annual youth gun deer hunt will be going on this Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 11-12. Youth hunters ages 12 to 15 who successfully completed the hunter education program and possess a gun-deer hunting license can participate in the hunt. Youth must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older, but the adult mentors may not hunt. Qualified youth may harvest one buck and an antlerless deer with appropriate carcass tags. – Marty Seeger with information from the DNR ••• The antlerless-only gun deer hunt is set to run Thursday through Sunday, Oct. 16-19. All hunters, except waterfowl hunters are reminded to wear the required blaze orange requirements during all special gun deer hunts, including the youth gun deer hunt this weekend Oct. 11-12.

••• The ringneck pheasant season is set to open statewide at noon on Oct. 18, and closes on Dec. 31. On Oct. 20 and 21 the daily bag limitis one cock and possession limit is two. For the remainder of the season the daly bag limit is two cocks with a possession limit of four.

••• The 2008 trapping seasons open in the north on Oct. 18 and Oct. 25 in the south.

OCTOBER 8, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 29

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Trumpeter swans, ospreys recovering well

Could be removed from list of endangered species MADISON – Populations of trumpeter swans, currently listed as a state endangered species, and ospreys, currently listed as a state threatened species, have recovered to the point that both species would be removed from the state endangered and threatened species list, under a proposal that will be the topic of an upcoming public hearing.

“The statewide populations of these two species have increased to the point where we are now confident that they no longer qualify as endangered or threatened under state statutes,” says Sumner Matteson, an avian ecologist with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources who oversaw the recovery programs for both species.

A proposed rule that would delete trumpeter swan from the Wisconsin endangered species list and the osprey from the Wisconsin threatened species list will be the topic of a public hearing Monday, Oct. 20, at 4 p.m. in Room G09, Natural Resources State Office Building (GEF 2), 101 S. Webster St., Madison.

Both species will continue to receive protection under the Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act, Matteson says.

“The successful reintroduction of trumpeter swans and the successful recover of ospreys in Wisconsin is really a testament to the conservation partnerships between private organizations, businesses, scores of dedicated individuals, and state, federal and tribal governments that have helped restore populations of these birds and ensure they will remain an integral part of Wisconsin’s biological diversity,” Matteson says.

In 1986, the DNR Bureau of Endangered Resources developed a recovery plan for the trumpeter swan that established a recovery goal of at least 20 breeding and migratory pairs by the year 2000. A reintroduction effort was very successful and the Wisconsin population has increased from zero in 1986 to 126 breeding pairs occurring in 20 Wisconsin counties in 2008.

Osprey were one of the raptor species whose populations were decimated by

Ospreys can be a common sight in both Burnett and Polk counties. – Photo by Brenda Sommerfeld

Trumpeter swans (front) mingle with a flock of Canada geese on Spirit Lake northwest of Frederic. – Photo by Marty Seeger the insecticide DDT in the 1950s and 1960s. In the early 1970s, the state’s nesting population numbered fewer than 100 pairs. Wisconsin listed osprey as a threatened species in 1972 and developed a management plan with a goal to increase the number of breeding pairs in the state to 300. That goal was achieved in 1990. The statewide population increased to just under 400 pairs from 1993 to 2002 and has been above 400 pairs since 2003.

Trumpeter swan Trumpeter swans, named for their resonant, trumpet-like call, are the largest waterfowl species in North America. They were present in Wisconsin until the 1880s. But they disappeared from Wisconsin due to market hunting and feather collecting.

Under the 1987 trumpeter swan recovery plan, Wisconsin biologists flew to Alaska for nine consecutive years beginning in 1989 to collect surplus trumpeter swan eggs that were then hatched in incubators at the Milwaukee County Zoo. After the eggs hatched, the young swans were either placed in a captive-rearing program or decoy-rearing program until they were released to the wild.

Among the organizations that have provided support for the swan program

Blaze orange required on some ground blinds Natural vegetation, tree and elevated stands excluded MADISON – Wisconsin gun deer hunters who use ground blinds should note a new state law requires blaze orange visibly displayed on the exterior.

Department of Natural Resources Warden Tim Lawhern who administers the agency’s hunter safety education program, said the patch of blaze orange material must be visible from all directions.

“This blaze orange material must be at least 144 square inches – that’s 12 inches by 12 inches. And it must be visible all around the blind – that’s 360 degrees,” Lawhern said of the state law that took effect this year. “This law is all about keeping hunters safe while they enjoy one of Wisconsin’s traditions.”

Lawhern said the new law, however, does not apply to blinds made of dead vegetation found on the property nor does it apply to tree stands or other elevated stands.

“However, it wouldn’t hurt if those hunters hunting from tree stands or other type blinds did the same thing,” he said.

This new law also contains requirements for unoccupied ground blinds.

“When the ground blind is left unoccupied, the owner must post their DNR customer identification number or name and address written legibly in English somewhere in a conspicuous spot on the outside of the structure and near its entry,” Lawhern said.

To learn how to get a DNR customer ID number or about this new law, call 888-936-7463 between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. or visit a DNR service center. For more information contact Lawhern, hunter safety education at 608-2661317. - from the DNR

were the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin, the Milwaukee County Zoo, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, General Electric Medical Systems, Windway Capital Corp., the Foundation of Faith, the Zoological Society of Milwaukee County, the Society for Tympanuchus Cupido Pinnatus, the federal Pittman-Robertson Federal-Aid-in-Wildlife Restoration Act, and the Endangered Resources tax checkoff. The trumpeter swan Adopt-ASwan program also provided additional funds.

Osprey Ospreys are large birds, black-brown on top and white below. The osprey’s white head has a broad, black cheek patch and its tail is barred with brown.

The osprey’s long, narrow wings are angled back at the wrist when it flies, and a black wrist patch contrasts with white underwings.

The osprey is the only bird of prey that plunges into the water to capture fish. In Wisconsin they feed primarily on panfish. They search for fish while flying 30 to 100 feet above the water. If they spot prey, they hover, then plummet down, plunging into the water feet first. Strong, curved talons and specialized spines on the bottoms of their feet help them hold onto the slippery fish. If they catch the fish, they quickly take off, juggling it in their feet until its head is facing forward into the wind.

Ospreys are summer residents in

Wisconsin. They return to the state from southerly wintering grounds in the southern U.S. and Central and South America in mid-April to set up territorial breeding spots. They breed mainly in the lake regions of northwest and north central Wisconsin. A few nest along the Wisconsin River in the central part of the state.

Ospreys never were numerous in Wisconsin, but they nested in suitable habitat throughout the state. In 1972, use of organochlorine pesticides was banned in the U.S., resulting in a gradual increase in osprey populations.

Research in the mid-1970s showed that 10 percent of all osprey nests blew down each year. Thus, DNR biologists began constructing artificial nesting platforms, which are now used by twothirds of Wisconsin’s ospreys.

DNR biologists have conducted annual aerial surveys to locate active osprey nests since 1973. Once a nest location was identified, biologists developed a management plan for the area to limit timber harvest, road building and other human disturbances within a quarter mile of an osprey nest. The DNR enlisted the cooperation of landowners to protect osprey nests on private lands.

The DNR Bureau of Endangered Resources had many partners in the osprey recovery effort, including American Transmission Company, Wisconsin Public Service Corporation.

WE Energies, Northern States Power, Dairyland Power Company, Wisconsin River Power Company, Consolidated Water Power Company, Wisconsin Valley Improvement Company, Wisconsin Society for Ornithology, Wisconsin Audubon chapters, the Chequamegon and Nicolet Nation Forests, numerous conservation clubs and many private landowners.

For more information contact Matteson – 608-266-1571. - from the DNR

American Legion Post 396 Turkey Shoot

AT LEFT: Legion members worked throughout the day’s events of trap shoot, rabbit shoot and still shoot contests. RIGHT: Pictured (L to R): Melissa Garin, Tony Peil and Larry Root line up to shoot during the Indian Creek American Legion Post 396 Turkey Shoot on Saturday, Oct. 4. It was Garin’s first time shooting a gun and she still managed to win with a couple of her shoots. – Photos by Brenda Sommerfeld

PAGE 30 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - OCTOBER 8, 2008

Polk County sheriff’s report Accidents Sept. 20, 2:41 p.m., Bone Lake Twp., CTH I, .05 mile south of 250th Avenue, PRISCILLA F. ROBINSON, 74, Rochester, Minn., was northbound on CTH I while negotiating a curve.

Vehicle entered the east ditch.

Vehicle struck a highway sign and continued to travel through the field, coming to rest in an area of trees. Both the driver and her passenger, DONALD W. ROBINSON, 93, Rochester, Minn., received medical attention but were not transported (both wearing safety equipment).

Sept. 23, 6:40 a.m., Apple River Twp., CTH H/100th St, .5 mile south of 150th Avenue, VICKY A. DORNER, 55, Balsam Lake, struck a deer on the roadway.

Sept. 24 (no time given), Balsam Lake Twp., 130th Street, .75 mile north of 150th

Avenue, DENNETTE M. WALTON, 35, Balsam Lake, struck a deer on the roadway.

Sept. 26, 6:21 a.m., Alden Twp., CTH A, 1.5 miles west of Hwy. 46, JOHN W. KORENCHEN, 52, Clayton, was westbound on 10th Avenue/CTH A when his vehicle entered the north ditch. The vehicle hit a field driveway and went airborne, coming to rest in a field. Driver sustained serious injuries (wearing seat belt), was transported by EMS and received a citation for unreasonable speed.

Sept. 26, 5:20 p.m., city of Amery, Hwy. 46, .1 mile north of Broadway Street, #1—ANDRES C. BENITEZ, 19, Turtle Lake; #2—DAVID M. SCHEUERMANN, 47, Clear Lake; Both units were attempting to leave the Cenex gas station parking lot at the same time. Both units could not see each other due to

a larger cargo van blocking their view. Unit 2 hit the side of unit 1.

Sept. 27, 12 a.m., Clear Lake Twp., CTH P/20th Street, .1 mile south of CTH A/30th Avenue; TONY S. HELLSTERN, 23, Woodville, was traveling southbound on CTH P from the fourway stop at CTH A. After traveling approximately one-tenth mile, the driver steered to the left. Unit 1 began to yaw and traveled into the northbound travel lane. The vehicle began to spin out in a counterclockwise direction. Unit 1 then entered the east ditch, now sideways. The vehicle then tripped, rolling over several times. While rolling, the driver, who was unbelted, was partially ejected through the sunroof.

The vehicle came to rest on its roof, facing west. The driver was deceased due to injuries sustained.

Siren police report Sept. 26: Siren Police Chief Chris Sybers found a bike in the grass next to the basketball court by the Siren Skate Park homecoming night, Friday, Sept.

26. If you are the owner of a missing bike, it may be your bike the police department is holding.

You need to come in and claim it.

Raymond C. Erickson, 49, Siren, was picked up for operating while intoxicated and using unreasonable and imprudent speed at 8:42 p.m. on CTH B near the school. Erickson was stopped because his vehicle

tires had been squealing and leaving black skid marks on the roadway.

Oct. 4: Patrick Joseph Eibert, 22, Rosemount, Minn., was cited for disorderly conduct after a woman called in a complaint that an unknown man was attempting to break into her apartment. The report alleged that Eibert was intoxicated and

had bloodshot eyes and slurred speech.

Oct. 5: Kiowa Starr Staples, 22, Sandstone, Minn., was cited at 10:49 p.m. for misdemeanor disorderly conduct and criminal property damage following a window-breaking incident at a local residence. Staples was allegedly intoxicated, and was taken to Burnett County Jail.

Polk Co. marriage license Lusnnette Andujar-Rosado, Osceola, and Reinaldo RiveraTorres, Osceola.

The Inter-County Leader: Bringing you the local news for 75 years

Incidents Aug. 23, JOYCE LINDHOLM, RR Amery, reported the theft of an approximately 5-foot-long concrete alligator from her property.

Sept. 7, PATRICK LUNDGREN, RR Deer Park, reported the theft of his Samsung flip phone.

Sept. 20, DAVID MEIER, RR Frederic, reported the theft of his wallet, a socket set, stain stripper and a five-gallon pail of Wolman house stain from his truck while it was parked at his residence.

Sept. 21, BRADLEY J. THOMPSON, RR Clear Lake, reported that the tires on two of his vehicles, parked at his residence, were vandalized.

Sept. 24, DANIEL BOERBOON, RR Luck, reported the theft of his 7’ Western snowplow.

Sept. 25, MARLON COLLOVA, RR Osceola, reported the theft of a UPS package containing two snowboards from his

residence.

Sept. 25, JEFFREY PREINER, RR, Luck, reported a burglary to his residence. A box of personal checks and an amount of change were stolen.

Sept. 25, JOYCE and FREDERICK SIMMONS, RR Osceola, reported the theft of a campaign sign from their yard.

Sept.

26, SHANNON PETERSEN, Frederic, reported that a vehicle had caused damage to her lawn.

Sept. 27, an employee of the Super America gas station in St. Croix Falls reported that a carton of cigarettes had been shoplifted.

Sept. 27, a male juvenile was apprehended for shoplifting at the Pap’s General Store.

Sept. 27, a snowmobile owned by ROBERT SANDBERG, RR Amery, and a snowmobile trailer owned by MIKELL FLEMING, RR Turtle Lake, were stolen from the yard of ROBERT SANDBERG. The snowmobile and trailer were located the next day at an Apple River boat land-

ing located on River Shore Lane.

Sept. 28, SHARON M. BRANES, RR Centuria, reported that a vehicle she had listed for sale, parked along the area of 180th Avenue and Hwy. 35 had been damaged when it had been shot approximately six times.

Sept. 28, the home of WILLIAM KIRSCH, RR Amery, was unlawfully entered and vandalism occurred to windows and walls inside the home.

Sept. 28, GREGORY F. PUETZ, Frederic, reported his vehicle had been vandalized while parked in the village of Frederic.

Oct. 2, LANCE PERRY, RR Osceola, reported the theft of his Stone brand plate compacter and a Stihl concrete saw from his property.

Oct. 2, a black and silver Mongoose brand mountain bike and a maroon-colored Next brand mountain bike were found in the area of 64th Street.

Burnett County sheriff’s report Arrests Oct. 2: Kiowa S. Staples, 22, Sandstone, Minn., was arrested on a warrant.

An additional citation for disorderly conduct was cited during the arrest.

Oct. 3: Joseph A. LundyUnderhill, 58, High Bridge, was arrested for criminal damage to property. Additional charges are possible.

Oct. 4: Ernest S. Swanson, 37, Danbury, was arrested for battery.

Oct. 5: Mary J. Althoff, 21, Webster, was arrested on a Frederic Village warrant.

Other incidents Oct. 3: Leslie K. Kraemer, Grantsburg, reported a mini bike, BB gun, shotgun, ammunition, vacuum cleaner, carpet shampoo, copper, tackle box with lures, door lock, drill, screw gun, reciprocating saw, hammer

drill, tools, hardware, binoculars, generator and a light taken from a cabin. The incident is under investigation.

Oct. 4: Brian J. Petersen, Webster, reported a couch, love seat, chair and coffee table taken from a model home. The incident is under investigation.

Oct. 5: William Nelson, Grantsburg, reported a snowblower sitting at the edge of the woods near a gravel pit. Upon investigation, the snowblower was not reported stolen. The snowblower was taken to the sheriff’s department, and the incident is under investigation.

Polk County deaths Iva M. Anton, 88, died Sept.

18, Turtle Lake Vernon F. Nelson, 93, died Sept. 20, Frederic Arthur A. Johnston, 84, died Sept. 21, Balsam Lake

Linda L. Harris, 60, died Sept. 23, Luck Elizabeth A. Wiese, 58, died Sept. 23, Balsam Lake Tony S. Hellstern, 23, died Sept. 27, Woodville

OCTOBER 8, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 31

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Notices / Employment

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OCTOBER 8, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 33

Notices / Employment

PAGE 34 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - OCTOBER 8, 2008

Notices

OCTOBER 8, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 35

Braving cancer/from page 1 was feeling the morning of the operation.

“It is 8:00 and I lie in my bed mentally preparing for the hours ahead as my surgery creeps closer and closer. Though I am terrified of what is ahead I do not want to keep this pain with me. I can feel your prayers like a comforting blanket soothing my fears. I am at peace with what has past and what is to come.”

Instead of the expected four to six hours, the surgery took only about 1-1/2 hours. The surgeon reported to the Hemingways that the tumor, which turned out to be the size of a football, appeared to be a germ cell tumor, which is easily and effectively treated.

Two days later, however, the family received the news that Sanay’s blood work indicated possible ovarian cancer.

Friday they were told that, inside the germ cell tumor, was a tennis ball-sized tumor.

This smaller tumor was a very rare form of cancer called small cell carcinoma of the ovary.

Both types of cancer are very rare in children, the Hemingways were told, with less than 200 cases of the small cell carcinoma worldwide. Children’s oncologists around the nation and world were consulted regarding Sanay’s treatment.

Chemotherapy was to begin the next Thursday.

In the meanwhile, Sanay and her parents went home for a few days. After arriving home Saturday, Lois wrote on CaringBridge, “It’s kind of a weird feeling to come into your house and find things that you just left eight days ago when everything was fine. It’s hard to explain, but it’s a more difficult transition than I expected.”

As time went on, reality hit Sanay also.

“The week after surgery is a blur,” she said. “It’s become more real and harder.”

Things making it “more real and harder” for Sanay include daily shots administered by her dad, which she is thankful will end Wednesday, Oct. 8, and regular rounds of chemo that keep her in the hospital and feeling nauseous, weak and tired for days. But even from the beginning she faced the challenge with strength and courage.

Just days before her first chemo treatment Sanay wrote on CaringBridge,

Several of Sanay Hemingway’s closest friends were gathered to make her a tie blanket to support and comfort her during tough times. Each friend will tie in several encouraging messages to Sanay.

From left are Dawn Michaelson, Sanay, Elizabeth Krizak, Child Life Specialist Jodi Betsinger, Megan Volgren, Kelsy Johnson, Kasey Heimstead and Kaina Zygowicz.- Photos by Mary Stirrat and from CaringBridge site

Sanay Hemingway with her parents, Dave and Lois.

Sanay spends time with Guinness, one of the therapy dogs at Children’s Hospital.

Just two days after her first chemotherapy treatment Sanay lost some of her hair. She sometimes wears this wig, but usually dons hats of different shapes and colors.

Be n e f i t O c t. 1 8 BALSAM LAKE — A benefit for Sanay Hemingway, a Unity eighthgrader undergoing treatment for cancer, will be held Saturday, Oct. 18, at East Balsam Baptist Church.

The event runs from 4 – 7 p.m. and includes a spaghetti supper, bake sale, raffle and silent auction.

Raffle prizes include a $300 gift card from Wal-Mart, a $200 gift card from Menards, and a $100 gas card.

Items for the silent auction are still being accepted, and can be donated by contacting Bruce Peterson at 715268-7459.

“The support from the community and our friends has been phenomenal,” said Sanay’s mother, Lois.

Sanay was diagnosed in early August with germ cell cancer and small cell carcinoma of the ovary.

“Though this is not a path I would have chosen for myself I am determined to meet whatever comes my way with confidence that I will make it through this.

God has planned my life and knows what’s best. I do not. Fortunately I have God on my side and He will give me strength for whatever lies ahead.”

Her first treatment, she said, went better than expected. It was a shock, however, when she began losing her hair just two days later.

Even before her own chemotherapy Sanay wasn’t a stranger to its effects. Two years ago her mom was diagnosed with breast cancer, undergoing surgery and chemo, and losing her hair.

People tend to tell her about the people they know who have died from cancer, said Sanay. Living with someone who has survived cancer is comforting and helped her keep her courage up. As Sanay was preparing for her first chemo treatment, Lois got a clean bill of health from her own oncologist.

Before Sanay’s first treatment she had her hair cut short, donating it to Locks of Love to be made into hairpieces for cancer patients. Four days after the treatment, she had her father shave her head.

On their CaringBridge site, Lois wrote, “Tonight was rather surreal. Dave shaved Sanay’s head, a task he performed on my head a year and a half ago.”

Watching their daughter face the fact of cancer was very difficult for her parents, who adopted Sanay at age 5 after being her foster parents since she was 10 months of age.

Preparing for the surgery that will remove the cancer tumor from her ovary, Sanay Hemingway sits on her hospital bed with her mother, Lois.

“The hard part for me was when all this happened right before school started,” said Lois.

Other girls were thinking about and shopping for new school clothes — “That’s all a kid should have to worry about” — while Sanay was in chemo and losing her hair.

“School clothes were the farthest things from her mind. These are things a kid shouldn’t have to be worrying about.”

Sanay made the best of things. During homecoming week, as the kids did up their hair and clothes for Crazy Day, Sanay did up her wig. Oftentimes she just wears fun hats.

Even in the hospital she was noted for her good attitude and her faith. The hospital chaplain, said Dave, commented on the peace she felt in Sanay’s room whether Sanay was awake or asleep. Before her surgery, Sanay herself prayed that the surgeons would be able to help her, but also that they would come to faith in Jesus through her situation.

Both Lois and Dave believe that God has orchestrated their lives in ways to prepare for Sanay’s cancer. One such way was Lois’ own cancer experience, which Sanay was able to witness and which is a sign of hope for her.

Another way, said Dave, is in his job situation. He went to school and became a “computer geek,” he said, but then changed careers. He now works for a firm in the Twin Cities that not only allows him to be with Sanay when she is in the hospital for chemo, but pays him half of his usual salary to be there with her.

“The job I had before — I was on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” he said.

“I could never have committed to be at the hospital.”

The couple has found what works best for them in caring for Sanay as well as their two young foster children, one 3 years old and one just months old. Since Dave works in the Cities, he is with Sanay during her stays in the hospital and is able to be there for doctor appointments and therapy. Close family members in the area often spend the nights with her.

Lois visits Sanay in the hospital, but has the main responsibility of taking care of the other children and of Sanay when she is home.

“We’re a tag-team,” said Dave. “It’s our coping mechanism.”

Meanwhile, friends, family and faith keep Sanay and her parents going.

“Faith is a big part of my family’s life,” she said. Her CaringBridge site is filled with thanks for prayer, and she sees God’s

care in many things that would lead others to question his goodness.

For example, Sanay said that she considered herself “blessed” for having the germ cell cancer. This is the cancer that gave her the football-sized tumor that initially took her to the doctor. Without this fast-growing kind of cancer, said Sanay, it would have been much longer before the smaller but more serious cancer was detected.

By the time of her surgery, she said, there were at least 20 prayer chains praying for her. Now there are even more, with thousands praying for her and her family.

“That’s been a comfort,” she said.

Sanay’s faith brings tears of joy to her parents. “She’s amazing,” said her mom.

“She’s phenomenal.”

Dave and Lois believe that there is a reason for Sanay’s illness, but don’t struggle to find answers.

“There is a why,” said Dave, “but I don’t think it’s necessary for me to understand it at this time.

“It’s not about doing anything right or wrong. This isn’t a punishment. This is how God shows us He cares. When we can’t do it anymore he picks us up again.”

••• Child Life Services at Children’s Hospital helps provide “normalcy” for children and adolescents at the hospital.

One of the services they provide is to have a Child Life Specialist visit the child’s school to help classmates understand what their fellow student is facing.

Sanay’s specialist, Jodi Betsinger came to Unity School Tuesday morning, Oct. 7, to talk with members of Sanay’s eighth grade. She explained the process of diagnosing Sanay, the surgery, and the treatment, and answered students’ questions.

“It’s got to be scary for all the kids to have one of their classmates come up with cancer,” Betsinger said. She appreciates the opportunity to reassure the children, and to let them know that cancer is not contagious and that, in Sanay’s case, it was not caused by anything Sanay did or didn’t do.

Sanay’s classmates were able to see pictures of the port used to administer chemotherapy, and passed one around for the students to handle. Involving Sanay in the discussion, she talked about the times that Sanay most likely feels pain, and what helps relieve the pain.

Betsinger explained that after Sanay completes her chemotherapy treatments she might undergo radiation, which more specifically targets areas of the body.

Meanwhile, later this fall, she will spend one to five days undergoing a process to remove stem cell — the blood-producing “factories” — from her bone marrow.

They will be frozen and, once the chemotherapy is completed and Sanay’s white blood count will be at its lowest, the stem cells can be replaced.

To help Sanay through the process, said Betsinger, her friends can call her and send cards when she is in the hospital, and e-mail her through the CaringBridge site.

But mostly, said Betsinger, they can just be Sanay’s friends.

“Treat Sanay the way each of you would want to be treated,” she said. “Sanay wants to be a girl in eighth grade.

“You guys can be the spokespersons for the rest of the school,” Betsinger told the class. “You guys can give the correct information when you hear something that isn’t right.”

PAGE 36 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - OCTOBER 8, 2008

Trumpeting political support

Mrs. Petersonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s class at Unity went through the fire house with members of the Milltown Fire Department during Fire Prevention Week. Firemen told the youth what to do if smoke filled their house and told them where to go and who to contact.

Students learn fifirre safety Milltown fireman Robert Tourville demonstrated to Unity elementary youth how they use the water hose at a fire during their Fire Prevention Week activities at Unity on Tuesday, Oct. 7.

Photos by Jeanne Alling

X

Many show their political support with signs in their yard. Not many have the Republican sign of an elephant as a big statue showing their support. This elephant is standing in a yard on the southwest side of Frederic. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Photo by Brenda Sommerfeld

‘Follow the Leader’

Currents N O R T H E R N

O ct ober 8, 2 008 2nd Se ct io n B I nt e r-C ount y Lead er

News and views from the Northwest Wisconsin community

One is good … three are better

by Nancy Jappe WEBSTER – “We live in a bubble in America, and we don’t realize the situation. Fifty percent of the people in the world earn less than $2,200 a year. If you earn $40,000 per year in the U.S., you are in the top 1 percent of the wealth in the world. We live like kings and queens, even with modest incomes, compared to the rest of the world,” Linda Mosher said as she explained why she and her husband, Jonathan, decided to adopt three daughters from Ethiopia.

“Our purpose was to help desperate children. Two of the worst places are Haiti and Ethiopia. I didn’t have the right feelings about Haiti. (We) chose Ethiopia,” she commented. The Moshers waited for a year and a half for their trip into the country to pick up their new daughters.

Ethiopia was the birthplace of three young girls, Tiringo, now called Janessa, age 10; Mahileet (Mahi), age 8; and Bizuhan (Bizzy), age 7. The older girls mothers work at the orphanage from which they were adopted. These mothers signed away their rights to their daughters, knowing that they were going to a much better life in America.

Linda looked up some statistics on the Internet on the UNICEF Web site to be prepared for this interview. She confirmed that there are 132.7 million orphans looking for homes. The older the child, the less chance to be adopted.

“The situations are desperate; there is nobody to take care of them. They have no possibility for earning money or finding food. My hope is that the message can get out that these children are out there,” she said.

The Moshers traveled to Ethiopia only once, to bring the girls home. They had a translator at first, and used a lot of sign language. Language, however, wasn’t at all a problem, and the girls caught on to English very quickly. The Moshers don’t want anyone to be scared away from adoption because of a fear of language difficulties.

My hope is that the message can get out – these children are out there – the need is so desperate for orphans.

– Linda Mosher

This photo, (L to R): Sarah, Mahileet, Bizzy and Janessa, with Jon and Linda in the background, shows the Moshers with the three daughters they adopted from Ethiopia plus the one they couldn’t adopt, Sarah, because she is HIV-positive. They continue to keep in contact with Sarah through their support of her.

– Photos submitted except where noted The Moshers credit the Webster School staff, the girls classmates and the community for helping the girls adjust to their new surroundings. “The community has been very supportive. Webster is a great place for these kids,” they said.

Each of the girls had at least one classmate to help her adjust. Five children in the third grade were there for Janessa last year to help their new classmate fit in.

A number of children adopted from

other counties are being educated in the Webster School District. Debie and Arnie Pope started the ball rolling with their adoption of two daughters from Russia 10 years ago. Five families from First Baptist Church, Webster, the church the Moshers attend, have adopted children from outside the U.S. Before going to Ethiopia, Linda Mosher read a book titled “There Is No Me Without You,” by Melisssa Fay Greene. She recommends it highly to

anyone considering adoption. She and Jon went through Adoption Associates headquartered in Michigan.

The Moshers were unable to adopt the first girl they were looking at, 8-year-old Sarah. During medical testing, it was learned that Sarah is HIV-positive.

“This girl was already our child. Now she was unadoptable,” Linda said. It took them a while to move on with another adoption. However, they keep in contact with Sarah by supporting her every month.

They had been thinking about adoption for a long time, and had decided to adopt two girls, asking first for sisters.

Their attitude changed to, “If you can do two, you can do three” when they decided to take the three girls, none of them siblings. They had to get special permission to adopt three children, and permission to go outside the birth order in their family because Janessa is a year older than their youngest biological son, Jonah.

The Moshers have five biological children: 23-year-old J. J., who lives in River Falls; 22-year-old Jeremiah, who is attending Logan College of Chiropractic in Michigan; 20-year-old Jessica, a student at UW-Superior; 16-year-old Judson, a junior at Webster High School; and 9year-old Jonah, a fourth-grader at Webster Elementary School.

The Moshers and the girls came home from Ethiopia Sept. 2, 2007, after Jon and Linda spent eight days in Addis Ababa, the capital city of that country. The children were living in an orphanage, where they were getting adequate food and clothing. There was little future for them in their country. They could stay at the orphanage until they reached the age of

See Adoption, page 2

This Ethiopian woman is preparing for the special coffee ceremony, with Bunna coffee crushed, roasted and served in espresso-sized cups. The Ethiopian airline the Moshers traveled on showed a movie on the country’s export of coffee. Workers in the coffee fields make 50 cents an hour for their work, and they are trying to organize a collective-bargaining unit.

Three special Mosher daughters, (L to R): Bizzy, Mahileet and Janessa, are shown with the dresses they brought home to Webster from Ethiopia, their birth country. The girls are showing no real desire to revisit Ethiopia. Janessa did say she would like to go back, but, she added, “I don’t want to stay.” – Photo by Nancy Jappe

The hands clasped here are that of one father and one daughter. For Jonathon Mosher, this scene would be multiplied three times since his trip in August 2007 to Ethiopia.

PAGE 2 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - OCTOBER 8, 2008

Adoption/from page 1

Jonathan and Linda Mosher brought candy to give to the children at the orphanage, which was a three-hour trip from Addis Ababa, the capital city of Ethiopia.

This pancake, called injera, is filled with a topping that is pretty spicy, chicken, beef or lamb with a sauce. No utensils are used for eating. The pancake is simply broken apart, rolled up and eaten that way. – Photos submitted 18. The orphanage would then have let them out to whatever was waiting for them, prostitution or begging, primarily.

They had some education, using a language that is composed of over 300 characters. The girls couldn’t read, and they had been given no math instruction.

It was the rainy season, with rain falling every day they were there.

Jonathan and Linda were able to do some traveling for their first days without the girls. They had from Saturday until Monday alone, then the girls joined them in visiting different places and doing different things, such as going to a good playground. The playground at the orphanage was a pretty rough one.

They found the Ethiopian people to be very kind, happy and smiled a lot. No animosity was shown to the visiting Americans.

“Americans are their friends,” the Moshers said.

They saw many funerals during the short time in Addis Ababa. Infection with AIDS is so prevalent, and people just keep dying from it.

The girls had never seen indoor plumbing. The Moshers recall them making about 10 trips to the bathroom on the plane ride home, washing their hands over and over to check out how the sink worked.

The trip home took 18 hours, with a one-hour, on-the-plane layover in Rome.

Their first stop in the U.S. was in Washington, D.C. It was expensive to go to Ethiopia. “It (the whole adoption) cost a lot of money, but we got a discount because we took three girls, rather than one at a time,” Jon said. “We went into debt,” but he considers it all well worthwhile. The U.S. government helps them by giving them a tax credit for the next 10 years.

Everything was new to the girls, experiences like going up or down on an escalator, trying on rollerblades, seeing and playing in snow for the first time. Linda raises Goldendoodles, a combination of golden retriever and poodle.

At the present time she has 11 puppies (in the kitchen) and two mothers. The girls were afraid of the dogs at first because dogs in Ethiopia are wild.

“It is neat to be able to bring them from where they were to here, and to give them hope for the future. They came from a Christian (orthodox) background.

We can build on their faith in Christ.

They have become part of our family in spite of the difference in the color of their skin,” Jonathan commented. “Skin color has never been an issue. They realize they are different, but it hasn’t been a hindrance.”

“Our whole family has grown in different ways,” Linda added. “Our kids are globally minded. This is a huge blessing for me to know that, as they grow up, they will step out and do more to help other people in desperate situations. There has to be a lot more organization, a lot more discipline. There’s a lot more stuff, laundry, dishes, food.”

“The kids are very well disciplined,” Jon added. “The Ethiopians care for children, but they are very hard on them.

This has caused them to be very respectful, something kids in this country lack.

"Their rooms are clean before they go to school. We don’t have to worry about that,” Jon said. “All the girls have jobs around the house.”

The girls came home to Webster in September from a warm country, only to find there wasn’t much warm weather around here. They had never been swimming. They went out into the

This photo shows a typical village in Ethiopia, a country where the plight of orphans is a desperate one. Orphans fortunate enough to be in an orphanage will be able to stay to the age of 18, then they are on their own. Girls turn to prostitution or begging just to survive.

water only knee-deep at first, hanging on for dear life. Now they are learning how to fish.

Jonah, the caboose of the biological Mosher clan, was feeling displaced at first, having three new sisters descend upon him at one time. Now he only questions, “Why did we adopt three girls?”

“We have a very big God. He is taking care of us,” Linda commented. She re-

ferred to James 1:27 in the Bible which defines religion as taking care of widows and children. “I envision getting to heaven and God saying, “I blessed you with what you got out of what I gave you. I believe we are responsible because we have (been given) a lot … As Americans, we don’t have a lot, but in the big picture, we are greatly blessed.”

Jon and Linda Mosher, Webster, are shown with the three girls they adopted in Ethiopia last year, (L to R): Jon, Janessa, Linda, Bizzy and Mahileet.

The three new Mosher daughters, (L to R): Bizzy, Janessa and Mahileet, are ready to leave Ethiopia for the trip home to Webster. They are each holding a pillow carrier shaped like the head of a bear.

OCTOBER 8, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 3

We are doing a pet series. Send in your favorite pet stories for publication. We hope to receive enough good stories to publish through October.

Writer’s Corner

The Pack Rat Quilt

by Pat Solomonson I confess. I’m a pack rat. I collect and save a lot of stuff I don’t need, probably won’t ever use, and eventually will have to toss or give away because there’s just no more room for it all.

At garage sales I pick up pretty linens, curtains, colorful bedspreads... “for the cabin,” I tell myself. I am fascinated with fabric, even though I cannot sew! I have purchased fabric in the off chance that someday I might figure out how to create something from it.

This, despite the fact that my sister, a home economist, once tried to teach me how to sew, but soon gave up, calling me hopeless.

I save clothes that no longer fit and have even pur-

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

chased clothes that don’t fit in the hope that someday I will lose enough weight to fit into them.

Every now and then, when my collections become unmanageable, I go into pitch-and-toss mode ... this pile for charity, that one for the trash and a few more gaudy additions to the granddaughters’ dress-up trunk at the cabin.

Then I met Alice, my neighbor at the lake. Alice is a true fabric artist. She makes quilts out of used clothing, linens ... all the same kinds of stuff I can’t resist collecting! She cuts it all up into little pieces, then sews them together in interesting patterns. She finishes an average of one quilt a week and nearly all of them go to her church missions. Steve, her husband, helps with the cutting, framing and tying. Yes, she told me, she could always use more stuff.

Thus began my regular drop-offs at Alice’s workshop; boxes and bags filled with mostly used clothing, but all colorful fabric that would now become the raw material for more lovely creations by Alice. It gave me a good feeling to be disposing of my surplus in this manner.

Then one day Alice and Steve appeared at our door.

Steve was toting a very large, heavily stuffed black plastic bag. He had a serious look on his face. Alice, barely visible behind the huge bag slung over her husband’s shoulder, appeared strangely somber.

“You know, all those old clothes you’ve been giving us?” Steve began. “Well, we really don’t have any use for them so we’re bringing them back.” Then he handed the bag to me.

I was mortified! How embarrassing to discover that Alice really didn’t like my donations and had no use for any of it. Grabbing the bag, I quickly threw it in a closet, shut the door, and tried to change the subject.

Steve then interrupted, “maybe you ought to look in that bag.”

I couldn’t believe it! Inside that bag was a completed, full size patchwork quilt, each square familiar to my eye; my castoffs returned as a labor-of-love gift from my neighbor.

Northwest Regional Writers The Northwest Regional Writers meet at 1 p.m. the second Friday of the month either in Frederic or Grantsburg. Each month we have a topic to write about and read to the group. The following writing was read at the last meeting. Call Mary Jacobson at 715-349-2761 for more information about the organization.

Submissions should be typed, double-spaced on one side only of 8 -1/2 x 11 white paper, leaving a minimum of 1-inch margins all around. Handwritten submissions will not be accepted. Submissions should be no more than 800 words.

Submissions may be delivered to The Leader’s offices in Frederic or Siren, mailed to Box 490, Frederic, WI 54837 or e-mailed to the-leader@centurytel.net. We prefer e-mailed copy.

If hand-delivered or mailed, please write "Writers’ Corner" somewhere on the front of the envelope. If e-mailed, please use "Writers’ Corner" as the subject and include the submission as body text of the e-mail. No attachments, please. Your submission to Writers’ Corner grants The Leader one-time rights to publish the item in the weekly newspaper. The author retains the copyright and all future publication rights. The Leader may edit submissions for grammar and punctuation, clarity and length. If you have any questions about this new feature, please contact us at the-leader@centurytel.net or call 715-327-4236. - Editor

Animal cruelty and family violence STATEWIDE – Violent acts toward animals have long been recognized as indicators of a dangerous psychopath.

Animal abuse is not just the result of a minor personality flaw in the abuser, but a symptom of a deep mental disturbance. “Murders … very often start out by killing and torturing animals as kids,” according to Robert K. Ressler, who developed profiles of serial killers for the FBI. The FBI found that a history of cruelty to animals is one of the traits that regularly appears in its computer records of serial rapists and murders.

History is repeated with infamous examples: Albert DeSalvo, the “Boston Strangler,” who killed 13 women, trapped dogs and cats in orange crates and shot arrows through the boxes as a youth. Serial Killer Jeffery Dahmer had impaled dog’s heads, frogs, and cats on sticks. Columbine High School students Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold, who shot and killed 12 classmates before turning the guns on themselves, bragged about mutilating animals to their friends. More recently, Burnett County has it own animal abuser, who killed his ex-wife’s dog after violating the restraining order.

What else is he capable of?

Animal abusers often suffer from low self-esteem, a history of family abuse, frustration and an inability to manage anger. Children who abuse animals may be repeating a lesson learned at home;

like their parents, they are reacting to anger or frustration with violence. Their violence is directed at the only individual in the family more vulnerable than themselves - an animal. Childhood cruelty may provide a child with a sense of power and mastery over animals. Domestic violence is the most common background for childhood cruelty to animals.

Sadly, many of these childhood acts of violence go unexamined until they are directed toward humans. According to the Washington Humane Society, 48 percent of battered women said concern for the safety of their pets prevented them from leaving their abusive home sooner.

Fifty-seven percent of those with pets said their partners had harmed or killed the animals. One in four said that she stayed with the batterer because she feared leaving her pet behind. Three surveys of women’s shelters in Wisconsin and Utah showed an average of 74 percent of women with pets reported that their animals had been threatened, injured, or killed by their abuser.

Communities should be aggressively penalizing animal abusers, examining families for other signs of violence and require intensive counseling for perpetrators. There is a strong correlation between domestic violence and animal abuse. Communities must recognize that any abuse to any living individual is

unacceptable and endangers everyone.

What can you do? Urge your local school and judicial systems to take cruelty to animals seriously. Be aware of signs of neglect or abuse in children and animals. Take children seriously if they report animals being neglected or mistreated. Some children won’t talk about their own suffering but will talk about the animal’s. Don’t ignore even minor acts of cruelty to animals by children.

Talk to the child and the child’s parents.

If necessary, call someone of authority or the humane society.

If you or someone you know is in an unsafe situation or if you would like more information, call the St. Croix Tribal Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Program at 877-511-7895, 800-236-2195 ext. 5250, or 715-645-0260. - submitted by LeAnn Mulroy, St. Croix Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Program

Clear the clutter and organize your life LUCK _ Professional organizer Susi McCune will share ideas on how to use proven clutter-clearing techniques to manage the mess and ease the stress in your life.

The class is sponsored by Luck Community Education at Luck School on Tuesday, Oct. 14, from 6 - 8:30 p.m. McCune has 18 years’ experience as a professional organizing consultant, and is a dynamic, motivating speaker and author.

She has educated and inspired hundreds of individuals with creative, practical solutions to residential and business organizing challenges. This one-night course for home and smalloffice managers is great if you’re trying to dig out from a landslide of mail, magazines, bills and catalogs.

Learn the “magic question” that can help you manage that paper now! Get tips on organizing your computer desktop, as well as your desk.

If you feel stressed by home or office clutter, and want to simplify your life, sign up for the Paper Clutter Solutions class. The course is only $10 per person. An additional $14 supply fee will be collected at class for a manual and organizational materials. Choose to either pay the supply fee individually or share it with a co-worker, friend, or spouse. Preregistration is required; call Amy Aguado at Luck Community Ed. at 715-472-2152 ext. 103. A minimum of 15 people are needed to run this class, so sign up today! - from Luck Community Ed

Celebrate Books with Bite at your library during Teen Read Week Oct. 12 - 18 POLK COUNTY – Polk County teens will be reading for the fun of it during the 11th-annual Teen Read Week™, Oct. 12 – 18. They join thousands of other libraries across the country who are encouraging teens to celebrate this year’s theme, Books with Bite at your library®.

Teen Read Week is the national adoles-

cent literacy initiative of the Young Adult Library Services Association. This year’s theme encourages teens to read a wide variety of books and graphic novels, from animals to vampires to cooking, just for the fun of it.

Matt Rosendahl, Milltown Public Library director, feels that “today’s teens

Free health series starts Thursday OSCEOLA – Osceola Medical Center is having a free health seminar on breast and colon cancer. The seminar is Thursday, Oct. 9, 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Drs. Dan Anderson, oncologist, and Tom Johnson, surgeon, will talk about screening and prevention of these two major cancers. The evening will also feature tours of the area’s first digital mammography unit.

This is the first in a series of free health seminars sponsored by OMC. Others have been scheduled for Nov. 11, Diabetes; Jan. 6, Healthy Being; and Feb. 3, Heart Disease. All seminars will be at OMC. Seating is limited for the breast and colon cancer seminar. You can register by calling 715-294-4936. - submitted

seem to have less and less free time, and there are increasingly more activities for them to take part in during what little leisure time they have. That is why it’s important to encourage teens to set aside some time to read.” Literacy is a topic of both local and national concern, and falling test scores and lower graduation rates among teens today are a serious issue.

Studies show a regular reading habit increases reading proficiency, and area librarian Christine LaFond of Clear Lake Public Library agrees. “One of the most important ways teens acquire the habit is by watching adults they respect.” Being around adults who are avid readers can counteract the latest statistics from The Nation’s Report Card, which indicate that in homes across America the number of different types of reading materi-

als has decreased, and a smaller percentage of 17-year-olds saw adults reading in their homes.

Parents of teens are encouraged to celebrate Teen Read Week at home. Polk County librarians offer these ideas: • Visit your local library with your teen to attend a program or to check out books.

• Set aside time each night for the family to read.

• Give books or magazine subscriptions to your teen as a gift or reward.

• Share your favorite book with your teen.

• Surf the Internet with your teen to learn about new books or authors.

• Join a book discussion group at the school or public library. Teen Read Week is held annually during the third week of October. - submitted

PAGE 4 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - OCTOBER 8, 2008

Falling leaves

by Russ Hanson It’s been a quiet week on Orr Lake.

Two heavy frosts killed the rest of the garden and chased the ladybugs from the bean field into the cabin. They keep us company during the fall and on our weekend visits during the winter – coming alive each time we start the woodstove and warm up the cabin. They thaw out, crawl around wondering if it is spring and time to dehibernate.

Margo and Mom sold a lot of pumpkins, squash and apples on the River Road Ramble, more than double the previous year. The Ramble and Autumn Fest in St. Croix Falls made a fun Saturday. Eureka had a great turnout at the old town hall, with lots of old tractors, cars, pictures and artifacts. The new town garage was a popular stop with all the details of building the new building laid out. Wolf Creek had a choice of lunch at the bar with 1890s costumed waitresses or a homemade lunch by the Ladies Aid at the church, both welcoming sinners to the fold.

We had 50 people stop by the Cushing Museum and visit. Lily Larson’s old scrapbooks, borrowed for the summer from Lavern and Doris Jean, were a hit.

We even sold a Cushing History book or two. You can buy them to send as Christmas presents at the Cushing Bank, At-las Antiques and the Luck Museum, or order them from SELHS, Box 731, Cushing, WI $15 plus $2.50 postage. We only have one more payment to make to the Leader for the printing costs! All profits goes to the Sterling Eureka and Laketown Historical Society.

We have two freshly resurfaced roads!

Hwy. 87 from Bass Lake to Grantsburg and Hwy. N from Cushing to Luck. I think they put down three or four layers of blacktop after having ground up the old surface to recycle it. The roads were redone in about a month and never really stopped drivers from using them. A piece of Hwy. 35 in the Luck area is being resurfaced now too. The smooth roads tell us our tires need balancing, maybe the wheel bearings are a little noisy and the suspension is wearing out. Rough roads hide that. Brother Everett says to turn up the radio and the problems will all disappear. He went for his leukemia treatment follow-up test last week after a year of treatments and is clear of any cancer! He has to continue tests quarterly to see if it comes back. The doctor says you can knock it down, but not get rid of it.

Margo’s mom, Myrtle is being kicked out of the private Alzheimer’s home near her home in West Bend, after a year. Myrtle walks around most of the day, up and down the halls, looking for open doors so she can leave and “go home,” where home is the place she lived as a little girl. She needs constant

Collected by

Russ Hanson

River Road

Ramblings

Test your political awareness. Can you identify these three local politicians celebrating the opening of the Luck Museum? Answer at the end of today’s column. watching, something her family could not do at home and this home couldn’t support. After a long search, a new place, a nursing home, much farther away, has been located. The move comes this week. As the family has agonized over the loss of a wife and mother and lately over the move, Myrtle is unaware of family and surroundings.

Myrtle has moments of joy and pleasure with Margo (whom she accepts as a sister) when they go for a drive, watch the birds, have an ice cream etc. They are immediately erased from her memory.

Nevertheless, Margo is satisfied that they help both of them get through the loss. Modern medicine has managed to keep people physically alive and healthy so that they can die in even more painful ways.

We were to the funeral of Linda Harris, our old friend from Wolf Creek School, last week. Linda was only 60 when she died from bone cancer. The Harris family was one of the pioneer families in West Sterling, and continued to live there when most of their neighbors left. Linda was buried in a beautiful homemade pine box, befitting the pines along Evergreen Avenue. The Harris family once owned the west end.

The large funeral procession left the old Wolf Creek School building, now the Methodist Church, following a tall wood wagon pulled by two black horses. We all walked to the cemetery following a musician playing guitar and singing the old church songs of loss and hope. Linda was buried in the cemetery where her ancestors rest. Fifty years earlier on the same autumn Friday, Linda and I would have been at our

desks in the same Wolf Creek School; she a lovely young girl, her life ahead of her, probably dreaming of what it would be. Rural schools with kids from a half-dozen families made those school chums seem like part of our own family; they are hard to lose. Linda had chosen not to carry the fight with cancer through all of its phases, saying she was ready to go to heaven.

My favorite reading in the newspapers are the opinions. They come as editorials, in some columns and in the letters to the editor. I like it when someone clearly and briefly gives their opinion. I like ones that make me think about something in a new way or teach me something. Some writers always do this and some never do.

Last week in Gary King’s editorial page he included one of those e-mails that gets forwarded around the world and is supposed to make you think. I started to read it and immediately got bothered with the math. It does some estimations of populations and then says “divide 200 million adults (in the U.S.) into $85 billion (support for AIG, a big bankrupt insurance company being bailed out) equals $425,000” indicating that each of us would pay or could receive that much if it were distributed. The math as calculated by this old math teacher is $85 billion divided by 200 million which by my calculations is $425 (cancel out eight zero’s from each and you have $850/2). The whole premise is totally off, and thus the whole e-mail bogus. I can guess the author used a normal calculator rather than a politician’s calculator-normal ones can’t handle such big numbers. Of

course, with last week’s newer government bailout which with the pork included could reach $850 billion we get up to $4,250 per person for that deal. I take my debts seriously. To pay Margo’s and my share of the latest bailout, $8,500, I plan to write a two checks; one directly to one of those poor bankrupt Lehman Bros. and the other to a lobbyist to pass along to a politician for saving me from something or other.

Margo is going back to work to help us pay the $100,000 of our share of the national debt of $10 trillion. ($10 trillion/200 million adults x2). In the last eight years we have seen $4 trillion added to our national debt. Margo and I would be on the hook for $40,000 for the two of us. I think that includes $10,000 to invade Iraq, $10,000 so the rich could get a tax cut, and some miscellaneous items like bridges in Alaska, nonnegotiable prices Medicare pays for drugs and tax breaks for oil companies.

We are enjoying the political season, especially the TV advertisements. It is particularly interesting in our neck of the woods where we only get Minnesota stations, but live in Wisconsin.

We are pretty much up on Coleman and Franken, but in the dark as to if anyone is running in Wisconsin. With our new HDTV converter, we tune to a different channel, adjust the rabbit ears, and then watch the picture come in and out like a bad DVD. It seems if a butterfly flaps his wings outside, it interrupts the signal.

Oh well, now instead of getting a small number of somewhat snowy channels all of the time, we get a large number of mostly unwatchable channels all of the time. Margo better get that new roof antenna up before the snow flies more than in the TV. I had three of my computers quit on me in the last month. Two were old ones, living on borrowed time. The other was my nice two-year-old laptop.

It suddenly started using only one-half of the screen. I tore it apart thinking that the cable between the screen and computer had worn in the hinge area. I managed to get it apart and together again, but had no luck in getting it to broaden its view. If this column seems only half thought out, you can blame it on my computer. It is pretty tricky to write a column seeing only half of what you are writing!

Politicians: LeRoy (a.k.a. the Fixer) Hedberg, Sheila Harsdorf and Vernon (a.k.a The Rock) Peterson.

OCTOBER 8, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 5

Do you remember ?

Here on the farm Recently we advertised laying hens for sale. We wanted to sell them for several reasons: we had too many eggs; laying mash is expensive; we have a new bunch of hens growing up in another coop.

Those laying hens sold right away, and judging by the number of phone calls, we could have sold a thousand chickens Abrahamzon if we’d had that many.

I had some very pleasant conversations with other farm women. Several were not interested in the eggs as what they really wanted was stewing hens. “I make my own noodles,” one woman said, “and I’m so hungry for chicken and noodles.” Others thought in terms of chicken and dumplings. (Talk about old-time comfort foods.)

When I dig out news from 40 or 50 years ago in the bound volumes of our newspaper, I always include prices of groceries from Route’s Co-op Store and Clover Farm Store (the two stores were close to each other on Main Street, Frederic). New people who live in Frederic can relate to long ago prices of food (i.e. 10 cans of tomato soup for $1, Jell-O at 6 pkgs. for $1 and yes, stewing hens at 39¢ lb.). Stewing hens were a popular item in grocery ads. Have you seen any such birds advertised in these days? Rarely or not at all.

New readers can relate to prices when they cannot relate to people’s names in bygone days.

Stewing hens conjure up visions of good old-fashioned cooking, succulent chicken stew with baking powder biscuits on top.

Do you know when the Advertisers were created, all the grocery ads moved out of the Leader and migrated into those yellow shoppers. Food prices are historically significant and signs of the times.

Here on the farm, we have a bunch of misguided ducks! They made their nests in hidden places and are bringing forth broods of fluffy, yellow ducklings.

How pretty they look against the green lawn as they run way ahead of their frantic mothers. They forage way ahead of her.

Ducklings in October, oh my!

Bernice

Behind the Signpost

Minnesota politics Are you as tired of the politicians insults on TV as I am? How are they allowed to do that? They trade insults, some of them sound libelous.

Why are these mean statements never refuted by the injured party? Are they never challenged because they are basically true? Is this politics at its worst?

Bad dog! Bad dog!

Molly is a liver-and-white springer spaniel and she shares our home. I don’t think we actually own her.

She owns us! She has never torn up our socks or bothered with chewing on shoes, but she still has a few puppy traits although she is going on 3 years old. She is in constant motion, running, running, running.

Last week we were cooking fresh corn, cutting the

Compiled by Bernice Abrahamzon

50 Years Ago kernels off the cobs and packaging the kernels for the downstairs freezers. I told my sons, “We’d better not put the bare cobs outside or Molly will get into them.” So we left the big tubs inside that night.

In the morning, one of my sons lugged the tubs outside before we had breakfast.

Mothers do know best. When we went outside, we saw that Molly had been busy. She had hauled all those corn cobs out of the tubs and decorated the lawn with them. She had done just what I predicted.

She had chewed them into pieces, enjoying any kernels we had missed or the flavor of butter.

What a mess.

I scolded her, “Molly, look what you’ve done. Do you know what you are? You’re nothing but a corn dog!”

The big chill Thursday night I went outside to say goodbye to the garden and it’s a good thing I did, as Jack Frost put his icy hands on all the pretty flowers. Take that, heavenly blue morning glories. Take that, zinnias and forget-me-nots. And that, green pepper, etc., etc. By morning the garden was white with frost. Sometimes it happens early in September and this year we’ve enjoyed a long and beautiful fall.

People have been very generous with their hay ground this year, and we are grateful. There is no such thing as too much hay.

I pulled a few carrots to fix for supper. I used to cut them like copper pennies but a good friend cuts them in little wedges, and I’ve been imitating her. They look pretty that way, too. The plant may be puny looking but underground the carrot is enormous.

Imagine my surprise to find one carrot blooming with eight delicate white flowers, a raceme, if I remember my botany? The blooms are a little like Queen Anne’s Lace, very delicate. I cut those flowers and put them in a vase in my kitchen.

The sunshine tree The yellow maple in our front yard is changing its green garb to bright yellow as if creating its own light. My late husband, Ken, planted that tree as a sapling years ago, and he would be pleased to see how beautiful it is today.

Years ago I read a poem about yellow leaves falling like telegrams from above, and the message is, “Fall is here, winter is coming.” Young people today will have trouble relating to that, but telegrams were printed on pale yellow paper. Ken sent so many telegrams that the telegrapher struggling with the words Nashotah, Oconomowoc, Abrahamzon and my maiden name, said, “Why don’t you marry the girl, it would be cheaper.”

That is what I think as the yellow leaves fall. Oh, a bright October day.

Until next week, Bernice

A Stitch in time Good Samaritan Auxiliary fall sale honors a special friend ST. CROIX FALLS – With the arrival of fall, the St. Croix River Valley becomes ablaze with color, and our communities put their best foot forward and plan events to attract the many visitors that come to shop, hike and enjoy the beautiful fall colors before winter arrives. One of the many events that have become an annual tradition in the area is the Good Samaritan Society–St. Croix Valley Auxiliary’s fall craft, art and bake sale.

For 29 years, the auxiliary has raised funds to add amenities for residents comfort. The auxiliary’s fundraising efforts have made many otherwise unattainable needs a reality. Each year the auxiliary asks area artists, crafters and quilters to donate one of their pieces to the sale.

This year the auxiliary was pleasantly surprised to receive several boxes of handmade afghans, baby items and blankets from a unique donor, relatives of a former resident, Ruth Sutter. When she passed away in

March of this year, at the age of 96, she left a variety of these items she had lovingly crocheted. According to her niece, Karen Niemela, “She was quite happy at Good Samaritan, never had a bad word to say about anything. Meals were all so good, and she never missed daily devotions. She had great care there.” In appreciation for the fine care their aunt received, Karen and her sister, Beverly Erickson, made the two-hour drive from northern Minnesota to deliver these items to be sold at the fall craft, art and bake sale.

The sale, to be held, Saturday, Oct. 18, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at GSS, St. Croix Valley, will also have many other donated items for sale, as well as an abundance of baked items plus the opportunity to have pie and coffee at the Good Sam Café. Proceeds of this event will go toward the purchase of an automatic wheelchair washer.

If you are interest in donating an item for the fall craft, art and bake sale, if you have an interest in becoming part of the auxiliary or any other questions, please call Ginger LaMotte at 715-483-2720.

Saturday, Oct. 18, is the date to remember. Promptly at 10 a.m., the auxiliary will be ready to begin for 2008 at GSS–St. Croix Valley, located next to the fairgrounds in St. Croix Falls. – submitted

A field demonstration was held at the Lester Mattson Farm located two miles east of Cushing on N, and two miles north on Z, for a Big International Harvester Show sponsored by Maki Implement, Grantsburg; R. Blomgren, Milltown; Jensen Hardware, Cushing; and J.B. Hanson, Siren.-Open house was held for the showing of the 1959 Chevrolet at Nielsen Motor Co., Luck.-Specials at Route’s Super Market included Wisconsin aged cheddar at 59¢ lb., pot roast at 49¢ lb., pork sausage at 39¢ lb., sweet potatoes at 2 lbs. for 25¢, catsup two bottles for 33¢.-Rudell Motor Co., Frederic, had a new car showing of the ‘59 Fords on Oct. 17.-There was a change in ownership of the Coast-to-Coast Store, Frederic, when Mr. and Mrs. Carl Wallin of Solon Springs purchased the store from Mr. and Mrs. Ted Anderson.-The film “Around the World in 80 Days” was playing at the Frederic Theatre.-The Oakland Baseball Club sponsored a dance on Oct. 10 at Joe’s Crossroads, Siren.-C.O. Johnson had an Oct. 11 auction east of Grantsburg with farm machinery plus household items listed.Tretsven Auto Co., Milltown had a big showing of Buick, Pontiac and Opel cars Oct. 9 with coffee and donuts served.

40 Years Ago A well-known Luck banker, Andrew Alm, Luck, passed away Sept. 19. He was one of the organizers of the Fidelity Bank, Luck.-Fr. Aloysius Gostgomski of St. Dominics Catholic Church of Frederic and also of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church of Grantsburg was transferred to the Superior diocese.The new 1969 Chevrolet was introduced Sept. 26 at S & L Chevrolet, Grantsburg, and free coffee and rolls were served all day.-Specials at Route’s Super Market, Frederic, included pork loins at 55¢ lb., lettuce at 19¢ head, red or green grapes at 19¢ lb., 8 cans of peas for $1, Charmin toilet paper at 8 for 69¢.-Specials at the Frederic Co-op Super Market included coffee at $1.98 for 3-lb. can, russet potatoes at 79¢ for 20 lbs., Sunshine Hydrox cookies at 45¢ lb.-The 1969 Chevrolet and Oldsmobile cars were introduced Sept. 26 at the Fredric Auto Co., downtown Frederic, with pie and coffee served, by the Ladies Guild of St. Dominic’s Catholic Church from 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.There was damage in a break-in at Grantsburg Schools along with loss.-The Falun Café was closed a week due to heavy rain.-The public was invited to view the new Chevrolets at Burnett County Oil on Sept. 26 at Webster. Coffee and donuts were served.

Music was provided by Fred’s Old Time Orchestra on Sept. 28 at Indian Creek Hall.

20 Years Ago “Fighting Bob” (in the manner of Bob LaFollette) was at sing-out for Harvey Stower held in late August at Whispering Pines U.M. Camp.-Local and state authorities launched an attack on marijuana growers.-Authorities seized marijuana worth more than $100,000, confiscated in a Town of Anderson cabin.-Despite dry conditions, John Goepfert of Grantsburg had a nice tall crop of soybeans at his place south of the fairgrounds.-A benefit was held for Jerry Huser on Aug. 28 at the 300 Club.-Obituaries included Fred Mattson, Frank Raska, Martha Bille, Ida Anderson and George Miller.-The Wild Rice Festival moved to Forts Folle Avoine.-Financial problems at the nursing home in Frederic were reviewed.-Russian was studied at the Luck school as a second language.-Business of the Week was Frederic Interiors located in center of downtown.-Obituaries included James Harting, Victoria Hammer and George Sornson.-Wayne Walker was the postal representative at the Lewis Post Office.-A Friday night fire destroyed a Burnett Dairy warehouse.-Alfred Proffit, 75, was still on the family farm southwest of what is left of Cloverton. Two died on Polk County roads during Labor Day weekend.

PAGE 6 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - OCTOBER 8, 2008

TOWN TALK/COUNTRY CHATTER Hi, everybody! Blacky here from Humane Society of Burnett County.

I kind of dropped the ball last week.

I had some very important news to tell you about, but I left it out of last week’s column. It seems there is currently another pet food recall out there, and I wanted to give you all a link to a Web site that lists the affected products; not just dog food, but cat food as well. This recall isn’t as widespread as the one a few months back, but you should still check the list and see if you have any of the bad food. Here’s the site: http://www.petcare. mars.com/. My apologies for leav- YAPpenings ing out that information last week.

Some days, Blacky doesn’t make it to the bus stop on time, if you catch my drift.

I have some good news in the adoption department!

Tinkerbell, who has been at the shelter for months and months, finally found herself a new home. Two more cats also went home, Frito and Elizabeth. Naturally, a couple kitties leave and more show up; Kit Kat is a blackand-white shorthair male, and is about 3 years old.

There is also Shadow, who is a gray, 3-month-old male kitten. Tootsie is a tricolor female, about 2; and Morris, believe it or not, is an orange tabby male who is big and friendly.

As long as I’m talking about cats, I am supposed to ask for some cat litter. I guess those cats must be eating well, because we’re always running out of litter.

Onto my favorite part of the news, I’m happy to report that two of my fellow canines have found new homes.

Blacky

Shelter

Buddy, the big black Lab went home this week, and so did Chicago, the black-and-white pup. I’m still not entirely sure what model he is, but he’s a good little guy and that’s all that matters. Two new strays have come to join us this week, too. Bear is a black Lab-mix pup, around a year old, and was picked up in Hertel. Clyde is a border collie/Lab mix. He is black with a white chest and he thinks he is around 9 months old. Clyde was hanging around the Outpost Mall outside Siren, no doubt waiting for a pizza.

I don’t have a lot of items on my wish list this week; at least not anything we’re in dire need of (except money), but the office staff asked for some business card paper so they can print off some more cards. Our good copy machine is on the fritz, too, so if any of you are smartly with fixing stuff like that, could you stop by and take a look at it for us? I offered to whack it with one of my big sticks, but the kennel manager said he’d rather do that it himself, only with a hammer.

As you know, I’ve been telling you about our Racine kringle fundraiser that is going on until Tuesday, Oct. 28.

Do you know what? One man bought 100 kringles! He must really like pastry, or really like helping the animals.

What a guy! If you want to buy one kringle, or 100, you still have time to do so - just contact the shelter. A big slice of kringle would be a nice addition to your lunchbox, and then you could give me your sandwich!

I guess I’m getting hungry - my whole column this week is revolving around food! It’s chow time, and then I’m going for a good, long walk. Get off your couch and walk your dog, 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 I neglected to mention one of the key players in our soup and bake sale several days ago. Violet Nahkala, from Lewis, who joins us at dinner occasionally and is always present for dime Bingo came and put in a full day working on Saturday, Sept. 27, for our part in Harvestfest. Gratitude is extended again Vi, for your efforts.

Vi happens to be the sister of Eloise Anderson our assistant in the kitchen. Eloise is patiently awaiting word when she can have a knee replacement. Carol Berglind is on hand to take over for her when she is recuperating from her surgery. If you haven’t stopped in at the center, come in and introduce yourself, she is also a welcome addition and is very patient with us old timers. We have always been fortunate in having excellent managers/cooks for our center but I think we found a star in CeCe Andrewson. You can’t find a better dinner in any of our restaurants than you can get at the center. Stop in and see for yourself.

Yourchuck’s Ace Hardware, according to Lou Jappe, donated all of the food and pop for the fundraiser that was held recently by the Siren American Legion. Thanks to them, we were the recipients of all of their leftover pop from the event. Marge Nyberg, as I have mentioned before, purchases all of the pop sold at the center and gives back to our treasury all of the monies that she takes in, and I’m sure this is going to be a load off her budget.

349-2964

Winners at 500 on Wednesday were: Gerry Vogel, Sylvia Peterson, Sue Newberger, Flo Antiel and Isabelle Schindler. Spades winners were: Gerry Vogel, Barb Munger and Millie Hartshorn.

Connie Crosby will be at the Senior Center on Thursday, Oct. 30, from 9 a.m. - noon to help fill out forms for fuel assistance.

On Monday, Nov. 3, flu and pneumonia shots will be given from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. For seniors your Medicare plan should pay for these shots, also Humana, Anthem and Smart Value plans. For others not qualifying the charge is $25 for a flu shot and $40 for pneumonia shots.

There is no charge for all children eligible for vaccines up to the age of 18, however, they must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Our monthly Dining at Five dinner will be this Thursday, Oct. 9.

The senior monthly meeting will be Tuesday, Oct. 21.

The American Legion Ham dinner is coming up in November and I imagine that plans will be laid out at the meeting, so it is imperative that you all come out and volunteer.

To make reservations for dinner call 715-349-2845 and any other questions call the senior center at 349-7810.

Siren

Old Jack Frost has been tiptoeing around the Burnett County area the past few weeks. I know it was him as he left some of that white stuff on the tops of the grass in the field just across the road from our house. Sure hope we get a little of the Indian summer after the killing frost that is soon to come. It won’t be long and Old Man Winter will be showing his ugly head, leaving us with his usual blankets of white. This is the first time I wouldn’t mind missing the coming of winter and its cold, blustery days.

The United Methodist Women’s group had their monthly meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 1. A lunch was served by Darlene Jackson. The speaker, Kathe Good, told of her experiences while in a coma in the hospital.

Thanks Kathe, everyone enjoyed learning about your revelations while being so sick. They finished up the afternoon by filling shoeboxes with school supplies and gifts for children all over the world.

Congratulations to elementary student Aaron Zirngibl, middle schooler Shay Johnson and high schooler Joe Pigman, for being chosen Siren Schools students of the week.

Don’t forget Daniels Township residents, the town board meeting is held on the second Tuesday of the month, Oct. 14, at the town hall at 7:30 p.m.

The Burnett County Home and Community Education is sponsoring a fashion and décor festival and luncheon with a trunk show by Peggy’s Fashion Rack and Gifts, Siren, on Saturday, Oct. 11, at 11:30 a.m., at the Siren Bethany Lutheran Church. Tickets can be purchased at Peggy’s Fashion Rack in Siren or from any Burnett HCE

Barb Munger

Bev Beckmark

member. The tickets are $8 for the luncheon. Proceeds go toward the HCE scholarship fund for high school seniors. For more info call 715-349-2151 or Peggy’s Fashions at 715-349-5000.

Those of you who donate blood, mark your calendars for Tuesday, Oct. 21. The American Red Cross Blood Drive will be held at the Burnett County Moose Lodge north of Siren on Hwy. 10 from 1 to 6 p.m. Call Gerry at 715-866-4878 to make an appointment or for more info.

The Siren/Webster Cub Scout Pack 564 had a great turnout this year for recruiting boys into the Cub Scouts.

They have 97 in all this year in the Scouts. If there are still boys who wish to join, first-graders to fifth grade, please let Cub Master Charla Stickland know. There is also a need for a Cub Master for grades six and up. If you are interested or know someone who is, call Charla Stickland at 715-866-4162.

Don’t forget the Mixed Sampler Quilt guild is having its annual quilt show from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. this Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 11 and 12, at the Siren High School.

Show includes vendors, demos and quilt appraisals. Tickets are just $3.

The Covenant Church ladies are once again making their delicious apple pies. To place your order call Joanne Daniels at 715-349-5364. Pies are a great bargain at $8 each.

Friday, Oct. 17, the Covenant ladies will be serving a chicken dinner from 5 – 6:30 p.m. with a freewill offering.

Baked goods will be for sale on Friday night and also on Saturday until noon.

Dewey - LaFollette

468-2940

Karen Mangelsen

Clam River Tuesday Club met Oct. 1, at the home of Beth Crosby. There was election of officers. Beth presented a quiz on farm terms. The next meeting will be Wednesday, Nov. 5, at 1:30 p.m., at the home of Karen Mangelsen.

Karen and Hank Mangelsen visited Ronda and Maynard Mangelsen Wednesday evening.

Judy Albee and Beth Crosby were Wednesday visitors of Sue Mroszak.

Donna and Gerry Hines and Karen Mangelsen were among a number of people who attended a special program at Timberland Ringebu Free Lutheran Church Thursday evening. The presentation was made by a group of musicians and folk dancers from the Ringebu area in Norway. They were on tour in the U.S. with people from the Ringebu Historical Society.

Pat and Don Israel visited Sue and Roger Mroszak Thursday evening.

Lida and Don Nordquist took Jan, Jim, Caleb and Hannah Schott out for pizza Thursday night. They celebrated Jan’s birthday.

Reggie and Betty Meisner from Forest Lake, Minn., came to visit Roger and Sue Mroszak Friday evening. They stayed overnight there.

Don and Lida Nordquist went with Joleen and Richard Funk on a pontoon ride Friday evening to enjoy the fall colors along the St. Croix River.

Chad, Jenny, Aubrey and Ashley Harrison and Chris Harrison came to the home of Lawrence and Nina Hines Friday night and stayed until Sunday.

Don and Charlene Strabel visited Judy Albee Saturday.

Larry, Celie and Baxter Mangelsen were weekend guests of Hank and Karen Mangelsen. Saturday visitors and supper guests at the Mangelsen Farm were Rick, Abby and Brady Kosloski; Kent and Max Lindquist; April, Dave, Patty and Mandy Close; and Jake, Hannah and Grace Mangelsen. Jake’s birthday was celebrated.

Donna Hines attended a WMF Fall Rally in Wilson Saturday.

Saturday evening Beverly Brunclik; Glen and Brenda Albee; Don Schleiss and Judy Albee attended the wedding of Chris and Natalie (Martin) Albee in Stillwater. Chris is Beverly’s grandson.

Bob Watkins provided special music at Lakeview United Methodist Church during the morning service Sunday.

Maynard Mangelsen called on Gerry and Donna Hines Sunday afternoon.

Fran Krause

Orange

LaVonne O’Brien

Written for last week

The Harmony HCE had their meeting Tuesday, at Diane Madeglia’s home with she and Carol Newman as hosts.

Fran Krause attended the HCE executive board meeting on Thursday, at the government center.

The Orange 4-H had their annual achievement night Friday, at the Orange Center with a hayride and wiener roast.

Saturday, the Mark Krause family attended the Griak Invitational cross-country meet at the U of M to watch Kathryn Krause, and then went to the Twins game.

Pat and Nancy O’Brien returned home from a visit in Colorado to see her son, Matt and family.

Maxine Stone was among the many guests at Myrth Budd’s in Grantsburg, to help Myrth celebrate her 86th birthday.

Written for this week

Dean Peterson and Mike Shanke stopped at Brad Peterson’s on their way home from a successful goosehunting trip in Canada.

Marvel Merriman’s family visited her throughout the week.

The O’Briens had their annual woodcutting bee last Saturday.

Reeny Neinstadt spent the week with John in Illinois.

Cheryl Ingalls and Brad and Natalie Flagstad and family were movie-goers on Saturday.

Rick and Judy Witzany had supper with Jack and Jeri Witzany last Thursday. They left for Arizona to spend the winter there.

Allyson Krause came home from UW-Stevens Point on Thursday night. On Friday afternoon she and Deanna Krause watched Kathryn Krause participate with the UWRiver Falls cross-country team at UW-Eau Claire.

Kathryn visited friends at Eau Claire and came home for the remainder of the weekend. Both girls returned to their schools Sunday afternoon.

Mark and Deanna Krause attended John and Cheri Everson’s wedding near Amery on Saturday.

Make sure you are registered with your town clerk in order to make the poll list where you vote Nov. 4.

OCTOBER 8, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 7

TOWN TALK/COUNTRY CHATTER Engagement

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Lewis

A lot of people worked very hard on the harvest supper at the Lewis church Saturday night, cleaning, decorating, baking homemade bread and pies, setting many dedicated and talented volunteers. Glorious leftover pumpkin and apple pies were served after the worldwide communion service on Sunday. LaVonne Boyer and Marlene Nelson assisted Pastor Tom plus communion stewards, Marie Nelson and JoAnn Gibbs. Many prayers offered for members of the church and friends.

Good Cheer Club met Wednesday at the home of Dellories Potter.

The Indianhead Gem and Mineral Society met Monday night at the Luck Senior Center. Dr. Huset spoke on gems and minerals of Australia. Potluck lunch followed. The 2008 schedule for meetings is almost complete as the year

Bernice Abrahamzon

winds down.

The NW Regional Writers will meet at 1 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 10, in the community room, Big Gust Apartments, Grantsburg. The assignment is to write on Water, water everywhere.

This is the week of teachers conventions Thursday and Friday at Eau Claire. So much easier than going to Milwaukee the way it used to be.

The Lewis choir took a much-deserved vacation in September and is now back on a regular Monday night schedule for weekly rehearsals. D.O.G. meeting is Wednesday night at the Lewis church along with the Lewis U.M.W. meeting.

Get outside and enjoy the beauty of fall. What a beautiful gift from Mother Nature!

St. Croix Valley Senior Center

Johnson/Gudmunsen Stephanie Johnson and Eric Gudmunsen of West Bend announce their engagement.

Stephanie is the daughter of Dave and Jean Johnson of Beloit. She graduated from Beloit Memorial High School and earned a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in social work from the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee. She is employed by Washington County Mental Health Center as a supervisor of community mental health programs.

Eric is the son of Jack and Charlotte Gudmunsen of Cushing. He graduated from St. Croix Falls High School and earned a degree in communications from Lake Superior Community College in Duluth, Minn., and is currently seeking a degree in AODA. He is currently employed as an adult services vocational employment specialist for Threshold, Inc. in West Bend.

An October 2008 wedding is planned. - submitted

Birth announcements Born at Burnett Medical Center:

A boy, Hunter James Schroeder, born Sept. 29, 2008, to Philip and Renee Schroeder, Grantsburg. Hunter weighed 7 lbs., 5 oz. and was 20-1/2 inches long.

Grandparents are Myron Belknap, Grantsburg; Peggy Belknap, Shell Lake; the late James and Lynette Schroeder, Grantsburg. Great-grandparents are Helen Swickard, Minneapolis, Minn. and Lenore Belknap, Grantsburg.

•••

Last week’s Tuesday Dominos winners were George Meixner in first place, Ione Meixner in second place and Martha Lindstrom in third place. The 500 card winners were Phil Mevissen in first place, Artis Brown in second place, Irene Campbell in third place and Audry McNurlin in fourth place. Thursday night 500 card winners were Arliss Rosen in first place, Kim Roen in second place and Bob Norlander in third place.

The October birthdays are Donald Anderson, Leone Montgomery, Norman Toensing, Gladis Weikert, Rose Erickson, Donna Lindh, Carol Van Buskirk, Darlene Knutson, Dianne Nelson, Audry Johnson, Pat Wall, Charles Campbell and Verone Pratt. Happy birthday to all. May you experience many more.

Every Tuesday and Thursday at 10 a.m., an exercise session is held. At 11 a.m., Skipbo is played. Both of these activities are free. Every Tuesday at 12:30 p.m., Dominos and 500 cards are played. Both of these games cost $2 to play. On Wednesday, Oct. 15, from 1 to 2 p.m., a speaker from Edward Jones Investments will be at the senior cen-

ter to help you sort out which types of income you currently have, and what you may need in order to help protect you from changing interest rates and rising costs due to inflation.

On Thursday, Oct. 16, at 12:30 p.m., our monthly meeting will be held. A potluck lunch is held before the meeting. Free blood pressure checks are given from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., on that day. Every Thursday evening 500 cards are played at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17, at 1 p.m., we will play 12 games of social Bingo. All activities are open to the community, regardless of age.

Saturday, Oct. 18, the Lioness Club will be hosting a grilled chicken dinner at the center from 4 to 7:30 p.m. Advance tickets are $7.50 and $8 at the door.

Stop by the senior center for a monthly calendar of events or a cup of coffee and a treat. Come and join the fellowship and fun. The senior center is available for private rentals for a very reasonable fee and for community events. Call 715-483-3466 for more information.

Cloverton-Markville Getting ready for winter seems to be the recurrent theme these days in the lives of the residents of the little townships of Arna and New Dosey.

John Carlin and his sons, Ian and Nathan, came up to help dad, Ed, bring in more hay. Shirley and Jerry Blokzyl have picked several pails of apples already and given many of them away. While Mel Elliott has been getting the rest of their hay in, Eleanor has been trying to harvest potatoes, carrots and cabbage. The rain has hampered her work at times, so on those days, she bakes chocolate chip cookies.

Preparing for the winter deer season also takes a lot of time for the guys out here. Marlene and Don Mishler enjoyed a long weekend with their children who came up to do some prep work for hunting. Grandson Brandon brought Marlene’s mom, Pam, his wife, Hanna, along with some friends and, of course, baby Isabel, age 1, up to work on deer stands, sight in their rifles and do some grouse hunting.

During the same weekend, son Jason and his friends stayed at the campsite on Lydia’s old property and worked on hunting activities.

In other news, Jan Streiff took her 48th canoe trip up to the BWCA. The weather was wonderful and she had a great time.

Darlene Merimonti attended a benefit for friends from Willernie, Minn., who are having large medical expenses for both of them. Darlene’s children were some of the sponsors of the event.

Deloris Schirmer spent a busy day last week doing errands in Wisconsin. A stop in Siren for dog food was followed by stops in Webster at the library, supermarket and post office.

Allen and Marge Wolf spent last weekend down in Hastings, Minn., again with daughter Heidi and her family.

While down there, Al looked for a lathe so he could buy one.

Pam Ellwein took Clara Lilly to a doctor’s appointment in Webster one day last week, then, the next day, to an eye appointment in Forest Lake, Minn.

Since Pam’s mom, Arlene Dornburg, is visiting from Knoxville, Tenn., she tagged along on the Clara trip. Arlene’s sister in Austin, Minn., passed away and that is what brought her to Minnesota.

Ed Carlin reports that even though he and his sons only caught four salmon between them on their fishing trip recently, they enjoyed both good weather and a good time.

Shirley Blokzyl is busy packing for a trip to Madrid, N.Y., to see her daughter and family.

Peggy Coveau went to her mom, Gladys Robinson’s home in Webster on Sunday to help her sister, Kathy, celebrate her birthday. She also had the chance to see another sister, Bobbi. Since she had not seen her daughter

Fran Levings

Annie for over a month, Peggy went up to Duluth on Tuesday for a nice visit.

Plans are under way for the second-annual Wilma Fall Fest to be held at the Duxbury Inn in October. This potluck event includes music and prizes and begins at 6 p.m.

The Hay Creek Outpost had registered 38 bear for this years bear hunt as of Oct. 2.

My husband, Dave Baker, and I, had a wonderful time helping granddaughter, Faith, celebrate her first birthday in Ashland last Saturday. On the way home, we stopped in the Lake Dowling area at the home of Wisconsin State Representative Frank Boyle for a get-together that included a good political discussion.

Due to the three-day weekend coming up, there will not be a column next week.

Enjoy the lovely leaves, wherever you are.

Frederic Senior Center

by Ardyce Knauber

Monday Spades was played with the following winners: Jim Anderson in first place, Lola Hinschberger in second place, Lillian Murphy in third place and Stub Ruhn in fourth place.

Ardyce Knauber’s birthday cake and ice cream was served.

Tuesday Whist game was played Wednesday the pokeno players had a good time. They also visited and had ice-cream cones and other refreshments.

Thursday 500 cards was played at 6 p.m., with the following winners: David Peterson in first place, Arvid Pearson in second place, Bill Ihrig in third place and Del Hanson in fourth place.

Thursday noon there was no nutrition center meal. We enjoyed soup and sandwiches and banana-cream pie at the center.

Friday 17 members attended our monthly meeting. Friday pokeno and other card games were played.

Saturday was potluck with birthday cake. October birthdays include: Robert Hinschberger, Dorothy LaDoucer, Frances Mattson, Clifford Potter and Edna Martin.

The pool table keeps busy and our morning coffee time is enjoyed.

We are decorated for the fall season and our flowers outside are still blooming for us to enjoy on our patio area and window boxes.

Have a good week.

PAGE 8 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - OCTOBER 8, 2008

TOWN TALK/COUNTRY CHATTER 866-4334 Debbie Korhonen, Judy Baker and Lincoln Spafford spent Saturday in Superior to celebrate the birthday of Deb’s nephew, Jarrett Gronski, and I heard that they “shopped ‘til they dropped.”

They also visited nieces, Lynn and Jill Korhonen, of Brule. Jill owns a tattoo parlor, INK that is located on Tower Avenue in Superior.

Lily Gleason and Sandy Woletz attended a baby shower in St. Paul, Minn., on Sunday for Michelle Gleason, who is expecting her first child in December.

Proud grandpa, Bob Gleason, can hardly wait for this happy event.

Deb served ham and potato salad on Tuesday and Bob Gleason and Sandy Wohlets joined Lily Gleason for lunch after finishing their home-delivered meal route.

For dessert Deb made chocolate cake with homemade fudge frosting for those diners having September birthdays. Belated birthday wishes go out to Ann Agerbeck, Betty Trudeau, Abby Brand, Emily Stiles, Dorothy Smith and Eldon Arneson.

Twenty-two ladies of the Ravishing Rubies Red Hat Society enjoyed a delicious luncheon on Tuesday at McKenzie Landing. They had six meal choices on the menu and it was hard to select one as they all looked great. The ladies welcomed Pam and Shanyn Ambrozaitis who are Jeanine Bickford’s daughter and granddaughter from Rice Lake, and Nancy Peterson who is Elva Hughs daughter from Scandia, Minn. The ladies always have fun singing their Red Hat song accompanied by some of them playing their kazoos and ringing their bells. Their were no ladies having September birthdays to sing “Happy Birthday” to, but our mascot Ms.

Webster Senior Center Hattie was wearing her purple birthday hat (picked out for her by Jean and Gladys Beers at the last Interfaith rummage sale) because we chose the date of Sept. 1, for Ms. Hathie to celebrate her birthday.

Jean Bickford gave a report on Ms. Hattie’s adventures with her during the month of August and showed family pictures with Ms. Hattie in them. It sounded like so much fun that I think I would like to stay with Jean for a month. Ms. Hattie’s new foster mom for October is Jane Tomnitz. I almost forgot to mention that Ms. Hattie had to wear a pair of red silk panties on her head since she was not wearing her hat at the beginning of the meal.

You have to attend these luncheons if you want to know the real story behind this!

A lot of hilarious jokes and stories were told

by Jean, Elva, Queen Mother Mary Klar and Vice Queen Mother Jeanette Olson. It was decided last month to not give birthday gifts any more because of the cost involved, and we will only have one door prize, and that prize was won by Jean Bickford. The next luncheon will be held at noon on Tuesday, Oct. 28, at the new Maddens Restaurant in Siren that is located on the corners of Hwys. 35 and 70 just south of the stoplights.

Three tables of diners enjoyed Deb’s delicious roast beef meal on Wednesday.

After lunch 10 ladies played dime Bingo and everyone enjoyed the refreshments furnished by Theresa Gloege. When dime Bingo was over, Margel Ruck, Gladys Beers, Theresa Gloege and I stayed and decorated the center with a fall/Halloween theme.

Pat O’Brien, Harold Peterson, Ken Hayes and Dave Wardean enjoyed playing

Amery Senior Center

by Kari Fladwood, director

It was a beautiful day for our second-annual Oktoberfest – the rain held off until Sunday, giving us plenty of sunshine all day. If you missed our event, you really missed a great time, a day filled with great food, fun entertainment and plenty of people to share it with.

We had over 60 volunteers helping us, from the planning committee, to actually working the event. There isn’t enough room to list each one by name, but you know who you are, and please know we appreciate it more than we could ever say!

Everyone pitched in and helped out, making this fundraiser a success. The board and staff extend gratitude to each and every one of you.

We would like to take this opportunity to extend our appreciation to the sponsors, who generously donated funds enabling us to rent the tent and provide entertainment: Paperworx, Dick’s Fresh Market, Anderson Construction, St. Croix Regional Medical Center, Amery Regional Medical Center, St. Croix Casino, Indigo Irish, Miracle Ear, Cardinal Glass, Community Ed, Bremer Bank, Thrivent for Lutherans, Forrest Inn Motel, Chet Johnson Drug, Ellie’s Ice Cream, Amery Free Press and Westconsin Credit Union. In addition, Craig and Chuck Olson let us borrow hay bales and Glenna Farms donated pumpkins.

We were honored to have vice district

governor of the Lion’s Club, Len Quinn come with his leader dog, Ginger, and their friend, Tom. I first met them when Ginger was leading Len down a step, going out the back door to our tent. Oh, how protective she was of her companion! She put her paws on the step and stopped, letting Len know that there was a step there.

When he took that step, she proceeded to lead him to the tent – knowing exactly where to go. I stood there with tears running down my face as I watched them.

Blind trust, they call it.

When Len is holding the harness, Ginger is in working mode, and you are not allowed to pet her. Do you know how difficult it is to follow that rule? This golden retriever is absolutely gorgeous! However, when Len dropped the harness, Ginger came over to me and licked my hands, and we were instantly friends. She is a magnificent creature – and I only wish more people would have been able to meet Len and Ginger. Thank you, Len, Ginger and Tom, for sharing your day with us.

We loved having Mr. Morgan, Jim Armstrong and the Lake Country Cloggers entertain us all day – what fun it was!

Thank you, everyone, for supporting us by attending this event. We hope to see you again next year!

God bless you all!

pool on Thursday evening but I am not sure of which ladies played cards, as I wasn’t there.

I want to thank Charles and Elaine Scott for donating a bag of cranberries and homemade refrigerator pickles; Tony Saladis – aluminum cans; Bob Gleason – a battery for the nutrition portable phone; Wes and Norma Maurer - tomatoes. Our special thanks go to Dave Wardean for the five hours he spent installing air vent screens on the outside west wall of our building.

Congratulations to Dana Plath and Justin Reese who were married on Saturday afternoon at Bethany Lutheran Church in Siren. They also had a delicious dinner and an evening of dancing at the Lakeview Events Center, Siren.

The Otis Post American Legion Auxiliary will be having a chili supper on Friday, Oct. 17, at the Webster Community Center from 4:30 to 7 p.m., which is before the Webster High School home game of football with Cameron. The money from this fundraiser will be used for WHS student scholarships.

Please plan to attend.

Interfaith Caregivers are having a dance on Saturday evening at the Webster Community Center from 7 to 10 p.m. with music by the Dan Zimmer Band. Snacks will be served in addition to a beer and pop cash bar, and the cost is $5.

Don’t forget that Deb will be having her annual Halloween costume party during lunchtime on Oct. 31 with prizes for costumes and lots of goodies, so sign up in advance to eat, wear a costume (which is optional) and join in the fun.

Our get-well wishes and prayers continue go to Mary Heier, Effie Wester, Antone and Jeremy Gronski and Sharon Link who will be having surgery this coming week.

“I hate to have my picture taken. It doesn’t look a bit like me.” Have you ever Zoe is a 6-year-old, medium hair, declawed orange tabby female. She wears a white tuxedo with mittens. Zoe was surrendered to the shelter as so many animals are these days, because her owners were losing their home. She is an indoor cat who likes petting and likes to pet you back with her head. She has been known to use this behavior on strangers to break the ice. Her favorite sleeping place is the closet. She prefers the dark closet so she can sleep without the confines of a coat-flattening eye mask.

Zoe is one of the 10 cats over 6 months old that Arnell is offering at a reduced adoption rate.

The shelter is experiencing high intake numbers of kittens. Our friendly, mildmannered older cats need to be adopted too, and we hope that this reduced adoption fee will make potential adopters take another look at their love and affection.

An older cat is a calming influence in your home compared to the high-energy, curtain-climbing kitten. Finish out this autumn by settling into an easy chair with your cup of warm tea, book and an adult cat resting peacefully next to you.

Available for adoption is Daphne, a shorthair declawed Calico of gorgeous

Mary Klar said that: Boy, I sure have. I was looking at some pictures that were taken of me not too long ago, and I’m sure that the developing solution, or whatever method is used, must have dripped; because there were funny lines between my eyebrows (surely not wrinkles). And the lighting must have been wrong, because one eye looked bigger than the other, the sides of my mouth were turned down so it looked like I was frowning, my hair looked like I had been to the beauty shop to have it frosted and my cheeks looked puffy like they were stuffed with something (it can’t be jowls forming, can it?). Is the image I have of myself a true one, or have I been closing my eyes to reality? I see what I want to see. I’m not really getting gray, I never frown or sulk at my mirror. I tilt my head back and put on my sweetest smile, and the lady smiling back at me looks a little like Farrah Fawcett. Why don’t my pictures look like that?

Maybe it’s time to take inventory. How am I coming across to others? Do they see me as the gentle, kind soul I’d like to be?

What does God see? I have to face up to it – I’m not a Farrah Fawcett, but I am a child of God, gray hair, wrinkles, and all.

Looking into that mirror, I admit I’m no beauty queen, but I am God’s temple, and as such I can be free from self-centered pride. So let them take pictures. It’s the real me! I know it’s not always easy to accept ourselves as we are, especially if we don’t like what we see. But now only can God help us to be content with our looks and status, but He will show us how to change those things that need changing.

“Mirror, mirror on the wall, who’s the fairest one of all.” The answer is Jesus, the fairest of ten thousand! And I am in Him. “Thou art fairer than the children of men: grace is poured into Thy lips; therefore God hath blessed Thee forever.” – Psalm 45:2.

See you at the center! proportions.

She carries the classic black-orange-whiteover the back and head calico colors with pride. Lucky is a shorthair tuxedo neutered male. He is gentle and likes to play with dogs.

Sabrina, Spooky, Jasper, Brittany and Splenda are all 6month-old cats with winning personalities.

The shelter receives new cats every day, each with their own sad story and a need for a loving home. We adopt them out one at a time and need those loving homes to come forward to make their dreams reality. Please consider adopting a shelter pet today.

Call Arnell Memorial Humane Society, Amery 715 268-7387 (PETS) 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Saturday, or visit us online: arnellhumane.org. – Photo submitted

Arnell Humane Society Happy Tails

Await

OCTOBER 8, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 9

NW Cleansweep announces fall hazardous waste collections WASHBURN COUNTY â&#x20AC;&#x201D; The Northwest Cleansweep hazardous waste milk-run program, which is designed to accept hazardous wastes from municipalities, businesses and schools from the 10-county region, announces registration for the fall 2008 collection.

Items being accepted are: fluorescent bulbs, computers, oil-based paint, solvents or adhesives, antifreeze, corrosives, aerosols, batteries (button or rechargeable), PCBs (liquid), poison solids, pesticides (solid or liquid), ballasts and mercury.

Again this year, special emphasis will be placed on the collection of mercurycontaining items. Today, we know that even low concentrations of mercury in the environment may lead to elevated methylmercury levels in fish; levels that present a real risk to individuals that consume fish regularly.

This knowledge and concern has led

the NW Cleansweep Program to place a special emphasis to phase-out mercury use in NW Wisconsin.

Mercury is a poison that affects the central nervous system and may cause dermatitis, tremors and mental disturbances. Mercury is especially harmful to infants, children and the elderly.

The Northwest Cleansweep Milk Run Program invites any municipality, school or business wishing to participate in the fall 2008 collection to call and schedule a pickup. Preregistration is required and should be done by Friday, Oct. 17, to assure a spot in this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s collection schedule. Be responsible with hazardous waste. To register or inquire about prices, please call Bill or Warren at 715-635-2197, or 715-5207214.

Jen Barton

Earth

Notes

PAGE 10 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - OCTOBER 8, 2008

POLK COUNTY LIBRARY NEWS Luck Public Library World class classical guitarist Peter Fletcher will be performing at the Luck Public Library Saturday, Oct. 18, at 7 p.m. This brilliant musician has performed at Carnegie Hall in New York as well as other elegant venues. His warm sound and suave tone allows his audience to simply listen to the gentle genius of Satie’s melodies and the fluidity of Jean-Baptiste Besard. Come for a beautiful evening of brilliant music.

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. Barnes and Nobel write this syn-

opsis of the book: “A stunning successor to his best-selling novel “Peace Like a River,” Leif Enger’s new work is a rugged and nimble story about an aging train robber on a quest to reconcile the claims of love and judgment on his life, and the failed writer who goes with him.

In 1915 Minnesota, novelist Monte Becket has lost his sense of purpose. His only success long behind him, Monte lives simply with his wife and son. But when he befriends outlaw Glendon Hale, a new world of opportunity and experience presents itself.

Glendon has spent years in obscurity, but the guilt he harbors for abandoning his wife, Blue, over two decades ago, has lured him from hiding. As the modern age marches swiftly forward, Glendon aims to travel back to his past–heading to California to seek Blue’s forgiveness. Beguiled and inspired, Monte soon finds himself leaving behind his own family to embark for the unruly West with his fugitive guide. As they desperately flee from the relentless Charles Siringo, an ex-Pinkerton who’s been hunting Glendon for years, Monte falls ever further from his family and the law, to be tempered by a fiery adventure from which he may never get home.”

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 Celebrate the third-annual National Herb Day! On Saturday, Oct. 11, from 9 -11 a.m., members of the Polk County Master Gardeners will present a program on herbs: (What is an herb? Which herbs can I grow here? How do I preserve my herbs?). They will also talk about putting your garden to sleep for the winter. A $5 donation or a donation to the local food shelf is requested. Funds collected will go towards the cost of materials and future master gardener outreach efforts. There will be door prizes and refreshments.

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.

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.

Youth Internet use Cyberbullying, MySpace and other online challenges will be discussed on Monday, Oct. 13, 6:30 p.m. It will be presented by Dr. Justin W. Patchin. This presentation will cover a basic review of cyberbullying, including issues parents and educators need to know about how youth use and misuse technology to cause harm to their peers.

Teen poetry workshop A teen poetry workshop will be held Saturday, Oct. 18, 1 – 3 p.m., and is facilitated by Anna Martignacco. The workshop will provide an introduction to the fantastic form of poetry and constructive writing exercises.

Participants must preregister as the event is limited to 10 people, ages 13 - 19. Register in person or contact the library.

Book discussion “Brave New World,” by Aldous Huxley will be discussed on Tuesday, Oct. 21, 6 p.m.

Presented satirically, the world this novel describes is a dystopia: humanity lives in a carefree, healthy, and technologically ad-

vanced society; however, art, science, religion and all other forms of human expression have been sacrificed to create this brave new world.

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.

Family story time Family story time is Wednesdays at 6 p.m. and Saturdays at 11 a.m. Preschoolers through second-graders and an accompanying adult are invited to join in the half hour of themed fun, stories and songs. Pull up a carpet square and join in the merriment! October themes include Fairy Tales, Bullying: That’s Not Nice, Phyming Read-Alouds, Boo! Halloween Tales to Treasure and a bilingual story time.

Preschool story time Preschool story time is Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. Join the rest of the preschoolers and caregivers every Thursday morning at 10:30 a.m. for a half hour of stories and songs!

Hours, contact Our hours are Monday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 10 a.m.

Dresser Public Library

Frederic Public Library It’s all free!

The wireless Internet access is free, the fresh, hot coffee is free, the daily newspaper is free, and your library card is free. Stop in to learn what libraries are all about, and what they can do for you.

October story time theme is autumn Preschoolers and their caregivers are invited to story time on Wednesday mornings at 10:30 a.m., for an hour of books and activities. There will be stories and rhymes and singing and dancing and puppets and fingerplays for everyone to enjoy!

Book groups will meet Oct. 16 The Thursday morning book group will meet Thursday, Oct. 16, at 10 a.m. to talk about “Snow Falling on Cedars,” by David Guterson, a multilayered courtroom drama set in the aftermath of the internment of Japanese-Americans during WWII. The evening book group will meet Thursday, Oct. 16, at 7 p.m. to discuss “Mountains Beyond Mountains,” by Tracy Kidder. Kirkus Reviews called this biography “a skilled and graceful exploration of the soul of an astonishing human being.” Copies of the books are available at the library, and new members are always welcome.

Do you remember the Frederic movie theater?

The library occupies the building that once was the Frederic movie theater, and we have

recently decorated our walls with number of classic film posters. Drop by to look at our posters, and share your memories with us of watching movies in the old theater.

Do you eat?

If you drink milk or sip tomato soup, think of the library before you throw those containers away. We are a collection site for the plastic milk-caps-for-education program and the Campbell’s Labels for Education drive, and we welcome your milk jug caps that are labeled for education as well as many Campbell’s product labels.

Save your empty ink cartridges If you are tossing your used printer ink cartridges into the trash, please recycle them at the library. The Friends of the Pool are collecting used cell phones and ink cartridges to raise funds for the new swimming pool.

Free wireless access Free wireless Internet access is available for patrons who bring in their laptops installed with wireless cards - no more waiting to use the public access computers.

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 Spaghetti fundraiser Join the Unity Lions Club for an important fundraiser benefiting the Balsam Lake, Centuria, and Milltown public libraries. The Lions will host a spaghetti dinner on Oct. 18, from 4-7 p.m. Proceeds from the dinner and a fantastic silent auction (featuring awesome Vikings tickets) will be used to purchase CCTV/Magnified Readers for each library.

Tickets are available at the Unity-area public libraries and at the door of the event.

Author visits “Pumpkin Town” author Katie Mcky will visit the library and give a rousing live rendition of her fabulous children’s book on Oct. 11, at 10 a.m. Start your 2008 Pumpkin Fest in hilarious style! Oct. 11 is also the grand opening of the library’s new coffee service. Stop by to sample the tasty organic, fair trade Wren Blend coffee that will be available hot and fresh every day at the Milltown Public Library.

Chad Lewis, author of the book “The Wisconsin Road Guide to Haunted Locations” will visit the library on Nov. 1, at 7 p.m. Bring your trick-or-treat leftovers to munch while learning about the supernatural occurrences in our state.

Teen read week Join Count Librarian for a party celebrating Books with a Bite! on Saturday, Oct. 18, from 7-9 p.m. We’ll have a huge display of novels featuring vampires, werewolves, or other bitey things, old black-and-white horror movies on the big screen, cookie decorating, blindfold taste-tests, Pac-man on all the computers, butcher-paper art murals, and cool freebies for every attendee. We’ll also

have Guitar Hero and Dance Dance Revolution for guests to play and create party music!

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.

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.

Hours Library hours are Monday and Tuesday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and closed Sunday.

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

Centuria Public Library

of all ages are welcome!

Book club will meet Thursday, Oct. 11, at 1 p.m. to discuss “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Copies of the book or audiobook are available at the library. New members 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.

OCTOBER 8, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 11

POLK COUNTY LIBRARY NEWS

Amery Public Library “Fine Just the Way It Is,” by Annie Proulx A new collection of short stories by Annie Proulx recently arrived at the Amery Public Library. Proulx, known for her novels, “The Shipping News,” “Accordian Crimes,” and “Ace in the Hole,” is also a great short-story writer. This collection is set in the American West, in the hardscrabble hills of Wyoming.

Subtitled “Wyoming Stories 3,” this group of tales is sure to make you remember why Proulx is one of our premier fiction writers.

Proulx’s stories cover aging cowboys in nursing homes reminiscing about family secrets, two very funny stories deal with the devil who is trying to redecorate hell, most telling is who is inhabiting hell in her tale. She writes a story about a young couple, early settlers scraping for existence in a country where married men weren’t hired by ranchers who saw them as unreliable.

Proulx touches the reader with her hardknocks stories and amazes us with a story about a childless woman who befriends a sage-brush plant. Proulx seems to improve with every offering and you won’t want to miss this one.

Library notes Gratitude is extended to Dick Olson for his visit to story time with his 1922 vehicle purchased in Amery as part of the Big Read celebration. The kids enjoyed looking at the car, which is so different from what they are used to. On Wednesday, Oct. 15, we will have dancers performing dances of the 1920s to close out our Big Read celebration at 10:30 a.m.

The last day that the Amery Public Library will be open in its current location is Thursday, Oct, 16. We will be packing on that day

and parts of our collection will be unavailable. We apologize for the inconvenience. The library will reopen in its new location on Scholl Court on Monday, Oct. 27. We are looking for volunteers to help, so if you want to help give us your name and phone number we will be arranging times when you can help. A moving company will be actually moving us, but we need people to load and unload wheeled carts on either end of the move. Gratitude is extended to everyone who has already signed up to help.

The Friends of the Library are looking for a few good men and women to join their board. They will meet on Monday, Oct. 20, at the new library space for an election and a helping-to-move meeting at 5:30 p.m. If you are interested in being on the board leave your name at the library.

Friends of the Library book group will meet a week early on Monday, Oct. 13, to discuss “Dairy Queen,” by Catherine Murdock at 7 p.m. Pick up a book and join us.

Otaku Club will meet on Tuesday at 5 p.m. for teens and older who like anime and manga.

Teens Read Reading group will be reading “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nightime,” by Michael Haddon. They will meet from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. for subs, sodas and book talk on Monday, Oct. 27, at the new library space.

Library hours Regular hours are Monday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Tuesday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Wednesday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Friday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

St. Croix Falls Public Library

Gratitude is extended to all who made it out for the St. Croix River Valley House Tour!

Money from the tour will be matched $.50 on the dollar by Thrivent Financial.

More fun fundraising events! Mark your calendars!

Saturday, Oct. 18: Lioness chicken dinner at the senior center, 4 – 7:30 p.m. Enjoy a traditional chicken dinner from the St. Croix Falls Lioness Club on Saturday, Oct. 18. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the library building fund. Tickets are $7.50 in advance and $8 at the door, available at the senior center.

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.

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.

Polk County Library Federation Libraries: Lifelong learning centers and educators Wisconsin’s patrons are very lucky to have educated leaders directing their libraries.

Many citizens are unaware of the knowledge, skill and education that go into the requirements of a library director. Libraries in our state fall under the direction at the state level of the Department of Public Instruction.

The Wisconsin statues require all public library directors be certified by the division for libraries, technology and community learning.

The state of Wisconsin issues three grades of certification for the public library directors.

These include: Grade 1 certification–for libraries who administer public libraries in communities with a population of 6,000 or more. The education for this level is a bachelor degree and a master’s degree from a library school program accredited by the American Library Association.

Grade 2–for librarians who administer in a community of 3,000-5,999. The educational requirement includes a bachelor’s degree and the core coarse work in the library classes.

Grade 3–for librarians who administer a community of under 3,000. For this type of a director all that is required is the completion of 54 semester credits of college, plus classes in the core library classes.

To keep current in this certification once obtained, the director must continue to attend classes and workshops to keep it valid.

At the Polk county Library Federation we offer monthly workshops to help librarians who are unable to attend classes outside of

Putting your gardens to bed Back by request the Brown Bag lecture by Master Gardener Georgia Rosen will share tips and tricks for getting your gardens ready for a long or short winter on Monday, Nov. 3, noon – 1 p.m.

The director is Colleen Gifford, assistant director/youth services is Molly Kessler and the library clerk is Stephanie Fansler. Please call the Polk County Library Federation for more information, 715-485-8680.

The Polk County Library Federation is open Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Centuria Public Library Book discussion group The day is coming up quickly when the Centuria Public Library book group will be meeting to discuss the book “The Great Gatsby.” Mark you calendars to remind yourself of the meeting date of Monday, Oct. 20, at 10 a.m., at the library. Carolyn Wedin will be leading our discussion and coffee with snacks will be provided. Check with your local library to get a copy of the book.

money to purchase CCTVs/magnified readers for individuals with macular degeneration. These reader machines will be given to the public libraries of Balsam Lake, Centuria and Milltown. Besides a meal of spaghetti prepared by Geno of Balsam Lake, other items will be available through a silent auction. Tickets are available at all Unity area public libraries, Unity Lions Club members and at the door.

Unity Lions Club collaborates with Unity Area Public Libraries On Saturday, Oct. 18, between 4 and 7 p.m., a benefit spaghetti supper is being held at the Milltown Community Center to raise

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.

Book club current book: Back to the Buzz for October’s book club meeting. The book for October will be Truck; A Love Story, by Michael Perry. Meeting will be held Saturday, Oct. 18, 9:30 a.m.

What are the Friends of the Library?

Friends of the Library/ St. Croix Falls was created by community members to support the St. Croix Falls Public Library. Our mission is to value, support, and champion our library, encouraging life long learning. We treasure our public library as a source of ideas, commentary, inspiration, and amusement which is free and available to every resident. Join us for coffee Thursday, Oct. 23, at the library from 10 a.m. – noon, in celebration of National Friends of the Library Week!

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!

the county to meet this need.

The status of your library director and his/her certification should be posted in a visible place. Libraries are lifelong centers for both the library patron and the directors who serve the public.

Brown Bag library lectures held at the Polk County Library Federation A Brown Bag lecture will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 21, from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

True Colors: Join us as True Colors consultant Maltee McMann acts as the facilitator as we each discover our “True Colors” Please register for class at 715-485-8680.

There will be a $10 fee. True Colors® is a simple model of personality identification for people of all ages that improves communication through recognition of a person’s true character. Utilizing the colors of orange, green, blue and gold to differentiate four basic personality types, True Colors becomes an uncomplicated language for every individual to convey complex ideas very simply.

St. Croix Falls fire hall was transformed into a lively dance hall. – Photo submitted

Story hour Listen to stories, create great art and have fun with other kids and parents every Wednesday, 10:30 a.m.

The St. Croix Falls Public Library hosted a community dance and barbeque at the old fire hall, Saturday, Sept. 27. A generous donation from the Eagle Valley Bank kept ticket prices low, so the turnout was high!

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. Bates will have books to sign and sell also. These will make great Christmas gifts. Please join us for his presentation and coffee.

Local history Interested in local history? Check out our Polk County Oral History DVD. The DVD was made by Peggy Tarman and Greg Paulsen, both on staff at Unity School. The first person on the DVD is Tylor Burtt, who recently passed away and was a vital part of our library for many years.

Benefit for libraries Join us for Geno’s spaghetti supper, Saturday, Oct. 18, 4-7 p.m., at Milltown Community Center. There will be a silent auction featuring Wild tickets, Viking tickets, Halloween quilted wall hanging, new books and more. Tickets available at Unity area public libraries and Unity Lions Club members and at the door. Proceeds will be used to purchase CCTVs/magnified readers for people with macular degeneration and will be given to public libraries in Balsam Lake, Centuria and Milltown.

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 October’s selection is “The Great Gatsby”

by F. Scott Fitzgerald. This is the selection for the Big Read program through Amery Public Library. “The Great Gatsby” is a tragic love story, a mystery and a social commentary on American life. The book club meets Wednesday, Oct. 15, at 3 p.m. Everyone is welcome.

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.balsamlakepubliclibrary.org.

PAGE 12 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - OCTOBER 8, 2008

Amy Goodman’s bad journalism Right but wrong My neighbor Kelly Green, of Frederic, is right about the Inter-County Leader and wrong about Amy Goodman.

She wrote in a letter to the editor that the Leader is worth picking up each week. In this fine paper the unbiased news is covered, and the biased opinions are uncovered.

The news is on one side; opinions are on the other side. Separate but equal. All great papers follow this format—some even lead.

On the opinion side, Kelly said she likes Amy, an ultra-liberal columnist and radio host. She calls Amy’s work, “courageous journalism.” I was stung by this, as a journalist and a beekeeper.

No courage You may stretch and call Amy’s award-winning journaling “journalism.” But courageous it is not.

On occasion I’ve read her column.

And constantly I’m forced to call a foul on her for fuzzy facts and flat-out lies.

Some columnists are so radical minded, they just can’t keep the facts straight in their head.

Two examples Here are two recent examples: Last month I covered the Republican National Convention. Amy was there also. While reporting on the wild antics of the anarchists, I got trapped with them by the police and was detained and released. So were most of the other youngsters.

Elsewhere, Amy got arrested—and rightly so. She was charged with “misdemeanor obstruction of a legal process and interference with a peace officer,”

according to her Web site.

You can see the arrest on YouTube.com. (It’s pretty cool.) She repeatedly refused to comply with police requests to stay clear, get out of their face and up on the curb with the other folks.

Reluctantly the cops cuffed her and escorted her downtown. Upon release, she cried the police were “systematically targeting journalists.”

“torture.”

Kidnapping and torture are felony crimes. You cannot accuse people of crimes without evidence. That’s called libel. Falsely injuring anyone’s reputation is a no-no.

Trained journalists know this. It’s even in the journalism ‘bible,’ The Associated Press Stylebook and the Libel Manual.

Wayne M. Anderson The Anderson Report

The lie That’s a lie. It never happened. But it makes for good ranting and ratings.

And her radio show “Democracy Now!” could use a rating’s boost.

I checked with the Associated Press, St. Paul Pioneer Press and the Society of Professional Journalists. Not one of these observers confirms Amy’s poppycock-story of systematic targeting.

Of course I called her in New York regarding this flawed journalism. And of course, she won’t take the call.

After the convention, the district attorney decided not to prosecute any of the 42 journalists arrested. Authorities were not after the news gatherers; they were after the Molotov cocktail throwers.

Number two Example two: Last April Amy told us a pack of lies about the president and vice president. She claimed the duo were co-conspirators in a “massive global campaign of kidnapping” and

Sacred business Journalism is a sacred business. That’s why it holds first place in our beloved Constitution. No other capitalistic business enjoys this standing.

The First Amendment states: “Congress shall make no law…abridging the freedom…of the press.”

I heard Amy claim that she, as a journalist, has a Constitutional right to gather news. On this, she’s half right.

The press has rights: not individual reporters.

“Freedom of the press…is not very different from the right to freedom of speech. It allows an individual to express themselves through publication and dissemination…It does not afford members of the media any special rights or privileges not afforded to citizens in general.”–Cornell University Law School.

Fibs and libel Columnists like Amy give journalism a bad name with half truths and whole lies. The Leader has no obligation to publish fibs and libel. In fact it may have a legal responsibility not to do so.

Yes, newspapers need all legitimate views, even a “voice of the disenfranchised left,” as the Los Angeles Times labeled Amy. But libel and lies it can do without.

Surely the folks in the group the Gathering in Webster, who pay top dollar for Amy’s column to appear in the Leader,

Amy Goodman, syndicated liberal columnist and radio host of “Democracy Now!” She, and 41 journalists, were arrested at the Republican National Convention. All charges were dropped. – Photo submitted can find another singer for their voice.

Local liberals There are lots of liberal-minded family locally, who are quite capable of journaling the Left’s position. Go over to Luck at the Café Wren, enjoy some fantastic soup and interview any number of thoughtful liberals.

Here’s Journalism 101: Stand in the public square and shout your opinions.

Don’t lie or libel. And have the courage to take a phone call afterward.

That’s courageous journalism.

••• (You can get a call back from Wayne by contacting him at wayneanderson@centurytel.net or visit him on his Web site at www.theandersonreport.com.)

OCTOBER 8, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 13

True vision of the Forts DANBURY – “Out of something that is tragedy, something good has come about.” These words, spoken by Steve Wierschem, capture the true vision of why Forts Folle Avoine was rebuilt. On Aug. 29, 2005, Nathan Wierschem, 23, was involved in a car accident. After three weeks of being in a coma, Nathan passed away.

As a tribute to their son’s life, Virginia and Steve Wierschem reconstructed Forts Folle Avoine.

“What history really is, is a moment ago,” Chuck Awe, project presenter, said about Forts Folle Avoine’s goals, “You’re reporting about history, but you’re making history.”

The evening of Wednesday, Sept. 24, an assembly was held at Forts Folle Avoine. The assembly was geared toward blacksmithers and those interested in this lost art. There were three school districts in Burnett County that came together to accomplish the task of creating an operating blacksmith shop, Siren, Webster and Grantsburg.

“I want this to be a truly enriching experience,” said Awe when explaining the mission behind this project, “I want this to be fun and educational.” The project has been in the works for nearly three years and is now becoming a reality.

“This could be a daytime thing that people would love to come and see,” said Paul Lindeman, chairman, Burnett County Board of Supervisors.

Above being a tribute to their son, the Wierschems would also like the Forts to become a community outreach program.

“I grew up with a blacksmith. I worked it. I’ve seen it,” Wierschem said during his explanation of what interested him the most about the blacksmithing project.

The real driving force behind this project is the students. Grantsburg students are doing the journalistic view while Webster and Siren are splitting the research. During the presentation Awe said, “This is a real experience for our high school students,” and with a curious smile added, “The schools need to bring all of these items together and end up with a product that we can all be

Webster students pictured (in no particular order): J.T. Elmgren, Scott Stromberg, Jim Erickson and Sean Snorek volunteered at the Forts. - Photos submitted proud of.”

Among the six high school students there were also teachers. Each school district brought two to four faculty members along to help direct and advice.

“This is a wonderful way for young people to come and experience history,” said Ron Dorn, tech teacher at Siren High School. He was the only representative from Siren.

With four faculty members and four high school-age students, Webster was the most well-represented at Forts Folle Avoine. Webster’s High School social studies teacher Jeff Roberts sums up why he is interested in the blacksmithing project in one sentence, “I guess I’ve always been interested in history.” Ron Ward, tech education teacher, said he is glad there is a community-type project where they can be proud of what they’re doing.

When talking about the opportunity this project brings to high school students within the three districts.

The other two faculty members that attended the Forts from Webster were Jim Hunter and Jerry Olson, tech education, both of which said they had very little history experience.

J.T. Elmgren, a junior, said he will be

doing the research and then said he goes to tractor shows. “I know about old tractors,” Elmgren said, “I guess that’s history, right?” Jim Erickson, also a junior, is going to be helping Elmgren with the

research. Scott Stromberg is currently a senior at Webster High School and is interested in the hands-on, metals work side of this project.

“I’m a football player,” Sean Snorek said, about what he was going to contribute to the project. After everyone had a good laugh Snorek added that he would, “help with the research.”

Grantsburg High School was represented by two teachers and two high school students. “I’m passionate about learning about my surroundings,” said Joshua Watt, the online history and English teacher. Bob Martin, journalism and English teacher, said he likes learning history, “through real life experiences and books.”

The two high school students that attended Forts Folle Avoine from Grantsburg were Kaylynn Anderson, senior and Chelsea Hane, sophomore.

To end the assembly Awe said, “We want the public to know what we’re really doing.” With that Diane Gravesen, president, Burnett County Historical Society, said, “This is a wonderful place to be and to come see the blacksmith shop.”- submitted

Forts director Steve Wierschem is shown with Burnett County Board chairman Phil Lindeman (center) and blacksmith project coordinator Chuck Awe (right), along with others at a special meeting to discuss the project, Sept. 24.

Community members rise to a food challenge DRESSER - Trollhaugen hosted a Harvest Food Drive with hopes of collecting at least 4,000 pounds of food for the local food shelves on Sunday, Oct. 5. Despite the rainy weather, this year’s food drive was a bountiful success! Collectively, the boxes of food weighed in at 4,180 pounds, and more than 2,500 members of the surrounding communities gathered together to support the event.

The large quantity of food that was

contributed will be distributed to four food shelves, all of which are in desperate need of food. “When I called the local food shelves to inquire about hosting an event like this, I received the most positive feedback. The food shelf directors were excited to receive such quantities of food and all expressed their need for it,” says the event’s coordinator, Summer Kelly. “I am so pleased with the turnout for this event, and I am extremely grate-

ful to the members of the community for their generosity. Without their support, this event would never have been possible.”

The bundles of food were delivered to the Open Pantry food shelf, in Osceola, with Anderson Furniture’s delivery truck. The rest of the food was picked up by the Salvation Army and the St. Croix Falls Food Shelf. Trollhaugen’s Harvest Food Drive was made complete with

other festive activities including Green Implement hayrides, chairlift rides, and an early-season Rail Jam. Greene Implement of Osceola, Anderson Furniture of St. Croix Falls and generous members of the surrounding communities made this possible. Because of everyone’s combined efforts, shelves that were once empty now abound with food. - from Trollhaugen

Trollhaugen hosted a Harvest Food Drive for the local food shelves, collecting 4,180 pounds of food on Sunday, Oct. 5. – Photos submitted

PAGE 14 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - OCTOBER 8, 2008

Paint Your Barn

by Bob MacKean POLK COUTNTY – A short article in our Sunday paper brought back memories of a trip my wife and I took to central Iowa last year. While driving the backroads between the bridges of Madison County and Carroll, Iowa, we spotted numerous quilt patterns painted on the barns. We were impressed with the effort and artistry and couldn’t wait to see another. A stop at a convenience store provided us with a map that helped us find more paintings as we continued our trip.

Upon returning home, I began work on a quilt pattern of our own on a small barn at the end of our driveway. The de-

sign I chose had two elements we love to see in quilts. I painted flying geese and bear paws onto an 8 foot by 8 foot panel in bold colors that would be visible from the road. With a machine quilting business in our home, we are privileged to see the beautiful creations of many talented quilters. It is a joy to see the smiles on the faces of our customers and friends when they pull up to the house after seeing the decorated barn.

Wouldn’t it be nice if you could drive around Polk County and see eye-catching quilt blocks along with the natural beauty we already enjoy. Our home is located at 2830 170th St. midway between Frederic and Luck on the Trade River.

Fashions and Décor Festival luncheon sponsored by Burnett County HCE SIREN – The Burnett County Home and Community Education is sponsoring a Fashions and Décor Festival and luncheon with a trunk show by Peggy’s Fashion Rack and Gifts, Siren, on Saturday, Oct. 11, 11:30 a.m. at the Bethany Lutheran Church, Siren. Tickets may be purchased at Peggy’s Fashion Rack, or from any Burnett County HCE member.

Price of the luncheon is $8.

Proceeds will go toward the HCE scholarship fund for high school seniors.

For more information or to reserve tickets for the luncheon, call the Burnett County UW-Extension office at 349-2151 or Peggy’s Fashion Rack at 349-5000.

Seating is limited. - submitted

St. Croix Falls Bloodmobile exceeds goal ST. CROIX FALLS - The Red Cross Bloodmobile held at American Legion Post 143 in St. Croix Falls, Sept. 29, collected 89 units of blood. The 85 presenting donors included seven double red cell apheresis donations, two deferrals and one incomplete.

The goal of 70 pints was surpassed largely in part to the 14 first-time donors.

They included: Cecelia Binkley, Sarah Schuler, Melissa Loomis, Dillon Peterson, Brittany Brenholt, Paul Manoppo, Jenna Brousil, Bev Casperson, Milo Pranke, Dani Heilig and Jason Banek.

The following organizations and individuals helped make the Bloodmobile

possible: hosts American Legion Post 143; canteen operation and supper came from the St. Croix Falls Lioness Club, MarketPlace Foods and Wal-Mart. Junior Lindh and Marv Casperson helped set up. Help with publicity came from St. Croix Falls E.M.S.- Lifelink III, Eagle Valley Bank and Bank Mutual. Bloodmobile coordinators are Terry Anderson and Liesel Virchow.

Blood donation information can be found at the American Red Cross North Central Blood Services Web site at: www.givebloodgivelife.org or by calling 800-GIVE-LIFE. - submitted

Every photo is in color in our e-edition.

Check it out @ www.the-leader.net

OCTOBER 8, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 15

The unique community at the falls of the St. Croix River has another unique feature, as the house tour fundraiser for the new library highlighted Sunday, Oct. 5, some very interesting homes.

There’s one cantilevered over the river, a couple practically cantilevered on the valley bluffs, one nestled underground in a former silo, another that emulates a Maine saltbox structure.

And then there was the outpost library site on what will become the parking lot of the new library, where tickets and directions were available from our librarian, a small tent that held off the cold rain … but not the cold wind.

Noting that the quality of the new St. Croix Falls Library depends on the support of the community, library director Sarah Adams points out that “more than 60 people volunteered their time to make the house tour project a success.”

••• Another event on Sunday, this one in support of the Festival Theatre, drew together friends of the theater to discuss

how to make the people, privileged to have an excellent live professional theater in their community, more aware of it. It’s located on our Main Street, in the hisRosemarie toric auditorium – Vezina built originally for vaudeville productions that never came, it became our movie house after being used as a makeshift hospiSponsored by tal for influenza patients in 1917-18. the St. Croix Falls Historical At the get-together Sunday, hosted by Society board Chairman Beth Hartman, there were Friends of the Theater who recalled their work almost a decade ago, when scraping dried chewing gum

Braatz

A St. Croix

Tale

from under the seats was a major effort.

The Festival’s outstanding productions draw audiences from a wide area, yet few people in this community, it seems, attend. I’ve found that it provides firstclass entertainment, beyond what a movie screen can do… unless you happened to attend a silent film when R.O. Pepper ran the movie house, adding his own brand of excitement to the program. This is an excerpt from the “St. Croix Tales and Trails” book: “R.O. Pepper added sound to silent films…

“The era of silent films at the Auditorium Theater gave R.O. Pepper and his three boys, Ken, Chet, and Roy, an opportunity to enhance the movie-goers’ experience with some artistic effects of their own. Chet and Ken are gone now, but, Roy, now 90, residing in Auburn, Wash., recalls with delight those days.

‘As soon as we were tall enough, standing on wooden fruit crates or whatever, we boys were put into service cranking the film and changing the reel as it ran

out.’ (Films were ranked in length by the number of reels they filled.)

‘Mabel Patterson provided musical accompaniment on the piano, but R.O. wasn’t satisfied to leave it at that. ‘We were showing a World War I film, with 16-inch guns blasting off… and Dad decided to make it more realistic. He went to work at home making a ‘cannon’– it was 20 inches long, and he mounted it on a wheelbarrow, took it into the woods to give it a try, and the repercussion blew leaves off the trees.

‘So he wheeled it into the theater, behind the screen, loaded it with gunpowder, and at the next showing, with a full audience unaware of the sound effect he had planned, at the appropriate moment, he shot the damn thing off.

‘The blast in the quiet theater was tremendous … smoke billowed out, women screamed and fainted, and people ran out in panic to the lawn in front.

The fire department (then with horsedrawn carts) came clanging to the rescue.’”

Interstate Park hosting Haunted Forest: Trail of Ghouls

Looking for more volunteers

ST. CROIX FALLS – For the first time, the Wisconsin Interstate Park and the Friends of Interstate Park are hosting a Halloween event. People will be led on a trail of ghouls through the park on a uniquely scary, but not graphic experi-

ence.

The guided tours through the haunted forest begin at the Ice Age Center on Saturday, Nov. 1, from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Parents with younger children are advised to visit the trail of ghouls during the Junior Frights hour of 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

“As long as the weather cooperates, it should be a ton o’ fun,” park ranger Greg

Jacobs said.

The park is located in St. Croix Falls on Hwy. 35 just one-half mile south of Hwy. 8.

During the event, there will be no park entrance fee and all of the proceeds from the event will go to benefit the Friends of Interstate Park and the St. Croix Falls Public Library’s fundraising campaign for a new facility.

“I will be needing some good volunteers to help scare the pants off people and to lead people through the trail,” Jacobs said.

If you would like to volunteer or would like more information about the event, call the St. Croix Falls Public Library at 715-483-1777. – Brenda Sommerfeld with submitted information

Inflfluuenza vaccination season almost here STATEWIDE – The influenza vaccination season is almost here. The vaccine is due to arrive at the Minneapolis VAMC

yet this week or early next week. As soon as it arrives, they will begin giving vaccinations to employees, scheduled outpa-

tients and inpatients. The start of the veterans walk-in vaccination clinic in the flag atrium will be Monday, Oct. 27, end-

ing on Friday, Nov. 21. - submitted

PAGE 16 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - OCTOBER 8, 2008

Your can take it with you

Jonathan Maslow, Grantsburg, reads the Leader at the Orchard Country Winery & Market in Door County. Maslow, who owns and operates the business M-Tech in Grantsburg, was enjoying fall with family and friends in one of Wisconsin’s most beautiful areas. - Photo by Wayne M. Anderson

S j o b e r g p a y s o f fi c i a l v i si t t o S i r e n / W eb s t e r R o t a r y C l u b Roy Sjoberg, this year’s governor of Rotary District 5960, paid his official first visit to the Siren/Webster Rotary Club Thursday, Oct. 2. Sjoberg is a member of the Hudson Daybreak Rotary Club. He was accompanied by Rob Istrup, assistant district governor, from the St. Croix Falls Rotary Club. Sjoberg presented his club leadership plan, and talked about Rotary’s sense of community, meaning both the local community and the world community.

He mentioned Rotary International’s goal of reducing child mortality, knocking out polio (only four countries in the world left to go) and the need to set up sustainable communities. He urged the club to create high-profile service projects and to continue its evolution to the next level – being true Rotarians, not just a service club. – Photo by Nancy Jappe

The village of Siren held a ribbon cutting Saturday, Oct. 4, for the new crosswalk that will allow pedestrians to safely cross Hwy. 35/70 from Parks West Street (The Shops at the Lodge/Adventures Restaurant corner) to the south end of Crooked Lake Park. The goal now is to educate drivers to the presence of the crosswalk markings, reminding them that, by state law, they must stop for any pedestrians who are within the crosswalk.

Drivers will need to slow down and pay attention as they enter or leave the Crooked Lake Park area.

On hand for the ribbon cutting were (L to R): Village board member Joan O’Fallon (chair of the board’s public safety committee), village President Janet Hunter and village administrator/ engineer Randy Surbaugh. – Photo by Nancy Jappe

R ib b o n cutt ing f o r th e n e w S i r en c r o s sw a l k

OCTOBER 8, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 17

Life is just a bowl of … peaches

by Priscilla Bauer GRANTSBURG – As we pulled out of our driveway headed for Colorado my mother and I looked at each other and said, “Here we go again. Are we crazy or what?” Hey, sometimes you have to get a little crazy when you’re going after something you’re crazy about.

We just happen to be crazy for Colorado peaches. And so, in late August, as summer is winding down; we start gearing up for a new season, the Colorado peach season, and our annual trek west.

This year marked our 14th “peach run.” The peaches ripened late due to a slow spring so instead of driving in hot, humid dog days, we enjoyed the still warm but milder days of early autumn.

The long trip before us led to long conversations and as we do most every year, we started reminiscing back to how we first found the sleepy little fruit-producing town of Palisade.

We were on our way back from a trip to the Grand Canyon and not long after crossing the border into Colorado from Utah, we saw a sign for the Colorado welcome center and decided to stop.

While looking at the center’s bulletin board cluttered with event listings we saw a poster advertising the Palisade Peach Festival, which to our luck, was happening that day.

We had always known about Colorado’s great peaches. My grandparents homesteaded near Steamboat Springs and they said the best peaches ever were the ones from Colorado. Relatives still living in Grand Junction, just west of Palisade, all raved about the juicy peaches they picked right from peach trees in their yards. Friends, who hunted in Clark, Colo., north of Steamboat, brought Colorado peaches back to us years before. So, when we saw there was a peach festival only a few miles down the road, well, how could we pass it up?

The festival proved to be wonderful and the start of an annual pilgrimage for us. Anything and everything you could make out of peaches was there for tasting. Who could resist a piece of fresh peach pie or a peach shake? And the people, they were great, too, welcoming us warmly and making us feel right at home.

These big, sweet and juicy peaches are why the Bauers have made a “peach run” to Palisade, Colo., for the past 14 years.

We hated to leave such a pretty place and all those peaches. We had to take a box or two back with us, but we didn’t know one peach stand from another in a town packed with fruit stands so we just drove to the closest, Herman Produce. It turned out to be the perfect pick. And we have been finding our way back to the Hermans' stand each year ever since.

Renee and Bruce Herman have taught us a lot about peaches. In order to hit just the right time for the biggest, juiciest and ripest peaches (we like the J.H. Hales) you need a great peach connection. And we have just that in the Hermans. Over the years they have become like family to us.

Around the middle of August the phone calls back and forth between the Bauers and Hermans begin. The conversations are always the same, first we catch up, asking how everyone is doing since our annual Christmas greetings update, and then we get down to business.

Bruce is usually the one who answers the all-important questions, “How’s the crop? Are they ripe yet? Should we come?” And when they’re at their best, he tells us what day he will have our boxes ready and then we’re off on our peach run.

For years Palisade was best known for its peach orchards, but the face of this valley town set between the high mesas has been changing in recent years. Several wineries have opened, and encroaching development from nearby Grand Junction has been threatening the fruit orchards.

Hopefully, and you’ll excuse the puns, the flavor of small-town life will be preserved in Palisade, and its beautiful peach orchards will survive suburban growth spreading into its valley, and jams will all be peach and not traffic ones.

This year as we pulled up at the Herman produce stand everything looked The Herman Fruit Stand offers the same as last year, except for the trees travelers many fruits grown in Palin their orchard. Usually there are still isade, Colo. The Hermans will ship peaches hanging from the trees but betheir fruit directly to your home, but cause we were a little late getting on our way west, but most were empty now. the Bauers enjoy the drive each year The season was coming to an end, and to pick up their peaches personally you could feel fall in the air. from their friends Bruce and Renee Bruce and Renee came running to the Herman. car to greet their "Wisconsin women," as they liked to call us. Bruce showed us into the walk-in cooler where he always has us inspect our peaches before he loads them into our car. And then he said what he says every year. “I saved you the best ones.”

Getting out a knife, Morgan, Dane, Macy and Reed Tollander loved biting into Bruce cut us each a some of Cilla’s Colorado peaches, according to their slice. They were as grandmother Vicki Tollander, who was one of the people sweet and juicy as ever. the Bauers delivered peaches to this year.

After a quick visit and the annual family photos had been taken, it was time to be on our way, our back seat and trunk loaded to capacity. We waved goodbye to the Hermans, who called out for us to be sure to drive safely and to keep the peaches cool.

It was time to head out and enjoy the drive through beautiful canyon country with its winding rivers along scenic Hwy. 40. And it was a time to feel a little sad, too, as we left the tall mesas behind until next year. We braced ourselves for the very long and cold trip back to Wisconsin, blankets wrapped around our legs, the air conditioning blasting, our car now transformed into a mobile fruit cooler.

Arriving back home, we set to work unloading our precious peaches to the basement, where box covers were removed to keep the fruit from further ripening until we made our deliveries.

We carefully sorted the biggest and best to be given away, keeping the slightly bruised and smaller peaches for ourselves, remembering what we’d always been taught to do, give the best away.

On that first trip to Palisade, we bought a couple of boxes of peaches, which we thought would surely be enough to share with friends and relatives. Since those first boxes were divvied out, we’ve found we could never bring back enough boxes for all the people we’d like to give our peaches to.

Each year people ask us to buy boxes for them, but we need the space for our own boxes, because each year we try to give someone new a taste of Colorado.

Our peach list keeps steadily growing and so does the number of boxes we have to bring back.

Sometimes people on our list miss out if they aren’t home when the peaches are ready to be delivered. Peaches don’t wait; when they are ripe they have to be eaten. And so, some on our list will just have to wait until next year.

Now if you haven’t had a peach delivery yet, there’s always another crop and peach run coming up. And one day we may even take someone up on his or her offer to loan us their truck or van and we will really bring back a load of peaches.

Right about now some of you reading this might be thinking those must be pretty expensive peaches. And you’d be right. When you figure the money spent on gas, food, motels and the boxes of peaches purchased (although we do get the Herman-family discount), well, let’s just say the price per peach is high, and leave it at that.

But everyone spends money on a vacation and this is ours. Some people take Alaskan cruises or go fishing to Canada; we go get peaches in Colorado.

And in truth, my mother and I get so much more from our Colorado peach trips than just the peaches (though they really are the best). It is a time for the two of us to talk and laugh together and really listen to each other without being distracted by all the usual everyday interruptions. This trip is our time and we treasure it.

The last of our fresh peaches are almost gone now, but thankfully we are on a peach list, too, and before long we will be getting some of our peaches back.

They will be delivered canned or jammed and will see us through until next year when it will be time once more to make another peach run.

“After buying peaches from Bruce and Renee for all these years we’ve become like family” said the Bauers of their friendship with the Herman family, which began 14 years ago when the Bauers were on a trip through Palisade, Colo. The Bauers just happened to pick the Hermans’ stand to buy peaches to take back to Wisconsin and have been making a trip to the Hermans’ every year since. “We wouldn’t go anywhere else,” said the Bauers. “And besides, they give us the family discount.” Each year a “family photo” is taken of the two families’ reunion when the Bauers make their annual stop at the Hermans’ peach stand.

PAGE 18 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - OCTOBER 8, 2008

Luck Homecoming

As members of her class pass her the length of the gym and back during one of the races, senior Grace Jenson clings to a rubber mat. The juniors won the race.

Jimmy Mellon strikes a classic super-hero pose while dressing up on Wednesday.

Senor royalty (seated) John Larkin, Aushleana Branville and Ross Petersen; (standing) Jeff Gackle, Jenny Roettger and Hannah Melin join homecoming King Brandon Gutzmer and homecoming Queen Ashley Overby on the Luck Village float during the homecoming parade.

Seniors Ashley Valentine, Ashley Overby, Marnie Rozumalski and Jenny Roettger were just some of the â&#x20AC;&#x153;nerdsâ&#x20AC;? wandering the halls on Monday, Sept. 29.

Gary Ekholm, Brittney Danielson and Jake LaDuke watch senior Steve Leisch slide on to the only available chair as sophomore Kenny Sanford dives for it during a game of musical chairs.

During the intramural volleyball tournament, senior James Longhenry bumps the ball back over the net. The sophomores won the tournament.

Photos by Lori Nelson

Sophomores work on finishing the class float during float building on Friday morning.

OCTOBER 8, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 19

Grantsburg Homecoming

Grantsburg’s 2008 Homecoming King and Queen, Mitchell Evenson and Ingrid Ames, smile for the camera at Friday night’s homecoming dance.

Haley Larsen played the panther, screaming to be free, as she rode caged on a float at the Grantsburg Homecoming parade. The Pirates played the St. Croix Central Panthers in the homecoming football game Friday evening, Oct. 3.

Grantsburg Elementary students were excited when members of the Grantsburg football team stopped to shake their hands during the school’s homecoming parade.

Grantsburg Royalty waved to the crowd as they rode in the Grantsburg Homecoming Parade last Friday.

Photos by Priscilla Bauer

Pfc. Tony Soderquist was home on leave this past weekend just in time to escort his date, Grantsburg High School junior Jenna Brust, to the homecoming dance.

Grantsburg kindergartener Gretchen Lee held her Twins Casey and Cody Crawford sign high as she and other future Grantsburg gradu- skated their way through the Grantsates rode on the Dollars For Scholars float in the burg Homecoming Parade last Friday homecoming parade Friday. afternoon.

The Lunch Ladies were cooking up some laughs as they marched in the Grantsburg Homecoming Parade last Friday. When they are not appearing in their lunch lady attire, the women work in the food service department at Grantsburg Schools.

Grantsburg sophomore Jessica Hoffman and junior Jordan Heinecke were having fun trying to keep up with a group dance routine at the homecoming dance held at Grantsburg High School Friday night.

PAGE 20 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - OCTOBER 8, 2008

Crex Meadows Wildlife Festival 2008 GRANTBURG – Visitors went to the Crex Meadows Wildlife Education and Visitor Center last Saturday, Oct. 4, to enjoy special activities planned in celebration of the 26th-annual Crex Meadows Wildlife Festival.

Bus tours of the 30,000-acre Crex

Meadows wildlife refuge were offered to view the fall migration of geese, ducks, sandhill cranes and trumpeter swans.

The day also included programs on wild edible plants, wild mushrooms, Wisconsin wildlife, live raptors, Wisconsin wolves and wildlife photography.

Wisconsin DNR Wildlife educator Chris Cold brought his live raptors, including this owl to the Crex Meadows Wildlife Festival Saturday.

Jean Dingmann, Spooner, talked with Alan Roelfs about identifying and growing prairie plants Saturday at the Crex Meadows Wildlife Festival.

Joan Jacobowski (L) came from Hayward to share her knowledge of wild edible plants with visitors to the Crex Meadows Wildlife Festival Saturday. Jacobowski also writes a weekly column called Eat Your Weedies in the Sawyer County Record newspaper. Myrna Berg of Menominee enjoyed tasting some of Jacobowski’s toasted wild rice.

A busload of enthusiastic wildlife watchers headed off to the Crex Meadows W i l d l i f e Refuge Saturday during the annual Crex Meadows Wildlife Festival.

Photos by Priscilla Bauer

Anna Cellar of the Timber Wolf Alliance was a presenter at Saturday’s Crex Meadows Wildlife Festival. Cellar presented a program on Wisconsin wolves.

John Menge, Webster, showed Larry and Linnea Phillipson of Amery which wild mushrooms were safe to eat. Menge’s booth was a popular stop for visitors to the Crex Meadows Wildlife Festival Saturday.

Sandhill cranes, such as these flocking to a field south of Grantsburg, can be seen all over these days as thousands of the birds make their fall migration. Visitors enjoyed seeing cranes, other birds and wildlife on bus tours offered around the Crex Meadows Wildlife Refuge last Saturday, Oct. 4. The bus tours and other activities were all part of the Wildlife Festival held at the Crex Meadows Education and Visitor Center just north of Grantsburg this past weekend.

OCTOBER 8, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 21

Festival Theatre presents...

ST. CROIX FALLS –Folks familiar with Festival Theatre, especially over the last four seasons, will surely recognize this week’s featured artist. Joe Wiener has turned in one strong performance after another since his first show at Festival, “A Christmas Carol,” in 2005 when he played Jacob Marley. In fact, audience members even have their Joe Wiener favorite! For some it’s his performance as John Honeyman in the 2006 production of “A Walk in the Woods.” Others were astounded at his larger-than-life portrayal of David O. Selznick in Festival’s 2007 production of “Moonlight and Magnolias.” However, his most touching character had to be Matt Friedman in “Talley’s Folly,” also in 2007.

When asked about his training as a theater artist, Wiener was eager to share that his approach is one where “rather than trying to make a scene/play something that it isn’t, [he] always, first and foremost, tries to find the honesty of the scene.” This could very well be the reason why audience members find Joe’s work so memorable.

Growing up in St. Paul, Minn., Wiener got involved with theater at age 13 and chose to study theater and drama at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he graduated Phi Beta Kappa.

There, he was an acting specialist and, in addition to his college shows, he performed regularly at the Broom Street Theatre, even playing Leonard Nimoy in “I Am Star Trek.” Imitations are one of Wiener ‘s special skills and he lists William Shatner, Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, Marlon Brando and Jabba the Hutt as some of the celebrities he mimics.

An absolute baseball nut, Wiener is well-known to thousands of St. Paul Saints fans. He’s worked with the Saints for many years as an Ushertainer, but during the 2008 season Wiener took over the reins as the Voice of the Saints providing play-by-play commentary and between innings banter as the PA Announcer. Always busy, Wiener has also performed in three films, does voiceover work commercially, and has

Joe Wiener starred in six television commercials over the last few years, some of the most highly recognizable spots were for the Parade of Homes and Treasure Island.

Wiener lives in Minneapolis with his wife, Jhen, and their 2-1/2-year-old son, Evan. When he works at Festival Theatre, home-away-from-home is at Blackberry Hills Fiber-Farm with Jerry and Loretta Pedersen, who have pretty much adopted this fine young actor.

For the upcoming role of Mortimer in the classic American comedy “Arsenic and Old Lace,” He must help bring to life a zany day in the life of a very eccentric family in a role made famous by Cary Grant. Perhaps Wiener will add the late, great movie star to the long list of celebrity imitations, but until then St. Croix Valley audiences will get a kick out of seeing him perform within a highly accomplished cast in “Arsenic” followed by being the veteran actor with three other adults (each making their Festival Theatre debut) in “A Christmas Story.”

“Arsenic and Old Lace” opens on Thursday, Oct. 9, and runs for four weekends (including every Thursday and Sunday at 2 p.m.) through Nov. 2.

“A Christmas Story” runs Nov. 29 through Dec. 28. - submitted

H a ve n q u i l t r a f f l e w i n n e r s an n ou n c e d L o n n a Paulsen, St. Croix Falls, is pictured with her new church lap quilt, which was won at the Haven quilt raffle Friday, Sept.

26. – submitted

LUCK – The Haven quilt raffle was held Friday, Sept. 26, at Luck.

Winners were: The “Tennessee Waltz” quilt – Kathy Erickson from Isanti, Minn. $75 - Lisa Nick from Frederic The church lap quilt - Lonna Paulsen from St. Croix Falls The Haven cookbook - Youngs from River Falls Betty Brust from Dresser

Opal celebrating one-year anniversary Saturday

Bobbye Svitak from Centuria Mike Miles from Luck Janet Elmquist from Cushing Kayla Nelson from Frederic Judy McBrayer from Luck Linda Duckett from Osceola Nancy Berg from Luck Dorothy Thomas from Luck The “Tennessee Waltz” quilt and the lap quilt of area churches were designed and made by Pat Martin. - submitted

SPOONER – Young hard rock band Opal, based out of northern Wisconsin, has enjoyed success around the Twin Cities and Duluth, Minn., areas, and will be celebrating its one-year anniversary Saturday, Oct. 11, at The Stone Pony, Spooner.

Opal is based out of Superior, though lead singer Theron Hayden resides in Spooner. While living in Superior over a year ago, with a concept and a name in mind already, Hayden found his lead guitarist, Shane Washburn. Hayden said he knew Washburn was the person he was looking for after hearing him play.

Hayden is strongly influenced by the rock band Creed, and he said Washburn’s musical style emulated them.

“Sixty percent of my influence has come from that band and the majority of the rest from the Smashing Pumpkins,” Hayden said of Creed and the Pumpkins. “[The albums] Human Clay and MACHINA/ the machines of god changed my life.”

Washburn had been jamming with two other guys, drummer Ryan Raprager and then-bassist Matt Eastman – Jared Peterson has since replaced Matt Eastman on bass – and upon meeting them, Hayden knew he had Opal.

Hayden’s good friend Holly Solveson began managing them, and still does.

Three weeks after forming, Opal was playing at the University of WisconsinSuperior. Not long after that, they began booking shows all over Wisconsin and Minnesota. Hayden said he couldn’t believe how much they had accomplished in such a short period of time.

Opal’s music, which Hayden calls “honest, emotional hard rock,” is music written from the depths of heart and soul, without the gimmicks and sugar coating.

“It’s meant to move you” Hayden said.

The band has 12 songs in its repertoire, a mixture of heavier rock and lighter ballads.

Though Hayden and Washburn have been heavily influenced by Creed – Hayden himself has been compared to Scott Stapp of Creed – he said Opal also draws inspiration from bands like Smashing Pumpkins, Alter Bridge, Shinedown and even a bit of Richard Marx.

Underground Promotions, an independent production company headed by GT, aka Keith Ford, said Opal is expected to be “one of the top national acts within three years.”

Hayden said he draws inspiration from everyday life occurrences, with nature as a muse. “I want to touch other’s hearts and souls and change there life’s for the better,” he said.

An Opal show is a “visual, intense, honest rock show,” Hayden said, which a person has to experience to understand what Opal is really about. Through their concerts, he said, the band tries to reach people and heal people, to give them hope.

“It’s very emotional,” Hayden said.

“You’re going to get sincerity. We’re like a chapter out of the rock bible, if there were such a thing.”

The band plans to record an album in the near future. Opal’s anniversary show begins around 9 p.m. The opening acts are Deadweight, from St. Cloud, Minn.; Tepetricey, from the Twin Cities; and female-fronted band Gabriel and the Apocalypse. The Stone Pony is located in downtown Spooner, at 114 Walnut St., off Hwy. 63.

For more information, visit Opal’s Web site, www.myspace.com/eyesofopal. Photo submitted

St. Croix Regional Medical Center announces Employee of the Month

St. Croix Regional Medical Center congratulates Briget Hanson who has been chosen employee of the month for October 2008. Hanson is a surgical technologist in the surgery services department. Photo submitted

PAGE 22 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - OCTOBER 8, 2008

St. Croix Valley Shrine Club elects offificcers

by Milt Helmer ST. CROIX FALLS – The River’s Edge, overlooking the scenic Apple River, was the scene of the meeting to elect the St. Croix Valley Shrine Club officers for 2009 on Wednesday, Sept. 24.

Club President Jerry Bristol called the meeting to order. Noble Jerry Wilkens was honored for his 25-year anniversary as a Shrine member. Wilkens is the captain of the Zor Roadrunners, the popular Shrine parade unit. Past Zor Potentate Darl Hoffman was introduced along with two new Zor Shriners, Noble Jim Wolfe of River Falls and Noble Charlie Webster of Ellsworth.

Divan Representative Noble Larry Reimenschneider of Amery gave his report which included a discussion about the upcoming ceremonial to be held at the Ho Chunk Convention Center in Wisconsin Dells on Dec. 5 and 6.

Bristol announced the nominating committee had developed a slate of officers for the coming year. The following officers were elected to serve the club for 2009: president, Gary Melstrom; vice president, Barry Ausen; treasurer, Jack Thomas; secretary, Rod Rommel; direc-

tor, Larry Fischer; and director, Bob Peirson. Existing board members now serving are: Arvid Flanum, New Richmond; Barry Ausen, Star Prairie; Bob Hering, Roberts; and Paul Stokke, River Falls.

Newly elected President Gary Melstrom announced the committee chair appointments: membership chair, Jerry Bristol; hospital chair, Jim Hines; Zephyr chair, Milt Helmer; trout pond chair, Bob Hering; chaplain, Ron Leibl; Little East/West Shrine game chairs, David Vold and Doug Hoffman.

The officers will be installed on Friday, Jan. 2, 2009, at the club’s annual Christmas party at the Coachman Supper Club.

The next event being sponsored by the club is their annual Shrine Chicken Feed at the Ellsworth Rod and Gun Club in Ellsworth on Saturday, Oct. 25. Serving begins at 5 p.m., with net proceeds going the club activity fund. The Rod and Gun Club is located on Hwy. 72 approximately six miles east of Ellsworth. For tickets you can call Bristol at 715-2734263 or Wilhelm at 715-273-4316.

A fine attendance was reported at the election of Shrine officers at the River’s Edge in Somerset. - Photo by Rod Rommel

Polk-Burnett scholarship applications now available CENTURIA – Applications are now available for the Polk-Burnett Community Service Scholarships. Up to 20 award recipients from the class of 2009 will be selected to receive a $750 scholarship to continue their education. In addition, all scholarship recipients will be invited to participate in an essay contest to win a trip to join student leaders for the NRECA Youth Tour of Washington,

D.C., in June 2009.

Scholarship applicants must be 1) graduating from high school in 2009; 2) enrolling in post-secondary education; and 3) the son, daughter or legal dependent of a Polk-Burnett member (those who purchase electricity from Polk-Burnett).

“Since 1987, Polk-Burnett has awarded more than $350,000 to high school seniors who have made a difference in the

lives of others,” said Joan O’Fallon, communications director. “This scholarship is unique because it focuses on community service, rather than academic grades, athletic performance or financial need; it’s our opportunity to recognize the sons and daughters of electric cooperative members.”

Polk-Burnett scholarships are funded by unclaimed capital credits and do not

affect electricity rates. Applications are available from local high school guidance counselors, at Polk-Burnett offices in Siren and Centuria and online at polkburnett.com. The application deadline is Monday, Jan. 5, 2009. For more information, call 800-421-0283. – from Polk-Burnett

ArtBarn presents bluegrass festival benefifitt OSCEOLA – St. Croix ArtBarn will present the fourth-annual ArtBarn Bluegrass Festival, Saturday, Oct. 18, with the first set beginning at 7 p.m. Join ArtBarn for toe-tapping music and fellowship as it celebrates the 104th birthday of its performance facility.

The Middle Spunk Creek Boys will open with their own special form of bluegrass music. With a history of more

than 30 years of sturdy mid-America bluegrass music making, the group has been entertaining upper Midwest audiences since 1968.

Joining the festival for a second-time, the 8 p.m. slot will feature the Twin Cities teen bluegrass band, Sawtooth, playing traditional songs as well as their own originals.

Tangled Roots will close out the

evening. This perennial ArtBarn favorite, one of the most energetic and exciting bands to hit the bustling regional bluegrass music scene, consists of some of the best-known performers in the upper Midwest and together bring to the stage over 100 years of musical experience.

General admission tickets are $15 adults; $13 seniors and $10 students.

Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. Conces-

sions will be available on-site. There will also be a silent auction in the ArtBarn gallery to benefit ArtBarn programming.

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 or to donate items for the silent auction, call 715-2942787 or visit www.stcroixartbarn.com. submitted

OCTOBER 8, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 23

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common dementia DRESSER - Alzheimer’s disease is the most common dementia. Currently, an estimated 4.5 million Americans suffer from Alzheimer’s. The number of Americans with Alzheimer’s has more than doubled since 1980. The number of Americans with Alzheimer’s disease will continue to grow – by 2050 the number of individuals with Alzheimer’s could range from 11.3 million to 16 million.

If you are noticing confusion, forgetfulness, and/or memory loss in a loved one, the first step is to consult your doctor. One important goal of a diagnostic workup is to determine whether symptoms may be due to a condition other than dementia. Depression, medication side effects, certain thyroid conditions, excess use of alcohol and nutritional imbalances are all potentially treatable disorders that may sometime impair memory or other mental functions. Even if the diagnosis is dementia, timely identification enables individuals to take an active role in treatment decisions and planning for the future. An important part of treatment is supportive care that helps individuals and their families come to terms with the diagnosis, obtain information and advice about treatment options and maximize the quality of life through the course of the illness.

The Haven was established by the Polk County Alzheimer’s Support Group in 1994. The Haven is a day program for adults with memory problems or confusion due to Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, or similar disorders.

Groups are kept small because large groups can be very frightening for people with Alzheimer’s/dementia. Taking care of a person with Alzheimer’s/dementia is a 24hour-a-day job for the family. The Haven offers a person afflicted with Alzheimer’s/dementia a safe and special place they can go to be with friends, work on enhancing abilities and have fun while giving the family time to rest and attend to their own needs.

Although The Haven has no religious affiliation, three area churches are sites for the program. The Haven is located in Dresser at the Peace Lutheran Church on Mondays, in Amery at the First Lutheran Church on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and in Luck at the Luck Lutheran Church on Fridays. Hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and each site and offers a variety of individual and group activities. Participants have the option of attending one day or as many as four days per week, as openings are available.

Studies show people who attend adult day programs stay in their homes on an average of 1-1/2 years longer than those who did not attend. Which saves the family (and tax payers) the cost of nursing home care, plus people are at home where they want to be. Having a place where the person with Alzheimer’s/dementia can go to be with friends, have fun and be comfortable while providing respite for families is a benefit to everyone. Family members often remark how much their loved one has improved when attending the Haven. Recent studies prove that stimulation and being active decreases depression, thus the mental improvement, which is one of the goals at the Haven. Families are busy at home with daily household duties, and daily care of their loved one, while the Haven can focus on stimulation and enhancing abilities.

The program is sponsored by the Polk County Human Services, but does not receive county funding. It is funded by daily fees, grants, individual and organization donations and fundraisers.

For more information about the program and/or volunteer opportunities call Elsie at 715-485-8412. - submitted

Matthew West headlines the fall 2008 "Something to Say" tour Sparrow Records singer/songwriter Josh Wilson joins tour bill; World Vision to sponsor AMERY – Matthew West is coming to the Amery High School auditorium on Friday, Oct. 17, 7 p.m. West catapulted onto the Christian music scene in 2003 with his debut single, “More,” which was the most played Christian AC song of 2004. The multi-Dove Award nominee and sought-after songwriter released two critically acclaimed recordings, “Happy” (2003) and “History” (2005); has been a mainstay at Christian radio with memorable hits like “Only Grace,” “History” and “Next Thing You Know;” and has toured with such artists as Toby Mac and Jeremy Camp on the wildly popular 2008 “Boomin Beyond Measure” tour. In addition, West has penned songs for Rascal Flatts, Billy Ray Cyrus, Natalie Grant and Mandisa, among others.

West’s third studio recording, “Something To Say,” was released Jan. 15, 2008, and debuted on Nielsen SoundScan’s Christian Retail Chart at No. 10, while West was Matthew West is coming to the Amery High the best-selling Christian artist on iTunes the week of School auditorium on Friday, Oct. 17, 7 p.m. its release. The album’s debut single “You Are Everything” additionally peaked at No. 1 on Christian AC radio and its present single “Something to Say” is cur- tragedy they have decided to fight back against drinkrently in the Top 10 at AC radio. For more information ing and driving and promote seat belts. on West, visit. www.MatthewWest.com or The Amery High School auditorium has been filled www.myspace.com/matthewwest. to capacity with people who have come from miles This is a fundraising event for a nonprofit organiza- around to see acclaimed music artists such as Go Fish, tion called The Heart of David. This is a drinking-and- Chris Rice and many more. This quaint auditorium has driving awareness organization that goes into our local great seating and close stage, so people feel connected schools and colleges telling their story. Nov. 4, 2007, is to the artist. For ticket information go to the day everything changed for Jeff and Jamie Schulz www.echoministries.net or 866-821-5151, also contact of Clear Lake. Their son David was killed in a drink- Jamie Schulz at 715-222-9120. - submitted ing-and-driving accident in Hudson. In the face of this

PAGE 24 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - OCTOBER 8, 2008

Burnett County HCE members attended state conference MANITOWOC – The Wisconsin Association for Home and Community Education held its 68th-Annual Conference, entitled Sending the Signal—HCE Cares, Monday through Wednesday, Sept. 15-17, at the Holiday Inn in Manitowoc. Amy Kopecky, Webster, Muriel Anderson, Siren and Marilyn Kooiker, advisor, attended from Burnett County.

WAHCE is a nonprofit educational and charitable organization whose goals are to provide educational opportunities, improve the leadership capabilities of its members and provide service to their communities.

WAHCE is a statewide organization of approximately 5,800 members in 54 counties of Wisconsin. WAHCE is affiliated nationally with the Volunteer Outreach Network and internationally with the Associated Country Women of the World. As an educational organization, WAHCE partners with UW-Extension in providing educational projects to all 54 counties through its leadership institute.

Some conference workshops attended by Anderson, Kopecky and Kooiker included Taking Care of the Caregiver, Bienvenido New Neighbors, Fashion Sense for Ageless Dressing, Life on Both Sides of the Wall, Iris Folding and Slow Cooker Cookery.

Muriel Anderson with HCE cultural arts entries in Manitowoc. – Photo submitted

Amy Kopecky, Muriel Anderson and Marilyn Kooiker attended the HCE conference held Sept.

15 - 17.

The conference keynote speaker was Kenosha native Martin Ruge, an ordained Lutheran minister and motivational speaker, who operates out of the basic question, “Do you want to be well?” He believes that there are resources available so that all of us can be stronger spiritually, mentally and physically if we want to be.

He stresses the importance of volunteerism in today’s society, and his message centered on things we can do to be healthier as individuals, as an organization and as citizens of the world.

In conjunction with the conference, WAHCE holds a cultural arts show in which members of the counties p a r t i c i p a t e .

Anderson and Bonnie Raymond from Burnett County received four blue ribbons and two white ribbons for their quilts, crocheting and counted cross-stitch picture.

There were over 348 entries in the show.

For more information on how you can become involved with your local Home and Community Education organization, contact Kooiker, Burnett County HCE advisor at the UW-Extension office in Siren, 715349-2151 or via e-mail at mkooiker@burnettcounty.org.

- submitted

Monetary benefifitts available for qualifying Wisconsin veterans STATEWIDE – Veterans of the United States armed forces may be eligible for a broad range of programs and services provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Two such programs include compensation for a service-connected disability and nonservice connected disability pension. These programs are managed by the Veterans Benefits Administration, an arm of the VA. As with all available VA benefits, eligibility is dependent upon individual circumstances. Following is a general description of how the programs work, however, for specific details it is recommended that you contact the Polk County Veterans Service Office at 715485-9243.

Disability compensation is a monthly monetary benefit paid to veterans who are disabled by an injury or illness that was incurred or aggravated during active military service. These disabilities are classified as service-connected disabilities. The disability compensation varies with the degree of service-connected disability and the number of the veteran’s dependents.

Veterans with certain severe disabilities may be eligible for additional special monthly compensation. The benefits are not subject to federal or state income tax.

The payment of military retirement pay, disability severance pay and separation incentive payments known as Special Separation Benefits and Voluntary Separation Incentives affects the amount of VA compensation paid to disabled veterans.

To be eligible, the service of the veteran must have been terminated through separation or discharge under conditions other than dishonorable.

Pension is a monthly payment made to a veteran.

Veterans with low incomes who are permanently and totally disabled, or are age 65 and older, may be eligible for monetary support if they have 90 days or more of active military service, at least one day of which was during a period of war. Veterans who entered active duty on or after Sept. 8, 1980, or officers who entered

active duty on or after Oct. 16, 1981, may have to meet a longer minimum period of active duty. The veteran’s discharge must have been under conditions other than dishonorable and the disability must be for reasons other than the veteran’s own willful misconduct. Payments are made to bring the veteran’s total income, including other retirement or Social Security income, to a level set by Congress. Unreimbursed medical expenses may reduce countable income for VA purposes.

Application for benefits from either program requires the completion of one or more VA forms. Normally, supporting documentation is also required. This would include a copy of the veteran’s DD-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, service medical records, private medical records along with any other documentation that would support the type of benefit being sought.

Your Veterans Service Office or Tribal Veterans Service Office can assist with obtaining documents, forms and appointing a representative if so desired. One such representing organization is the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs. WDVA maintains a Bureau of Claims Office at the VA Regional Office in Milwaukee. Veterans can choose to use the WDVA Claims Office as a resource for information and assistance.

Information about the compensation and pension programs is available from the following sources: • The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Web site at www.va.gov or call the federal VA toll-free at 800-8271000.

• The Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs Web site, at www.WisVets.com, or call the department tollfree at 800-WIS-VETS 800-947-8387.

For information on how to contact a county or Tribal Veterans Service Office in Wisconsin, go to www.WisVets.com/ServiceOffices. - submitted

OCTOBER 8, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 25

B u rn e t t C ou n t y Gard e n C l u b c el e bra t es 20 t h an n i v er sa ry

by Priscilla Bauer GRANTSBURG -The Burnett County Garden Club celebrated its 20th anniversary last Saturday, Oct. 4, by holding an open house at the Grantsburg Senior Center.

The club was started in 1988 after several of the founding members attended a community education class on gardening and decided it would be fun to start a gardening club.

The purpose of the club, according to the club’s mission statement, is to promote education and enthusiasm about gardening in and around member’s homes and communities, to energize members and to get the creative juices going. Contributing to members communities by planting gardens in towns, holding educational meetings and having booths at local events are the main activities of the group. The nonprofit club also holds an annual fundraiser, a spring plant sale, to raise money for their community planting projects.

Members come from all over Burnett County and surrounding areas, and the club is also affiliated with the Minnesota State Horticultural Society The Burnett County Garden Club is open to anyone who enjoys gardening and wants to learn more in the company of other gardeners.

Burnett County Garden Club member Kris Henning thanked Grantsburg Village President Mark Dahlberg for speaking at garden club’s open house held Saturday at the Grantsburg Senior Center. Dahlberg asked the club to purchase hanging flower baskets for the village

RIGHT: Alma Johnson, Grantsburg, looks through a photo album giving pictorial history of the Burnett County Garden Club during the club’s 20th anniversary celebration and open house at the Grantsburg Senior Center Saturday afternoon, Oct. 4.

LEFT: University of Wisconsin Extension Agent Kevin Schoessow gave a presentation on the Master Gardener Program available through the county extension office at the Burnett County Garden Club 20th anniversary open house last Saturday, Oct. 4, at the Grantsburg Senior Center.

The Burnett County Garden Club held an open house Saturday, Oct. 4, at the Grantsburg Senior Center to celebrate the club’s 20th anniversary. Visitors were treated to cake and refreshments and also heard presentations from invited speakers.

Interstate Park news Fall programs at Wisconsin Interstate Park Saturday, Oct. 25 1 p.m. – Gray Ghost’s Appalachian Trail Thru Hike.

Join Gray Ghost, Chet Anderson, for a virtual tour of the National Scenic Appalachian Trail. Anderson hiked all 2,176 miles of the trail through 14 states from April to August of this year. Share his experience through his photographs presented in the auditorium of the Ice Age Center.

Saturday, Nov. 1 5-9 p.m. – Haunted Forest: Trails of Ghouls. Junior Frights 5-6:30 p.m., Ghouls Unleashed 6:30-9 p.m..

Guided tours through forest and field begin at the Ice Age Center. Tickets available at the event: $5 adult, $3 children (9 and under). Sponsored by the Friends of Interstate Park. All proceeds will benefit the Friends, and the St. Croix Falls Public Library fundraising campaign for a new facility.

Interstate Park is located in St. Croix Falls on Hwy. 35, just one-half mile south of Hwy. 8. For more information call Walker or Fox at 715-483-3747.

PAGE 26 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - OCTOBER 8, 2008

G r a n t s b ur g C l a s s o f 1 9 5 8 r e u n i o n

The Grantsburg High School Class of 1958 held their 50th-year reunion at the Grantsburg Legion Hall on Saturday, Oct. 4. Members of the class also had a float in Friday afternoon’s homecoming parade and a special table at the Friday night the Dollars for Scholars supper. Members of the class of 1958 posing for a group photo are front (L to R): Ann Eklund Lindblad, Virginia Magnuson Sommerfeld, Kay Warden Grote, Nancy Magnuson Howard, Ken Soderbeck, Peter Anderson and JoLouise Akermark McNally. Middle row: Luther Hall, Karen Parker Lindblad, Elaine Nelson Larson, Jim Rickard, Willis McLain, Russell Erickson, Lenore Ryan Ramsdell, Dean Gabrielson, Charles Linden, Lloyd Johnson and Peter Olson. Back row: Dennis Finch, Wendell Johnson, Corkey Ramsdell, Roger Johnson, Jerry McNally, Wayne Lindberg, Gary Drohman, Ken Bistram, Chuck Becvar, Virgil Sullivan and Greg Peterson.

1958 Homecoming King Ken Bistram and Queen The Grantsburg class of 1958 celebrated their 50th reunion by riding on their own float in the GrantsElaine Nelson Larson were reunited at the class’ burg Homecoming Parade last Friday. – Photos by Priscilla Bauer 50th-year reunion dinner Saturday at the Grantsburg American Legion Hall. While the pair didn’t remember to wear their crowns, they both did wear smiles as they remembered back to the time of their homecoming.

S i r e n / W e b s t e r R o t a r y Cl u b ’ s d o n o r - a p p r e c i a t i o n e v e n t

Members of the Siren/Webster Rotary Club, (L to R): Mike Kornmann (current club president), Ken Kutz, Nancy Jappe, Kelly Hibbs, Greg Hunter, DuWayne Wiberg, Ron Revere, Tammy TwedtClose, Joe Wacek and Gail Potvin, were on hand at the band shell at Crooked Lake Park Saturday, Oct. 4, for a donor-appreciation event. The club members expressed their appreciation to all the people who made the band shell reality through their gifts of money, materials and labor. – The Siren/Webster Rotary Club worked for four years to Photo by Joan O’Fallon get the Crooked Lake Park Band Shell ready for the commuThe musical group Crosspaths pronity to enjoy. The idea of a band shell started in 2004 as a entertainment for the Rotary 100th-birthday project for then Rotary President Joe vided Wacek. Craig Selander was the architect. Labor and mate- Siren/Webster Rotary Club’s donor-aprials were donated by local contractors/construction com- preciation event at the Crooked Lake panies. Engraved bricks were purchased by community Park Band Shell Saturday afternoon, members. These bricks will be placed in front of the band Oct. 4. Musicians included (L to R): shell. A plaque showing the major donors will be placed on Steve Bell from the Falun area, group the wall in the band shell. Club members, (L to R) Ken Kutz, leader Brad Alden from Siren and Carla Mike Kornmann (current club president), Nancy Jappe, Kelly Manning from Grantsburg. The day Hibbs, Greg Hunter, DuWayne Wiberg, Ron Revere, Tammy turned out to be perfect for an October Twedt-Close, Joe Wacek, and Gail Potvin (behind speaker) outdoor event, and appreciation was along with musician Brad Alden at back left, planned a expressed to the many people who dodonor-appreciation event at the band shell Saturday, Oct. 4, nated materials, labor and money to to express their gratitude to all who made the band shell bring the band shell to reality. – Photo

by Nancy Jappe possible. – Photo by Joan O’Fallon

OCTOBER 8, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 27

St. Croix Valley Hardwoods hosts second-annual chili cook-off The St. Croix Valley Hardwood Store in Luck held their second-annual chili cookoff on Saturday, Oct. 4.

Winners received 100percent payback and handmade trophies.

Other events of the day included a garage/craft sale, silent auction, raffles and kids activities of hair designs, yo-yo and birdhouse decorating and pumpkin carving. All profits of the events go towards Operation Christmas of Polk County and the Leukemia Foundation.

– Photos by Brenda Sommerfeld

Winners of the chili cook-off received handmade trophies made by Scott Roberts. Mary Borgerson, Milltown, won first place and Sharon Pieper, Luck, took home the second-place trophy with her chili.

A log playhouse was raffled off during the events. Dodie Larson, Milltown, was the winner..

Brenden had help as he carved his pumpkin during the St. Croix Valley Hardwood Store chili cook-off.

Celebrate International Credit Union Day WESTERN WISCONSIN – More than 177 million credit union members around the world will celebrate International Credit Union Day on Thursday, Oct. 16, to commemorate the credit union movement’s history and achievements. In honor of this special day, WESTconsin Credit Union invites its members and the community to stop in any WESTconsin office and enjoy dessert and refreshments, and discover why our members are the core of WESTconsin Credit Union. Free community document shred events will be at the Amery, Menomonie, River Falls and Spring Valley locations. For more information about WESTconsin’s International Credit Union Day celebration, visit www.westconsincu.org.

Credit unions are not-for-profit financial cooperatives that provide an effective and viable alternative to forprofit financial institutions for members in 96 countries worldwide. They exist to serve their members, provid-

Money Smart class to be held Oct. 9 BONE LAKE – Bone Lake Lutheran Church is partnering with United Way of Polk County to offer a free class for the community. Due to tough economic times it is crucial that we all are money savvy to make ends meet.

As part of Money Smart Week Wisconsin, FamilyMeans will be presenting a 1-1/2-hour class at the church on Thursday, Oct. 9, from 6 – 7:30 p.m. The presentation topic is Take Charge of Your Money, Your Credit, Your Life! It is a good mix of budgeting, credit management and protecting yourself from identity theft.

Even though the class is free, you need to preregister.

A minimum of 10 people are needed to hold the class.

Please call the office at 715-472-2535 with your name and phone number and you will be added to the list.

Bone Lake Lutheran Church is located at 1101 255th Avenue in Luck, five miles east of Luck on Hwy. 48 and then south one-half mile on CTH I. - submitted

ing a safe place to save money and access affordable loans.

Since 1948, International Credit Union Day has been celebrated annually on the third Thursday of October.

Each year, the international event affords the opportunity to remember credit unions proud history and promote awareness of and support for the credit union difference of member ownership.

Internationally, credit unions are recognized as a force for positive economic and social change and have found great success in both developed and emerging nations. They are built on a one member/one vote model that provides members with a unique opportunity to experience democracy firsthand.

International Credit Union Day is sponsored by World Council of Credit Unions, the international trade Blake Nelson, Cloquet, Minn., Greg Zellmer, Spooner, Loretta Gunderson, Baldwin, and KayLoni Tucker, Cloquet, Minn., participants in theBurn, carried a wooden cross from Spooner to Shell Lake on Wednesday, Oct. 1, as part of their training. Pastor Dan Slater and his wife, Jen, with a team of educators and mentors from Shell Lake Full Gospel Church, started theBurn, an 11month adventure for young adults. theBurn is designed to cultivate and develop both natural and spiritual potential in young adults, while preparing them for life and impact today’s world for Christ. The scope of the program is extensive and includes classroom instruction, practical hands-on experience, and life-changing events. For more info on theBurn go to www.discovertheburn.com. — Photo by Suzanne Johnson

association and development organization for credit unions, and Credit Union National Association, the premier trade association for America’s credit unions.

WESTconsin Credit Union has been serving members since 1939, and membership is open to anyone who lives or works in the Wisconsin counties of Barron, Buffalo, Burnett, Chippewa, Dunn, Eau Claire, Pepin, Pierce, Polk, Rusk, St. Croix, Sawyer, Trempealeau or Washburn, or the Minnesota counties of Chisago, Dakota, Goodhue or Washington, with a $5 minimum deposit in a membership savings account. Credit unions are financial institutions owned by their account holders, and member funds are federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration up to at least $250,000. - submitted

Discover theBurn

PAGE 28 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - OCTOBER 8, 2008

Frederic Community Education GED Class at Frederic High School. Every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesay, 4 – 7 p.m. Instructor: Kessea Karl.

Free.

Focus on Photography. WITC #65196/ #60-203-600.

Thursdays, Oct. 16 – 30, 6:30 – 8 p.m. Facilitated by Jerry Tischer and Gary King. Fee: $20.80.

Knitting for beginners. WITC #65091/ #42-815-408. Mondays, Oct. 6 – 27, 6 – 8 p.m. Instructor: Konnie Didlo. Fee: $23.41/$4 Sr. Responsible Beverage Service. WITC #63870/ #47-311400. Monday, Oct. 13, 6 – 10 p.m. Fee: $20.

Thread Painting – Finishing Your Embroidery. WITC #65093/ #42-815-408. Tuesday, Oct. 14, 6:30 – 9 p.m. Instructor: Julie Crabtree. Fee: $13.71/$4 Sr. Thread Painting – Machine Embroidery. A Winter Scene.

WITC #65094/ #42-815-408. Thursdays, Oct. 16 – 30, 6 – 9 p.m. Instructor: Julie Crabtree. Fee: $28.26/$4 Sr. Baby-sitting Clinic. WITC #65157/ #47-307-495. Tues-

days, Oct. 14 – Nov. 4, 3:15 – 4:45 p.m. Instructor: Barb Kass.

Fee: $18.56.

Knitted Christmas Stocking. WITC #65092/ #42-815-408.

Tuesdays, Oct. 14 – 28, 6 – 8 p.m. Instructor: Barb Kass. Fee: $18.56.

Computers: Beginner. WITC #65004/ #42-103-470.

Thursdays, Oct. 16 – Nov. 13, 5 – 7 p.m. (No class on Nov. 6.)

Instructor: Melinda Sorensen. Fee: $23.41/$4 Sr. Drama in Northwest Wisconsin. WITC #65085/ #42-808401. Mondays, Oct. 20 – Nov. 24, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Instructor: Carolyn Wedin. Fee: $10.

Write Right Now! WITC #65084/ #42-801-402. Tuesdays, Oct. 21 – Nov. 25, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. Instructor: Carolyn Wedin.

Fee: $33.12/$4 Sr. Grant Writing. Tuesdays, Oct. 21 and 28, 6 – 8 p.m. Instructor: Judy Rommel. Fee: $21.

Woodworking – Making a Picture Frame. WITC #65182/ #42-815-408. Tuesdays, Oct. 21 and 28, 6 – 8 p.m. Instructor:

Darrel Mathieu. Fee: $13.71/ Sr. $4.

Spiritual Balance: Connecting body, mind, spirit through yoga. Saturday, Nov. 1, 9:30 – noon and 1 – 3:30 p.m. Instructor: Julie Karsky. Fee: $18.56/Sr. $4.

Fall Foods. WITC #65158, #60-308-601. Tuesday, Nov. 4, 6 – 8 p.m. Instructor: Barb Kass. Fee: $9.60.

The Hows and Whys of Solar Energy. Monday, Nov. 10, 6 – 8:30 p.m. Presenter: Kris Schmid. Fee: $10.

Driver’s Education – Safe Start Driving School. Monday through Thursday evenings, Nov. 10 – Dec. 10, at the Frederic High School. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, 6 – 8 p.m. and Wednesday 5 – 7 p.m. Fee: $75.

Walking at the Birch Street Elementary School. MondayFriday, 7 – 8 a.m. and 4 – 6 p.m. No fee.

For more information on any class or to register for Frederic Community Education classes call Ann Fawver 715-327-4868 or e-mail fawvera@frederic.k12.wi.us.

Luck Community Education Luck Community Education has a variety of exciting classes lined up for this fall. Below are a few upcoming classes; visit the Luck School Web site www.lucksd.k12.wi.us or call 715472-2152 ext. 103 to learn more!

Microsoft Excel: A Little Bit More. Monday, Oct. 13, 5 – 8 p.m. Course fee: $13.71/$4 ages 62+.

Painted Pumpkins. Tuesday, Oct. 14, 3:30 – 5 p.m.

Paper Clutter Solutions. Tuesday, Oct. 14, 6 – 8:30 p.m.

Writing: Write Right Now! Thursdays, Oct. 16 – Nov. 20, 4 – 6 p.m.

Gardening: Fall Bulbs and Planning for Spring. Thursday, Oct. 16, 6 – 8 p.m.

Dancing With the Stars. Tuesdays, Oct. 21 and 28, 6 – 7 p.m.

Grant Writing. Tuesdays, Oct. 21 & 28, 6 – 8 p.m.

Contact Community Ed. for more info on the upcoming classes listed below: Stained Glass: Snowflakes. Monday, Oct. 27.

Responsible Beverage Service. Monday, Oct. 27.

Child Care: Shaken Baby Syndrome. Tuesday, Oct. 28.

Applique Table Topper. Saturday, Nov. 1.

Talkin’ Turkey Leftovers. Monday, Nov. 3.

How to register for Luck Community Education classes: Contact Amy Aguado at 472-2152 ext. 103, or e-mail amya@lucksd.k12.wi.us.

You may also call and register for WITC courses at 800243-9482 ext. 4221 or log onto www.witc.edu. Many more classes are listed on the Luck School Web site: www.lucksd.k12.wi.us.

Free community document shred event offered AMERY — WESTconsin Credit Union will be offering free document shredding on Friday, Oct. 17, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Amery Office at 1060 Cornwall Avenue.

Those interested in securely recycling confidential documents and taking a key step to preventing identity theft may bring up to two boxes of documents for free shredding by ShredAway USA, a se-

cure mobile document management and destruction company. This service is being offered at no charge to the community. There is no need to remove paper clips or staples from the documents.

Questions on this event can be directed to Kari Jacobs, marketing coordinator, at 715-268-8127, ext. 7752.

WESTconsin Credit Union has been

serving members since 1939, and membership is open to anyone who lives or works in the Wisconsin counties of Barron, Buffalo, Burnett, Chippewa, Dunn, Eau Claire, Pepin, Pierce, Polk, Rusk, St. Croix, Sawyer, Trempealeau or Washburn, or the Minnesota counties of Chisago, Dakota, Goodhue or Washington, with a $5 minimum deposit in a Mem-

bership Savings Account. Credit unions are financial institutions owned by their account holders, and member funds are federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration up to at least $250,000. - submitted

Traffificc safety for point reduction class at WITC RICE LAKE – WITC Rice Lake Continuing Education will offer a traffic safety for point reduction class.

This class is designed for persons con-

cerned 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 WI 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 715234-7082, ext. 5257. - submitted

WHAT’S FOR LUNCH???

LOCATION

Menu

OCTOBER 13 - OCTOBER 17

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

FREDERIC

BREAKFAST Omelet and sausage, cereal, juice, milk.

LUNCH Pizza, raw veggies OR chicken taco salad.

BREAKFAST Pop•Tart, cereal, juice, milk.

LUNCH Pretzels w/cheese, cottage cheese, green beans OR tuna salad.

BREAKFAST Long john, cereal, juice, milk.

LUNCH Chicken, mashed potatoes, corn, fresh fruit OR beef taco salad.

BREAKFAST Breakfast bites, cereal, juice, milk.

LUNCH Pizza burger with mozzarella, baked beans OR Oriental chicken salad.

BREAKFAST Combo bar, cereal, juice, milk.

LUNCH Cheeseburger, waffle fries, raw veggies OR chicken strip salad.

GRANTSBURG

LUNCH Pizza fries, lettuce salad, golden corn, strawberry fruit pop.

LUNCH Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, pineapple tidbits.

LUNCH Turkey stacker, oven potatoes, sliced carrots, applesauce.

LUNCH Chicken chow mein, baked rice, Chinese noodles, cottage cheese, peas, peaches.

LUNCH Hot ham & cheese sandwich, oven fries, baked beans, sliced pears.

BREAKFAST Cereal/omelet.

LUNCH Chicken nuggets, rice, winter mix, fruit sauce. Alt.: Hot dog, 7-12.

BREAKFAST Cereal/waffles.

LUNCH Tacos, K-6, taco in a bag, 7-12, green beans, fruit sauce. Alt.: Chicken patty, 7-12.

BREAKFAST Cereal/breakfast pizza.

LUNCH Build your own sub, potato chips, corn, fresh fruit. Alt.: Chicken nuggets, 7-12.

BREAKFAST Cereal/long john.

LUNCH Mini corn dogs, corn bread, baked beans, fruit sauce. Alt.: Hamburger, 7-12.

BREAKFAST Cereal/cinnamon roll.

LUNCH Spaghetti hotdish, hot buns, peas, fresh fruit. Alt.: Hot dog, 7-12.

BREAKFAST Assorted cereal, toast served with peanut butter, juice and milk.

LUNCH Pizza dippers, bread stick, wholekernel corn, carrots, applesauce.

Alt.: Mexican rice casserole.

BREAKFAST Mini pancakes, juice and milk.

LUNCH Chicken patty, tritaters, creamy coleslaw, green beans, peach slices. Alt.: Burrito.

BREAKFAST Assorted cereal, toast served with peanut butter, juice and milk.

LUNCH Fajita on a bun, Tostitos, shredded lettuce, refried beans, warm cinnamon apple slices. Alt.: Shaved ham/cheese croissant.

BREAKFAST Cheese omelet & toast, juice and milk.

LUNCH Sub sandwich, corn chips, shredded lettuce, steamed peas, pears, bananas. Alt.: Orange chicken glaze.

BREAKFAST Assorted cereal, toast served with peanut butter, juice and milk.

LUNCH Whole-grain pizza, steamed corn, lettuce salad, pineapple, mandarin oranges. Alt.: Cook’s choice.

BREAKFAST Cereal bar, 1 slice of toast.

LUNCH Chicken patty, potato wedges, peas, spicy apple slices. Alt.: Sub sandwich, chicken wild rice.

BREAKFAST Egg & cheese muffin.

LUNCH Mini corn dog, tater tots, baked beans, pineapple. Alt.: Egg salad, chicken noodle soup.

BREAKFAST Breakfast pizza.

LUNCH Spaghetti with meat sauce, garlic toast, broccoli w/cheese, pears. Alt.: Corn bread, chili.

BREAKFAST French toast sticks.

LUNCH Chicken fajitas, lettuce and fixings, corn, peaches. Alt.: Ham & cheese, Wisconsin cheese soup.

BREAKFAST Breakfast pizza.

Scrambled eggs, 2 sausage.

LUNCH Cheese dogsfrench w/toppings, baked Hot dogs, fries, carrots, chips, cinnamon baked applesauce.

Alt.: applesauce Turkey sandwich, beans. potato Alt.: Veggie baked soup. beef barley, turkey sandwich.

BREAKFAST

BREAKFAST Yogurt parfaits.

LUNCH Tacos or chicken fajitas with fixings, chips or soft shell.

BREAKFAST French toast.

LUNCH Beef stew, dinner rolls and juice bars.

BREAKFAST Bagel and cream cheese.

LUNCH Cheddarwurst and baked beans.

BREAKFAST Breakfast bites.

LUNCH Italian dunkers with sauce and green beans.

LUNCH BBQ riblet, bun, potatoes, carrots OR chicken noodle soup with veggies, PBJ, applesauce, peaches.

LUNCH Italian dunkers, salad OR BBQ, bun, potatoes, carrots, fruit mix, pineapple.

Each building will have their own breakfast menu.

LUCK

SIREN ST. CROIX FALLS

Early risers.

UNITY WEBSTER

LUNCH Chicken sandwich and cheesy vegetables.

LUNCH Spaghetti, salad, bread stick, pears, banana.

LUNCH LUNCH Hot dog, bun, baked beans, potatoes, Chicken patty, bun, chips, fresh vegmandarin oranges, pears. gies, fresh fruit.

OCTOBER 8, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 29

Bi g T o p C h au ta u qu a i s c om i n g SIREN – On Sunday evening, Oct. 12, at 6:30 p.m., Communities United in Education will be honored to present the stellar performance of “Wild Woods and Waters” by Big Top Chautauqua in the Siren School Auditorium Theater. For those of you who aren’t familiar, they provide an evening of rousing entertainment combined with the rich history of the beautiful and beloved Northwest Wisconsin area. You can find out more at www.bigtop.org.

This year, the United States Park Service celebrates the 40th anniversary of the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway and the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. “Wild Woods and Waters” was created by the Lake Superior Big Top Chautauqua to tell the story of how the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act protects the free-flowing waters of many of our nation’s most spectacular rivers.

“Wild Woods and Waters” features the stories and songs of Wisconsin’s greatest natural resources— from the St. Croix and Namekagon Rivers to the Great Lakes, from the wetlands and lakes to the dark forests— and includes a call for good stewardship to keep these vital waters safe for future generations.

Threaded together with bluegrass, this musical combines slide shows, readings, songs, dramatic re-enactments and dancing. A Big Top performance is a true treat for any age.

Join them for this evening of entertainment. Advance tickets: $15 adults/$12 seniors and kids 12 and under, Tickets at the door: $20 adults/$17 seniors and kids 12 and under. Reserve your tickets now. Call ComEd Office 715-349-7070. submitted

New Siren Lioness installed

At their recent September meeting, the Siren Lioness installed Pat Dotseth to their Lioness Club. Dotseth’s membership brings the 2008-2009 membership total to 34. Pictured (L to R): secretary Charlene Hyslop, sponsoring Lioness Faye Russ and new member Pat Dotseth. – Photo submitted

Regional Hospice graduation

On Sunday evening, Oct. 12, at 6:30 p.m., Communities United in Education will be honored to present the stellar performance of “Wild Woods and Waters” by Big Top Chautauqua in the Siren School Auditorium Theater.

Community organizations working together

Judie Balderson, co-founder of the Village Players Community Theatre, presents their contribution to Community Education Director Philip Ruffolo, supporting the presentation of Big Top Chautauqua’s “Wild Woods and Waters” show at Siren Sunday, Oct. 12. – Photo submitted WEBSTER – Working together, community organizations can bring about change, and reach their common, as well as individual, goals.

A perfect example of this is the Village Players Community Theatre, now celebrating their 10th year, making a generous donation to underwrite the performance of Big Top Chautauqua’s “Wild Woods and Waters” show at Siren Auditorium Theatre, Sunday, Oct. 12.

The generous donation of Village Players Community Theatre, as well as the donations of many other area civic and community groups, demonstrates a growing interest in supporting the arts in the area.

Additionally, the communities underwriting of this public event will ensure the ability to bring the show to schoolchildren the following day. – submitted

Roland visits second-graders

Regional Hospice recently graduated volunteer class (L to R): Nancy Cummings, Mary Lundell, Laura Hane, Robin Olson, Sharon Brown, Elaine Nyberg, Karen Carpenter, Judy Rasmussen, Rita Jarvis, Jennie Metcalf and Kathy Hansen, volunteer coordinator. Not shown are Gail Franklin and Harry Franklin. - submitted

Every photo is in color in our e-edition.

Check it out @ www.the-leader.net

Burnett County Sheriff Dean Roland made a classroom visit to Grantsburg second-graders recently. The students, who were studying laws, rules and communities in social studies, also discussed how to be good citizens and how they could be part of a community. Sheriff Roland’s presentation helped students better understand ways they can help build a better community. – Photo submitted

PAGE 30 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - OCTOBER 8, 2008

CHURCH NEWS Are we thermometers or thermostats?

Manifold value

The outside temperature fluctuates like a yo-yo bouncing on its string in the North Country.

Thermometers tell us about the physical atmosphere we must endure. During the fall, daytime temps dip from the 70s to nighttime lows of below freezing. We Northerners should be used to it, but we still talk about it a lot.

Thermostats make all the difference in our home comfort.

They beat having to endure frosty windows and freezing floors like Perspectives our pioneer ancestors, who had to brush their teeth and dress in 40-degree temps.

Our spiritual temperature, or condition, can also be measured. For instance, our spiritual temperature can rise during a special time of church worship or by hearing a sermon that touched our hearts or an exciting testimony about someone’s miraculous healing or a certain Bible verse that had special meaning.

But other circumstances can make our spiritual thermometer plummet. Like learning that someone has lied about us—an action bound to bring on anger.

Discovering we have a serious disease might make us doubt God’s love for us. Betrayal or rejection by a loved one can result in depression, anger, or bitterness. At times like these, our spiritual thermometer can drop to zero.

A thermostat, on the other hand, can control the temperature around us. As believers of God and his Word, we can control the spiritual atmosphere.

Where there’s depression, we can bring joy and hope.

Where there’s apathy, energy and positive action.

Where there are fiery tempers, calming words.

Where there’s unbelief, testimonies of God’s love.

Where there’s hopelessness, God’s life-giving words.

Those who walk by the Spirit of God should be thermostats, changing the atmosphere. The atmosphere may be cold as a glacier or hot as sizzling tar, but we have the power and wisdom to change it.

Then we no longer remain mere thermometers, rising and dipping with the circumstances.

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God … in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.” (James 1:5-8) Lord, help us change the negative, hard circumstances around us by showing love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control. In Jesus’ name, amen.

(Mrs. Bair may be reached at sallybair@gmail.com or http://bairbonesblog.blogspot.com)

Sally Bair Eternal

What price could we put on the Bible? Just how could we measure its value? David wrote that God’s word was “more precious that fine gold.” Psalms 19:10. Under Communism, disciples were willing to pay a month’s wages for a Bible and risk government harassment in so doing. This may seem strange to some Americans who have Bibles in their home which sit unread. There are many values that flow from God’s holy book, each of which provides an incen- Preacher’s tive to study it diligently. Consider some of these values: Personal Value: “The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.” Psalms 19:7.

Other books were written for our information, but the Bible was given for our transformation. “The Bible is the one book to which any thoughtful man may go with any honest question of life or destiny and find the answer of God by honest searching.” – John Ruskin.

Educational Value: “The opening of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.” Psalms 119:130. There are many textbooks that have useful information, but no other book teaches us the answers to the most important questions in life. “I believe a knowledge of the Bible without a college course is more valuable than a college course without a Bible.”

– William Lyon Phelps.

Literary Value: “More to be desired are they than gold, Yea, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.” Psalms 19:10. The famous English author Charles Dickens wrote, “the New Testament is the best book the world has ever known or will know.”

Patrick Henry, said, “There is a book worth all other books which were ever printed.”

Social, Civic and Political Value: “But I say to you,

Garret Derouin The Pen

love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.” Matthew 5:44. A serious study of God’s sacred word will make better citizens, better parents, and better people. “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:32. “It is impossible to mentally or socially enslave a Bible-reading people.” – Horace Greeley.

Religious Value: “The Bible is the only source of all Christian truth, the only rule for the Christian life, the only book that unfolds to us the realities of eternity.”

– Sir M. Hale. Peter expressed it thusly, “Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life.” John 6:68.

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17. “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.” Ephesians 4:4-6 Eternal Value: “Do you know a book that you are willing to put under your head for a pillow when you are dying? …that is the book you want to study when you are living. There is only one such book in the world” – Joseph Cook. Jesus warned, “The word that I spoke, the same shall judge him in the last day.” John 12:48. In the apostle John’s visions of the judgment, he saw all the race of man before the judge of the universe with the books opened and the dead were judged out of the things, which were written in the books. Revelation 20:11-12.

The question we must ask ourselves is, what use are we making of this marvelous book? Why not begin your course of Bible study today. If you are interested, we provide a Bible correspondence course, which you can take in your own home, at your own pace, with your own Bible. If you would like to begin your own search for truth, we would like to invite you to call 715-866-7157 or stop by the church building at 7425 W. Birch St. in Webster. Sunday Bible class begins at 9:30 a.m. and worship begins at 10:30 a.m. We also meet Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m. Office hours are Tuesdays through Fridays 9 a.m. - noon.

New pastor at Faith Community Church of Nazarene DANBURY – The Faith Community Church of the Nazarene has appointed the Rev. Richard A. Luebke as pastor effective on Sept. 28. A native of Oshkosh, Luebke was ordained in Rock Springs in 1974. After serving in the Air Force during the Korean War, he earned a bachelor’s degree from Anderson College and Theological Seminary in Anderson, Ind. He taught in the Eau Claire and Reedsburg public schools from 1961 – 1973 earning a master’s degree in education from the University of Wisconsin in 1971. He then went on to work as pastor, schoolteacher and as a nursing home administrator. He taught in public and private schools in Texas and in Wisconsin.

Luebke and his wife, Geri, have farmed in the Spooner area since 1995, from which he has been active in pulpit supply for the Wisconsin Nazarene Church, and as a prophecy teacher in the Wesleyan and Nazarene area churches. His prophecy teaching stems from the most widely and historically held traditional mainline view of the church through its 20 centuries.

He will begin a fall series, open to all, teaching and preaching from the book of Daniel, on Sunday, Oct. 19, at the Danbury Faith Community Church of the Nazarene. Adult Bible study is at 9 a.m. and the worship begins at 10 a.m. The children’s Sunday school begins at 10:15 a.m. during the regular service. - submitted

Ecumenical choir to begin rehearsals CENTURIA – The ecumenical choir will begin rehearsals for this year’s Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols on Sunday, Oct. 12, 6:45 p.m. at Fristad Lutheran Church in Centuria. Not only are former choir members invited but any one with a good singing voice, men especially. What better way could there be to prepare for the upcoming Advent and Christmas seasons.

If you are unable to attend, call Brenda Mayer at 715-

485-3571 or Jim Beistle at 715-646-2408 or jbeistle@lakeland.ws.

This Advent/Christmas service will be on Sunday, Dec 7. - submitted

www.the-leader.net

OCTOBER 8, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 31

OBITUARIES

Myrtle J. Streed

Catharina H. Van den Tillaar

Bernice Minerva Gilbert

Myrtle J. Streed, resident of Comforts of Home in Frederic, died Oct. 1, 2008, at the age of 94.

Myrtle was born the second daughter of Amanda (Moan) and A. Martin Thompson on April 26, 1914, at her parents farm in the Bass Lake community near Grantsburg. She was baptized and confirmed at Bethany Lutheran Church. She grew up in that same community, and after finishing school, worked in several homes as well as at the Gedney Factory in Grantsburg. She has told great stories of living and working on the farm with her parents and sisters as well as family gatherings with extended family where transportation was by horse and buggy or Model A Ford. Stories of the summer kitchen were always included in her tales.

Myrtle married Edwin Walter Streed in 1937. Two children were born to that union, Jerome and Marilyn.

They lived on the Streed family farm in the Bass Lake community and later moved to a farm in the Branstad community. Myrtle and Edwin worked together on the farm as they raised their two children. In 1955, after selling their Branstad farm, they moved to Frederic, where Myrtle spent the next 53 years. She did domestic work and child care, worked at Stokelys, and was very involved in baking, gardening and traveling. She enjoyed coffee gatherings and family gatherings. Several summers, she and Arlene Olson spent a week at Family Bible Camp at Luther Point as well as enjoying Elder Hostel classes. She and Edwin and the Wedells drove to Alaska in 1955 on their only real vacation together. She traveled by bus and plane to visit family and friends in several states as well as in Europe.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Stanley; sisters, Hazel and Mabel; and husband, Edwin (in 1967).

She is survived by her son, Jerome and his wife, Carol, of St. Croix Falls; and by her daughter, Marilyn and her husband, Jay Meador, of Manhattan, Kan.; four grandchildren, Dan Streed, Natalie Landgreen, Bryce Anderson, and Laurie Cox; five great-grandchildren; three sisters, Muriel Petersen, Fern and Violet Thompson all of Frederic; two nieces and four nephews; three step-grandchildren; five step-great-grandchildren; and one step-great-great-grandchild.

Myrtle loved her flowers and yard as well as her veggie garden. She was in her glory entertaining the family, which always included a few toddlers to cuddle and squeeze.

Myrtle was a regular at Pilgrim Lutheran Church as well as circle and quilting. Myrtle and her sisters have remained close their entire lives, sharing joys and sorrows and everyday life.

Funeral services were held at Pilgrim Lutheran Church in Frederic, on Saturday, Oct. 4, with the Rev. Catherine Burnette officiating. Music was provided by organist Mary Lou Daeffler and soloist Karen Swanberg. Interment was at Maple Grove Cemetery.

The Rowe Funeral Home of Frederic was entrusted with funeral arrangements.

Catharina H. Van den Tillaar, 84, Danbury, died Oct. 2, 2008, at her residence.

Memorial services were held Wednesday, Oct. 8 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in rural Webster, with Father Mike Tupa officiating.

A full obituary will follow in a later edition.

The Scalzo-Taylor Funeral Home, Spooner, was entrusted with arrangements.

Bernice Minerva Gilbert, Luck, died Tuesday, September 30, 2008. She was 88 years old.

She was born on March 25, 1920, to Bert and Sadie Nelson of New Effington, S.D. She married Donald Allen Gilbert on May 11, 1939. They moved to Rosholdt, S.D., where they owned and operated the Al’s grocery store. In 1947, they moved to Willernie, Minn., where they made their home for the next 28 years.

They retired to Luck in 1975.

Bernice was a Sunday school teacher at St. Andrews Lutheran Church in Mahtomedi, Minn., for many years. She was a volunteer for the Girl Scouts and was an Avon representative for more then 20 years. Bernice was also a breast cancer survivor. She was always an avid baker and an expert “shop til you drop” gal.

Most of all Bernice enjoyed spending her time with family and friends.

She was preceded in death by husband, Donald Gilbert; father, Bert Nelson; mother, Sadie Nelson; and brother, Orril Nelson.

She is survived by three children, Sharon O’Malley (James), James Gilbert (Vicky), and Lori Pardun; six grandchildren, Shaun O’Malley (Christina), Dawn Donnelly (Tom), Shannon Miller (Jeff), Michael O’Malley, Christina Gilbert and Tanya Pardun; 11 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; two brothers, Barton Nelson and Curtis Nelson (Audrey).

Funeral services were held at Luck Lutheran Church in Luck, on Saturday, Oct. 4, with Pastor Mark Hall officiating. Music was provided by organist Margie Nelson and soloist Sheila Brom. Interment will be at Luck Village Cemetery.

The Rowe Funeral Home of Luck was entrusted with funeral arrangements.

Freda L. Snell Freda L. Snell, 94, a resident of Webster, died Thursday, Oct. 2, 2008, at Frederic Nursing and Rehab.

She was born Aug. 19, 1914, in Leighton, Iowa, to William and Carrie Vandehaar. Freda grew up in Mitchellville, Iowa, graduating from Mitchellville High School. After high school, she went on to the University of Northern Iowa, where she earned her teaching degree. On Dec. 19, 1937, Freda married Leland K. Snell in Grinnell, Iowa. She taught elementary school in Iowa and Minnesota for 30 years, retiring in 1978. She made her home in such places as Des Moines, Iowa; Minneapolis, Minn.; Brandeton, Fla., and Siren. Freda and Lee had a cabin on Lake Viola and loved the lake region. They traveled extensively throughout Europe, Asia and the United States. They were very involved with their family and friends and had a full life.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; four brothers, Ralph, Don, Melvin and Oren; and sister, Ethlyn.

Freda is survived by her daughters, Nancy Snell (Rodney Knutson), Vickie (David) Anderson; grandchildren, Troy Anderson, Tom (Jennifer) Anderson; great-grandchildren, Trevor, Tiffany, Tristann and Sveta Anderson; brother, Norm Vandehaar; sisters, Vivian Thompson and Ila Mae Guisinger; along with other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held Saturday, Oct. 4, at the United Methodist Church in Mitchellville, Iowa, and Pastor Dale Scritchfield officiated. Casket bearers were Rodney Knutson, Tom Anderson, Troy Anderson, Trevor Anderson, Dale Vandehaar and Steve Vandehaar. Memorials preferred to the family.

The Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home, Webster, was entrusted with arrangements.

Maybelle C. Carlson Maybelle C. Carlson, 94, a resident of Markville, Minn., died Oct. 4, 2008.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, Oct. 9, at 11 a.m., at Zion Lutheran Church in Markville, Minn. Interment will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery. A full obituary will follow in a future edition of the Leader.

The Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home, Webster, was entrusted with arrangements.

Grace E. Hoover Grace E. Hoover, formerly of Webster, Wis., and St. Paul, Minn., died Oct. 1, 2008. She was 99 years old.

Grace was preceded by her husband, Charles F. Hoover; and daughter, Diane Tereault.

She is survived by her son, Charles F. Hoover Jr.; and son-inlaw, Bill Tereault; five grandchildren, Patrick, David, John, Troy and Cheri Tereault; and five great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were held at Roselawn Chapel in Roseville, Minn., on Monday, Oct. 6, with the Rev. Glen Pease officiating. Interment was at Roselawn Cemetery.

The Rowe Funeral Home of Frederic was entrusted with funeral arrangements.

Karin A. Handt Karin A. Handt, 57, of Webster, died Thursday, Sept.

25, 2008, in Wyoming, Minn., surrounded by her family.

Karin was born Sept. 28, 1950, in Minneapolis, Minn.

She enjoyed spending time at home and the serenity of the lake. She enjoyed working in the yard and flower gardening.

She is survived by her husband, Jim; children, Kevin (Berta) Peatron, Kristina Handt, Justin Handt; many other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, Oct. 1, at Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home, Webster, with Pastor Steve Ward officiating. Interment followed at Lakeview (Mud Hen Lake) Cemetery in Daniels Township. Casket bearers were Vince Murphy, Jason Schmidt, Eric Grant, Pat Handt, Justin Handt and John Handt.

The Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home, Webster, was entrusted with arrangements.

Clifford B. Wies Jr. Clifford B. Wies Jr., Moundsview, Minn., formerly of West Sweden and Trade River, died Sunday, Oct. 5, 2008. He was 71 years old.

He was preceded in death by father, Clifford; wife, Mary; and sisters, Leone Liebaert and Fern Anderson.

He is survived by mother, Ferne Baker; wife, Lynne; children, Cliff III (Sharon), Donald (Robin), Mitzi (Jay) Rein, Joseph (Shelley), David (Sonya) and Rachel (Jeff) Shereck; 15 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; siblings, Jack (Dee), Karen (Lyle) Peterson; and many loving relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held at Mueller-Bies Funeral Home, Lino Lakes, 7050 Lake Drive, Lino Lakes, Minn., on Thursday, Oct. 9, 7 p.m. Visitation will be from 4 p.m. until the time of service.

The Mueller-Bies Funeral Home, Lino Lakes, Minn., was entrusted with arrangements.

Elaine Anna Hendricks Jensen Kreutzian Elaine Anna Hendricks Jensen Kreutzian, 85, died peacefully Oct. 3, 2008, at her home.

She was born on Dec. 11, 1922, to her parents, Oscar and Clara (Hermstad) Hendricks in Columbia Heights, Minn. When she was 12 years old, she and her family moved to Pine Lake. She attended LaFollette School.

Elaine married Olander Jensen on Oct. 29, 1941. To this union five sons and four daughters were born. She was the loving wife of Olander for 57-1/2 years. During their early married life, they lived in Milwaukee and St. Paul. They moved to the Woodlawn Farm in Maple Valley in 1957. She dedicated her life to her family, church and the community. Her gift of reaching out to others was expressed in making hundreds of quilts with the Clam Falls Quilt Group. Elaine loved the out of doors and spent some of her most relaxing times in her gardens. She also enjoyed traveling and visiting family.

On Jan. 15, 2005, Elaine married Dick Kreutzian at Clam Falls Lutheran Church. In each other they found close companionship. She graciously opened her heart to his three sons and their families: Rodney (Vicky) Kreutzian, David (Barbara) Kreutzian and Dennis Kreutzian; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Olander; her son, Gilbert Jensen; her parents; her brothers, Oliver Hendricks, Arnold Hendricks, Grant Hendricks and Bruce Hendricks; and her sister, Jeanette (Hendricks) Collins.

She is survived by her husband, Dick Kreutzian; her children, Duane (Uppy) Jensen, Larry (Nancy) Jensen, Charlotte (Ron) Rasmussen, Donna (Larry) Moody, Earl (Sharon) Jensen, Gale (Lynn) Litt, Dale (Amy) Jensen and Janet (Kent) Oakland; 23 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; one brother, Milo (Ramona) Hendricks; two sisters, Sylvia Larson and Eunice Tollander; nieces, nephews and many, many friends.

Funeral services were held at Clam Falls Lutheran Church on Tuesday, Oct. 7, with Pastor Larry Juergensen officiating.

Rowe Funeral Home of Frederic was entrusted with the arrangements.

PAGE 32 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - OCTOBER 8, 2008

CHURCH NEWS Thoughtful husband agonizes over wife’s infidelity Q: My wife has been involved in an affair with her boss for six months. I’ve known about it from the beginning, but just haven’t been able to confront her.

Melanie acts like she doesn’t love me anyway. If I give her an ultimatum, I could lose her completely.

Can you assure me that won’t happen? Have you ever offered the love-must-be-tough advice and had it backfire, ending in divorce?

DR. DOBSON: Yes, I have, and I certainly understand your caution. I wish I could guarantee how Melanie will react to a firmer approach. Unfortunately, life offers few certainties, even when all the probabilities point in one direction.

Sometimes well-conditioned athletes drop dead from heart attacks. Some outstanding parents raise children who rebel and become drug addicts. Some of the most intelligent, cautious businessmen foolishly bankrupt themselves. Life is like that. Things happen every day that shouldn’t have occurred.

Nevertheless, we should go with the best information available to us. I saw a sign that said, “The fastest horses don’t always win, but you should still bet on them.” Even as a nongambler, that makes sense to me.

Having offered that disclaimer, let me say that there is nothing risky about treating oneself with greater respect, exhibiting confidence and poise, pulling backward and releasing the door on the romantic trap. The positive benefits of that approach are often immediate and dramatic.

Loving self-respect virtually never fails to have a

salutary effect on a drifting lover, unless there is not the tiniest spark left to fan. Thus, in instances when opening the cage door results in a spouse’s sudden departure, the relationship was in the coffin already. I’m reminded of the old proverb that says, “If you love something, set it free. If it comes back to you, it’s yours. If it doesn’t come back, it never was yours in the first place.” There is a great truth in that adage, and it applies to your relationship with your wife.

Now, obviously, it is risky to precipitate a period of crisis.

When explosive individuals are involved in mid-life turmoil or a passionate fling with a new lover, great tact and wisdom are required to know when and how to respond.

That’s why professional counsel is vital before, during and after the confrontation. It would be unthinkable of me to recommend that victims of affairs indiscriminately pose ultimatums with 24-hour deadlines, or that they push an independent partner in a corner.

Great caution is needed in such delicate conflicts.

In short, I suggest that you seek the assistance of a competent counselor who can help you deal with the problem of Melanie’s affair.

••• Q: Our children are all on their own now and my husband and I are free to do some of the traveling we have always planned to do when we got them

Dr. James

Dobson Focus on the Family

through college. But lately I feel too tired even to keep the house clean, and too depressed to care about planning or doing anything extra. I’m only 46, yet some days I can hardly get out of bed in the morning. I just want to put my head under the pillow and cry – for no reason at all.

So why do I feel so terrible? My husband is trying to be patient, but this morning he growled, “You have everything a woman could want – what do you have to be blue about?” Do you think I could be losing my mind?

DR. DOBSON: I doubt if there is anything wrong with your mind. The symptoms you describe sound as if you may be entering menopause, and if so, your discomfort may be caused by the hormonal imbalance that accompanies glandular upheaval. I suggest that you make an appointment to see a gynecologist or other physician in the next few days. He or she can help you.

••• 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:

Zion Lutheran Church Bone Lake

Adoption information meeting set EAU CLAIRE – Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan, Inc., invites you to attend their annual adoption information meeting to learn more about the Domestic Infant and International Adoption Programs.

The meeting will be held on Saturday, Nov. 8, from 10 a.m. – noon, at First Lutheran Church, Eau Claire.

The church is located at 1005 Oxford Avenue, Eau Claire. A $5 registration fee will be collected at the door.

Preregistrations is not required.

Contact Lutheran Social Services at 715-833-0992 for more information. – submitted

OCTOBER 8, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 33

PAGE 34 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - OCTOBER 8, 2008

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5-12Lp

CORRECTION Last week Kathryn Zahler, Unity High School Student of the Week, was inadvertently listed as the son of Becky and Jim Zahler, instead of daughter. Sorry for the error.

OCTOBER 8, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 35

Students of the Week GRANTSBURG

FREDERIC

Karlie Alexander has been chosen Frederic Elementary School’s student of the week. She is in kindergarten and the daughter of Steve Alexander and Jamie Worthington.

Karlie enjoys art class and recess.

She has a great attitude about learning new things and is never afraid of a challenge. Karlie always tries to do her best work. Her sunshine and smile are always a positive influence in the classroom.

Karlie enjoys camping and fishing.

Carly Gustafson has been chosen Frederic Middle School’s student of the week. She is in seventh grade and the daughter of Doug and Doreen Gustafson. Carly is a good student and classroom leader. She has a good work ethic, positive attitude, works well with others, is independent and enthusiastic. Carly is involved in volleyball, basketball and dance. She enjoys playing with her dog. In the future she plans on going to college.

Cody Gruel has been chosen Frederic High School’s student of the week. He is a senior and the son of Rory Gruel and Georgette Gruel. Cody has good work habits, a positive attitude, is an excellent school citizen and always contributes in class. He is involved and excels in football and track. Cody enjoys hunting and watching football. In the future he plans on taking over the family business.

Savannah Anderson has been chosen Grantsburg Elementary School’s student of the week. She is in third grade and the daughter of Mary Anderson. Savannah is an all-around great student. She is very hardworking, respectful, positive, helpful and kind. Savannah has great respect for herself and others. She is a great role model.

Savannah likes math, reading and gym. She enjoys swimming and spending time with her family.

Clayton Dehmer has been chosen Luck Middle School’s student of the week. He is in seventh grade and the son of Mark and Cassie Dehmer. Clayton is a friendly and cooperative student who always puts forth an effort in everything he does. He is in band where he plays the trombone. Clayton enjoys reading, riding bike and drawing.

Ashley Valentine has been chosen Luck High School’s student of the week. She is a senior and the daughter of Dan and Jo Valentine. Ashley is in the CIA program and an excellent singer, pianist and guitarist. Ashley is an independent learner, section leader and mature voice in school.

She is involved in solo/ensemble, forensics, drama club, NHS, FCCLA and choreographs for the cheerleaders. Ashley enjoys singing and writing songs, dancing and reading. She plans to attend UW-Oshkosh.

Alaina Driscoll has been chosen St. Croix Falls Elementary School’s student of the week.

She is in third grade and the daughter of John and Kris Driscoll. Alaina is good a math, English and spelling. She is involved in gymnastics, swimming and dance. She is trying out for the Christmas play at the Festival Theatre. Alaina enjoys reading, drawing and playing dolls with her sister. She is an enjoyable girl and a good student.

Raven Emery has been chosen Siren Middle School’s student of the week. She is the daughter of Genny and Duane Emery. Raven is very active at school. She plays volleyball, basketball and runs track. Raven is in band and choir and is president of the class of 2013. She is a great student that is on the A honor roll each quarter. Raven is a leader for her class and helps other students.

Nicholis Lunde has been chosen St. Croix Falls Middle School’s student of the week. He is in seventh grade and the son of David and Bernadette Lunde.

Nick is a very bright student with a great sense of humor. He does a great job participating in class and seems to have an answer for everything. He is involved in playing football, basketball and baseball. Nick enjoys playing sports. His favorite subject is social studies.

Nathan Casler has been chosen St. Croix Falls High School’s student of the week. He is a junior.

Nathan is a hardworking student who is always nice to everyone.

He is an overall great person.

WEBSTER

SIREN

Dillon Smith has been chosen Siren Elementary School’s student of the week. He is in third grade. Dillon is a good-natured student, and he always seems to be happy. He has a unique sense of humor and is always looking for a reason to laugh. Dillon is a good friend and a good person.

He is willing to ask questions in class which assists the other students.

Nathan McConnell has been chosen Grantsburg High School’s student of the week. He is a senior and the son of Doug and Suzzanne McConnell. He is trustworthy, a high achiever and a dedicated student. Nathan is involved in student council, math club, math team, playing piano, academic decathlon and is in vocal jazz. He enjoys playing piano, reading and gardening.

He plans on attending college for economics.

ST. CROIX FALLS

LUCK

Haley Hermansen has been chosen Luck Elementary School’s student of the week.

She is in first grade and the daughter of Tina and Jeff Hermansen. Haley likes school and is a hard worker. She has two brothers and three sisters. Haley enjoys reading books and going to art class. At home, she likes to play with her puppies.

Matthew Louis has been chosen Grantsburg Middle School’s student of the week. He is in fourth grade and the son of Marie and Chad Louis. Matthew is a hard worker and is kind to everyone.

His favorite class is math.

Matthew is also active in Webelo Boy Scouts and loves to spend his time after school doing chores, swinging or playing video games.

Collin Tewalt has been chosen Siren High School’s student of the week. He was Mr. Siren, shows a tremendous amount of poise, respect and determination in reaching his goals. Collin is well respected by his peers and teachers. He is focused and makes truly learning concepts a priority. His future plans include attending the Air Force Academy. He is a leader on the football team and runs track.

Molly Turchi has been chosen Webster Elementary School’s student of the week. She is in third grade and the daughter of Stephen and Dawn Turchi. She has a positive attitude about school and sets a good example for her friends and classmates. Molly actively participates in class and is always helpful to her teacher and fellow students. Her gentle and caring nature helps bring out the best in those around her.

Kaitlyn Moser has been chosen Webster Middle School’s student of the week. She is in fifth grade and the daughter of Michele Geisler and Troy Moser. Kaitlyn does random acts of kindness and is willing to help others. She is wonderful to have in the classroom. Kaitlyn works hard on all assignments and has great study habits in and out of the classroom. She enjoys camping, and spending time outdoors.

Kayla Duclon has been chosen Webster High School’s student of the week. She is a sophomore and the daughter of Gloria Merrill.

Kayla is a great student. She works very hard and has good attendance. Kayla has an uplifting, fun personality and she is a great role model. She belongs to a church youth group and plays basketball and softball. She plans to attend college in the future, but is undecided on a major.

UNITY

Valerie McClure has been chosen Unity Elementary School’s student of the week. She is in third grade and the daughter of Mike and Patricia McClure. Valerie tries to do a great job in everything she does. She is kind and considerate of others and always willing to be helpful. Her positive attitude and exemplary behavior make her an outstanding student.

Elizabeth Krizak has been chosen Unity Middle School’s student of the week. She is in eighth grade and the daughter of Azalea and Joseph Krizak. Elizabeth has a caring and giving heart. She is doing well in her classes, Elizabeth is a good example and has a positive attitude.

Sam Tonnar has been chosen Unity High School’s student of the week.He is a sophomore and the son of Les and Michelle Tonnar.

Sam is a great student and class leader. He is always kind, goes out of his way to make a difference in school. Sam is involved in drama and baseball. He enjoys fishing, hunting and playing drums. He plans to attend college for biology and would like to work and the St. Croix Falls Fish Hatchery.

PAGE 36 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - OCTOBER 8, 2008

OCTOBER

THURS.-SUN./9-12 St. Croix Falls

• “Arsenic and Old Lace” at Festival Theatre.

Thurs. 2 p.m. & 7 p.m.; Fri. & Sat. 7:30 p.m.; Sunday 2 p.m.

715-483-3387, www.festivaltheatre.org.

THURSDAY/9

Coming events

Amery

• Free retirement planning presentation at the senior center, 12:30 p.m., 715-553-0707, info@unitedwaypolkcounty.org.

Luck

• American Legion & Auxiliary meeting at the village hall, 7 p.m.

• Polk County Farm Bureau meeting at Hog Wild, 8 p.m., 866-355-7349.

Cushing

St. Croix Falls

Frederic

• Exercise, 10 a.m.; Skipbo, 11 a.m.-noon; blood pressures 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; general meeting potluck 12:30 p.m.; 500 cards, 6:30 p.m., at the senior center.

• Historical society meeting at the National Park Service Headquarters, 7 p.m.

• “Arsenic and Old Lace” at Festival Theatre.

2 p.m. 715-483-3387, www.festivaltheatre.org.

• 500 cards at the senior center, 6 p.m., note time change.

Luck

• Free presentation on handling your money and credit at the Bone Lake Lutheran Church, 6 p.m., 715-553-0707, info@unitedwaypolkcounty.org. 715-472-2535 to register.

FRI. & SAT./17 & 18

Osceola

Siren

• NARFE meets at noon at the Ridge Restaurant, 715-294-3185.

• Health seminar at the medical center: breast and colon cancer, 6:30-8 p.m., 715-294-4936.

Dresser

• Trollhaugen Gun Show Fri. 5-8 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m.-3 p.m., 715-483-9190 for reservations.

FRIDAY/10 Balsam Lake

• PoCo Penners meet in the county boardroom at the government center, 2 p.m., 715-4853571, 715-294-3174.

Frederic

• Pokeno played at the senior center, 1 p.m.

Grantsburg

• Northwest Regional Writers meet at Big Gust Apts. community room, 1 p.m., 715-3492761.

St. Croix Falls

• Bridge, 10 a.m.; Bingo, 1 p.m., at the senior center.

• Friday fish fry and auxiliary bake & craft sale, at St. Croix Falls American Legion Post 143, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

SAT. & SUN./11 & 12 Siren

• 20th-Annual Mixed Sampler Quilt Guild’s Quilt Show at the school, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. each day, 715-566-0212.

• Siren Covenant Women’s annual fall bake sale, Fri. 4-7 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Turtle Lake

Sandhill cranes by the thousands are passing through Northwest Wisconsin on their annual migration. These four, spotted in a farm field with hundreds of others, seem to be trying to figure out where to go next. - Photo by Carl Heidel

Indian Creek

• Grief & Loss Support Group, six sessions, begins at SCRMC, 2-3:30 p.m. or 6-7:30 p.m., 715-483-0272.

Jackson

TUESDAY/14

Milltown

• Chronic Illness/Disability Support Group meets at Peace Lutheran Church, 6:30 p.m., 715-755-2515.

• 6th-Annual Jackson Firefighters Chili Cook-off at the fire hall, 6-10 p.m.

• Katy McKy, author of children’s book, “Pumpkin Town,” at the library, 10 a.m., 715-825-2313.

• Fire department taco feed at the hall, 4-7 p.m., www.milltownfire.com.

Siren

• Fashions & Decor Festival and Luncheon with Trunk Show by Peggy’s Fashion Rack & Gifts, sponsored by Burnett County HCE, at Bethany Lutheran Church, 11:30 a.m., 715-3495000 or 715-349-2151.

• First Evangelical Lutheran Church Annual Harvest Festival, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., 651-4655265.

Trade Lake

• Resident drop-off day for old appliances and scrap metal at township building on Pine Lake Road, 9 a.m.-noon, 715-488-2600.

• Franconia Sesquicentennial Event: Brat feed and pie social at Pleasant Valley Orchard, Chicago CR 26, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Cozy Corner

Cumberland

• Autumn Leaves Parade of Homes. Begin at First Lutheran Church, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Dresser

• Peace Lutheran Church harvest dinner and mini bazaar, 4:30-7:30 p.m.

Frederic

• Ice Age Trail fall colors hike, meet at the IAT parking area on CTH W, 10 a.m. Contact Dean, 715-472-2248 for more info.

• Food & fellowship at the senior center, noon.

Games after dinner.

• Burnett Democratic Meeting at the Siren Village Hall, 7 p.m., 715-635-3428.

St. Croix Falls

WEDNESDAY/15

Balsam Lake

• Cozy Corner Trails 8th-Annual Prime Rib Dinner & Auction, dinner & open bar, 5-10 p.m., 715-244-4220.

Siren

Taylors Falls, Minn.

• Earth Arts monthly meeting, 6 p.m., www.earthartswi.org for location.

• Balsam Lutheran Church presents the Herrlinger Family in concert, 7 p.m.

• Meet Warren Hansen, 7:30 p.m., at The Northern Lakes Center for the Arts, 715-2586811.

Clear Lake

Luck

• Take Off Pounds Sensibly #WI261 meets at the senior center, 5:30 p.m., 715-472-2341.

Spooner

• The First United Pentecostal Church Community Appreciation Day, 2-5 p.m.

• Fifth-Annual Pig Roast at United Methodist Church, noon-2 p.m. Worship 11 a.m.

• Polk County Master Gardeners program on herbs, at the public library, 9-11 a.m., 715-2632802.

Dresser

• Exercise, 10-11 a.m.; Skipbo, 11 a.m.-noon; 500 cards & Dominos, 12:30 p.m., at the senior center.

SUNDAY/12

• Indianhead Chorus to perform at Unity School, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., 715-648-5550.

• Open house at Serenity Home Transitional Shelter, 2-3 p.m., 715-485-1221.

St. Croix Falls

• Clam River Tuesday Club Fall Fundraising Night at the Indian Creek American Legion Hall, 6-10 p.m.

SATURDAY/11 Amery

St. Croix Falls

• Free financial seminar at the senior center, 1 p.m., 715-553-0707, info@unitedwaypolkcounty.org.

Frederic

• Polk-Burnett Retired Educators Association meeting at First Lutheran Church, 715648-5550, 715-648-5395.

FRI. - SUN./10 - 12

Trade Lake

• Scandinavian smorgasbord at Zion Lutheran Church, 4:30-7 p.m.

• 500 cards at the senior center, 6 p.m., note time change.

• Talk with a Doc at the hospital, 6-7 p.m.

Shoulder Injury Management or Nursing Across Continents.

• Exercise, 10-11 a.m.; card making 11 a.m.; Skipbo, 11-noon; 500 cards, 6:30 p.m., at the senior center.

• St. Croix Falls Football Boosters are having a tailgate party at the football field, 6 p.m.

Frederic

• Pokeno played at the senior center, 1 p.m.

THURSDAY/16

Cumberland

St. Croix Falls

Hraychuch, Ken Muschinske, Sheila Harsdorf and Alison Page, 7-8 p.m.

Balsam Lake

• Candidate forum on health care issues at Unity High School. Expected to attend: Ann

• 10th-annual fall gun show at the fire hall, Fri. 5-9 p.m., Sat. 8 a.m.-4 p.m., 715-986-4516.

FRI.-SUN./17-19 Luck

• Earth Arts Fall Salon Art Exhibition at Cafe Wren. Reception Fri. 5-8 p.m. Sat. & Sun. 8 a.m.-1 p.m. www.earthartswi.org.

FRIDAY/17 Amery

• Free document shredding at WESTconsin Credit Union, 4-6 p.m., 715-268-8127, ext.

7752.

• Redeemer Lutheran Church Swiss steak dinner, 4:30-7 p.m., 715-268-7283.

Frederic

• Pokeno played at the senior center, 1 p.m.

Luck

• Opening reception, Earth Arts Fall Salon art exhibition at Cafe Wren Community Room, 58 p.m., www.earthartswi.org.

Milltown

• United VFW fish fry at the post, 4:30 p.m.-?

• Community Referral Agency’s Fall Fundraiser, Make A Difference Challenge 2008, at the Milltown Community Center, 5:309 p.m., 715-852-4414.

St. Croix Falls

• Bridge, 10 a.m.; Bingo, 1 p.m., at the senior center.

Pearson to perform at churches

Atlas

Centuria

• Ecumenical choir rehearsal begins at Fristad Lutheran Church, 6:45 p.m. If unable to attend, 715-485-3571, 715-646-2408.

Shafer, Minn.

Siren

• Performance of “Wild Woods and Water”

by Big Top Chautauqua at the high school theater, 6:30 p.m., 715-349-7070.

MON. & TUES./13 & 14 Amery

• AARP drivers safety classes at Centennial Hall, 1-5 p.m., 715-268-6605.

MONDAY/13 Cushing

• Skonewood Christian Retreat Center annual meeting at the center, 7:30 p.m.

Frederic

• Spades played at the senior center, 1:30 p.m.

• Support group for people with bipolar disorder and depression at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 7:30 p.m. Call 715-327-4436 for more info.

Osceola

• Dr. Justin Patchin discusses cyberbullying at the public library, 6:30 p.m., 715-294-2310.

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