Leader|sept 3|2008

W E D N E S D AY, S E P T E M B E R 3 , 2 0 0 8 • V O L U M E 7 6 • N O . 2 • 3 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

WEEKEN D WA TCH : • Wheels & Wings @ Osceola • Community Fair @ Osceola • Friends of the Pool Fundraiser @ Frederic • Fundraiser for Brody Measner @ Frederic • Gun show @ Amery • Outdoor Experience for women and youth @ Lewis See Coming events and stories

Leader INTER-COUNTY

Serving Northwest Wisconsin

$1

Charges pending in camp death The death of Shirley Meade, 50, at Trade Lake Camp, may have been neglect PAGE 10

Pipe bomb found in garage

FA L L S P O R T S P R E V I E W I N S I D E

B ack -to -sc hoo l g ree tin gs

Danbury man in custody; bomb squad, federal agents provide assistance PAGE 2

Primary election is this Tuesday

Treasurer, county clerk races in Polk County Democratic contests; 73rd Assembly race to be narrowed PAGE 5

Iver’s Mountain quarry delayed Town adopts moratorium; Mathy to hold informational meeting Thursday PAGE 3

CUR RE NTS A rive r w edding

Third-grade students Richard Clark, Kallie Jones, Kayla Evans and Brandie Madsen waved as their class lined up on the first day of school at Grantsburg Elementary, Tuesday, Sept. 2. Most area schools opened their doors this week for the 2008-09 school year. - Photo by Priscilla Bauer

F iv e - t o n r oc k r e a p pe a r s

by Gary King TOWN OF TRADE LAKE Walter “Sonny” Lundeen Jr. has likely lost a few things during his decades as a farmer - maybe a tool now and then, or even a wandering head of livestock.

But when a boulder estimated to weigh 5 tons went missing recently, he and wife, Margaret, were more than puzzled.

After seeing marks in the ground that indicated someone had apparently dragged the huge rock from their property, they felt compelled to file a complaint with the Burnett County Sheriff’s Department.

“I never expected anyone to steal that,” Lundeen said, chuckling.

The rock has some sentimental value within his family, as it was dug up years ago during a rockpicking session with his kids.

“I offered 25 cents to the one who could find the biggest rock,” he said.

It wasn’t long before one of the Lundeens children spied what they believed to be a two-foot-long rock.

See Rock, page 2

Walter “Sonny” Lundeen Jr. stands with a 5-ton rock that disappeared from his land about a month ago, only to reappear several days later. - Photo by Gary King

The Inter-County Leader is a cooperative-owned newspaper

PAGE 2 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - SEPTEMBER 3, 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.

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Pipe bomb found in Danbury

Federal agents called in to investigate

by Sherill Summer TOWN OF SWISS – Kim Parenteau, 53, Danbury, is in the Burnett County Jail this week after the Burnett County Sheriff’s Department and the St. Croix Tribal Police found a pipe bomb in his garage.

Officers searched the garage on Wednesday, Aug. 27, after receiving a tip that Parenteau possessed the bomb. The officers found a steel pipe that was about 5 inches in diameter and 1 foot in length.

The pipe had both ends welded and had a threaded hollow bolt on it.

The pipe was filled with what

appeared to be gunpowder.

Nearby, there was a wire going through a bolt that looked as though it could be threaded into the top of the pipe bomb and be used as a fuse.

The Marathon County Bomb Squad was contacted and Parenteau they traveled to Burnett County to investigate and defuse the bomb. Once arriving in Burnett County, they confirmed that it was indeed a pipe bomb and defused the device by removing the gunpowder.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms was contacted and they advised that the components of the bomb were needed for their investigation.

In addition, an ATF agent interviewed Parenteau on Tuesday, Sept. 2. According to tribal Sergeant Clif Casady, the interviewing agent will file a report with a federal prosecutor to determine if charges will be filed on the federal level.

If the federal prosecutor chooses not to file charges, Burnett County District Attorney Bill Norine is prepared to file charges on behalf of the state of Wisconsin.

Currently, Parenteau is being held in the Burnett County Jail on a probation violation.

Primary election is Tuesday, Sept. 9 Rock/from page 1 .But after some digging, the rock grew in size.

Lundeen said he used every machine he had to unearth the specimen before he got help in the form of a road grader.

The rock, which has an unusual fossillike pattern embedded in its surface, was pushed into river gulley on his property and sat there until Lundeen found the time and inclination to move it to the edge of one of his fields with the thought in mind it would someday become a lawn decoration. It sat about 30 feet from one of the roads that borders his land.

Until one day in early August of this year.

Not long after the sheriff’s report appeared in the local papers, the Lundeens noticed the rock was back.

Lundeen said a neighbor told him that the local road crew had taken the rock for crushing since it was in the road’s right of way for mowing.

Lundeen said he understands the crew

was just doing its job, and he didn’t want to get anyone in trouble. But he’s glad he got the rock back before it was crushed. And his wife is happy, too, although she told her husband she didn’t want to pose for a photo with the rock.

“She got teased the other day about making such a fuss about a rock,” Lundeen chuckled. “But it has sure has some value to us.”

And according to local rock expert Vernon Peterson, there’s more than sentimental value to the rock, a phenocryst of orthoclase feldspar – or a rock normally found in glacial till. Such rocks are normally not anywhere as big as the Lundeen rock, which has little crystals in it, showing that the glaciers polished off one side quite well.

“It’s more than just an old rock,” Peterson said. “It’s a decorative rock.

Field rocks normally aren’t worth anything, but in today’s world, there is quite a market for decorative rocks like this.”

The surface of the Lundeen rock indicates it’s a decorative rock that was polished by a glacier, according to local rock expert, Vernon Peterson. – Photo by Gary King

Preissing is extending his Burnett County experience to Rome

by Priscilla Bauer GRANTSBURG – John Preissing has spent the last 18 years working for Wisconsin’s UW-Extension Service.

Next month he leaves his position as UWEX’s northern district director for Rome, where he’ll be working for the U.N. Food and Agricultural Organization as senior officer for extension programs.

And he’s taking all his experience with him.

The FAO has a mission to promote agricultural development in the world, and Preissing says his time working with Wisconsin extension programs will be invaluable in his new job.

Every country has some type of extension services which are administered in different ways Preissing explained.

Wisconsin’s extension programs are affiliated with the university system and are well-regarded.

Providing training, evaluations and applied research is all part of extension, and Preissing’s job will be to coordinate, promote and make those programs more effective for other countries as he has done in Wisconsin.

“I wanted to say how thankful I am for my work time in Burnett County,” said Preissing. “I will always remember the men on the extension committee who hired me, Bob Johnson, Charlie Tollander, Doug Dewing, Carl Brandenburg, Jerry Pardun, Phil Lindeman and Charles Peterson and how they helped me.

John Preissing - Photo by Priscilla Bauer Several of those Preissing mentioned are no longer alive, but their legacies continue while others mentioned can still be found serving the needs of Burnett County. Preissing said he credits the men with helping him understand the important role extension plays in a community and plans to apply that understanding in helping other countries develop their extension programs.

“These men were instrumental in teaching me how valuable extension can be to a community. They showed me the ropes as to how to work on community education programs. I learned how it should be part of a community and

responsive to its needs.”

The three-year assignment Preissing has accepted came about after a friend sent him e-mail with the job listing and commented he thought it would be a good job for Preissing. Preissing said he was at a time in his career where “he was open to new opportunities out there” but wasn’t thinking of “out there” necessarily in a global way.

But after looking at the job and discussing it with his wife, Peggy, they both found it to be a great opportunity for the whole family.

Preissing will leave for Rome on Simday, Oct. 12 and will begin his new job on Oct. 13. His wife will remain in Grantsburg through this school year in her teaching job at Grantsburg Elementary while the Preissings last daughter finishes her senior year at Grantsburg High School.

The family plans to keep in contact daily through e-mails and satellite phone calls and will all be together for a family Christmas in Rome. Preissing will return in May for his daughter’s graduation, and at that time, his wife plans to join him in Rome.

Preissing has requested a leave of absence from his UW-Extension post, which would allow him to come back into the system but not to his current position.

A bon voyage open house is planned at the Preissings home for Friday, Oct. 10, from 4:30 to 7 p.m.

Briefly OSCEOLA - The Valley Wire, the free newspaper that covers the OsceolaDresser-St. Croix Falls area and beyond, reported the first Brett Favre Jets jersey sighting in the area at P.Y.’s on Aug. 22 during the Fantasy Football Draft 2008 gathering. Rick Gabler of Prior Lake, Minn., “never suspected that he was making news” when he arrived in Osceola, reports the Wire.

••• SIREN - The Best Western Northwoods Lodge will again be tour headquarters for the Gandy Dancer Antique Car Tour, set for Friday through Sunday, Sept. 12-14.

The schedule of the tour has been released.

The tour Friday includes stops at the Siren Senior Community Center (8 to 9 a.m.), Wolf Creek Bar, St. Croix Falls (10:30 a.m.), Chateau St. Croix Winery Tour (11 a.m.), McKenzie Lanes (12:30 p.m. for lunch), and the Frederic Train Depot.

On Saturday stops include Mallard Lake Family Resort (10:30 a.m.), Voyager Village Golf Course (11:30 a.m. lunch), Log Cabin Store/Hole In The Wall Casino, Danbury, Crooked Lake Park Pavilion at Siren (5 p.m.). On Sunday, the tour will stop at Forts Folle Avoine near Danbury for an 11 a.m. brunch. - with submitted information ••• STATEWIDE - The next ACT test will be administered Oct. 25. Students who wish to take the college admission and placement exam must register by Sept. 19 – the deadline for having the registration postmarked. Late registrations, with an additional fee, will be accepted until the final postmark deadline of Oct. 3. Students can register online at www.actstudent.org, or pick up registration packets from high school counseling offices. The cost is $31 for the traditional ACT and $46 for the ACT Plus Writing.- with submitted information ••• NORTHWEST WISCONSIN Birchwood, Cumberland, Clayton, Clear Lake, Frederic, Luck, Shell Lake and Webster schools are among 182 public schools statewide named Wisconsin Promise Schools of Recognition for the 2008-09 school year. “We celebrate the efforts these schools make to create a learning climate that supports every student,” state Superintendent Elizabeth Burmaster said. “It is the work of teachers, parents, administrators and other staff members that contributes to student success...” To be recognized, schools must be eligible to receive federal Title I funding and be among the highest poverty schools in the state based on free and reduced-price school lunch data. Additionally, student achievement on statewide reading and math assessments must outperform the state average for schools with similar poverty rates and grade configurations.

Finally, the school must have made adequate yearly progress for the past two years as defined under the federal No Child Left Behind Act. - with information from Wisconsin Dept. of Public Instruction ••• RICE LAKE - The Wisconsin Education Fair, featuring representatives from approximately 100 postsecondary insitutions, will be in Rice Lake on Monday, Sept. 15. The fair will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. in the UW-Barron County gym. The program, open to the public free of charge, will provide an opportunity for parents and students to obtain information from approximately 100 postsecondary institutions. Reps from Wisconsin and out-ofstate colleges and universiies, vocational schools, trade schools and the military will be present to talk about the many educational opportunities. For more information contact Kevin Falkenberg, UW-BC student advisor, at 715-234-8024. - from UW-BC ••• CUMBERLAND - The Swedish Tiptoe Dancers with Sparkle, from Pitea, Sweden, will perform at Augustana Church in Cumberland at 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6, and at Trinity Church in McKinley at 10:45 a.m. Sunday. All are welcome.

There will be a freewill offering. - with submitted information

SEPTEMBER 3, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 3

Iver’s Mountain quarry delayed

Laketown adopts moratorium to complete plan

by Gregg Westigard CUSHING – The town of Laketown adopted a moratorium on large scale development at a special meeting of the town board Thursday, Aug. 28, in Cushing.

The moratorium is an attempt to delay the opening of a sand and gravel quarry on Iver’s Mountain, a scenic ridge north of CTH B in Laketown.

Mathy Construction has purchased 377 acres of property on Mountain Road to mine for rock and sand over a period of many years.

The three members of the town board, Donald Swanson, Randy Erickson and Daniel King, voted unanimously to adopt the moratorium after reviewing a presentation of their options to control the opening of the Mathy quarry. This was the first meeting for new town Chairman King. He was appointed to replace longtime chair Terry Mattson who resigned Sept.

16.

The moratorium will allow the town time to complete and adopt its Smart Growth Comprehensive Plan, a project it anticipates will be finished by December 2009. It would prohibit the

Budget projection improves at Frederic Fund balance may stay strong

by Gregg Westigard FREDERIC – The Frederic school budget for 2008-2009 looks better than projected and the district may be able to keep its general fund balance at close to $1 million, the recommended reserve level for the district.

District Administrator Gerald Tischer told the Leader that the audited figures for the past year that ended June 30 show that expenses are down another $250,000 from the preliminary numbers. In addition, state aids may increase by $100,000.

Final revenue numbers have not been received, but more complete figures are due soon. The latest budget was approved by the school board at a special meeting last Thursday, Aug. 28.

Tischer said the audited expense total for the past year is $5,472,000.

That is $703,000 lower than the amount budgeted last fall. Much of the savings has come from lower expenses for special education, he said. Tischer added that the fund balance now stands at $1,047,000. It had been projected at about $500,000. Tischer said some of that money will be used for contract settlement expenses, but the balance will still be higher than he had expected.

Expenses for next year are now budgeted at $5,964,000, an increase of $492,000. Most of that increase is for support services. Operating, maintenance, and transportation costs are budgeted for a $128,700 increase, much of that due to rising fuel costs for heating and bus operations. Instruction costs show a $77,500 increase. That includes an expense increase of $38,500 for the elementary school, $42,400 for the high school and $28,200 for athletics.

More complete financial information will be presented at the district annual meeting Monday, Sept. 22.

The school board will not adopt a final budget until late October.

start of new developments such as quarries, large residential subdivisions, waste disposal sites, and some types of commercial and industrial developments.

Also prohibited are developments that are incompatible with the farmland, woodland and open space of the area, are inconsistent with the natural and rural character of the town, and that would create smoke, dust, noise, odors and traffic activity that would disturb the adjacent land uses.

William Nickolai, the town’s newly hired attorney, told the board that earlier this year the Wisconsin Court of Appeals upheld a similar moratorium while the comprehensive planning process is under way.

Nickolai said that a moratorium was one of three options the board might take. He said the town could do nothing and let a proposed agreement with Mathy stand. But that agreement was adopted by the board without proper notice, he added, and could be voided by court action. Secondly, Nickolai said the board could try to reach a new agreement with Mathy on issues of mine operations and use of the town road.

Mathy is a large corporation and has made a large investment in the property, Nickolai cautioned the board. He said Mathy will be very active on this issue, and the town will need to see how the company responds to the moratorium.

“There is a strong legal argument for what you are considering,” Nickolai said before the board voted. “We will see what they do in response.”

Mathy to hold informational meeting, Thursday Personal conversations instead of group presentation

CUSHING – Laketown residents and interested persons will have another chance to discuss the proposed Laketown Quarry with representatives from Mathy Construction this Thursday, Sept. 4.

Mathy will hold an informational meeting from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Cushing Community Center to try and answer questions about the mine on what is known as Iver’s Mountain.

This will be a chance for more informal and personal conversations, Candy Anderson from Mathy told the Leader. The company will have a series of tables presenting different aspects of the plans. Mathy officials will be able to hold discussions with smaller groups of persons about their specific concerns.

About 150 persons showed up at an earlier Mathy presentation on Aug. 1.

The format of that meeting, a power point presentation followed by a question and answer period, did not allow for in-depth conversation.

Tribute to a pilot

A scale model of the late Clifford Young’s airplane is hanging in the Frederic Depot & Museum in Frederic, in honor of the pilot who brought aviation to the community. Young flew the plane from a grass strip behind his house near Frederic from the 1950s to the 1980s. People are invited to view the scale model and other historical artifacts during the museum’s open hours, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. each Saturday and Sunday through the last weekend of September. - Photo by Gary King

W h ee l s & Wi n g s t h i s we e k en d OSCEOLA - The Wheels and Wings and Osceola Fair celebrations will be held this weekend in Osceola.

The 84th-annual Osceola Fair will be held Sept. 5-7, highlighted by a truck pull on clay at 7 p.m. Friday with a street dance at 7:30 p.m. There will be a tractor pull on Saturday at 10 a.m. with a kiddie parade at 11 a.m., a talent contest at 1 p.m., a comedy/magic show at 4:30 p.m. and the Whitesidewalls at 7:30 p.m.

On Sunday, the Osceola parade begins at 1 p.m. Coronation of Little Miss Osceola will be at 5 p.m., followed by coronation of Miss Osceola.

The Wheels and Wings event will be held Saturday, Sept. 6, with a car show, a craft fair at Millpond Park, train rides, activities at the airport, a book sale and more.

For more information on Wheels and Wings, call 715-755-3300. - with submitted information

Anne Lorraine Greinke dies at 89 FREDERIC - Longtime area resident Ann Lorraine Greinke, of Las Vegas, Nev., died Aug. 16. She was 89 years old.

She and her husband, Ed, were active

members of the Lewis and Frederic communities for many years.

A complete obituary will appear in next week’s Leader.

PAGE 4 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - SEPTEMBER 3, 2008

P O L K

C O U N T Y

H E A D L I N E S

Most of budget for six Polk County departments Law enforcement a quarter of levy

by Gregg Westigard BALSAM LAKE – Polk County is considering some 30 budget requests, but most of the $58 million 2009 budget goes to six departments. Of that total, an initial $25.8 million in budget requests comes from county sources. The property tax, limited by a state-imposed levy cap, can cover $19.1 million of the total. The county has been trying to adjust budget requests by $2.4 million to reach this $19.1 million mark.

Of the six largest departments, which account for 67 percent of the budget, law enforcement and buildings

are almost totally levy funded. Highway, human services, and health receive over half their funding from outside sources. Golden Age Manor projects that all its funding will be from other income next year.

Here are the six departments in order of levy funding. All numbers are from the first round requests and are rounded. The levy funding column includes $3.5 million in other county

Department

Levy Funding Other Income

Law enforcement $6,500,000 Human services $4,200,000 Highway $3,600,000 Buildings $1,700,000 Health $1,200,000 Golden Age Manor no levy Total of six departments $17,200,000 Total budget $25,800,000

$400,000 $5,800,000 $5,200,000 $700,000 $2,300,000 $7,400,000 $21,800,000 $32,300,000

Total Budget $6,900,000 $10,000,000 $8,800,000 $2,400,000 $3,500,000 $7,400,000 $38,900,000 $58,100,000

Polk budget still over levy limit

Many reactions to budget recommendations, committees seeking $2.4 million

by Gregg Westigard BALSAM LAKE – The finance committee of the Polk County Board held a nine-hour meeting Thursday, Aug. 21, attempting to find $2.4 million in adjustments to the 2009 departmental requested budgets. That is the sum needed to bring the property tax within the levy limit set by the state. That meeting came up with four pages of “requests” and “recommendations” to the departments which would result in $2.2 million in adjustments, still $254,000 short of the goal.

Since that date there have been many reactions to the finance committee’s round No. 1 recommendations. Some department heads and committees have come up with reasons why some of the ideas won’t work. A former board member, Robert Blake, has presented a list of suggestions. The personnel committee looked at eliminating the central county library. After two weeks the county is no closer to reaching the levy limit than it was on the 21st.

The finance and personnel committees will be holding a joint meeting this Wednesday afternoon and evening, Sept. 3, to try and set a recommended 2009 budget. The process is behind schedule even though the two committees started their review work on Monday, Aug. 4. The outcome of that meeting will be posted on the Leader Web site.

Here are some of the responses to the Aug. 21 recommendations: Sheriff, clerk of court say new revenues not possible The finance committee requested that the clerk of court and the sheriff raise more money from fees and fines. Clerk of court Lois Hoff and Sheriff Tim Moore each told the public protection committee Tuesday, Sept. 2, that the departments don’t have the power to raise revenues. Hoff said that much of the $83,000 in new revenue she is asked to raise is in fees and fines set by the state. She said she can not increase these revenues and can’t make the state raise fines and give that money to the county. Supervisor Neil Johnson said he doesn’t understand how finance came up with its ideas when they were presented with good numbers.

Moore said that his department might be able to raise some of the $30,000 in increased sheriff’s fees but that a revised fee schedule is just in the starting phase.

The public protection committee had its first look at a revised jail fees suggestion that proposes starting to charge municipalities for housing their municipal court inmates.

The sheriff also said that a request to reduce his fuel expense by $66,000 is unrealistic. He said he has now almost reached the 2008 budgeted fuel cost of $117,000 and expects the department costs to reach $153,000 for 2008. Moore said his fuel budget request for 2009 has following finance department guidelines.

Blake offers list of budget ideas

Former Supervisor and county board chair Robert Blake offered some budget ideas at the finance committee meeting Aug. 27. He started by noting that the committee has a tough job to do and said he appreciated their efforts.

The Polk County Information Center can raise money from other sources, Blake said. He added that each year funding for the tourism council, a private body, was reduced tourism in the county went up.

Blake said that the council should receive no funding.

Blake also recommended the closing of the Polk County Library, saying that no other county operates a central support library. He supported ending the home nursing service and said there was no negative effect in Washburn County after they ended their program. Blake said that highway should limit its work to maintenance only and outsource other work. Staff cuts should be possible in the finance office after the payroll system was changed. The lime quarry could be automated and run with two persons. The lime quarry reserve funds should be reviewed and excess funds freed up for county use.

“And good luck to you,” Blake concluded.

Library almost eliminated by personnel The personnel committee came within one vote of recommending the elimination of the County library during its meeting Aug. 28. Supervisor Herschel Brown made the proposal, saying he has been studying the issue and looking at alternatives.

“Only 15 of the 72 counties have central libraries,” Brown said. “The Indianhead Federated Library System can and does provide the same services to the village libraries in Polk County. All village libraries and four school libraries are already members of the Indianhead system.”

The motion to eliminate the county library was defeated by a vote of two to three. Voting for the motion was Brown and Russ Arcand. Voting in support of the library were Patricia Schmidt, Gerald Newville and Keith Rediske. The library budget of $697,600 is paid by property taxes, but the expense is placed outside the main levy and not subject to the levy cap. The elimination of the library would affect only the staff and operation of the central library and not the funds that go to the village libraries to cover their expense of serving nonvillage users.

Cooling off

Sunday was a hot day, particularly for this boy, who wanted to cool off in the shade of Shell Lake’s fish. – Photo by Regan Kohler

SEPTEMBER 3, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 5

Primary vote this Tuesday

Local contests include narrowing Democratic field of candidates in 73rd District Assembly race and Polk County treasurer and county clerk races

BURNETT/WASHBURN COUNTIES – The primary elections are Tuesday, Sept. 9.

Voters locally will be narrowing the field of Democratic candidates for the 73rd Assembly seat being vacated by Frank Boyle of Superior, who is retiring.

Only one of four candidates will survive Tuesday’s primary and will face Independent Jeff Monaghan in the November election.

The 73rd Assembly District encompasses the northern part of Burnett and Washburn counties.

There are also races among two Democratic candidates for Polk County Treasurer (incumbent Amanda Nissen is being challenged by Dave Moore) and Polk County Clerk (Lori Lundquist is challenging Carole Wondra).

Current Polk County Clerk Cathy Albrecht is retiring.

Wisconsin has no voter registration by party - that means any voter can go to the polls Tuesday, Sept. 9 with the choice of voting in the Democratic primary or writing in a name on the ballot of one of the other parties.

Milroy

Tripp

Johnson

Meyers

73rd Assembly District Incumbent Rep. Frank Boyle is retiring after 22 years. Four Democratic candidates seek to succeed him: Vern Johnson (vote4vern.com), Bruce Meyers (bdmeyers.com), Nick Milroy (nickmilroy.com) and Mary Tripp (marytripp.com). All four are from Douglas

County.

Tripp, D-Superior, holds a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Minnesota-Duluth.

She is a graduate of Douglas County’s Leadership Development Program, and has been a faculty member at local colleges for years, as well as SMDC’s marketing coordinator. She has extensive community involvement.

Tripp’s issues are education, keeping quality law enforcement services, supporting Leah’s Law for registering criminals, the Murphy Oil expansion, women’s rights, senior care, shared revenue, lower taxes, historic preservation, supporting the union, health care and education.

Milroy, D-Superior, is a fisheries biologist who did his graduate studies in biology. He has served in the U.S. Navy, and was recently appointed as international representative to the Lake Superior Binational Forum for lake protection.

Milroy has been a Superior City Council alderperson for two terms, and served on a regional board to reduce mercury pollution in the St. Louis River.

Milroy’s key issues are restoring the economy and protecting senior citizens health care, tax relief and energy assistance. He supports universal health care, and protecting the environment, especially eradication of invasive species.

Johnson, D-Superior, is a union man who studied art and science at Bethel College. He has been a firefighter for 20 years, with many years’ experience in real estate sales. He has served on many local boards, and volunteers in an inner-city recovery program.

Johnson’s key issues, if elected, are restoring the economy, universal health care, lowering taxes, education, no entitlement programs for illegal immigrants, responsible gun ownership and collective bargaining for unions. He also would like to introduce a goldenage senior citizens care package.

Meyers, D-Hawthorne, is a former Navy welder who became a teacher. He is Hawthorne’s town chair, helping build a new town hall.

Meyers has experience campaigning for this seat, as he ran against Boyle years ago. He is against legalizing marijuana, and supports health care, economic stimulus, gun rights, campaign finance reform and access to college tuition.

Polk County Clerk Carole T. Wondra of the town of McKinley and Lori Lundquist of the town of West Sweden are on the Democratic primary ballot for Polk County Clerk.

The winner of Tuesday’s primary will face a Republic opponent in November.

Wondra is a lifelong resident of Polk County, growing up on a farm near Lewis.

She is currently resident in the town of McKinley, where she has lived for the last 17-1/2 years. She’s been married

Lundquist

Wondra

for 35 years to Todd, and has two grown children and three grandchildren.

Her work experience has included working at a bank and for the county surveyer and register of deeds. She held the position of property lister for Polk County for 11 years.

“I understand the importance of being on the job, working hard and the value of providing good public service,” she said. “I believe my time spent working for the county laid out a good foundation and prepared me for the clerk’s position. I am very familiar with the county operations and the many facets of its duties.”

Lundquist is also a lifelong resident of Polk County and lives in the town of West Sweden with her husband, Bryan.

They have three grown sons, Nick, Tim and Greg.

Lundquist’s experience includes 22 years as town clerk for West Sweden.

“I’m familiar with elections, noticing meetings, record keeping, payroll, budgets and open meeting rules, plus keeping and following state statutes,” she notes.

Lundquist also works full time as an office manager for a Polk County-based home health agency, where she oversees about 70 employees and many clients.

Lundquist says she is a “self-starter” and enjoys working with the public.

“It is a job that I feel I am well-qualified to do.”

Nissen

Moore

Polk County Treasurer Incumbent Polk County Treasurer Amanda Nissen and challenger Dave Moore are both seeking to be the Democratic candidate for the treasurer’s position in November.

Moore has been a resident of Polk County for the past 30 years. He is married and has a daughter who graduated from Unity and two married stepsons.

DiLoretto out on bond

SIREN – Anthony DiLoreto, 18, Minnetonka, Minn., was released from Burnett County jail on a $12,000 signature bond with $5,000 of it in a cash bond after a Tuesday, Aug. 26, bail hearing.

DiLoreto, who stands 7’ 1” tall, was a standout center for Hopkins basketball team was to play for California Polytecnic State University, Cal Poly, on a basketball scholarship. His bond agreement does allow for him to travel to California. Other requirements of his bond hearing is that he have no contact with Bremer Bank, its employees or customers, possess no firearms and not travel outside of the U.S. DiLoretto is charged with robbing a financial institution as a party to a crime, with the maximum sentence of 40-years in prison and/or $100,000 fine, and possission of a short-barreled shotgun or rifle, with a maximum sentence of six years in prison and/or $40,000.

The charges stem from a botched armed robbery of

Bremer Bank in Danbury on Saturday, Aug. 16. DiLoreto drove the getaway car and owned the short-barrel shotgun that was used in the robbery.

DiLoreto was to stay with the car, but in information from an interview included in the police report, DiLoreto described waiting a long time in the car and then going to the bank to Anthony DiLoreto inquire about opening a student checking account.

When he didn’t see his accomplice, he left and put gas in his car at Log Cabin Store. He drove off without paying for gas. Then,

Before coming to Polk County, Moore graduated from Kansas University, and has been employed by the state of Kansas, Green Lake County, Wis., and Mirro Manufacturing. He has enjoyed a career with Polk County Department of Human Services for the past 30 years, and has extensive knowledge of county policies and procedures.

Moore was elected to the Unity School Board in 1991, and through that service, is presently the chair of Cooperative Education Service Agency 11, commonly known as CESA. He also has been a village trustee for Balsam Lake, Boy Scout leader, community club member and a Kinship volunteer.

Moore says he’s “always interested in fiscal responsibility.” He serves as the treasurer of the Unity School Board. In this capacity he oversees the budget expenditures and audit committee.

“I’m excited to be running for Polk County Treasurer and believe my knowledge and experience will serve the Polk County public very well,” he noted.

Amanda Nissen of Dresser is the current Polk County Treasurer. She was originally appointed in March 2003 by the Polk County Board of Supervisors after the previous treasurer, David Anderson, retired. She was then reelected in the November 2004 and 2006 elections.

A graduate of University of Wisconsin, she has a degree in business administration with a minor in economics and feels she has valuable experience for the position. Before being appointed treasurer, she worked at Polk County in the department of administration, and prior to that worked in Minnesota calculating property taxes.

Her background also includes bookkeeping, accounting, customer service and management positions. The accounting and bookkeeping experience is vital to the job, both in tax calculation and in the basic office responsibilities.

In today’s world of budget cuts, Nissen still sees technology as a means to serve the taxpayers while maintaining a low overhead. The treasurer’s department Web site has evolved during the previous five years. The Web site allows the public 24 hour access to all the basic tax information – including current and the previous five years of records; payment information; owner information and more.

Another new use of technology has been utilizing the Internet to help the county invest and manage its funds.

Nissen is a member of the Laketown Lutheran Church and an assistant Girl Scout Leader for a local troop. She is also a member of the Government Finance Officers Association and Wisconsin County Treasurer’s Association and on the State Treasurer Advisory Committee. She is a graduate of Luck High School and grew up in the Cushing area. Nissen and her husband, Dean, live in rural Osceola Township

when he saw a police car going towards the bank, he drove back to Minnetonka, Minn.

In the same police report, the juvenile accomplice described watching the bank from tall grass for some time. Finally, he entered the bank and committed the robbery. When he exited the bank with about $1,000 in cash, he couldn’t find the getaway car and started walking. He was arrested a short time later along Hwy. 77. He is expected to be in court next week. It is believed that there will be an attempt to try him as an adult.

According to the St. Paul Pioneer Press, the status of DiLoreto’s scholarship is unclear. The final decision will be by the Cal Poly and its athletic director.

DiLoreto’s initial appearance is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 12. – Sherill Summer

PAGE 6 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - SEPTEMBER 3, 2008

B U R N E T T

C O U N T Y

H E A D L I N E S

B l o m be r g r e c r u i te d f o r R e p u b l i c a n c o n v e n t i o n s er v i c e

by Priscilla Bauer GRANTSBURG- Burnett County Supervisor Brent Blomberg will be taking on an entirely different kind of political scene this week when he reports for duty at the Republican National Convention in St. Paul, Minn.

Blomberg will be at the RNC as part of the convention’s security team.

So how does one of Burnett County’s own get a gig like the RNC? As Blomberg explained it was through his part-time job doing security for Twin Cities sporting events that convention officials got his name. “I have been doing security at the Vikings games for five years, and that’s how I was recruited,” said Blomberg.

When Blomberg got the call asking him if he would be interested in working security for the convention, he at first turned them down due to a sched-

Brent Blomberg ule conflict. The Burnett County Comprehensive Planning Committee kickoff meeting with officials from eleven towns, two villages and their

consultant was scheduled that week. “It was more important that I be there than at the RNC,” said Blomberg.

However, when Burnett County Administrator Candace Fitzgerald graciously rescheduled the meeting so Blomberg could work for the RNC, he didn’t hesitate to accept. “It was a great honor to be asked to serve.”

Before he could be officially on board as part of the team, Blomberg had to go through an extensive background check.

Once cleared, Blomberg went through training at the Xcel Energy Center where the convention is held.

Blomberg remarked he was impressed with the well-planned and organized preparations for the convention. “We received excellent and thorough training.”

When Blomberg takes his position at the convention this week he will be

dressed to blend in. His attire, a black suit coat complete with official RNC security patch and gray trousers was ready to be picked up in Minneapolis two weeks ago and after some minor tailoring, is ready to don as his official uniform for the week.

Asked if he will be trying to get some autographs and photos during the convention, Blomberg replied, “I don’t think that would go over very well. That is not part of my protocol.”

While Blomberg said he is excited to be a part of this historic event and the chance to see presidential candidate John McCain and other Republican notables, he is very clear on why he is there. “I was hired to be part of the background and to provide security. I take this job very seriously and I will do my best to keep everyone around me safe.”

Danbury wastewater treatment facility receives approval from county

by Sherill Summer SIREN – A wastewater treatment facility, already under construction, received approval from the county land use and information committee, and will be completed in 2009.

A conditional permit was needed for the facility, which is being built on Lake 26 Road. It’s part of a project to install

water and sewer in Danbury.

Chairman of the joint water quality commission of Danbury, Marshall Hill, said that the treatment-facility plans have been looked at closely by the DNR, Park Service and the state of Wisconsin because of the proximity of the facility to Governor Knowles State Forest and the St. Croix River.

Already the land has been cleared and concrete is being poured.

Hill explained that the joint water commission had been in contact with Burnett County Zoning Administrator Jim Flanigan in 2003 and tried to get in contact with him more recently, to get this conditional permit, but Flanigan was under the impression that the treat-

ment facility was going to be built on tribal land and no conditional permit was needed.

The matter of water tower that will be built in Danbury will come before the committee next month.

Webster man receives 30-day sentence for burglary Two other men are expected to plea later this month for this burglary along with ice-shack burglaries

by Sherill Summer SIREN – An 18-year-old Webster man will spend 30 days in the Burnett County Jail after pleading no contest to a theft charge as a party to a crime.

Jesse Bentley

Jesse E. V. Bentley was also charged with entry into a building, construction site or room, but that charge was dismissed.

The sentence stems from a

February 2008 burglary in Meenon Township, allegedly with two other men, Robert Deal, 24, Grantsburg, and Adam Evans, 19, Webster. Plea dates are scheduled for Evans and Deal later this month.

Evans and Deal are also charged with ice-shack burglaries last winter on Clam Lake, and each face 17 charges of theft and one charge of entry into a building.

All three men are responsible for joint

restitution, but the amount is yet to be finalized.

The state, however, is requesting $3,592.

Bentley began his sentence on Tuesday, Aug. 19. He was granted Huber release at the discretion of the jail staff. He may apply for the expunging of his record when his is 21, and he must pay a fine of $88.

SEPTEMBER 3, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 7

Polk County Tourism at the state fair

Polk County Tourism Council members, (L to R): Roxanne C. White, Gail Peavey, Polk County Extension and William F. Johnson IV, discuss the recreational opportunities of Polk County with Minnesota State Fair visitors at the Wisconsin Department of Tourism booth. Also volunteering in the booth during the day to promote Polk County were Robert Kazmierski, Polk County Community Resource and Economic Development agent, Dean Dversdall and Herb Lundberg from the Ice Age Park and Trail Foundation—Indianhead Chapter. – Photo submitted POLK COUNTY – The Polk County Tourism Council shared a booth at the Minnesota State Fair with the Wisconsin Department of Tourism, promoting the recreational opportunities just 40 minutes away from the Twin Cities.

As part of Minnesota’s sesquicentennial celebration, Bayfield’s Big Top Chautauqua produced a special tentshow presentation of Minnesota history, and the Department of Tourism was included to promote Wisconsin.

The Polk County Tourism Council, along with the city of St. Croix Falls, the Ice Age Park and Trail Foundation, and the northwest International Trade, Business, and Economic Development Corporation had volunteers staffing the Wisconsin booth on Thursday, Aug. 28.

This is the first time Wisconsin has been invited to have a booth at the Minnesota State Fair, and it was a unique opportunity for Polk County to be able to distribute its promotional material to the market most likely to visit the local area.

The tourism industry generated $75.3 million in Polk County in 2007 and $12.78 billion, statewide.

Fair attendance that day was 116,143, and the booth was very busy, from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m.

Geno Cummings, Frederic, on his way up a 60-ft. pole as part of the Ironjack Timber Team show at the Minnesota State Fair, Aug. 21 – Sept.

1.

Geno Cummings (R) competing in the log roll, one of several events that make up lumberjack competition. Cummings was involved in four performances a day throughout the run of the Minnesota State Fair, and was booked to appear the following week at the Republican National Convention in St. Paul, Minn. – Photo submitted

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

L e a d e r We b Po l l

Last week’s poll results

Total votes: 22

My children are enrolled:

59% 0% 18% 23%

13 votes In our local school district 0 votes Neighboring/other district 4 votes College/tech school 5 votes Home school/virtual school

Short shelf life for policital scandal

This week’s question

The issue of Sarah Palin’s daughter: 1.

2.

3.

4.

F O R U M

Will cost the GOP ticket votes Will create votes for the GOP ticket Won’t affect the election either way Who’s Sarah Palin?

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

Perhaps the most disturbing aspect of the news about the daughter of John McCain’s running mate - besides the news itself - is the fact it overshadowed a hurricane, the Republican National Convention, Iraq - and may end up dogging the presidential election itself.

Some voters have a short memory - and that can be a good thing.

But in light of all the sideshows the media is focusing on today, it might be good to revisit our history, in order to remind ourselves - if nothing else - that scandals in politics seem to have a short shelf life.

The list of scandals is a long and entertaining one, some involving simple embarrasments and some involving serious charges. Some didn’t even make the news.

In the past 50 years it ranges from a bootlegging business run by JFK’s father (not to mention JFK’s own questionable personal life), to Ronald Reagan’s divorce and parenting skills. We’ve endured headlines about Jimmy Carter’s brother, Monica Lewinski’s dress and most recently been forced to relive McCain’s involvement in the Keating scandal, Joe Biden’s alleged plagiarism, and Barack Obama’s strange allegiance to a pastor who liked to substitute the word d**n for bless in the the phrase “God bless, America.”

In the end, it comes down to forgiveness - and, if your gut tells you a candidate is your candidate - you can forgive a lot.

Good judgment - or lack of it - on the part of candidates, sometimes plays a factor in who we vote for - but judging by our history - it doesn’t seem to matter much.

Perhaps the most important aspect of disclosure in the case of GOP vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin - is not whether it results in won or lost votes but that it focuses attention on teenage pregnancy. A topic Obama mentioned in his convention speech, in case you missed it.

Any upside to heating fuels?

Five months ago, our Leader poll question - as informal and unscientific as it is - brashly asked how much money homeowners had spent on heating their house last winter.

A total of 79 Web site visitors responded, with 21 saying they paid $800 to $1,200, 26 saying $1,200 to $1,600 and 11 saying “higher.” That left about 21 less than a third - saying they spent $800 or less.

According to Associated Press, the average cost for heating a home last year in Wisconsin was $794. For us here in the northwest part of the state, we can only guess that the balmy temperatures in southern Wisconsin brought the average down.

For this coming heating season, there’s gloomy news. A 20- to 30-percent increase in natural gas heating costs is forecasted. In fact, there are dramatic increases for nearly every type of fuel, unless you own a large tract of forest and can cut the wood you burn. But just remember - the gas to run your chain saw will cost more.

An interesting upside note is a headline from Ladysmith, where ground was broken recently for a $7 million wood-pellet manufacturing plant, being built by a partnership of wood product companies, including Midwest Forest Products in Hayward.

Besides new jobs - 15 full-time tech and management jobs - the pellet mill is expected to create about 60 temporary jobs - and will support loggers and truckers during its operation.

Tagged by one analyst as “the ugly sister of biofuels,” the wood pellet resembles rabbit chow and is created from sawdust and other wood waste from sawmills, furniture making plants and paper mills. It’s not at the top of the green alternative fuels, but in Canada they’ve discovered that Europe relies on them to reduce reliance on coal. Last year Canada shipped 700,000 tons of pellets to help fuel the “green revolution” in the Netherlands and Belgium.

Where will the pellet lead northern Wisconsin?

Long live WITC

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

Kudos to WITC, which recently held an open house to welcome a new president, Dr. Robert Meyer, and to celebrate continued success in the education business.

WITC’s classes are full again this fall - and its future remains bright despite challenging economic times because “industries are looking for skilled workers to replace baby boomers who will be retiring in the next few years,” according to a recent article in the New Richmond News.

Meyer hopes to present an updated plan for WITC by July of next year, after visiting the school’s campuses across northwestern Wisconsin.

Better marketing of WITC’s programs to high school students who are studying their postsecondary options - will likely be part of that plan.

One of the hurdles the school is facing involves the state Legislature’s capping of spending for capital improvement projects - at $1 million a year. WITC is outgrowing its facility at New Richmond and hopes to expand that campus.

From its humble beginnings in 1978, WITC has outlived and overshadowed its critics - and offers an attractive alternative for graduates and adults seeking specialized career training.

Long live WITC.

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

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

T h e

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

All editorials on this page by Gary King

Cooperative:

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

L e a d e r

i s

a

SEPTEMBER 3, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 9

Candidate for clerk In response to last week’s editorial, I would like to offer your readers and the voters of Polk County an opportunity to know a little bit about myself, the other candidate for Polk County clerk.

My name is Carole T. Wondra. I am a lifelong resident of Polk County. I grew up on a farm outside of Lewis and currently resident in the town of McKinley, where I have lived for the last 17-1/2 years. I have been married for 35 years to Todd, and have two grown children, plus three grandchildren.

My work experience has taken me in many different directions, from the Bremer Bank in Frederic, to the Polk County Government Center. While employed at Polk County, I worked for the register of deeds and the county surveyor. I spent 11 years in the Polk County treasurer’s office, where I held the position of Polk County property lister.

I believe my time spent working for the county laid out a good foundation and prepared me for the clerk’s position. I am very familiar with the county operations, and the many facets of its duties. I understand the importance of being on the job, working hard and the value of providing good public service.

I am confident and committed to the challenges of the clerk’s office. I bring a wealth of energy and experience, tools necessary to run an effective and efficient office.

Please vote Tuesday, Sept. 9.

Carole T. Wondra Candidate for Polk County clerk Town of McKinley

Buy locally During a time when many are worried about the rising prices of fuel and food, local citizens, businesses and institutions are taking the opportunity to spend more of their dollars on local products. Buying locally not only saves gas money; it is also an investment in the future of our communities, as those dollars will continue to circulate in the area.

On Thursday, Sept. 11, you can support local farmers and businesses by participating in Dine Fresh, Dine Local, a celebration of local foods in the St. Croix River Valley that will take place in area restaurants. That day, stop by any participating restaurant—including the Dalles House, the Buzz, and the Dam Bistro in St. Croix Falls, Café Wren in Luck, Tangled Up in Blue in Taylors Falls, and Eichten’s Market and Café in Center City, Minn., to enjoy fresh, locally grown foods and register to win prizes. For more details and a complete restaurant list, visit www.dinefreshdinelocal.

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

com.

The Eat Local Wisconsin Challenge is also a great way to get involved. From Sept. 5 through the 14th, challenge participants will pledge to spend 10 percent of their food budgets on local products—which shouldn’t be too difficult for many of us during the peak of the harvest season. To sign up and to find information, visit more www.eatlocalwisconsin.com.

Please consider using your power as a consumer to strengthen our local economy, through these events and whenever you make a purchase.

Arianne Peterson and Julie Hildebrand VISTA Volunteers, St. Croix Falls Buy Local Initiative St. Croix Falls

Israel will defend itself Something has to be done now! The government of Iran has publically declared its intent to destroy the state of Israel, and will use nuclear weapons to do it.

Preparations are well under way to create a nuclear bomb. The outcome is a holocaust.

The madness of Iran’s president must be stopped! If the U.S. and U.N. do not get “real” about Iran, Israel will have no choice but to defend itself against a promised, nuclear attack.

This news was reported in Saturday’s Jerusalem Post (with Associated Press): “Israel will not allow Iran to attain nuclear capability and if time begins to run out, Jerusalem will not hesitate to take whatever means necessary to prevent Iran from achieving its nuclear goals, the government has recently decided in a special discussion.

“According to the Israeli daily Ma’ariv...Jerusalem has begun preparing for a separate, independent military strike. “‘Right now, nearly 4,000 centrifuges are operating at Natanz (Iran)...Currently, 3,000 other centrifuges are being installed,’ said Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Ali Reza Sheikh Attar.”

Please contact your representatives in D.C. to do something now–before it’s too late.

Wayne Anderson West Sweden

A Saturday to remember Gratitude to all the folks at Pilgrim Lutheran Church in Frederic, for their involvement in putting on the secondannual harvest dinner. The youth did a terrific job as servers (thanks Zachary), and the food was wonderful. We appre-

WITC offers traffificc safety classes RICE LAKE - Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College is dedicated to improving the safety on Wisconsin's roadways. Whether it be for new drivers, motorcycle enthusiasts, or those wishing to examine their driving behavior, WITC is certified by the Department of Transportation to provide traffic safety programs within the state of Wisconsin.

WITC Rice Lake continuing education is offering the motorcycle safety basic rider course. The 16-hour class, which is designed to teach the beginner or experienced rider safe techniques in riding a motorcycle, consists of six hours of classroom and 10 hours on-cycle instruction. Passing the basic rider course waives the driving test when

applying for a Class M license at the DMV. The registration fee for fall classes is $208.54.

WITC Rice Lake also offers Traffic Safety for Point Reduction class. This class is designed for persons concerned about safe, defensive driving as well as those persons in need of point reduction. Upon successful completion of this course, a person can have a three-point reduction in any point total accumulated against his/her WI driving record, if they have not used this option in the past three years. The registration fee is $46.62.

Preregistration is required. For more information on these classes, call WITC Rice Lake at 715-234-7082, ext. 5257. from WITC

ciate all the work that went into planning, preparing, serving and cleanup.

Another successful effort.

Oh yes, the horses. We want to recognize Wendy Larsen and Frontier Stables for an enjoyable afternoon of horseback riding through the quiet woods on a perfect Saturday. Thanks, Wendy.

Rich and Nancy Hess Trade Lake

Suggestions Before the Polk County Board repeats the mistakes made by the majority of the previous board in adopting a seriously flawed budget, there are some things that could be considered.

Polk County Tourist Information Center – Funding should be cut and the tourism council should be told to raise their money from other sources. In 2005, the county allocation to the tourist information center was $123,500 and the value of tourism in Polk County, according to the State Department of Tourism Web site, was $69,104,378. In 2006, the funding allocation was reduced to $60,000 and the value of tourism jumped to $76,441,615. In 2007, the allocation was nearly doubled to $118,650 and the value of tourism fell to $75,298,626. One could reasonably argue that the less the county allocates to the tourism information center the higher the value of tourism in Polk County. Clearly the county could cut funding to the tourist information center and there would be no noticeable impact on the dollar value of tourism in Polk County. People visit Polk County for many reasons, most of which have nothing to do with the tourist information center.

Polk County Library – None of the Wisconsin counties that border Polk County have a fully staffed library facility funded by county tax levy dollars.

These are nice, hardworking people who do a very good job at a task that is simply not required of county government.

Polk County Department of Public Health – The health department provides home nursing care to Polk County residents. Washburn County got out of this business six or seven years ago.

When asked what happened to their home nursing care customers, I was told that when the county got out of the business, the hospitals and clinics expanded that service to fill the void.

That would happen here. While some will correctly argue that we are legally bound to provide those services to

clients that are legally entitled to them, we would realize a substantial savings if we eliminated the staff and simply paid private providers for only those services required.

Polk County lime quarry – I think the county should get out of the lime crushing business. I believe they should contract annually with a private contractor to crush and stockpile a year’s supply of product. Crushers are extremely expensive and very high maintenance. This would allow us to operate the lime quarry with a loader operator and a bookkeeper/scale operator. This operation, if kept by the county, should be combined with the highway department to more efficiently utilize staff and equipment. The finance committee should check closely on how much money is being placed in the nonlapsing land acquisition and reclamation accounts at the lime quarry. While it is a good idea to put some money into these important areas of future responsibility, it is not a good idea to use these accounts to hide money from the finance committee.

Highway department – I believe substantial savings could be realized by the highway department becoming a maintenance only-department doing pothole repair, brushing, and right-of-way mowing in the warm seasons and salt sanding and snow removal in the winter and outsourcing the rest of the work to private contractors.

The Department of Administration – Five years ago payroll data was entered in to the computerized payroll program by staff of the Dept of Admin. The current program allows that information to be entered by the bookkeeping staff of the departments. This should have freed up considerable time in the department of administration. With effective administration and time management, this department could do its job with fewer positions.

Polk County has very dedicated employees, and my comments are not intended to be demeaning to any of them. The budget process is tough and requires hard decisions. Board members will be told that none of these things are feasible. However, if all the things I have outlined were implemented, county government would become less expensive and more efficient. How bad is that?

Robert A. Blake Frederic

Harsdorf joins bipartisan effort to advance co-op health care MADISON – State Sen. Sheila Harsdorf joined a bipartisan effort to help emerging health care cooperatives get assistance through a legislative letter to The Wisconsin Partnership Program. The letter is aimed at urging them to support the Wisconsin Federation of Cooperatives’ efforts to advance innovative cooperative health care Harsdorf successfully authored.

A regional cooperative that Harsdorf helped initiate is now moving to provide cooperative care to small businesses in Northwest Wisconsin. A steering committee has formed the beginnings of the Cooperative Health Choices of Western Wisconsin. Information and a survey can be found online at: www.unitedscv.com/chchealth.htm.

“Co-op care can help expand choices and reduce costs for working families and job providers,” said Harsdorf.

“Emerging cooperatives can benefit from the expertise and resources WFC offers.”

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

Health care cooperatives have been held up as a model for national reform and drawn bipartisan praise. The first statewide cooperative, designed by the WFC for farmers and agribusinesses, exceeded expectations, with over 2,000 members at the end of its first year. The one-year-anniversary celebration in Eau Claire drew praise from state lawmakers, including state Sen. Jon Erpenbach, D-Middleton, who called this cooperative a “shining example” and initiated the letter to The Wisconsin Partnership Program.

“The recent local efforts by chambers, business leaders, and the St. Croix Economic Development Corporation are to be applauded,” said Harsdorf.

“They are working to bring about change in how health care is delivered, to benefit working families and job providers. Improving choice, affordability, and access to health care is critical to helping our region’s economy.” – from the office of Sen. Harsdorf

n e w s p a p e r

PAGE 10 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - SEPTEMBER 3, 2008

Charges pending in camp death

by Sherill Summer TRADE LAKE – Soon after the miraculous finding of Keith Kennedy who walked away from Trade Lake Camp in June, a camper was found dead at the same camp on Friday, July 18.

Shirley Meade, 50, Cottage Grove, Minn., was found in a chair in the camp dining room at approximately 12:30 a.m. Friday, July 18. She reportedly had been placed there by camp staff, who had been watching out for her medical condition. No one at the camp had contacted medical professionals.

The Burnett County Sheriff’s Department investigation has determined that the cause of death of

Meade’s death was that she was given the wrong dose of Clozapine, a drug intended for a different camper, during the routine morning medication dispensation on Thursday, July 17.

Clozapine is used in the management of psychotic disorders, including schizophrenia.

Camp owner Peggy A. Hjelseth, 67, Roseville, Minn., was the one who dispensed the medication, and according to a press release from the Burnett County Sheriff’s Department, the mistake was discovered within 30 minutes.

However, Hjelseth failed to request medical assistance, choosing instead to let Meade “sleep it off.”

Meade slept most of the day and received additional injuries during the day when she fell. The additional injuries were also not reported to medical personnel.

Meade’s condition deteriorated throughout the day, and she died in the early morning of July 18.

Autopsy results have listed overdose as the primary cause of death with blunt force injures of the extremities and blunt force head injury as additional factors.

Sheriff Roland said at press conference Wednesday morning, Sept. 3, that Hjelseth admitted that she “screwed up.”

The results of the investigation have been forwarded to the Burnett County District Attorney Bill Norine for review, and he will determine the exact charges that Hjelseth will face, if any. The sheriff’s department, however, has suggested Hjelseth be charged with firstdegree reckless homicide.

The state license for Trade Lake Camp has been suspended, closing the camp until the investigation has been complete. Now that charges are pending against the owner, it is unlikely the camp will reopen.

Area Ne ws at a Glance Two killed in South Dakota crash PINE CITY, Minn. - Two Pine City residents were killed in a two-vehicle crash while driving through South Dakota on Wednesday afternoon, Aug. 27. Marilyn Broz, 80, was pronounced dead at the scene in Deuel County on Hwy. 212, 27 miles east of Watertown. Lonnie Johnson, 86, was transported to Prairie Lakes Hospital in Watertown and later died from injuries. Johnson's 84-yearold wife, Shirley, was a passenger in the car, and she was treated for non-lifethreatening injuries. According to a release from the South Dakota Department of Public Safety, Lonnie Johnson was driving a 1998 Buick Park Avenue traveling west on Hwy. 212 at 1:50 p.m. The vehicle drifted into the oncoming lane into the path of a 2007 Volvo TT driven by Marlin Fenner of Milbank, S.D. Fenner was traveling east on the highway, and he attempted to avoid the crash by driving into the south ditch. Johnson's vehicle collided with the rear portion of Fenner’s trailer, causing Fenner's car to roll onto its side.

Fenner was treated for non-life-threatening injuries. The Johnsons and Broz, who is Shirley's sister, were on their way to visit the Johnsons' daughter who lives in South Dakota. – Pine City Pioneer Missing tubers found PIERCE COUNTY - Two tubers who had gone missing on the Kinnickinnic River Monday evening were found by Pierce County authorities Tuesday morning. Vanessa Moore, 18, Amery, and Suzanne Reiter, 24, River Falls, were part of a group of five people who left River Falls on inner tubes on the river at around 5 p.m., heading to a take-out location near Pierce CTH F near the Kinnickinnic State Park, a dis-

The Threat of the Emerald Ash Borer

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ne of the greatest threats to our state comes from invasive species. Whether they come from land, in the air or in our lakes and rivers, these creatures pose a significant risk to Wisconsin. Many have exotic sounding names like zebra mussels or are referred to by their initials, such as VHS, but in the end the names, all mean the same thing – trouble.

The latest foreign creature to make its way to the Badger State is the emerald ash borer, which has been found in multiple counties in the southeastern part of the state. While these sightings are a long way from our neck of the woods, the very presence of this species within our borders is cause for concern.

The emerald ash borer is a type of beetle native to eastern Russia and Asia and most likely made its way to our

tance of approximately five to six miles.

According to a report from the Pierce County Sheriff's Department, the group became separated with three of the tubers making it to the take-out spot at around 10:30 p.m. Authorities were notified and Pierce County deputies began a search, but rough terrain, darkness and limited access to areas hampered efforts. A daytime search was conducted by the Prescott and River Falls fire and ambulance services along with the Pierce County Sheriff's Department and River Falls Police Department. The pair where found uninjured at around 7 a.m., about one mile east of CTH F. According to Pierce County authorities, the two had stayed along the river through the night. Pierce County officials said that the search was aided by several private citizens who provided access and knowledge of the search area. – rivertowns.net

one-year trial basis. ATV riders could connect with an existing ATV route on Cable Sunset road west of Hwy. 63, which connects with ATV routes in the Sawyer County town of Lenroot. After 1-1/2 hours of debate, a motion by supervisor Robert Lang to approve the route request failed due to a lack of a second from Supervisor Susan Benson.

Chairman Larry Ludzack abstained due to a conflict of interest as a business owner. He said he “would like to see portions of Randysek Road” opened to ATVS, but “would rather keep them in the woods.” Benson then moved to continue the discussion with the ATV club and to get input from area residents and taxpayers via a survey sent out by the town planning commission. The survey will use questions developed with the help of ATV clubs and other user groups. The motion passed. Great Divide Riders ATV Club President Tom Frels said the club’s goal is to establish a trail system that benefits the local businesses and provides a safe and ecologically responsible ATV trail system that connects with trail systems in other counties. Cable area resident Shellie Milford said the town needs to focus on adopting its comprehensive land use plan before considering ATV routes.

“By doing so, input could and should be obtained from a variety of user groups, Cable residents and business owners,” she said. – Sawyer County Record (haywardwi.com)

ATV route debated CABLE - A discussion of whether allowing all-terrain vehicle riders to drive their machines to downtown Cable would be good or bad for local businesses and the community drew about 40 people for a lengthy heated debate at the Cable Township Board’s Aug. 20 meeting. At issue was a request from the Great Divide ATV Riders Club to open an ATV route into the Cable residential and business district from the southeast, from the Sawyer County line on Randysek Road to Phillipi Road to Kavanaugh Street, north on Kavanaugh 400 feet to the top of a hill, then turning west on private property to the old railroad grade, north to Brakken Street to CTH M and the businesses in that vicinity. The 1-1/2-mile segment, mostly blacktopped, would be opened on a

Probation for threats to judge SUPERIOR - A Poplar man pleaded no contest to charges of threatening a Douglas County judge Thursday, Aug. 29. Richard E. Olaf, 42, of Poplar was charged with one county felony battery or threat to a judge and a misdemeanor

country in wood packaging. The larvae of the beetle feed under the bark of ash trees and cut off flow of water and nutrients to the tree.

Infected trees gradually die over a period of two to four years.

Ann The emerald ash Hraychuck borer poses a significant threat to Wisconsin, which 28th has an estimated Assembly 727 million ash trees.

As of January, the emerald ash borer had been discovered in a number of states and Canadian provinces including Michigan and Illinois.

Currently the Department of Natural

Resources has taken steps to quarantine the movement of firewood and other timber products in the area of the state where the beetle has been discovered.

Those counties include Ozaukee, Sheboygan, Fond du Lac and Washington counties.

DNR officials are also surveying areas in and around these counties to determine the extent of the infestation.

Although this is the only known finding of the emerald ash borer to date, it could easily be in other parts of the state already.

One thing we can do to help stop the spread of this particular pest is to be mindful of where we get and burn firewood. It is strongly recommended that you only burn firewood that comes from the area in which you are camping. It is also extremely important not to transport firewood from state to state or county to county. While it might not seem like much, taking this one small step can go a long way toward limiting

charge of harassment against Douglas County Circuit Court Judge George Glonek. The offenses stem from a May 25, 2007, court hearing during which Olaf made threatening remarks after Glonek made a ruling during a family dispute hearing involving Olaf. Olaf entered a no contest plea on both charges. He entered a deferred prosecution agreement in connection with the felony, and was given two years probation and 30 days in jail for the misdemeanor. He’s been ordered to complete anger management and have no contact with Glonek or his family. The court also granted a four-year order of protection for the judge and his family. – Superior Daily Telegram

Follow the Leader.

Resurfacing of Hwy. 87 to begin Monday GRANTSBURG – Hwy. 87 from Grantsburg south to Cushing will be a smooth and pleasant ride come mid-to-late October. Until then, drivers will have to contend with road construction.

Resurfacing of the highway will begin Monday, Sept. 8. The project is expected to be complete by the end of October, weather permitting.

The road will be open to traffic throughout construction. – Sherill Summer the spread of this species.

We must all be vigilant and take the extra steps necessary to protect and preserve our environment. In this part of the state, hunting, fishing and camping aren’t just recreation activities, they are a way of life. We cannot afford a future with dirty water, poisoned fish and dead trees.

You can find additional information about the emerald ash borer online at: www.emeraldashborer.wi.gov. If you suspect an infestation of emerald ash borer, please contact the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection immediately by calling 800462-2803 or e-mailing DATCPEmeraldAshBorer@wisconsin.g ov.

As always, please feel free to contact me if you have questions about this topic or any legislative matter via phone at 888-529-0028 or e-mail at rep.hraychuck@legis.wi.gov.

Tour of new school

Spooner High School Principal Robert Kinderman took citizens on a tour of the new high school site on CTH A. Above is one of the academic wings.

This road behind the school building connects the high school to the elementary school, making a quicker trip for buses. Next to the road is Rumpskinner Hill, which will still be open for sledding after the new school is finished.

This is the gymnasium, which Kinderman said can be sectioned off for different classes, unlike the gym at the current high school. There will also be a separate wrestling practice room and fitness center.

The new school will have an auditorium, and the frame for the stage is the first part that has gone up. High school Principal Robert Kinderman said he hopes the drama club performs the musical “Oklahoma!” as its first production when everything is finished.

Photos by Regan Kohler

This train depot is the entrance to the athletic fields. This will house the game admissions, bathrooms and concessions. It enters onto the 50-yard line of the football field, which will also have an area for soccer and an eight-lane track. The stadium will seat over 1,000 people.

Morph Your Mind Environmental Education series ends the season

by Mary Ellen Ryall SHELL LAKE — On Wednesday, Aug. 27, Lisa Gabriel, invasive species specialist at the Land and Water Conservation Department, along with Dave Vold, of Shell Lake City Hall, gave a tour of the Shoreline Restoration Program near Lakefront Pavilion. Afterwards, attendees visited Bob and Jeff Peterson’s native shoreline restoration at their summer home on Shell Lake.

It was a delight to see little frogs scattering among the tall native grasses of bluestem and rye grass. Bob Peterson says, “I hear lots of them in Peepers Swamp,”

(L to R): Dave Vold, Lisa Gabriel, Jeff Peterson, and Shannon Reinert at the Shoreline Restoration Program near Lakefront Pavilion.

RIGHT - Peterson’s eagle was hand-carved from a tree that died in the lake flood.

Wool grass grows within Bob Peterson’s shoreline native habitat.

and

Jeff

which is across the street from the cabin.

Unfortunately, the group gathered was visiting too early for their serenade. Boneset, prairie coreopsis, goldenrod, smartweed, black-eyed Susan, and wool grass delighted visitors. Bare lawns and sand beaches tend to erode without the deep root system of native plants along shoreline. Bob commented, “I have more

time to fish now that I don’t mow a lawn.” Both Petersons commented on how the Canada geese don’t normally visit their shoreline. Geese may be wary of predators in tall grass. That adds another environmental benefit to native shoreline restoration. The geese are also not dirtying up the lake at this shoreline.

Dirty water invites another environmental problem called duckweed.

The Petersons also told their guests about the martins. Jeff put up a martin house, and within minutes the birds arrived to enjoy what the native grasses served up. Grasses are the habitat of dragonflies.

Martins are great insect birds eating mayflies, mosquitoes and even dragonflies.

Restoring shoreline habitat has many benefits.

Birds, frogs, butterflies, dragonflies, bees and other insects abound in native habitat. Isn’t this one of the

Photos by Mary Ellen Ryall reasons we moved to this part of the country? Aren’t we here for the nature? In that case, it makes sense for each of us to protect this precious gift of water and natural native habitat. After all, they were here before us as a wise elder, Margaret Lynk, once stated.

Happy Tonics Inc., is an environmental and educational organization and a public charity. The nonprofit organization hosted the Morph Your Mind series this summer. To learn more about their mission visit Happy Tonics on the Internet at www.happytonics.org.

Two welcomed to staff at BMC GRANTSBURG - Burnett Medical Center is proud to announce the addition of two medical professionals to their staff. They will begin seeing patients on Monday, Sept. 8. BMC’s full staff of family practice providers serves the community and surrounding area.

Family practice physician, Dr. Adeola Jolayemi, will begin seeing patients in the BMC clinic. Her residency was completed at Underwood Memorial Hospital, Woodbury, N.J., and her M.D. from Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia. Jolayemi and her husband, James, reside in Grantsburg with their three sons.

Adriana Addison, vertified nurse practitioner, will provide family practice services at the BMC clinic. She and her husband, John, live in Grantsburg.

A d d i s o n Adriana Addison graduated from the College of St. Scholastica, Duluth, Minn.

Gordy L e w i s , BMC CEO stated, “We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Adeola Jolayemi a n d Adriana Addison, CNP, and Dr. Adeola Jolayemi their loved ones to our team and to our community. They are a welcomed addition to our full comple-

ment of dedicated health care professionals at Burnett Medical Center.”

Lewis added that, “We are proud of our rich heritage and legacy of continuous service to the communities served since 1930. While we recognize that those we serve have a choice in health care, we want everyone to know that we stand ready to make available valued, quality health care that our patients can depend upon, close to home, right here, right now.” - from BMC

Cheerleaders hold fundraiser

by Sherill Summer WEBSTER – The Webster cheerleading squad is determined to start the 2009 year in Florida, now that Ashley Clay has won a spot on the AllAmerican cheerleader squad that will perform during the Capital One Bowl halftime show.

Cheerleading coach Shirley Tyson would like all of Webster’s cheerleaders to join Clay in Florida to watch her perform. Naturally, there are hopes for a trip to Disney World while they are

there.

To finance this trip, there will be several fundraisers held around Webster.

A car wash and rummage sale / brat feed were held this past Labor Day weekend, and another, a spaghetti dinner at the community center, is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 14 from 12:30 to 3 p.m. The band, Intensive Care, will perform during the dinner. Clay’s father, Dennis, is a part of the band.

It is not so bad washing cars if it helps finance a trip to Florida.

AllAmerican cheerleader, Ashley Clay, was all smiles this past Saturday, Aug. 30, as she washes a car during a fundraiser held at the administration office in Webster.

The fundraiser is one of several scheduled so that the cheerleaders can travel to Florida this January to watch Clay perform during the Capital One Bowl halftime show.

Only cheerleaders would advertise quite like this. (L to R): Brittany Flatten, Alyssa Payson (top) and Ashley Clay. – Photos by Sherill Summer

Polk County sheriff’s report Accidents Aug. 18, 10:16 a.m., Alden Twp., Hwy. 65, .2 mile north of 28th Avenue, DUANE LEE FOOTE, 68, Blaine, Minn., was traveling northbound on Hwy. 65. He observed a dog in the road directly in his travel lane.

This area of Hwy. 65 has rolling hills and this subject had just crested a hill. As this subject began to slow, he locked the rear wheel, trying to avoid the dog. He eventually laid the cycle down on the left side. The rider came off of the cycle and skidded down the roadway. He came to rest in the northbound travel lane. The cycle slid further, coming to rest on the east shoulder. Driver was injured (wearing helmet) and transported by EMS. Aug. 21, 3:40 p.m., Eureka Twp., Hwy. 35, 20’ north of 180th Street; #1-RODNE L. LABODA, 45, Luck; #2—KRISTEN M. NORLUND, 16, Balsam Lake; Unit 1 was traveling southbound on Hwy. 35 when the driver slowed to make a left turn onto 180th Street. Unit 2 was traveling southbound and rear-ended unit 1. The driver of unit 2 stated she saw his brakes lights and turn signal but couldn’t stop in time.

Aug. 21, 6:01 p.m., Alden

Twp., 10th Avenue, .7 mile east of 210th Street, HEATHER A. KRALEWSKI, 16, New Richmond, was westbound on 10th Avenue. Unit 1 left the roadway after negotiating the curve. Driver of unit 1 stated she swerved to miss a raccoon. Unit 1 entered the north ditch and came to rest in a swamp area.

Driver was cited for failure to maintain control of vehicle.

Aug. 23, 6:01 p.m., Clam Falls Twp., CTH I, 225’ north of Clam Falls Drive, KEITH A. ENGDAHL, 52, St. Croix Falls, was the operator of a motorcycle, traveling in a large group of motorcycles southbound on CTH I near 90th Street. As the cycles slowed for a cycle that went in the ditch, the operator locked his brakes and lost control, rolling the cycle on the highway and was ejected over it.

Driver received serious injuries (not wearing helmet) and was transported by EMS. Driver was cited for OMVWI. Aug. 23, 6:01 p.m., Clam Falls Twp., CTH I, 200’ north of Clam Falls Drive, BROCK D. TULGREN, 33, Osceola, was operating a motorcycle in a large group of other motorcyclists, headed south on CTH I/ and lost control of his motorcycle and went into the ditch, sus-

taining injury to his leg. Driver was not wearing a helmet and was issued a citation for OMVWI. Aug. 25, 10:44 a.m., Eureka Twp., River Rd., 1.8 miles south of Otterslide Road, JOHNNY R. VAUGHN, 60, Hoschton, Ga., was traveling northbound on River Road with a group of motorcyclists. Two to three motorcycles traveled ahead of unit 1 and were slowing down to stop along the road. The driver of unit 1 stated he lost control of his motorcycle by applying too much front brake. The motorcycle, which was towing a trailer, went off the road on the west side down a 30’ embankment.

Driver received injuries (wearing helmet), no EMS. Aug. 27, 10:28 a.m., Lincoln Twp./ CTH F, .5 mile east of CTH C, #1 - OSCAR O. PUHAL, 96, Amery, #2-RANDY L. SCHMIDT, 22, Cumberland; Unit 1 was traveling east on CTH F. Unit 2 was parked on the south side of CTH F, facing east.

Unit 1 struck the rear of unit 2’s trailer on the front passenger side of unit 1. Unit 1 skidded sideways and rolled into the north ditch of CTH F and came to rest on its roof. Driver Puhal received a minor injury (wearing seat belt/transported by EMS)

and was cited for operating without a valid driver’s license.

Driver Schimdt was cited for improper parking on the roadway.

Other Incidents Aug. 10, GLORIA R. VAN RUDEN, Maplewood, Minn., reported the theft of a boat motor cover taken from a boat lift at their property in rural Balsam Lake.

Aug. 11, ARTHUR W. MARTIN, RR Frederic, reported the

theft of a Giant Mountain Bike, two gas cans and a receiver hitch from his property.

Aug. 14, VERNON BORST, Somerset, reported the theft of his 1996 Johnson 25 h.p. boat motor from his property, White Ash Lake.

Aug. 15, KEVIN KRARUP, Deer Park, reported the theft of his 14 h.p. Honda generator.

Aug. 18, JOEL D. ANDERSON, RR Frederic, reported the theft of his Samsung Wafer (candy bar style) cell phone

from his vehicle while parked in the village of Frederic.

Aug. 24, ERIC MORTENSEN, RR Amery, reported the theft of three digital trail cameras from his property.

Aug. 27, Mailboxes owned by WAYNE L. JOHNSON and PATSY L. PEPPENGER, 140th Street, rural Frederic, along with several other mailboxes in that location were vandalized during the late night/early-morning hours.

Polk County marriage licenses Katherine R. Palmer, no town given, and David A. Shipley, Osceola, Aug. 25.

Ashley K. L. Gates, Laketown, and Joseph D. Bahr, Sterling, Aug. 25.

Elizabeth E. Petersen, White Bear Lake, Minn., and Jeffrey P. Liesch, Luck, Aug. 25.

Sarah J. Olson, Balsam Lake, and Joseph R. Andrews, Balsam Lake, Aug. 25.

Rebecca L. Standaert, Balsam Lake, and David G. Schultz Jr., Centuria, Aug. 25.

Jennifer L. Melahn, Lincoln, and Nathanial M. Dahl,

Osceola, Aug. 25.

Laura E. Ashley, Lino Lakes, Minn., and Ryan T. Hillyer, Lino Lakes, Minn., Aug. 27.

Anne M. Klongerbo, Luck, and Steven M. Schaffer, Luck, Aug. 27.

Heather M. Koller, Star Praire, and Micah D. Hoyt, St. Croix Falls, Aug. 28.

Nicole M. Larsen, Edina, Minn., and Bjorn P. Larson, Edina, Minn., Aug. 29.

Danielle L. Moore, Springfield, Mass., and Shaun C. Sipple, Springfield, Mass., Aug. 29.

Gena K. Nielsen, Clear Lake, and Gary L. Standaert, Clear Lake, Aug. 29.

Cindy L. Dettman, Clayton, and Richard L. Fischer, Clayton, Aug. 29.

Jessica M. Hawkins, Frederic, and Darren A. Peterson, Frederic, Aug. 29.

Heather A. Locke, Maplewood, Minn., and William P. Stewart IV, Maplewood, Minn., Aug. 29.

Sophia K. Boumeester, Guilford, Pa., and Jacob J. Perron, Guilford, Pa., Aug. 29.

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

Saints pass first test against Osceola Confidence to carry team into second test Friday

Extra Points

St. Croix Falls 17, Osceola 7

by Marty Seeger OSCEOLA – The Saints grabbed a great confidence builder against the Chieftains of the Middle Border Conference last Thursday, Aug. 28, to kick off the regular football season.

“As a team we feel great about the win,” said coach Rod Sempf. “The kids played extremely hard all night and came out ready for action in the first quarter.”

The Saints played a complete game and played well defensively, but the game wasn’t groundbreaking in terms of total offense. Chase Bushweiler rushed for 89 yards on 25 carries, and Nick Johnson rushed for 68 yards on 12 carries. Matt Vold completed four passes on nine attempts for 33 yards, and threw two interceptions. Johnson caught all four passes for 33 yards.

Defensively, Joe Raygor and Derek O’Brien had four tackles, and Raygor had four tackles for a loss. Raygor also had five assists and O’Brien had four.

Ryan Larson led in assisted tackles with nine. O’Brien and Josh Larcom each had an interception as well.

“We can use this win to help our confidence as we keep building towards

St. Croix Falls tailback Nick Johnson gets room to run as he follows lead blocker Auney Seifert against Osceola on Thursday, Aug. 28. - Photo by Tammi Milberg conference play,” Sempf said.

Friday, Sept. 5, before their first conferThe Saints will host Lake Holcombe ence game against Unity set for Friday, in a nonconference home opener this Sept. 12.

Luck stomps Prairie Farm in opener Cards to face Cornell this Friday night Luck 45, Prairie Farm 6

by Marty Seeger PRAIRIE FARM – Everything seemed to work in favor of the Cardinals in their opening football game against the Panthers on Thursday, Aug. 28. Two Cardinals rushed for over 100 yards including Landon Strilzuk (103) and Brandon Gutzmer (109). Prairie Farm managed to get 107 yards on 24 carries from Abe Welein, but Luck held the Panthers scoreless for the first three quarters until Weilein scored on a 25yard run in the fourth quarter.

“Defensively everybody played well,” said coach Josh Hetfeld.

Luck linebacker Derek Buck led the team with nine tackles, while Gutzmer had one interception and ran it back 42 yards for the touchdown. Nick Morgan and Mitchell Larson also had interceptions.

The Cardinals scored five touchdowns in the first half on just 17 plays, with 26 of their points coming in the second quarter. Quarterback Carson Giller scored two Cardinal touchdowns, and Gutzmer scored two. Strilzuk and Morgan each scored two touchdowns.

The Cardinals will travel to Cornell for their second game of the season, and play their first conference game of the season against Cameron at home on Friday, Sept. 12.

Luck's Brandon Gutzmer intercepted a pass and ran it back for the touchdown against Prairie Farm on Friday, Aug. 29. - Photo by Sue Tolan

••• WINONA, Minn. – Former Grantsburg athlete Mollie Bjelland began her volleyball season with Winona State University as the team's starting setter. Bjelland recently battled Mesa State at the Days Inn Golden Oredigger Volleyball Classic in Golden, Colo., and recorded 25 assists. The team split a pair of matches and got a win over Adams State College, Colo., and Bjelland had 56 assists.

••• FREDERIC – On Friday, Sept. 5, during the Frederic Vikings football home opener versus Flambeau, there will be a short program before the game to recognize and acknowledge the many local individuals and companies who contributed time and energy to make the new press box facility. The home opener is also parents night.

••• LEADER LAND – On Friday, Sept.

5, you can hear the Lake Holcombe at St. Croix Falls football game on 104.9 FM at 7 p.m. The Cumberland at Grantsburg game can be heard at 7 p.m. on 105.7 FM. ••• MILWAUKEE – Milwaukee Brewers games featured on WXCE 1260 can be heard on the following dates: The San Diego at Milwaukee series on Sept. 4, 5, 6 and 7 can be heard at 7 p.m., 7 p.m., 6 p.m. and 1 p.m. respectively. The Cincinatti at Milwaukee games on Sept. 8, 9 and 10 begin at 7 p.m., 7 p.m., and 1 p.m. respectively.

••• MINNEAPOLIS – Minnesota Twins games featured on WLMX 104.9 FM can be heard on the following dates: The Minneota at Toronto game begins at 6 p.m. on Sept. 4. The Detroit at Minnesota games on Sept. 6 and 7 begin at 3 p.m. and 1 p.m respectively. The Kansas City at Minnesota games on Sept. 9 and 10 begin at 7 p.m. both nights.

••• GREEN BAY – The Vikings at Packers game is being featured on WLMX 105.7 FM and 104.9 FM on Monday, Sept. 8, beginning at 6 p.m.

••• MADISON – The Marshall at Wisconsin Badgers football game on WXCE 1260 AM can be heard on Sept. 8, at 6 p.m.

••• 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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Tigers swallow Cornell Chiefs

Quigley and Pope rush over 100 yards Webster 22, Cornell 8

by Brenda Sommerfeld CORNELL – Dan Pope put the Tigers up on the board with a 62-yard touchdown run in the first quar-

ter, during Webster’s 22-8 victory over the Cornell Chiefs.

After Pope’s run, Zach Quigley widened the gap to 8-0 with the two-point conversion. Chad French scored in the second quarter with a 1-yard run and Quigley in the fourth with a 5-yard run. Pope scored field goals for both of those touchdowns.

The Chiefs only points came in the third quarter, with a 20-yard pass and two-point conversion.

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Quigley and Pope each rushed over 100 yards throughout the night for the Tigers. Quigley gained 127 yards in 18 attempts, and Pope managed 125 in 16.

Jake Mosher made it 26 in three runs, and Kyle Godfrey accomplished 25 yards in four.

Pope kicked for Webster. The ball flew 172 yards in the five times Pope’s foot made contact with it.

Grantsburg falls to Amery Folk scores for Pirates Amery 26, Grantsburg 7

by Brenda Sommerfeld GRANTSBURG – During the Grantsburg Pirates opening game on Friday, Aug. 29, Tony Folk ran 43 yards in the first quarter for their only touchdown.

Matt Wood scored the extra point, kicking in the field goal.

Amery dominated in the first half, scoring all of their 26 points in the first two quarters.

For Grantsburg, Folk made the most rushing yards, completing 81 in 12 attempts. Devin Trantanella carried the ball for 72 yards in 12 attempts and Derek Bertelsen went 40 in 15 tries.

Thane Larson caught one interception over the Amery offense. Larson made it 12 yards before being stopped by the Amery team.

Trent Bonneville stood out for the Pirates defense with eight tackles and five assists. Folk had a total of nine solo tackles, Larson had six solo and one assist

Josh Phillipps finds an opening against Amery in the Pirates home opener. - Photo by Brenda Sommerfeld

Vikings start season on the right foot Frederic crushes Wildcats in conference opener Frederic 50, Birchwood/Weyerhaeuser 8

by Marty Seeger BIRCHWOOD – Frederic got off to a great start in their first conference game of the season against Birchwood/Weyerhaeuser last Friday night.

The Vikings scored 28 points in the first half and another 22 points in the second half for the easy victory. The point spread might have been more had a David Harlander pass to Will Primm not been called back just before the second half. Harlander also had a 97-yard touchdown run called back, but the Vikings proved that they didn’t need them.

Harlander had a total of 108 yards rushing and completed seven of seven passes for 155 yards. Tony Peterson picked up 84 yards on the ground, and Ben

Ackerley had 64 yards rushing. Ian Anderson led the Vikings with six tackles and six assists, while Claire Erickson and Trae Gehl each had 5-1/2 tackles.

Defensively, the Vikings held the Wildcats to 119 total yards rushing and 42 yards through the air.

Frederic will play their first conference game of the season against Flambeau this Friday, Sept. 5, in their home opener.

Spooner sours Eagles home opener With time running out however, Jason Vlasnik caught an acrobatic 30-yard reception to put the Eagles down on the 23-yard line. Rush Hickethier rushed the ball inside the 10-yard line, and quarterback Luke Nelson went in for the score with just 29 seconds to go in the half.

Unity would get another six points in the third quarter, and 13 in the fourth, but Spooner held a comfortable lead for the win.

Dustin Bazille led the Eagles in solo tackles with four along with seven assists, and Eric Goulet had two tackles and 11 assists. Dustin McKinney led the team offensively with 107 yards on 12 carries.

First conference battle with Saints this Friday Spooner 39, Unity 26

by Marty Seeger BALSAM LAKE – The Eagles stuck with Spooner during the first quarter of their home opener last Thursday, Aug. 28, but the Rails opened up the game quickly by scoring 20 points in the second quarter, and didn’t look back.

The Rails first touchdown came midway through the second quarter, and they eventually scored again early in the second quarter on a 25-yard touchdown pass on third down and 25 to go. In the ensuing kickoff, the Eagles fumbled and Spooner recovered, eventually taking it in for a 15-yard touchdown run with 2:46 to go in the first half.

The Eagles gave Spooner a good stand in the first quarter, but the Rails pulled away quickly. Photo by Marty Seeger

Hall scores Siren’s only touchdown Dragons smothered by Bruce Bruce 70, Siren 6

by Brenda Sommerfeld MENOMONIE – Christian Hall received a 69-yard pass from Elijah Hinze to score Siren’s one and only touchdown during their 70-6 loss on Thursday, Aug. 28.

Hall and Hinze each took their turn at quarterback.

Hall attempted five passes, completing three, for a total of 21 yards. When Hinze was taking snaps, Hall was out on the field receiving and rushing. Hall got both of Hinze’s completed passes for 78 yards. Hall also rushed 39 yards on 13 attempts. Jeremy Wikstrom rushed 31 yards on 13 attempts.

Kicking and punting were both mostly handled by Hall with six punts for 196 yards and one kickoff for 22 yards. Andrew Brown punted once for 24 yards.

Kickoff returns were made by Wikstrom, who had 60 yards in four attempts, and Hall with 29 yards in three.

Tyler Johnson was the Dragons top defensive player with 4-1/2 tackles and three assists. Matt Piper also had 4-1/2 tackles and one assist. Hall and Collin Tewalt each had four tackles and two assists.

SEPTEMBER 3, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 15

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Webster boys finish in first seven spots

Frederic girls take second

by Brenda Sommerfeld GRANTSBURG – The cross-country season started out with a bang for the Webster boys team. The first seven runners in were from the Webster team during the Sherstad Invitational in Grantsburg on Thursday, Aug. 28, giving the Tiger team a perfect score.

“My first thought was that I really wished that Jim (Muus, last year’s head coach) was there to see it,” coach Roy Ward said. “He at least got to see the awards ceremony.”

Ward isn’t sure that the boys have ever swept a meet before this.

Sophomore Jack Taylor came in first off of the five-mile course, at 17:54.2, almost a whole minute before his teammates. Bryan Krause was the next through at 18:46.9, followed very closely by Nick Krinkie with an 18:49.2 time.

Quentine Johnson came in at 18:59.7, Devin Greene at 19:05.7, Chaz Heinz at 19:19.2 and Joey Erickson at 19:19.6.

Greene and Heinz were the two that impressed Ward with their times.

“Those two both shaved over two minutes off their time at the same course last year,” Ward said.

Grantsburg’s Steven McKinley and Matt Emerson came in eighth at 19:20.7 and 11th 20:38.0 respectively. St. Croix Falls had Nathan Gravesen and Alex Frey in the top 15. Gravesen with a time of 21:16.4 and Frey at 21:16.6.

Webster’s Jack Taylor took first place at both the Grantsburg and Frederic meets.

Bryan Krause, left, and Nick Krinkie were two of the top seven finishers from Webster at the Grantsburg cross country invitational held on Thursday, Aug. 28. – Photos by Brenda Sommerfeld Grantsburg girls race GRANTSBURG – The Frederic girls cross-country team took second behind Spooner during their portion of the Sherstad Invitational.

Samantha Nelson came in first with a 16:26.5 time and Sarah Knauber was second with 17:07.2.

Grantsburg’s Angela Gaffney took fifth with 17:52.8 and Michelle Lund took sixth with 18:25.0.

Neither Webster nor St. Croix Falls teams were able to place, with less than five runners.

Frederic boys race FREDERIC – The Webster boys swept another invitational when they ran the course at Frederic on Tuesday, Sept. 2.

They came in with the same runners just in a little different order than at Grantsburg.

Jack Taylor was still first with a time of 17:56.9, Bryan Krause still came in second with 18:45.1, Quentin Johnson was third with 18.46.5, Joey Erickson fourth at 19:04.0, Nick Krinkie fifth at

19:09.6, Chaz Heinz with 19:27.9 and Devin Greene at 19:33.1.

Following the Tiger team was the Grantsburg team. The Luck/Unity team took third place and St. Croix Falls came in fourth.

Luck/Unity had Dennis McKinney finish first for their team and 12th overall with a time of 20:52.5, Mickey Muller 18th with 21:56.8 and Tyler Christensen 22nd with 22:57.8.

The St. Croix Falls team had Alex Frey take 14th with a time of 21:15.4, Ben Anderson took 21st with 22:54.7 and Kyle Christensen took 24th with 23:16.2.

Senior Alex Anderson took two full minutes off his time from last year, taking 31st with a time of 24:54.9.

“Alex has definitely stepped it up this year, and I am anxious to see him continue to progress with his times throughout the season,” said St. Croix Falls coach Jennifer Clemins.

Frederic girls race FREDERIC – The Grantsburg girls

won the meet over Frederic by two points. Angela Gaffney came in first for the Pirates and third overall with a time of 18:11.7. Michelle Lund followed Gaffney with an 18:33.4 time.

“Aimee Van Tatenhove and Jessica Banks both were faster this year than last year and are showing improvement,” said coach Paul Huskamp.

“Junior Leah Ticknor, in her first year out for cross country has great promise as well, as we head into the season.”

Banks finished eighth in 19:33.5, Van Tatenhove was ninth with 19:40.6 and Ticknor 13th with 20:38.9.

The Frederic team had the first two finishers with Samantha Nelson coming in first once again with a time of 16:31.7 and Sarah Knauber was once again second, this time in 17:03.0. Calla Karl came in fifth with 19:02.2, Sage Karl 12th with 20:18.9 and Tara Anderson 18th with 22:52.1.

The Tiger ladies took third and the Saints came in fourth.

Webster had Kayce Rachner finish seventh in 19:31.3, Shaina Pardun finished at 10th at 19:56.0 and Rose Kopecky came in 15th running a time of 21:53.1.

St. Croix Falls had Bailey Bergmann finish 11th at 20:12.5, Kelsy Willow finished 14th at 21:36.0 and Kim Culver took 16th with a time of 22:03.0.

“Junior Kelsey Willow pulled out a 13th team place finish, and demonstrated great strength against the hills of the Frederic course,” said Saints coach Jennifer Clemins. “Sophomore Carley Martin also had a tremendous finish that was well worth being proud of.”

Martin finished 25th at 28:25.9.

Frederic’s Samantha Nelson was the first finisher at both the Grantsburg and Frederic meets.

Frederic Cross Country Invitational - Tuesday, Sept. 2 Place

Boys Teams

1 2 3 4

Webster Grantsburg Unity St, Croix Falls

Boys Overall Individuals Place Finisher 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 10 11 12

Jack Taylor Bryan Krause Quentin Johnson Joey Erickson Nick Krinkie Chaz Heinz Devin Greene Steven McKinley J T. Elmgren Matt Emerson Dennis McKinney

Time

17:56.9 18:45.1 18:46.5 19:04.0 19:09.6 19:27.9 19:33.1 19:36.7 20:12.9 20:33.0 20:52.5

Team

Webster Webster Webster Webster Webster Webster Webster Grantsburg Webster Grantsburg Unity

13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33

Tim Sundstrom Alex Frey John Schneider Brad Krause Adam Rinnman Mickey Muller Taylor Heinz Ben Cole Ben Anderson Tyler Christensen Daniel Biron Kyle Christensen Steven Krueger Jim Erickson Joe Thayer Nick Lindgren Alec Larson Trevor Fontaine Alex Anderson Connor Nelson Alex Livingston

21:07.9 21:15.4 21:41.7 21:53.1 21:54.5 21:56.8 22:23.4 22:24.1 22:54.7 22:57.8 22:58.1 23:16.8 23:34.3 23:37.3 23:39.3 23:40.6 23:56.4 24:19.9 24:54.9 25:01.7 25:47.9

Webster St Croix Falls Grantsburg Webster Webster Unity Webster Grantsburg St Croix Falls Unity Grantsburg St Croix Falls Unity Webster St Croix Falls Grantsburg Unity Webster St Croix Falls St Croix Falls Unity

34 35 36 37 38

Christian Wolfe Tyler Bublitz Matt Hays Mitchell Johnston Matthew Rude

Place

26:08.4 26:52.0 28:17.6 28:29.2 30:56.2

St Croix Falls Unity Unity Unity St Croix Falls

Girls Teams

1 2 3 4

Grantsburg Frederic Webster St. Croix Falls

Girls Overall Individuals Place Finisher 1 2 3 4 5

Samantha Nelson Sarah Knauber Angela Gaffney Michelle Lund Calla Karl

Time

Team

16:31.7 17:03.0 18:11.7 18:33.4 19:02.2

Frederic Frederic Grantsburg Grantsburg Frederic

7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 20 21 Unity 22 23 24 25 26

Kayce Rachner 19:31.3 Webster Jessica Banks 19:33.5 Grantsburg Aimee Van Tatenhove 19:40.6 Grantsburg Shaina Pardun 19:56.0 Webster Bailey Bergmann 20:12.5 St Croix Falls Sage Karl 20:18.9 Frederic Leah Ticknor 20:38.9 Grantsburg Kelsey Willow 21:36.0 St Croix Falls Rose Kopecky 21:53.1 Webster Kim Culver 22:03.0 St Croix Falls Meghan Smith 22:20.3 St Croix Falls Tara Anderson 22:52.1 Frederic Brittany Bess 23:38.7 St Croix Falls Jessica Raboin 23:58.1 Olivia Kopecky Alison Lennartson Brittany Bublitz Carley Martin Pare Seephung

24:09.2 24:20.3 27:21.3 28:25.9 28:56.1

Webster Unity Unity St Croix Falls Webster

Grantsburg Cross Country Invitational - Thursday, Aug. 28 Place

Boys Teams

1 2 3

Webster Grantsburg St. Croix Falls

Boys Overall Individuals Place Finisher 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 11

Jack Taylor Bryan Krause Nick Krinkie Quentin Johnson Devin Greene Chaz Heinz Joey Erickson Steven McKinley Matt Emerson

Time

17:54.2 18:46.9 18:49.2 18:59.7 19:05.7 19:19.2 19:19.6 19:20.7 20:38.0

Team

Webster Webster Webster Webster Webster Webster Webster Grantsburg Grantsburg

12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28

J T. Elmgren Brad Krause Nathan Gravesen Alex Frey Tim Sundstrom John Schneider Taylor Heinz Ben Cole Adam Rinnman Nick Lindgren Ben Anderson Rashaud Kelash Jim Erickson Brendan Kutz Daniel Biron Kyle Christensen Trevor Fontaine

20:57.1 21:08.2 21:16.4 21:16.6 21:17.0 21:31.9 21:34.2 21:44.7 22:00.9 22:04.1 22:12.6 22:33.3 22:50.2 22:54.7 23:21.3 23:23.6 23:40.3

Webster Webster St Croix Falls St Croix Falls Webster Grantsburg Webster Grantsburg Webster Grantsburg St Croix Falls St Croix Falls Webster Grantsburg Grantsburg St Croix Falls Webster

29 30 32 33 34

Connar Goetz Alex Anderson Ben Dorff Connor Nelson Christian Wolfe

Place

24:35.0 24:39.3 25:11.5 25:24.6 25:27.3

Girls Teams

1 2 3

Spooner Frederic Grantsburg

Girls Overall Individuals Place Finisher 1 2 5

Grantsburg St Croix Falls Grantsburg St Croix Falls St Croix Falls

Samantha Nelson Sarah Knauber Angela Gaffney

Time

16:26.5 17:07.2 17:52.8

Team

Frederic Frederic Grantsburg

6 8 10 12 13 14 17 18 19 20 21 24 25 26

Michelle Lund Kayce Rachner Shaina Pardun Jessica Banks Bailey Bergmann Calla Karl Cherissa Vollendorf Sage Karl Leah Ticknor Kelsey Willow Rose Kopecky Tara Anderson Brittany Bess Olivia Kopecky

18:25.0 Grantsburg 19:08.5 Webster 19:10.7 Webster 19:41.5 Grantsburg 19:46.1 St Croix Falls 20:11.8 Frederic 20:38.9 Grantsburg 20:40.5 Frederic 20:45.3 Grantsburg 21:26.8 St Croix Falls 21:48.6 Webster 23:08.4 Frederic 23:38.9 St Croix Falls 24:18.5 Webster

PAGE 16 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - SEPTEMBER 3, 2008

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Tigers spike past Cumberland

Other area teams take losses

Weyerhaeuser 3, Luck 0 WEYERHAEUSER – The Cardinals lost in three games, 25-21, 25-10, 25-10, to Weyerhaeuser on Tuesday, Sept. 2.

Morgan Denny and Brittney Danielson each had five kills throughout. Ali Lehmann had five assists, Alecia Ouellette three and Rachel Virkus two.

Aleah Lemieux had a solo block and Denny and Danielson each had a single dig.

Webster 3, Cumberland 0

by Brenda Sommerfeld CUMBERLAND – The Webster volleyball team took the first three games, 25-19, 25-12, 25-14, during their match up against the Cumberland Beavers on Tuesday, Sept. 2.

Becca Schrooten played all three games, assisting 10 points throughout.

Siiri Larsen assisted six points.

Kara Gall scored with seven kills, while Kendra Spurgeon had five and Michelle Gibbs four.

Loreto Stange got under five digs, Gibbs had three and Ally Rydel-Daniels had two.

Winter 3, Siren 0 WINTER – The Lady Dragons volleyball team lost to Winter, 25-21, 25-21, 2512, in three games on Tuesday night.

Siren had Sarah Howe with eight assists and Carley Emery made six.

Ashley Guevara totaled seven kills during the games. Megan Baasch went to the floor for eight digs.

Birchwood 3, Frederic 2 BIRCHWOOD – Frederic kept it close to Birchwood but ended the game losing three of the five games. Each team took every other game. Birchwood won the first, 25-22, Frederic took the second, 23-25, Birchwood the third, 25-22, Frederic the fourth, 24-26, and Birchwood the fifth 16-14.

LEFT: Webster’s Nicole Steiner sets the ball up for a teammate during the Unity Quadrangular Thursday, Aug. 28. – Photo by Marty Seeger

Unity hosts volleyball quadrangular Eagles come out with strongest finish

by Marty Seeger BALSAM LAKE – The Eagles hosted a quadrangular last Thursday in what turned out to be a great way to start the season for all involved including Webster, Luck and Winter. The Eagles finished with a 94-percent serving average as a team, with Sam Ince getting 14 attack kills, Brittney Peters with nine and Becca Milliagan with 12 in three games.

“After our first game against Winter,

we really started to come together as a team and the girls took charge out on the floor,” said coach Kasee Hickok.

When our intensity is up, and we continue to communicate and talk, we win.”

Unity took both matches against Winter winning 25-23, 23-15. They defeated Luck in both games 25-17, 2520 and split with Webster 25-23, 23-25.

Tigers win one, split two BALSAM LAKE – Webster had a nice outing with at least one match win in all three games played against Winter, Unity and Luck. Their first game was a split with Winter, as they lost the first

Unity’s Sam Ince digs for a ball during the quadrangular the Eagles hosted last Thursday, Aug. 28. – Photos by Marty Seeger

match 21-23, and won the second 25-23.

Michelle Gibbs led that game with six kills and Loreto Stange had four. Becca Schrooten led in assists with six and Siiri Larsen had five assists and four digs.

Webster split match wins with Unity by scores of 23-25 and 25-23. Kara Gall and Gibbs each had five kills, Schrooten had seven assists and Larsen had five.

Kendra Spurgeon led that game with seven digs.

The Tigers won both matches against Luck by scores of 25-11. Gibbs led with six kills and Schrooten led with 7 assists.

BALSAM LAKE – The Cardinals struggled to pull away with any wins, with their first losses coming against Webster by scores of 25-11. Aleah Lemieux led that game in kills with four, with Ali Lehmann leading in assists with four.

Luck lost to winter 25-17 and 25-22.

Lemieux led with nine kills and Lehmann had eight assists. The Cardinal losses to Unity came by scores of 25-17, 25-20. Lemieux had seven kills and Morgan Denny piled on four.

Lehmann again led the team in assists with nine.

Luck drops three games

Luck’s Melissa Jenssen receives a ball while teammates are close by ready to help out if needed.

SEPTEMBER 3, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 17

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Hughes, Billings moving on from Blizzard Hockey SIREN – According to a Blizzard Hockey press release, Cameron Hughes and Robbie Billings have made moves to further their hockey experience.

Hughes is a 2008 Webster High School graduate who accepted a roster spot with with the Danville Inferno (Illinois) of the Great Lakes Junior Hockey League. Hughes was a three-year letterwinner for the Blizzard and is the pro-

gram’s all-time leading scorer with 112 career points. Although Hughes had other options to play hockey elsewhere, he opted to join Chris Sislo, who is a former assistant coach of Superior and new head coach of the Inferno, who play their first game against the Tri City Ice Hawks on Sept. 19.

Billings recently accepted a roster spot with the U-18 Russel-Stover Stars AAA

Robbie Billings

Hockey Club based out of Kansas City, Mo. Billings was a force for the Blizzard last year, with a school record 64 points and a big contributor to the Blizzard’s 17-3-1 record last season. The Russel-Stover Stars are

one of the best AAA programs in the country. Billings has a goal of someday playing for a Division 1 hockey team.

Billings is a former Webster student and will be a junior this fall. – Marty Seeger with submitted information

Saints trying to improve on second place Next meet at Ellsworth ST. CROIX FALLS – The Saints golf team placed second in matches at Amery and St. Croix Falls last week. At Amery, the girls tallied a final score of 197 on the par 37 course. Jenny Benoy led the team with a one over par (38) to place second overall. Marissa Campeau shot a 42.

Both girls have been very solid this season. The Saints scoring was rounded

out by Tess Hedrick, Brittany Buss and Cortney Rasmussen who each shot 59.

On Thursday, Aug. 28, the Saints held their only home meet of the season.

Again the girls finished second overall with a 199. Benoy shot 40, followed

by Campeau 46, Hedrick 50, Buss 56, and Rasmussen 57. Taylor Stowell shot a 60 as a JV participant.

According to coach Benoy, the saints are close to breaking through with lower scores and cutting down on mental mistakes. The Saints next meet is on Monday, Sept. 8, at Ellsworth. – Marty

LEADER S P O R T S S C O R E B OA R D SLOW-PITCH SOFTBALL

Siren Ballpark Women’s League

Team Chell Trucking/The Beehive Skol Bar Smith Family Eye Care Coyland Creek Wizards Mauer Construction H Town Girls

Overall 12-0 9-4 8-5 7-6 6-6 2-11 1-12

Scores

Monday, Sept. 1 Coyland Creek 30, H Town Girls 6 Skol Bar 15, Mauer Construction 0 Chell Trucking 9, Smith Family Eye Care 6 Overall 15-1 12-4 10-5 10-6 9-7 8-8 7-9 6-9 2-14 0-16

Scores

FOOTBALL

Team St. Croix Falls Clear Lake Webster Luck Grantsburg Unity Cameron

Conf.

0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0

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

Team Frederic Shell Lake Bruce Flambeau Turtle Lake Weyerhaeuser/Birchwood Northwood/Solon Springs Siren Winter

Conf.

1-0 1-0 1-0 0-0 0-0 0-1 0-0 0-1 0-1

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

Small Lakeland Conference

Scores

Thursday, Aug. 28 Bruce 70, Siren 6 St. Croix Falls 17, Osceola 6 Spooner 39, Unity 26 Friday, Aug. 29 Frederic 50, Birchwood 8 Amery 26, Grantsburg 7 Luck 45, Prairie Farm 6 Webster 22, Cornell 8

Upcoming

Friday, Sept. 5 7 p.m.

Flambeau at Frederic Cumberland at Grantsburg Lake Holcombe at St. Croix Falls Unity at Chetek Luck at Cornell Webster at Clayton Siren at Northwood

Scores

Conf.

0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0

Upcoming

Wednesday, Aug. 27 Sundown 16, Pour House 2 2 Chell Well 28, Gjonnes Construction 19 Church League Team 24, Hole in the Wall 20 Fur, Fins & Feathers 30, Da Crew 9 Pour House 1 29, Century 21 16

Large Lakeland Conference

Team Webster Grantsburg Unity Frederic Siren Luck Clayton St. Croix Falls Clear Lake Shell Lake Turtle Lake

Overall 3-2-0 2-0 2-1 1-1 0-2 0-3 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0

Thursday, Aug. 28 Webster 1, Winter 1 (25-23, 21-25) Webster 2, Luck 0 (25-11, 25-11) Webster 1, Unity 1 (25-23, 23-25) Unity 2, Winter 0 (25-23, 25-15) Unity 2, Luck 0 (25-17, 25-20) Tuesday, Sept. 2 Webster 3, Cumberland 0 (25-19, 25-12, 25-14) Birchwood 3, Frederic 2 (25-22, 23-25, 25-22, 24-26, 16-14) Weyerhaeuser 3, Luck 0 (25-21, 25-10, 25-10) Winter 3, Siren 0 (25-21, 25-21, 25-12)

Siren Ballpark Men’s League

Team Sundown Chell Well Pour House 1 Hole in the Wall Church League Team Century 21 Fur, Fins & Feathers Pour House 2 Gjonnes Construction Da Crew

VOLLEYBALL

West Lakeland Conference

Thursday, Sept. 4 7:30 p.m. Frederic at Shell Lake St. Croix Falls at Unity Luck at Turtle Lake Grantsburg at Siren Saturday, Sept. 6 9 a.m.

Luck at Pine City 10:30 a.m. Grantsburg at Ashland Tuesday, Sept. 9 7:30 p.m. St. Croix Falls at Turtle Lake Unity at Clayton Siren at Luck Webster at Clear Lake Shell Lake at Grantsburg

CROSS COUNTRY Upcoming

Tuesday, Sept. 9 4:30 p.m. St. Croix Falls at Webster Luck/Unity at Webster

TENNIS

Upcoming

Thursday, Sept. 4 4:15 p.m. Unity/Luck at Baldwin Tuesday, Sept. 9 4:15 p.m. Amery at Unity

GIRLS GOLF Upcoming

Thursday, Sept. 4 4 p.m.

Luck/Unity at Ellsworth St. Croix Falls at Ellsworth Tuesday, Sept. 9 4 p.m.

Luck/Unity at Prescott St. Croix Falls at Prescott

St. Croix Falls Taylor Stowell shot a 60 as a JV golfer during their meet on Thursday, Aug. 28. – Photo by Brenda Sommerfeld

PREPS

OF THE

NAME: Derek Buck SCHOOL: Luck YEAR: Junior COMMENTS: Luck Junior linebacker Derek Buck was all over the football field in the team's opener against Prairie Farm on Friday, Aug. 29. Buck led the team with nine tackles and been a force on Derek Buck defense for the Cardinals since the start of the season. Coach Josh Hetfeld commented on his performance during the opening scrimmage in Barron a couple of weeks ago. – Marty Seeger NAME: Kara Gall

WEEK

SCHOOL: Webster YEAR: Senior COMMENTS: Kara Gall has been staying consistent lately for the Webster volleyballl team. Gall recorded several kills in the quadrangular held at Unity last week, and led the Tigers in kills on Tuesday, Sept. 2 against Kara Gall Cumberland with seven total. The Tigers won all three matches 25-19, 25-12 and 25-14.

–Marty Seeger

Rice Lake ice racing meetings set RICE LAKE – The 2008 Rice Lake Ice Racing promoters invite all interested parties to the annual rules and information meeting on Saturday, Sept. 20, at the Bungalow Bar in Rice Lake. This meeting will cover rules already in place for the three classes of cars run at Rice Lake and will also discuss the possibility of running a studded class and the rules for it.

The meeting will start at 1 p.m., and all interested parties are encouraged to attend. Participants will have a chance to voice their opinions or ask questions on rules before a majority vote is held.

For more information about the 2008 Rice Lake Ice Racing rules or the group go to www.geocities.com/ricelakeiceracing or call Troy at 715-296-6768. - submitted

PAGE 18 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - SEPTEMBER 3, 2008

O UTDOORS INTER! COUNTY LEADER

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

This walleye thing is tough

I’ve all but given up on chasing walleye for the summer, even though some of the best walleye fishing is yet to come.

Last year, it was nearly a guarantee to Marty catch a half dozen or more fish on every Seeger outing. Not all of them were legalThe sized fish, but it didn’t really matter. Bottom Line They were still walleye, and at least I felt like I was onto something.

But this summer has been a total bust, considering how many hours I’ve logged on the water this year in comparison to last year, and because of that reason I felt compelled to ask walleye pro Todd Riley of Amery what I, or anyone else, could do to catch more walleye. His response; “Go to Mille Lacs.”

He chuckled jokingly when he said it, and didn’t want to talk down the lakes in the area. He still loves what a lot of our lakes have to offer, but not so much on the walleye end of things. Riley could probably find just about every walleye in an area lake on any given day, but he insists that it’s not always easy. He learned the tricks it takes to catch walleye on some of the most wellknown fisheries in the nation, and boats 3,000 to 5,000 walleye per year.

Although he found that what he learned worked on area lakes, it wasn’t easy. That’s part of the reason why I’ve since shifted my efforts to the other species that make this and the surrounding areas great.

One small problem that seems to hinder my ability to catch walleye is that I rarely spend more than an hour chasing one species of fish. One minute, I’m drifting a Lindy rig and next I’m casting for bass and northern. It all looks

good, it seems, and the conditions are always right for catching that particular fish I’m after.

On a recent afternoon I tried casting one of my new crank baits for bass and noticed a school of perch nipping at the lure. I quickly switched to a tube jig, picked up a few perch—eventually anchored in the spot and came home with more than a dozen perch for dinner. They tasted better than any walleye I’d ever eaten, and that includes shore lunch in the boundary waters or a Canadian fishing trip.

Perhaps it was the fact that I could turn an average day of bass fishing into an extraordinary evening of catching perch. Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to catch another mess of perch like that since, but it’s times like those that make me appreciate the kind of fishing that is possible around here. Riley even admitted that he gets far more jacked catching a 10-inch bluegill than he does if he catches a 10-pound walleye. That is, of course, if that 10-pounder is caught during a walleye tournament with a hefty cash prize on the line.

Not long after my memorable perch outing. I was fortunate to spend a day fishing with my nephew Riese. He’s 9 years old, and although it didn’t seem all that long ago that we fished together, his casting abilities have improved dramatically. As I tried coaching him as I had done in the past, he repeatedly denied my assistance. I wasn’t used to not helping him, but it was evident that he didn’t really need my help, other than to untangle the line when that time came.

We started off fishing trout, and after hooking a few chubs, shiners and a 14inch sucker, he managed to hook a nice brown trout, which we eventually lost.

It was a nice fish too, but neither of us seemed all that disappointed, and couldn’t wait to tell the story to those who would listen.

After trying for trout, we moved to the larger sections of the river, where I’d found just about every fish imaginable over the past several years. It was a honey hole of sorts and a great spot to take a kid fishing. On the first cast we

One hungry pike

by Marty Seeger SIREN – Len Carlstrom of Siren landed a huge pike while fishing for bass on an undisclosed lake with his father, Buck.

Carlstrom was reeling in a largemouth bass that hit a 1/32-ounce jig, when a very aggressive northern completely engulfed the bass before making a “power-run” toward deeper water.

Using an ultralight rod with 4-pound test line, he managed to hoist the pike into the boat, which took about 25 minutes.

Carlstrom said it was amazing that his line didn’t succumb to one of the pike’s sharp teeth.

“It wasn’t possible to get the bass out to release it,” said Carlstrom, who ended up cutting the line and releasing both fish back into the water. Just two inches of the bass’ tail was sticking out of the pike’s mouth when it was released.

Len Carlstrom hoists this huge pike out of the water after it engulfed the largemouth bass he was reeling in.

Notice the bulge of the bass in the pike’s stomach. - Photo submitted

If all else fails in walleye fishing, hit the local river systems as my nephew Riese Nelson and I did recently. Who knows, maybe you'll hook a walleye, but catching a few feisty smallmouth can be just as fun. – Photo by Marty Seeger hooked into a 17-inch smallmouth bass, more fun than chasing what has been which darted everywhere and provid- one of the most elusive species of the ed a hefty struggle for my nephew. He summer for me. I hope to spend anothwas thrilled, and although it took less er outing with him soon, and perhaps than a minute to haul it onto the bank, we’ll hook into another memory. Until the fight of that fish will last forever. that time I’ll keep trying for whatever is And who knows, maybe we’ll hook it willing to bite, and if it’s not a walleye, again someday on another trip.

I’ll be OK with that.

Taking my nephew out on the banks of a river choked with biting fish is far

Youth waterfowl workshop set for Crex

by Marty Seeger GRANTSBURG – A free youth waterfowl workshop has been set at the Crex Meadows Visitors Center on Saturday, Sept. 13, from 1-4 p.m.

All ages are welcomed to attend and while there youth will learn waterfowl identification, equipment needs to hunt waterfowl, game laws with conservation wardens and even how to cook your birds, and a whole lot more about

hunting waterfowl.

As a bonus, a mentored hunting opportunity for youth ages 12-15 is being offered for Sept. 20-21, where youth will get a firsthand experience of hunting waterfowl in the field.

You must be signed up in order to attend this event. Call the DNR ranger station to sign up at 715-463-2897.

On track...

••• Don't forget that the Polk County Outdoor Experience is being held at the South Fork Sporting Club grounds on Saturday, Sept. 6, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The free event is geared toward getting more women and kids into the outdoors, and lots of outdoor related activities are being planned.

••• Remaining fall turkey permits go on sale over the counter at noon on Sept. 6.

Also, the hook-and-line sturgeon season opens on designated waters Sept. 6.

SEPTEMBER 3, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 19

Polk County sheriff’s report Accidents Aug. 18, 10:16 a.m., Alden Twp., Hwy. 65, .2 mile north of 28th Avenue, DUANE LEE FOOTE, 68, Blaine, Minn., was traveling northbound on Hwy. 65. He observed a dog in the road directly in his travel lane.

This area of Hwy. 65 has rolling hills and this subject had just crested a hill. As this subject began to slow, he locked the rear wheel, trying to avoid the dog. He eventually laid the cycle down on the left side. The rider came off of the cycle and skidded down the roadway. He came to rest in the northbound travel lane. The cycle slid further, coming to rest on the east shoulder. Driver was injured (wearing helmet) and transported by EMS. Aug. 21, 3:40 p.m., Eureka Twp., Hwy. 35, 20’ north of 180th Street; #1-RODNE L. LABODA, 45, Luck; #2—KRISTEN M.

NORLUND, 16, Balsam Lake; Unit 1 was traveling southbound on Hwy. 35 when the driver slowed to make a left turn onto 180th Street. Unit 2 was traveling southbound and rear-ended unit 1. The driver of unit 2 stated she saw his brakes lights and turn signal but couldn’t stop in time.

Aug. 21, 6:01 p.m., Alden Twp., 10th Avenue, .7 mile east of 210th Street, HEATHER A. KRALEWSKI, 16, New Richmond, was westbound on 10th Avenue. Unit 1 left the roadway after negotiating the curve. Driver of unit 1 stated she swerved to miss a raccoon. Unit 1 entered the north ditch and came to rest in a swamp area.

Driver was cited for failure to maintain control of vehicle.

Aug. 23, 6:01 p.m., Clam Falls Twp., CTH I, 225’ north of Clam Falls Drive, KEITH A. ENGDAHL, 52, St. Croix Falls,

was the operator of a motorcycle, traveling in a large group of motorcycles southbound on CTH I near 90th Street. As the cycles slowed for a cycle that went in the ditch, the operator locked his brakes and lost control, rolling the cycle on the highway and was ejected over it.

Driver received serious injuries (not wearing helmet) and was transported by EMS. Driver was cited for OMVWI. Aug. 23, 6:01 p.m., Clam Falls Twp., CTH I, 200’ north of Clam Falls Drive, BROCK D. TULGREN, 33, Osceola, was operating a motorcycle in a large group of other motorcyclists, headed south on CTH I and lost control of his motorcycle and went into the ditch, sustaining injury to his leg. Driver was not wearing a helmet and was issued a citation for OMVWI.

Siren police report According to Siren Police Chief Chris Sybers, over the Labor Day weekend the department was busy with a lot of traffic, a couple of accidents, a restraint-order violation, a case of harassment, a fight, property damage, a stolen vehicle and a passport recovered and a dog that was attacking vehicles.

Aug. 21: Starting at 9:50 p.m., the officer on duty pursued

a dirt bike that was on the Gandy Dancer Trail. A partial license plate with a Minnesota registration was seen. The bike went into a ditch and tall weeds, coming out on Elbow Lake Road. The squad was unable to follow.

Aug. 27: Herbert R. Cole, 83, Menomonie, was cited for speeding on Hwy. 70 and Hanson Avenue at 6:20 p.m.

Sept. 1: A credit card belonging to Joyce Marie Benjamin, Sandstone, Minn., was found and is being held for the owner by the Siren Police Department.

Jason Daniel Crosby, 21, Apple Valley, Minn., was cited for speeding at 3:35 p.m. on Hwy. 70 and Ellis Avenue.

A complete report of incidents over the past weekend will be available in next week’s Leader.

Burnett County civil court CitiFinancial vs. Nicholas Spafford, Webster, $5,087.00.

Resurgence Financial LLC

vs.

Jennifer M. Nick, Grantsburg, $3,270.42.

Voyager Village Inc. vs.

Burnett County deaths William R. Fisher, 63, Minneapolis, Minn., July 29.

Milton C. Mattson, 88, Grantsburg Village, Aug. 22.

Thoeny Gardner, 61, Anderson Township, Aug. 15.

Shannon Pulver, 69, Jackson Township, Aug. 21.

Sandra Patterson, 44, Aug. 18, Jackson Township, Aug. 18.

Burnett County warrants Nathan A. Belland, 26, Grantburg, warrant - failure to appear, Aug. 27.

Benjamin J. Joyce, 28, Grantsburg, failure to pay fines, Aug. 27.

Lissa A. Perkins, 39, St. Croix Falls, arrest warrant – complaint, Aug. 29.

Joan L. Wilhelm, 43, Hampstead, N.C., arrest warrant – complaint, Aug. 29.

Bernadine M. Swager, Webster, $2,132.65.

Voyager Village Inc. vs. Paul D. Hansen, Webster, $1,567.08.

Voyager Village Inc. vs.

Russell D. Messer, Danbury, $1,568.02.

Aug. 25, 10:44 a.m., Eureka Twp., River Rd., 1.8 miles south of Otterslide Road, JOHNNY R. VAUGHN, 60, Hoschton, Ga., was traveling northbound on River Road with a group of motorcyclists. Two to three motorcycles traveled ahead of unit 1 and were slowing down to stop along the road. The driver of unit 1 stated he lost control of his motorcycle by applying too much front brake. The motorcycle, which was towing a trailer, went off the road on the west side down a 30’ embankment.

Driver received injuries (wearing helmet), no EMS. Aug. 27, 10:28 a.m., Lincoln Twp./ CTH F, .5 mile east of CTH C, #1 - OSCAR O. PUHAL, 96, Amery, #2-RANDY L. SCHMIDT, 22, Cumberland; Unit 1 was traveling east on CTH F. Unit 2 was parked on the south side of CTH F, facing east.

Unit 1 struck the rear of unit 2’s trailer on the front passenger side of unit 1. Unit 1 skidded sideways and rolled into the north ditch of CTH F and came

to rest on its roof. Driver Puhal received a minor injury (wearing seat belt/transported by EMS) and was cited for operating without a valid driver’s license.

Driver Schimdt was cited for improper parking on the roadway.

Other Incidents Aug. 10, GLORIA R. VAN RUDEN, Maplewood, Minn., reported the theft of a boat motor cover taken from a boat lift at their property in rural Balsam Lake.

Aug. 11, ARTHUR W. MARTIN, RR Frederic, reported the theft of a Giant Mountain Bike, two gas cans and a receiver hitch from his property.

Aug. 14, VERNON BORST, Somerset, reported the theft of his 1996 Johnson 25 h.p. boat motor from his property, White Ash Lake.

Aug. 15, KEVIN KRARUP, Deer Park, reported the theft of his 14 h.p. Honda generator.

Aug. 18, JOEL D. ANDERSON, RR Frederic, reported the

theft of his Samsung Wafer (candy bar style) cell phone from his vehicle while parked in the village of Frederic.

Aug. 24, ERIC MORTENSEN, RR Amery, reported the theft of three digital trail cameras from his property.

Aug. 27, Mailboxes owned by WAYNE L. JOHNSON and PATSY L. PEPPENGER, 140th Street, rural Frederic, along with several other mailboxes in that location were vandalized during the late night/early-morning hours.

PAGE 20 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - SEPTEMBER 3, 2008

Notices / Employment

Burnett County criminal court Benjamin R. Stewart, 29, Siren, speeding, $160.80.

Loren G. Benjamin, 20, Danbury, ATV operation on roadway, $186.00.

Krista L. Thompson, 20, Spooner, underage drinking, $249.00.

Todd A. Plaster, 39, Webster, OWI, $665.50, license revoked six months, alcohol assessment.

Erica J. Olson, 30, Webster, issue worthless check, $309.00.

Jessica L. Martin, 36, Siren, issue worthless check, $58.94 restitution, $309.00.

Joan K. Knutson, no DOB given, Stillwater, Minn., violate permitted uses of RR-1 zoning district, $248.00.

Richard G. Stone, 63, Luck, issue worthless check, $309.00.

Tabatha L. Mitchell, 29, Webster, issue worthless check, $309.00.

Polk County deaths Martin Harold Johnson, 86, Aug. 13, 2008, Apple River Norma Taylor, 87, Aug. 13, 2008, Amery Vivian Veronica Hislop, 71, Aug. 14, 2008, Clear Lake

Lorraine Mary Mauer, 86, Aug. 14, 2008, Georgetown Marian Elizabeth Wickboldt, 89, Aug. 16, 2008, Clayton Erma L. Morton, 92, Aug. 17, 2008, Garfield

Dorothy Eileen Annett, 94, Aug. 18, 2008, Luck Gary Gene Gustafson, 58, Aug. 19, 2008, Osceola

SEPTEMBER 3, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 21

Notices / Employment

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Notices /

Employment

Burnett Co. marriage licenses Michael D. Vance, St. Paul, Minn., and Alyssa A. Shultis, St. Paul, Minn., Aug. 26.

Mitchell J. Coyour, LaFollette, and Kelsie M.

Bakken, LaFollette, Aug. 28.

Steven G. Schifsky, Stillwater, Minn., and Stephanie M. Rogers, Stillwater, Minn., Sept. 2.

SEPTEMBER 3, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 23

Notices / Employment

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Notices

SEPTEMBER 3, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 25

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Notices

SEPTEMBER 3, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 27

Larry the Cable Guy visits local resort Dan Whitney, AKA “Larry the Cable Guy,” and his wife, Cara, visited with members of the Nuto Dixieland Band at Fletch’s Reel-’em Inn resort on Long Lake in Washburn County recently. The Whitneys were in the area, visiting Cara’s grandparents, Gene and Avis Benson of Spooner.

The Cable Guy is a standup comedian whose fame has grown over the past few years with his appearances with the Blue Collar Comedy Tour and movies, including “Larry the Cable Guy: Health Inspector,” “Delta Farce,” and “Witless Protection.” He also performed the voice of Mater in the Disney/Pixar film “Cars.” Shown (L to R) are Donn “Hokey” West of Rice Lake, Elmer Burghardt of Cameron, Jerry Colbert of Rice Lake, Cara and Dan Whitney, Jimmy Linder of Cumberlan, Rich Eliker of Cable, Bruce King of Spooner and George Rydel of Webster, sitting at the piano.

- Special photo

Feingold listens

Moola for Milk

Sen. Russ Feingold held his 59th listening session of 2008 at the Siren Village Hall on Saturday, Aug. 23. When elected to the Senate, Feingold promised to hold open meetings in each of the state’s 72 counties every year to listen to people’s concerns and answer their questions. Feingold has held 1,139 listening sessions since 1993, fulfilling his promise to constituents. — Photos by Priscilla Bauer

Burnett County Sheriff Dean Roland asked Sen. Feingold when the two parties were going to cooperate with each other. “It is not just one party or the other,” said Roland. “When are they going to play nice?” Feingold, who has worked with Republicans for bipartisan support on numerous issues, replied by saying he would continue to do so and expressed his disdain at personalattack tactics. “The notion you have to attack somebody not from your party personally, I won’t do it,” said Feingold.

Robert Harmon voiced his concerns about Social Security and health care at Sen. Feingold’s Aug. 23 listening session in Siren. “We deserve these programs as U.S. citizens,” Harmon told Feingold.

Feingold told Harmon health care was one of his top priorities. “To not be able to respond as a nation is a failure,” said Feingold.

Education: the cornerstone of a great state of Wisconsin I was working the late shift at River Falls Area Hospital back in 1985 and I offered a cup of coffee to a woman sitting in the waiting room while her husband underwent surgery. She shared her worries about his health and then said, "on top of all that, we're moving, and I can't find anyone to replace me on the board of education." She looked at me speculatively.

"You've got a bunch of kids, don't you?" she asked. "Why don't you run?"

"Isn't it a lot of work?" I asked, thinking of that "bunch of kids" at home.

"No," she scoffed. "Not at all." (Later I would smile with amusement when I thought of her words while driving home from late-night meetings.) "And besides," she said, "you can really make a differ-

The Moola for Milk campaign is under way in Polk County. The Salvation Army will be collecting funds to support their milk coupons, distributed at food shelves in Polk and St. Croix counties. This effort is especially important this year with the increased demand at local food shelves and the rising cost of milk. Funds are being collected at local churches and merchants during the month of September. The program has provided 4,100 gallons of milk in the county thus far, at a cost of $17,000. Funds are being collected at Amery: Save-A-Lot, Dick’s, Freedom, Kum and Go, Super Stop and Holiday; Balsam Lake: Stop-ASec and Ole’s; St. Croix Falls: MarketPlace Foods; Luck: Kum and Go, Stop-A-Sec; Osceola: Super Valu; Cushing: Stop-A-Sec; and Clear Lake: Nielson’s. Left: Duane Olesewski, owner of Ole’s grocery store in Balsam Lake, is shown with the Moola for Milk mascot. – Photo by Gary King

the number of residents with college degrees living and working in that state. We also know that the better prepared a student is when they enter a ence." university or technical college, With that gentle nudge, my 17the more likely they are to year tenure on the River Falls graduate. Strengthening our School Board began.

K-12 education system is realDuring my time on the board, ly the first step towards buildand my time as a parent and a ing a more competitive grandparent, I have gained some Wisconsin. crucial perspective on how Strong schools also play a important a strong public educa- Alison key role in defining our qualition system is. Public education Page ty of life, something that both is the great equalizer, giving businesses and prospective every kid, regardless of their par- Senate ents income, a chance to be suc- candidate employees consider when choosing where to locate. In cessful. the new high-tech age, where When we invest in public education, it's really an investment in the businesses and industries are less tied long-term economic security of our com- down by geography, this becomes a bigmunity and of our state. We know that a ger factor than ever.

If we are to strengthen our educational state's per-capita income is directly tied to system, it is imperative that we find a

more fair way to pay for it. Our children don't belong in the middle of the fight about property taxes. It's not fair to them, and it's not fair to property taxpayers who want good schools but simply can't afford their tax bills.

While property taxes are crushing families, seniors and small business owners, large, out-of-state corporations are paying little or no taxes in Wisconsin. These businesses benefit from the quality of life here, and they should pay their fair share of the cost.

Our elected officials must work collaboratively, locally and at the state level, to invest the tax dollars of our hardworking neighbors wisely, in ways that will benefit our communities and the state for the long run.

"Isn't that going to be a lot of work?" I ask myself. Yes…but, working together, we can truly make a difference.

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

Grantsburg’s variety store to close

by Priscilla Bauer GRANTSBURG – Bob Steinke, owner of Grantsburg’s Ben Franklin, sat in his second-story office where he could look out at the shoppers below.

The downtown variety store was having a busy afternoon. It was the first day of the store’s going-outof-business sale, and shoppers were already streaming in to check out the bargains and stock up on items they were used to getting at their favorite Ben Franklin.

Steinke’s announcement of the store’s closing came as big a disappointment for many who rely on the store, a Grantsburg institution for 30 years, for a “variety” of items.

Steinke, who bought the store seven years ago when it was known as Carey’s Ben Franklin also owns Ben Franklin stores in Cambridge, and Sandstone, Minn., and has recently sold a Ben Franklin store in Aitkin, Minn.

According to Steinke, he has had the Grantsburg store for sale for over a year, and he has had no offers.

“I’m 62 and ready to retire, said Steinke, and that’s the reason I am closing.”

The store will remain open for the next two months or so for the continuous going-out-of-business sale.

No new inventory will be added to the store. “When The Grantsburg Ben Franklin has been a downtown institution for close to 30 years and will be missed it’s gone, it’s gone,” Steinke added. by the many who depended on it for a variety of items when the store closes later this fall.

The store’s six employees will remain through the sale and then will be looking for new jobs.

Photos by Priscilla Bauer “I’m sure the town will miss having a variety store,” Steinke noted, reflecting on the closing. “This store has been a good store for us, too.”

Bob Steinke, owner of Grantsburg’s Ben Franklin, has decided to retire and will close the store in the next few months, after a continuous going-out-of-business sale which started on Sept.

2.

Shoppers were busy looking for going-out-of-business bargains at the Grantsburg Ben Franklin store Tuesday afternoon. The sale will run for the next two months or so, until inventory is reduced.

Fending for herself

Follow-up GRANTSBURG – Several people have asked if Tracy Stewart, the Grantsburg woman struck by lightning at the Great Wall in China, was the same woman Priscilla Bauer mentioned visiting in her China trip story.

Stewart was in fact that same young woman. Bauer traveled with Tracy’s mother, Cindy Stewart, to see her daughter in Suzhou, China. Tracy wanted her mother and Bauer to

This orphan fawn lost her mother on Hwy. 63 just north of Shell Lake.

The fawn will have to fend for herself until the deer start to naturally congregate later this fall. — Photo by Larry Samson

accompany her to Beijing and the Great Wall, but they could not, due to time constraints. When they learned of Tracy’s lightning incident, just one week after they had visited her, both her mother and Bauer were very thankful she was not injured and also wondered what might have happened to them, had they made the trip with her. – Priscilla Bauer

‘Follow the Leader’

Currents N O R T H E R N

Sep tem be r 3 , 2 00 8 2nd Se ct io n B I nt e r-C ount y Lead er

News and views from the Northwest Wisconsin community

A w ed di ng o n th e r i v er

by Priscilla Bauer GRANTSBURG – To the bride and groom, no more beautiful scene could have been set for their wedding. After all, this was their favorite spot, Foxes Landing along the St.Croix River.

It was the place Nancy Rathe and Tony LaPre had chosen for their wedding ceremony, and the place where the couple wanted to begin their new life together as husband and wife.

The couple, who have dated for the past two years, decided to have their wedding along the St. Croix for one simple reason. “We love the river,” said the beaming bride. “You couldn’t have anything more beautiful than this,” Rathe A decorated wedding kayak awaited newlyweds, Tony LaPre and Nancy Rathe. The couple was married last Saturday along the St. Croix River, then arranged to take their first journey down the river as man and wife along with family and Nancy Rathe and Tony LaPre joined hands as they said their vows last Saturday afternoon along the banks of the St. Croix River. The couple chose Foxes Landing, their favorite spot for the location of their wedding with Chaplain Lucy Basler officiating. Basler said this was her first wedding on the St. Croix and can now add it to her list of other area rivers where she has performed weddings.

Bridegroom Tony LaPre helped carry canoes to the St. Croix River for their wedding guests. LaPre and his bride, Nancy Rathe, asked their family and friends to come and enjoy their wedding along the river last Saturday, Aug. 30, then take to canoes and kayaks for a three-hour, on-the-river reception.

added, pointing to the river.

With the bright sunshine glistening on the blue waters of the St. Croix, and August sunflowers and ferns growing high along its banks, nature had done a splendid job of decorating for the couple’s unique wedding.

A late-summer breeze whispered through the trees as Rathe, LaPre and their guests arrived at the landing, beckoning them to take a trip on the river and that was exactly what the newlyweds planned to do.

Working for Wild River Outfitters, the bride was well-acquainted with the St. Croix, helping arrange trips for river travelers and shuttling them back and forth to the river landings. Still, when it came to planning a wedding on the river, and her wedding at that, Rathe was pad-

dling in unknown waters, so to speak.

But with the help and support of her groom, LaPre, family, friends and her employers, Marilyn Chesnik and Jerry Dorff, the dream of a river wedding was about to come true.

Chesnik and Dorff took charge of getting canoes and kayaks to the river with friends; family and even the groom helped carry them to the water. Chaplin Lucy Basler lead the procession of guests down a path to where the couple stood in the spot they had chosen to say their vows.

So as the canoes and kayaks sat readied, the river as their backdrop and their three dogs as canine attendants, the bride and groom exchanged their specially chosen vows.

The bride and groom also planned a special sand ceremony after their vows were spoken. To express the couple’s desire and commitment in the creation of a new family to include Rathe’s son, Bran-

Photos by Priscilla Bauer

Newlyweds Tony LaPre and Nancy Rathe prepare to take their first trip down the St. Croix as husband and wife. The couple’s dogs, who were the bride and grooms attendants, were not about to miss a ride down the river for the reception.

don, the three each poured a container of different colored sand into one jar, symbolizing they were now a united family.

Basler said of the couple’s wedding locale, “I believe that this wedding reflected the personalities of Tony and Nancy. They find much meaning in their lives through the peacefulness of the St. Croix River. Their favorite gathering spot is Foxes Landing; so it was logical for them to want to share all this with their friends and relatives.”

And though Basler said it felt a bit strange not having a rehearsal and most guests (who were going on the after-ceremony canoe/kayak trip) attending in bathing suits or shorts, including herself, the casual feel of the event made it no less heartfelt to the couple and those witnessing their vows. “It all was very meaningful...a one of a kind,” said Basler, adding, she has conducted numerous weddings along rivers and lakes.

“I’ve done ceremonies along the Wisconsin, Namekogan, and Apple Rivers, and now I can add the St. Croix to the list.”

After the ceremony, Rathe and LaPre’s guests followed them down the river where they and dogs, Earl, Mister and Ucky, climbed into the groom’s kayak decorated with garden sunflowers.

And as Rathe and LaPre pushed off the

See Wedding, page 2

Guests attending Nancy Rathe and Tony LaPre’s wedding on the St. Croix River dressed for the occasion in T-shirts, shorts and swimwear. The couple’s wedding invitations asked guests to join them on a river trip after the ceremony.

PAGE 2 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - SEPTEMBER 3, 2008

Wedding/from page 1

Krystal Nelson, a friend of the couple, read one of bride’s favorite poems as part of the river wedding ceremony.

After saying their vows, Nancy Rathe and Tony LaPre joined with Nancy’s son, Brandon, in a sand ceremony, which had each pouring different colored sand into one jar to symbolize the blending of the three into one family. bank, their guests close behind, the couple turned to them and waved.

Then laughing and shedding a few tears in the joyous moment, the bride and groom paddled down stream, their wish and wedding invitation request for

friends and family to join them on their first journey down the St.Croix as man and wife about to be fulfilled.

Their three dogs close beside them, the bride and groom begin their first trip on the St. Croix as a married couple.

An elated couple, Tony LaPre and Nancy Rathe, smile before saying their wedding vows at their favorite spot, Foxes Landing, at the St. Croix River.

About 30 guests attended the outdoor ceremony last Saturday, Aug. 30, on the riverbank, then joined the bride and groom on a canoe/kayak trip down the river for the reception.

Nature did the decorating for LaPre and Rathe’s wedding with wildflowers and ferns along the banks of the St. Croix providing a beautiful floral display.

SEPTEMBER 3, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 3

Smile Awhile (or even laugh out loud)

by Ione Muehlhauser We all remember the Tooth Fairy, the Easter Bunny and Santa. We were all young once; though for some of us it was a few years ago.

So, this time it was 10-year-old granddaughter Kayla. She had a tooth pulled and the excitement of the Tooth Fairy was top on her list as she snuggled into bed for the night. Mother had the Tooth Fairy gift in the kitchen with intentions of placing it under Kayla’s pillow after she was asleep. In a household of four children, two adults, four dogs and two cats, life can get busy and things can be forgotten.

So it was, as Kayla awoke, Mother soon heard cry-

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

Writer’s Corner ing from Kayla’s room and the words Tooth Fairy. “Oh no, I forgot the gift.” She grabbed the money and made a beeline to her room.

Kayla was crouched over her knees, sobbing and crying her heart out, as we would say. “The Tooth Fairy doesn’t love me any more. What did I do bad that the Tooth Fairy doesn’t love me at all? Stupid Tooth Fairy doesn’t love me.” The words rolled out between the sobs of distress. She was devastated.

Heather (mom) went to her and consoled her, “you know Hon, you toss and turn so much when you sleep, who knows, the money could be mixed in with your blankets. A slight smile of hope was noted as Heather embraced the little one with one hand and snuck the money in amongst the blankets with the other.

They started digging through the blankets. Sevenyear-old sister Elyse was right there to help. Blankets

were shaken in all directions “Maybe we knocked the Tooth Fairy under the bed and probably injured her.

Quick look under the bed.” Heads were down looking, Elyse was on her hands and knees to check as she said, “We probably killed her.”

Of course, the Tooth Fairy’s gift was soon found and everyone was happy. Tears were wiped from reddened eyes as life for another day began.

The finale, Dana (Daddy) walked in “I hear you had some issues.”

That of course brought smiles and probably laughter from Adam and Paige (older siblings) and of course Heather. Oh yes, life of the family and isn’t it wonderful. I bet Jesus and all his angels even smiled at this one.

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

“A Midsummer Night’s Dream” auditions slated LUCK – Auditions for Prairie Fire Children’s Theatre’s original musical adaptation of Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” will be held on Monday, Sept. 8, at 3:30 p.m. in the Luck School elementary gym in Luck.

Up to 70 local young people are needed to play the roles of Buck, Luck, Yuck-Yuck, and the rest of the groundlings; Titania, Oberon, Pease Blossom, Cobweb, Moth, Mustardseed, and the rest of the sprites; Quince, Flute, Starveling, Snout, Snug, and the understudies of the acting troupe, the Duke, Hermia, Lysander, Demetrius, Helena, and the rest of the noblemen and noblewomen.

Auditions are open to anyone, age 7 It’s over! Our Labor Day sale is over!

You know, I look forward to doing the sale so much and then when the work begins I look forward to having it over.

I did get to see so many people I have not seen in a long time. I talked to one man and mentioned I had not seen him since last year. I went on and on about his wife and kids and then he told me he had never been here before. I told him that was fine, and I hoped he enjoyed himself and if he had a wife and kids I hoped they were fine. Then I went and hid in the kitchen until I knew he was gone. Just one of my most embarrassing moments, and there are lots of them.

I had wonderful volunteers who helped and must express my gratitde to them and the guys from Restorative Justice and Northwest Passage. We would still be cleaning up if it had not been for them.

Volunteers are special, giving people.

I am so lucky to work with some of the best. My job is fun, but never easy.

There is so much to do and I can’t do it all by myself, so I count on the people who volunteer their time and talent to help me. You don’t really have to have “talent.” I mean, you don’t have to sing

through 18. The Monday, Sept. 8, audition process begins at 3:30 p.m. and lasts up to two hours. All auditioners are required to be in attendance the complete time. Rehearsals will be held from 3:30 to 7:45 p.m. the remainder of the week. Performances are scheduled for Friday and Saturday, Sept. 12 and 13, at 7:30 p.m., at Luck School.

Two professional actors/directors from Prairie Fire Children’s Theatre’s staff will direct the production and also play roles. Kurt Anderson and Chris Rosser have each toured in numerous Prairie Fire shows, and will delight audiences at the Luck performances as the mischievous sprite, Puck and the colorful Nick Bottom. or play the piano or anything, although that might be an added plus for Interfaith Caregivers. Can you imagine, volunteers who sing while they drive people to the grocery story or tell while they Blodgett jokes visit with someone? My mind is racing with the possibilities. But, back to reality. I am looking for volunteers who will just be willing to help out now and then.

More now than then. OK...so the task is not always that easy, but as a group, we always have fun.

Labor Day came and went and I hardly noticed. I honored those who labor by laboring myself. I started about five projects and finished not a one. Something just occurred to me.

Does Labor Day include those women who are in labor? That should count or at least we should have a day honoring those who have been, will be or are in

Barb

Caregiver's

Gifts

Tickets for the performances are $5 for adults and $3 for senior citizens and students, and will be available at the door.

This weeklong Prairie Fire Children’s Theatre residency is being sponsored by Luck Community Education and a generous grant from Polk-Burnett Operation Round-Up. For more information, contact Amy Aguado at 715-472-2152 ext.

103. – submitted Director Chris Rosser will perform as Bottom in the Prairie Fire Children’s Theatre production “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” at Luck School, Friday and Saturday, Sept. 12 and 13, at 7:30 p.m. – Photo submitted

labor. It just seems fair. Besides, then every day would be a holiday. I doubt a day goes by when there is not a baby born somewhere. Just look at our humble little county. Babies are being born almost every day. I honor the women who go through labor. I have been there myself and can’t say I enjoyed every minute of it, although I did get a good laugh when the doctor told me I was not in labor and he wanted to watch the rest of the football game on TV. I gave birth to my son, Michael, in the labor room (when they had such things) about 10 minutes later. Just a footnote. Michael was 26 inches long and 14 pounds and 13 ounces. They didn’t make a big deal out of huge babies back then. I didn’t even get my picture in the paper.

Have you noticed who does get their picture in the paper lately? Catch a two-pound sunny and you get your picture in the paper....especially if you are only 3 years old. Smash into other cars in the demolition derby and you and what is left of your car get their picture in the paper. Write a column every couple of weeks and get your picture in the paper. Heck, they will photograph anyone won’t they? By the way, I need

a new picture. I have gone back to my original hair color and although it may be a shock, it should be shown so people will recognize me when I meet them on the street.

Having been a bottle blond for 50some years and being married to a man who has never seen me any other way, you would think Denny would have noticed before four days had gone by.

We can get away with wearing a new blouse and they notice so you have to say “Oh, I’ve had this forever,” but change your hair color and they have no clue. I went to church the day after the big change and no one said a word.

Finally, Olivia Main got up the courage.

I came to the conclusion that if you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all. But thanks Olivia, at least you were paying attention. Speaking of Olivia, I could go on and on about what a sweet young lady she is, but no more room. I have taken up more than my space and have to do something constructive like house work. Ugh! I always like the results, I just don’t care for the effort it takes to get those results.

Off I go.

See you soon Until then, God bless.

Show featuring the artwork of Gina Nordstrom ST. CROIX FALLS – The Buzz Coffee and Dessert Shop will be hosting a private showing of the art of Gina Nordstrom on Sunday, Sept. 21, from 6 – 8 p.m. Nordstrom works in printmaking,

drawing and painting. Her paintings are abstract; studies in shapes, colors and layering. Nordstrom’s prints and drawing are influenced by the art styles of Japan, which she has had the privilege of

visiting a number of times since 2000, most recently in June of this year. Following the private showing on Sept. 21, Nordstrom’s work will remain on display at The Buzz through the middle of

October. For additional information, please contact Jon Bjork at 715-483-1867.

– submitted

PAGE 4 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - SEPTEMBER 3, 2008

School Days

by Nellie Choate Hanson Hammond (My cousin, Nellie, turns 101 years old this week. She still is vigorous and active and lives at home east of Luck.

Last year for her 100th birthday, I helped her make a book from stories she had written over the past 25 years. Here is an excerpt where she tells about the difficulty of getting an education. Students heading back to school this week can see how it was nearly 100 years ago.

Happy Birthday Nellie! —Russ) ••• I was born Sept. 7, 1907, in Des Moines, Iowa. When I was 1 month old, my parents moved to South Dakota.

Dad was working as a brakeman on the Burlington Railroad a couple of years before they were married in 1903. Mom was very unhappy living in the city and Dad was required to work long hours.

So they decided to try farming and we moved to South Dakota.

The farm was six miles from Mina. It was a lonesome place in western S.D.; the climate was dry and it was open range for cattle. Our landlord, Mr. Martin, loaned Dad money to buy 15 Durham cows. I believe the herd cost $250. We raised all the calves and milked the cows and sold the cream.

There was a school 2-1/2 miles west and another 3-1/2 miles east. A farmer could send his children to the one of his choice. There were so few pupils in those schools, they were always glad for new children. Sometimes there was a large attendance in the winter because the teenage boys would go after the farm work was done.

There were no laws demanding children attend school. I went very little, since it was too cold in the winter and in the spring and fall I was out herding cattle on my own horse, Topsy, from age 7 and on.

It was a lonesome task, which I did not like. During the summer months the cattle were in a fenced pasture, but after the grain was harvested, everyone turned their animals out to graze on whatever they could find until the spring crop was up. Someone had to go along to keep them from mixing with another herd or from straying. They were branded in case herds did get mixed. Our brand was J.C. for John Choate. Youngsters today have a great time horseback riding, but to me it was just hard lonesome work even though I had a good riding horse, saddle and bridle.

In the fall of 1914, I started school.

Aunt Zula Hoover was my teacher, and a good one, but had problems with me, partly because I knew her too well and she just couldn’t be strict with me. I had visited school often the previous spring and gotten the idea it was a place to play. In order to get me to study, she finally gave me a seat beside hers and I worked on her desk under close supervision.

Dakota schools were very small, usually less than 10. Later in the year, we moved to another farm about a mile away but in a different school district so I had almost two miles to walk across the open prairie. The last mile I had to walk alone and never liked it.

One afternoon a farmer was loading corn fodder on his wagon near the road.

I was sure it was a gypsy—they were common in those days. My imagination carried me away and I ran back to the nearest telephone.

Marjorie’s mother called and told my folks I was scared and waiting for them

Collected by

Russ Hanson

River Road

Ramblings

Nellie drives the Fordson tractor back in the 1930s on the Choate-Hanson farm her family wrested from the woods east of Luck. to come and get me. By and by, my Dad came, even though it was butchering day and he was very busy. I’ve often wondered just what his real thoughts must have been on that busy day!

The summer I was 10 years old I started driving horses to stack hay.

Also for the header box which was a way of harvesting grain where they cut and elevated the heads into a wagon.

Those loads of grain were stacked and threshed later in the fall. Dad and Uncle Rufus had a threshing machine run by horse power. Fourteen horses were hitched to power drives which ran the machine. Uncle Rufus sat on the driver’s seat in the center and kept the horses going around and around while Dad took care of the threshing. That machine kept busy until late in the fall when the days got short and cold.

A couple of miles south of us lived another Yankee family, Salter by name.

Our other neighbors were Germans and Russians who were clannish and spoke little English. The Salters lived in the same school district and so we two families visited back and forth a lot.

When we were there on Sundays or in the evening, Grampa Salter would play the “talking machine.” It was an Edison model with a big horn that played records shaped like a water glass.

During the summer, it was my chore to drive Topsy, my own horse, hitched to the cart, and take the cream to the depot. Dad would set the can in the cart and the depot agent would take it out.

Each can would be worth about $12.

The check would come by mail two or three days later.

During the summer of 1918, Dad had to register for military service and it appeared he would be called for duty.

Hired help was very hard to get at harvest time, so again my parents became restless and this time looked to Wisconsin because of that old friendship with Zoela’s folks. Another family from the same Dakota area, living in Cumberland was the Orson Owens family. He was a land salesman. So that did it.

Dad bought the first 80 acres near Cumberland that fall for $5,000.

We had an auction early in October and cattle sold very high – some for over $1,000 – which was unbelievable.

Then we hauled wheat to the elevator with horses and the grain wagon. It too was high – $2 a bushel. I don’t know how much they had, but the crop was good and they had a section of 640 acres, which they were farming. I know they made many trips to town. Between the auction and sale of wheat, my parents got $5,000. I remember my Dad often said that was the only time he ever made any money!

Shortly before we left, the neighbors

came one evening for a farewell party.

A library table was the gift. The Salters got up the party. Mr. Salter helped haul the household goods and machinery, along with some horses, to Mina and load them into an emigrant car.

He had twice the weight in the car he was supposed to have, so the railroad charged him $200 for the trip—which seemed like a lot. The day he left Mina, Nov. 1, Dad, Mr. Salter and his two boys had to hurry to get the animals loaded.

There wasn’t room for the wagon so Mr. Salter took it home and said he was well paid. Dad crawled into the box car and closed the door just at the train started to move.

The first thing he did when he got to Cumberland was go to the company store and buy a new wagon and box for $50.

Mom, Uncle Rufus, Norma and I came on the passenger train, but first went to Clark and visited her folks for a few days. We were on the train Nov. 4, and at every stop the people were celebrating because some of the German allies had ceased fighting that day.

Nov. 5, we arrived in Cumberland.

Orson Owens met us at the train and took us to the farm in his car. It was late in the evening when we got there.

Roads were just sand trails. Mrs. Owens and Zoela’s dad helped move things from the car to the farm, so Dad had things partly organized when we arrived. The thing that astonished me most was the nice green grass and even a flower or two in November! South Dakota was a dry state where grass turns brown in July and stays dead until the next spring.

That was the year Spanish flu was so bad, and it hit everywhere.

Schools were closed a lot that winter, Norma was in the first grade and I was supposed to be in the fifth, but had missed so much time out west that it was very difficult.

I was a poor reader, knew very little about fractions, nothing of geography or history, so had a lot of homework to do. I dreaded each day and cried each night. Somehow, I finally got a hold of the situation and things went better.

Because Norma was small, I had to drive Topsy and the cart to school, which I hated. All the others walked and it seemed I was missing out on something. Anyway, it was hard to fill a bag of hay each evening to take along for her dinner. One rainy day in the fall of 1919, a steam engine came by the schoolhouse and whistled in such a way as to scare Topsy. She started running home but slipped and fell in such a way that she broke her neck. Dad had bought her when she was 3 years old at a neighbor’s auction in Missouri. She

lived to a ripe old age and had been my faithful driving and riding horse as well as workhorse. She even worked half days on the power drive at threshing time. I still remember her fondly.

(Nellie went on to teach school. She married a Swedish logger named Adolph Hanson, my Grandpa’s first cousin. They took over her parents’ rocky wooded farm (still in the family), and continued to clear the land to make it into a nice farm, raising four boys along the way.

After reaching 100, Nellie gave up helping to pick rocks from the fields each spring, but she continues to lead an active life at 101.)

••• See you at the new Luck Library and Museum grand opening on Saturday, Sept. 13. The hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with the program at 2 p.m. Over $1 million was raised by donations and grants for the new building! The museum will be open Friday and Sunday afternoons and Saturdays, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. in September. Margo and I are hosts on Sundays, noon - 4 p.m., in September. The Luck Area Historical Society is still looking for items with Luck area history. Contact Alan Tomlinson for details.

Drop off your items on Monday at George Laier’s place south of Cushing for the three-charity yard sale at the upcoming River Road, Hwy. 87 Ramble, Saturday, Sept. 27. Prepare your own River Road Ramble activity too – contact info 715-648-5505. If we don’t get a frost before the 27th, Margo’s squash, pumpkins, apples and watermelons will be ready to sell! I think I will set up Winnabelle, our ice-fishing camper, for her garden-market sales room. Margo is away for the week, but I am sure she will think it is a good idea! If I take out the big side windows and make sort of a tilt-out counter, and paint it kind of flashy, it should attract people to buy our smoked sand-carp sandwiches too.

Send your history stories to riverroadrambler@gmail.com and share them with your neighbors!

Nellie Hammond, who celebrates her 101st birthday this week, graduated from Cumberland High School over 80 years ago.

SEPTEMBER 3, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 5

Champion of lost causes You know that I am concerned about Whispering Pines Camp and its possible closing and sale. The real problem is that enrollment is down. No one has figured out why.

I hope I am not a promoter of lost causes. Goodness knows I tried my best to save the baby Abrahamzon seals from being killed by the Japanese for their pelts. I have embraced other lost causes, too, in my lifetime.

I had to do something about the camp, although I was told it will make no difference and do no good. At least I have let the five persons on the state Methodist camping program know that we care.

To quote Dr. Seuss, “We’re here. We’re here” and we care.

I wrote five different letters, not copies, asked questions and invited them to come and walk the grounds and see firsthand what they will be sacrificing, giving up.

Some of them are familiar with the premises so they know what a treasure it is.

Perhaps I did it for myself, figuring my logic is acceptable, my opinion of some importance.

As I am constantly told, “Times are changing.” I realize that.

Sometimes when we are driving at night, I see farmhouses with lights on but the big barns are dark.

There is nothing going on there anymore. They have outlasted their use. It is a sad commentary on today’s Dairy State. I guess tourism is now our No. 1 occupation.

We can lament the decrease in the dairy industry.

We can lament the closing of children’s camps. Not right away but eventually. The handwriting, they say, is on the wall, but I wish we could erase it and energize the camping program.

Perhaps it is the cost of enrollment. Perhaps parents disinterest. Perhaps the children themselves, who don’t want to leave their TV sets, their computers and home freedoms.

The camping schedule has introduced new programs i.e., a grandmother coming to camp accompanied by a grandchild. What a unique experience that would be. I wonder if a grandchild could keep up

Bernice

Behind the Signpost

with a modern grandmother in this day and age.

Grandmas are much younger than they used to be.

You won’t find them sitting in rocking chairs watching the world go by.

Yes, everything changes, and I must admit I find it hard to “Let the status quo go.”

••• The other day a TV announcer was talking about famous young actors, both male and female. (Actress is a word no longer used, along with aviatrix, waitress, seamstress or coed, etc.)

Well, I tell you this. I didn’t know any of them.

Whatever happened to Alan Ladd, Brian Donlevy and Errol Flynn? Whatever happened to Sylvia Sidney, Norma Shearer and Carole Lombard?

I know! I know! You’ve never heard of them. So it goes!

Meanwhile, if you have a lost cause to share, just contact me. I actually remember when grade school children were called pupils, not students; when blackboards really were black, not green, not dryerase, not chalkboards, when school grounds were called playgrounds, not a school campus.

Keeping up with modern trends is exhausting!

When I go to the polls and vote, my candidates inevitably lose. This year I may do something I have never done before, I may cross party lines and vote for candidates on the wrong ballot.

But then, I am notoriously a champion of lost causes.

There is always the chance, however slim, that maybe, just maybe, I can do some good and effect a change. We will see then if there is any power in the pen.

Until next week, Bernice P.S. I hope you enjoyed last week’s children’s story “Old Tom Sickletail.” It managed to place second in a state writing contest, but the judges didn’t like it enough to give it a first prize. They thought the ending was unbelievable, that I gave the rooster too much credit for the ability to learn something from experience.

Wisconsin urges extra caution driving now that school is open STATEWIDE – As more than a million students prepare to return to school across the state, AAA Wisconsin urges motorists to please slow down, use extra caution and watch out for school-age pedestrians.

AAA’s School’s Open – Drive Carefully campaign encourages motorists to stay alert in areas where children are present, paying special attention during the morning and afternoon hours while children are coming to and from school. Drivers should watch for children who may dart out into the street near school zones, playgrounds, bus stops and in neighborhoods.

School-age children can be especially vulnerable in areas with heavy traffic volume, parked vehicles on the street, higher posted speed limits and few pedestrian-control devices.

“Children get caught up in the excitement of backto-school season and can forget to look out for cars,” said AAA Wisconsin Regional President Tom Frymark.

“Many youngsters have trouble making accurate judgments about traffic speed and distance, so drivers have to be particularly aware.”

Pedestrian injury is the second leading cause of injury-related death in the United States for children ages 5 to 15, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. These pedestrian fatalities are more likely to happen in the afternoon hours, when school is letting out. Nationally, more than 33,500 children were treated in emergency rooms for pedestrianrelated injuries in 2005.

As part of the School’s Open – Drive Carefully cam-

paign, AAA Wisconsin offers drivers the following tips to keep school children safe: • Leave a little early so you are not rushed as you travel to work or school.

• Pay particular attention near schools during the morning and afternoon hours.

• Always stop for school buses that are loading and unloading students.

• Look for AAA School Safety Patrol™ members, crossing guards, bicycles, playgrounds and other clues to indicate children could be in the area.

• Scan between parked cars and other objects for children who could dart into the road.

• Slow down in school and residential areas, and be sure to come to a complete stop at all intersections.

• Drive with your headlights on – even during the day – so children and other drivers can see you.

• Practice extra caution in adverse weather conditions.

AAA’s School’s Open – Drive Carefully information is being distributed statewide through local AAA Wisconsin offices and police departments.

AAA Wisconsin, which serves more than 617,000 members, offers automotive, travel, insurance and financial services. It is part of The Auto Club Group, the largest affiliation of AAA clubs in the Midwest, with 4.1 million members in eight states. ACG clubs belong to the national AAA federation, a not-for-profit organization, with more than 50 million members in the United States and Canada. - from AAA

Traffic safety for point reduction class set RICE LAKE - WITC-Rice Lake continuing education will offer a Traffic Safety for Point Reduction class.

This class is designed for persons concerned about safe, defensive driving as well as those persons in need of point reduction. Upon successful completion of this course, a person can have a three-point reduction in

any point total accumulated against his/her Wisconsin driving record, if they have not used this option in the past three years.

Preregistration is required. For more information, call WITC Rice Lake at 715-234-7082, ext. 5257. - from WITC

Do you remember ?

Compiled by Bernice Abrahamzon

50 Years Ago Obituaries included Anna Lindquist, Franklin Peterson and Baby Phernetton.-Central Burnett County Fair ran Aug. 28-29-30 at Webster. Stipes Shows were on the midway and there was a free dance Saturday night. A free bicycle was given away in the main agricultural building.-Polk County ranked second in number of school buses.-A roast beef fellowship dinner was served at St. Peter’s Parish Hall on Aug. 31.Specials at Route’s Super Market, Frederic, included bananas at 2 lbs. for 29¢, picnic hams at 45¢ lb., Spry at 3-lb. tin for 85¢, and Miracle Whip at 53¢ qt. jar.Specials at the Frederic Co-op Store were seedless grapes at 2 lbs. for 29¢, sliced bacon at 65¢ lb, six candy bars (5¢ bar) at 19¢ and coffee at 83¢ lb.-Large enrollments at Wisconsin State Colleges.-Federal taxes in Polk County for fiscal year would total $2,683,286.-An open house would be held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Albert Fredericks of Frederic on Sept. 7 to observe their silver wedding anniversary.-Wood River Town Board planned water regulations.-A contract was approved for construction on Hwy. 63.-A turkey supper was scheduled at the Lewis church for Sept. 11, adults $1, children 50¢.Funds arrived to help polio victims in Polk County.Residents were urged to check fire numbers now.

40 Years Ago Specials at the Clover Farm Store, Frederic (located where the post office is now located) included Rock Cornish game hens at 59¢ each, ice cream at 59¢ for one-half gal., and Gravy Train dog food at $2.95 for 25-lb. bag.-The grand opening was set for the Cushing Merchandise Mart discount store on Aug. 30 at 9 a.m.-At Vangsgard Radio and TV, Luck, all records were on sale at half-price.-Obituaries included Lillian Nelson, Leah Magnus and Augusta Swenson.-Kore, Inc. at Hayward wanted basswood bolts 8” and up in diameter, 100” long and also aspen bolts 8” and up in diameter, 100” long (veneer-log quality).-Dances were held at Log Gables, Webster, on Aug. 31 and also Sunday, Sept. 1.-Two dances were held at the Cabaret, Webb Lake, on Saturday and Sunday nights over the Labor Day, modern and old-time, plus a Sunday smorgasbord.-A Polk County Day Care Center opened at the Wanderoos school.-Forgiveness Day at the Frederic Public Library was set for Sept. 7, when overdue books could be brought back without penalty.-Frederic schools would open with 772 students in 12 grades.-The nine officers of the Frederic United Fund were Gene Early, Dr. Harlander, Louis St. Angelo, Joan Funne, Bea Perry, Lucille Clausen, Peg Orgeman, Pastor Gary Park and Wm. Johnson.

20 Years Ago Bruce Edquist won the 18-ft. boat with motor and trailer from the fire department in Webster with fire Chief, Ed Noel making the presentation.-Papa John’s Restaurant at Hertel was open all Friday night the weekend of the air show.-The Sew Easy shop on Main Street, Grantsburg, was going out of business with final markdowns.-Tanning special at Sun Travel and Tan, Main Street, Webster, charged $35 for a treatment.-A World Championship Watercross was held in Grantsburg.-Their 26th-annual Uff-Da Days Sales were held at Carlyle’s in Grantsburg.-Randy Stark was named the new conservation warden for eastern Burnett County.-Polk County farmers were short 8 million bales of hay, according to the local ag agent.-Candidates for the Fairest of the Fair were Becky Fortier, St. Croix Falls; Pam Ruck, Centuria; Betty Feyen, Star Prairie; Michelle Boileau, Milltown, and Linda Jensen, Frederic.-Business of the Week highlighted in this newspaper was Builders Lumber and Supply in Luck.-Andrea Didlo, 4, was named Reader of the Week at the Frederic Public Library.Milltown Lutheran Church celebrated its 75th anniversary.-Polk-Burnett Electric named a new general manager, Steve Glaim of Custer, S.D.-Obituaries included Lyman Duncan, Anna Ramstrom, Bernard Klemann and Seymour Twetten.

PAGE 6 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - SEPTEMBER 3, 2008

TOWN TALK/COUNTRY CHATTER Hi, everyone! Blacky here from the Humane Society of Burnett County. I hope everyone had an excellent holiday weekend. Mine was OK, I guess. I got to do some fun stuff and play in the water, and that is always fun on a summer day. I saw lots of dogs on boats, too. One little guy had his own life jacket on, and it had a built-in handle so his mom could carry him around like a purse!

That wouldn’t work so well for me, I don’t think. You’d need a boom truck to get my feet off the ground. I even saw a guy with a YAPpenings fire blazing inside his canoe. His paddles were on fire as he was waving them around and saying, “Everything’s under control!” Boy, and people call me a doofus! I was kind of sad when I went to the shelter to see my friends, though. Since our pet transportation has been deemed unsteady, the shelter folks have not been too eager to bring some of the dogs to the city to a bigger shelter, to find them homes, and make room at our shelter for the steady stream of newcomers who find their way to us. The house is packed like sardines! I wish I could find a way to help lighten the load a little bit. Hey, how’d you like to say to a bunch of dogs, “Wanna go for a ride?!” and take them on a road trip? I’d even give up a week’s worth of rawhides and treats and chip in for gas!

I go to sleep with my toes crossed at night, wishing for things that I’ve asked for. This week, one big wish came true: a new washer and dryer! Two kindhearted ladies, Bonnie and Donna from the Yellow Lake neighborhood, put their heads together and gave us a set that works a whole lot better. I tell you, our old washing machine sounded like rocket boosters firing when it hit the spin cycle, and moved so much in the process, that we thought it would be propelled into space. Believe me, dogs cower or stand there and tilt their heads when that happens, so I want to say how appreciative the staff and the animals are for the upgrade. That was way cooler even than the garden hose I got sprayed with today! And the brushing I got with a barn broom. Oh boy, that had my hide

Blacky

Shelter

moving all over - yow!

I have only one new fella to tell you about this week, and that is Bumblebee. Bumblebee is a stray who was picked up in the Siren area. He is a youthful English springer spaniel, around 2 years old. He’s white with black spots and a black mask on his face.

He’s a pretty handsome dude to be out wandering, homeless. I’m certain somebody misses him and wants him back. You can take a look at his picture on the humane society’s Web site, listed at the bottom of my column.

If you read last week’s column, you’ll remember I listed off a bunch of things you shouldn’t give to your dog, including bubble wrap. I had a lot of people tell me they were surprised by some of the items I talked about and that they feel badly they unwittingly feed their dog things they shouldn’t. I think that happens to a lot of dog owners; it’s hard to comprehend that a dog’s system is that much different than a human’s, but it is. And then there’s that look factor - “if eyes could eat,” I call it - that some of you fall for. I think it is called begging. My 15-year-old brother has cataracts, and I cannot figure out how he cannot see something right in front of him, yet can spot a sandwich in someone’s hand indoors, through a window, whilst standing outside. These are the things that keep me awake at night. I guess what I am getting at is that if you are a pet owner, you should educate yourself on being one, and don’t leave your pet’s health to fate. There is a wealth of knowledge to be had online, at your library, your vet’s office, from seasoned pet owners, and other sources that will help you to be a smart parent to your pet. And right now I’m being a giant hypocrite because s-o-m-e-o-n-e is eating guacamole and chips next to me and I want some, I want some, I want some. “A” is for avacado, and that is no good for me. Oh well, there’s always peanut butter, and that’s not only tasty, but a challenge as well when it’s stuck to the roof of your mouth. Who has more fun than me?

It’s time for me to sign off. The hour is late, and I have toes to cross and things to wish for, for my friends at the shelter. So far, it’s working. Thanks, everybody, and I’ll see you here next week!

HSBC is saving lives, one at a time. www.hsburnettcty.org 715-866-4096.

Siren

349-2964

Mornings are definitely showing signs of fall; there is a coolness in the air that wasn’t there before. Oh, the days warm up, but after all, Labor Day has come and gone. I have my little black bear back, I thought she was leaving us alone, however she has a new trick. After our last heavy rains we found out she comes during the cover of darkness. I know it’s her, as the damp ground shows her small footprints all over my birdyard. My feeders are always brought in at night, so she isn’t finding any treats, but still she comes. It won’t be long, though, before she will be heading into her den for her long winter’s snooze.

Those of you who wish to have your kids take dancing lessons, Attitudes Dance School is still taking applications for both boys and girls through the month of September.

For more info call Andrea at 715-349-5556.

Don’t forget the Siren Fire and Rescue Golf Tournament is coming up on Saturday, Sept. 13, at the Siren National Golf Course at 10 a.m. Entry fee is $65 per person for 18 holes, a cart and lunch. For more info, or to sign up, call Wade Wambolt at 715-349-7612, or the golf course at 715-349-8000.

The Daniels Town meeting regularly held on the second Tuesday of the month has been changed to Tuesday, Sept. 16, at 7:30 because of the September elections.

The Siren Methodist Church men’s group served over 100 people for the August Food and Friends Community Dinner. Turkey a la king was served with raves from all as

A girl, Obrielle Lynn Lee Suckow, was born Aug. 26, 2008, to Darrick Suckow and Cassondra Hunter of Siren.

Obrielle weighed 7 lbs., 10 oz., and was 20.5 inches long.

Grandparents are Daniel and Carrie Hunter of Webster and Daniel and Patty Suckow of Menomonie.

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Born at Burnett Medical Center:

A boy, Justin John Campeau, born Aug. 31, 2008, to Chad Campeau and Samantha Hess, Grantsburg. Justin

to how good it was.

Sympathy to the family of Shirley A. Schroeder, who passed away Aug. 19.

A breakfast baby shower was held for little Aiden Foesher and mom, Bonnie on Saturday, Aug. 30, at the home of Missy Peterson.

Art and Bev Beckmark received word on Wednesday evening from Bev’s nephew’s wife, Linda Anderson of Monroe, N.C., that she would be stopping in for a visit Thursday afternoon. She enjoyed spending Friday morning at the Siren Lions huge yard sale. She left Saturday afternoon for Two Harbors, Minn., to spend time with her mom, Lorraine Brassel. She returns home on Tuesday, Sept. 9.

School is now in session, so as you drive our highways and byways, please take extra care. Kids always seem to have other things on their minds, instead of watching out for cars. Let’s make sure they have a chance to make it safely through the school year.

A speedy recovery to Lori Dake, who has been ill. She is the daughter of Walter and Norma Dake of Siren.

Sunday, the Siren Methodist Church had three baptisms at the Sunday service. Little Easton and Kiyley Nerby, children of Becky and Adam Nerby and their cousin Carter Nerby, son of Jon and Bobbi Jean Nerby were baptized.

Art and Bev Beckmark stopped in and visited with Niles and Marge Peterson on Sunday afternoon.

weighed 6 lbs., 14-1/2 oz. and was 18-1/2 inches long. He joins brother Brandon.

Grandparents are Debbie (Vern) Hess, Grantsburg, Robert (Kelly) Hess, Durand, Randy Campeau, Grantsburg and Linda (Mike) Johnson, Centuria.

Great-grandparents are Eleanore Aronson, Grantsburg, Doretta Hess, Tomahawk and Shirley and Merlin Campeau, Lindstrom, Minn.

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Everson/Brown Ronald and Betty Everson of Cushing and Glen and Claudine Brown of Balsam Lake are pleased to announce the engagement of their children, Jon L. Everson and Cherie A. Brown.

Jon is a 1986 graduate of Luck High School and a 1990 graduate of UW-Eau Claire with a Bachelor of Science in geography. He is employed with Wagner Surveying Association in Webster.

Cherie is a 1991 graduate of Unity High School and a 1997 graduate of Bethel College with a Bachelor of Science in nursing. She is employed as a charge nurse for Davita Dialysis.

A Saturday, Oct. 4, wedding is planned at the Apple River Community Church. – Photo submitted

Engagement

Bev Beckmark

Birth announcements Born at Hayward Area Memorial Hospital

Engagement

Moats/Balcerek Erica Moats and Charles Balcerek, both of Hudson, are pleased to announce their engagement.

Erica is the daughter of Jeff and Cheri Moats of Frederic. She is a Frederic High School graduate and graduated from UW-River Falls in December 2005. She is currently employed as a office tech at the Washington County Jail in Stillwater, Minn.

Charles is the son of Lee and Sharon Balcerek of Deer Park. He is a graduate of New Richmond High School and also graduated from UW-River Falls in December 2005. He is currently employed as an associate consultant at Natural Resource Group in Minneapolis, Minn.

The couple are planning a Sept. 20, wedding at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in Frederic. A reception is planned at Hacker’s Lanes and Banquet Center.

After a honeymoon in Door County, and couple will reside in Hudson. – Photo submitted

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SEPTEMBER 3, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 7

TOWN TALK/COUNTRY CHATTER Wedding

Kelch/Kellen Jolene Kelch of Rice Lake and Nathanial Kellen of New Auburn were married June 14 at Trinity Lutheran Church in McKinley. She is the daughter of Steve and Judy Kelch of Luck, and he is the son of Dennis and Vicki Kellen of New Auburn. Pastor Neal Weltzin officiated, and the bride was given in marriage by her father.

Matron of honor was Shannon Kelch of Luck, sisterin-law of the bride. Bridesmaids were Sheila O’Hara of Goodyear, Ariz., Joy Maier of La Crosse, Alizabeth Miller of Rice Lake and Brenda Guider of Cumberland, friends of the bride. Personal attendant was Tonya Waite of Rice Lake, friend of the bride.

Best man was Travis Kellen of New Auburn, brother of the groom. Groomsmen were John Miller of Rice Lake, Jeremy Horvath of Dallas, Albert Evans of Chetek, all friends and Josh Kelch of Luck, brother of the bride. Ushers were Jake Knight of New Auburn, cousin of the groom and Brandon Bechel of Summit Lake, cousin of the bride. Flower girls were Alexis, Alayna and Amelia Kelch, nieces of the bride.

Following the ceremony, a dinner/dance was held at the Cumberland Legion.

The couple honeymooned in Oahu, Hawaii, and reside in Rice Lake.

The bride is employed by Homeshield in Rice Lake in the accounting department, and the groom is self-employed doing construction. – Photo submitted

Engagement

Marcano/Dunlap Rachael Marcano of Canton, Mich., and Zach Dunlap, Ypsilanti, Mich., are pleased to announce their engagement.

Rachael is the daughter of Matthew and Kathleen Kingsbury of Turtle Lake, and Zach is the son of Rod and Lisa Dunlap of Canton, Mich.

The bride is a graduate of UW-River Falls and is the program director of a church camp. The groom is a student at Eastern Michigan University and is the youth director of Wayne United Methodist Church.

The couple are planning a spring 2009 wedding at the Wayne United Methodist Church in Wayne, Mich.

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Lewis

A memorial service was held Saturday morning for Larry Jones, the father of Jim Jones, here in Lewis at the Lewis Memorial United Methodist Church at 10 a.m., with Pastor Tom Cook in charge. The United Methodist Women helped serve the lunch. Relatives and friends brought in much food for the occasion. Sympathy is extended to the family.

A street dance was held Saturday night on Main Avenue, Lewis. Permission had been granted at a recent town board meeting, and the dance was well planned and monitored.

Marlene and Scott Nelson, Nicole and friend spent part of the weekend at No No Lake. They had beautiful weather and perhaps summer’s last hurrah.

An all-church picnic will be held next Sunday after church at the Sylvia and Phil Scheetzel Spirit Lake home. It was held there before, so this is a repeat of good times. Bring something for potluck lunch as well as a good appetite.

Welcome! Bring meat to grill if you like.

On Monday, Sept. 8, the Indianhead Rock and Mineral Society will come together at 7 p.m., at the Luck Senior Citizen Center, and the meeting itself will begin promptly at 7:30 p.m., with Dan Beal presiding. Program is a silent auction. Bring rocks/minerals to sell, and also come prepared to buy. Potluck lunch.

The Northwest Regional Writers will meet on Friday, Sept. 12, at 1 p.m., in the community room of Sunrise Apts., Frederic. Assignment is “traveling together.”

Happy 85th birthday to Ken Nelson, who celebrated on Sunday afternoon with a lawn party outside his and Betty’s home. Wishing you the best of days, Kenny.

Lewis church members are designating all of September as Bring a Friend to Church Month. There will be music, sharing good thoughts, fellowship and friendships, probably food, too.

Leftover funeral fare was shared at church on Sunday,

Bernice Abrahamzon

Aug. 31, after church services, a sweet treat of frosted cakes.

The decision has been made to serve a harvest supper at the Lewis Memorial United Methodist Church on Saturday, Oct. 4. The menu will include beef roasts with marinade, etc. Watch for further details.

Sheila Staples has been coaxed out of retirement to return to the elementary and high school libraries at the Siren school. Meanwhile the position is open for applicants, so Sheila can return to retirement. She says she is doing it for the kids. She will also be teaching a number of classes.

All those yard sales over the holiday have had people going in circles, especially the Lions and Lioness sale at the Siren Park, etc. Shoppers really looked for bargains in clothes. All books were 25¢ each (even coffee table books) plus mugs at 10¢ each this year. Perfect weather was a big plus.

I hope you will read my column this week where I identify myself as a Champion of Lost Causes. I have long related to Whispering Pines Camp as my father was a caretaker of two private estates, and I know what it is like growing up on a beautiful place like that. Their names were Greenwood Lee and Broad Oaks. As a caretaker, my father had to respond to the burglar alarm when it went off in my parents bedroom. It was always a relief when the alarm was activated by the wind, not anyone breaking into any of the buildings.

No Scrabble was played on Labor Day at Sunrise Apartments, Frederic, on account of the holiday.

Skonewood outdid itself this summer, with a long and successful season of programs. The last of the 2008 season was given this past Sunday night, with a fine crowd.

Considering all the letters I write, our mailbox should be full every day. Doesn’t anyone write personal letters anymore?

Frederic Senior Center Monday Spades was played with the following winners: first place, Shirley Sandquist; second place, Liz Ruhn; third place, Netha Polson and fourth place was Lida Hinschberger.

Fran Kurkowski served birthday cake and ice cream in honor of Hazel Hoffman’s birthday.

Tuesday Whist was enjoyed.

Wednesday a large group enjoyed Pokeno and refreshments and visiting together. I enjoy coffe time with them as they are such a happy group.

Thursday night 500 cards was played at 6:30 p.m. with the following winners: in first place was Lester Johnson,

second place went to Tim Abrahamzon, third, Bob Holmes and in fourth place, Don Weik.

Saturday we will be taking in the fundraiser for the Frederic Historical Society. Cards and Bingo in the afternoon, with coffee time at 3 p.m.

Labor Day potluck and Spades at 1 p.m. The executive board met at 9:30 a.m. on Friday.

Saturday, Sept. 6, is potluck and birthday party of the month with the following birthdays celebrated: Ardyce Knauber on Sept. 30, Carmen Marek on Sept. 27, Doralyn Pederson on Sept. 25, Liz Ruhn on Sept. 25 and Stub Ruhn on Sept. 23.

Cloverton-Markville Two grandmoms of the eagerly anticipated baby of Brannan Best hosted a shower for the not yet born little boy at the Cloverton Town Hall on Aug. 23. Former Cloverton resident Robin Fornengo and Jason Best’s Mom (whose name I don’t know) were pleased to see over 25 people attend the shower. The baby will be born in October. Brannan and Jason live in Finlayson.

Sheriff Mark Mansavage was the guest speaker at the August meeting of the East Pine County Wanderers.

He talked about the new jail and courthouse, the budget, and concerns he has regarding law enforcement in Pine County. Marlene and Don Mishler brought the birthday cake and door prize. The prize, a really nice garden stone, was won by Sandi Drake. August birthdays were Pam Berg, Mary Schaaf and Darlene Merimonti. We now have 24 members of this senior club.

Following an orthopedic appointment in Duluth recently, Dave and Sandi Drake did some shopping at the Miller Hill Mall, then ate at the Old Country Buffet.

Dave hurt his bicep at home the other day and the doctor said it will have to heal over time.

Shirley and Jerry Blokzyl had four grandchildren stay with them for a week. These children are all around the age of 12. They enjoyed board games, eating out, and just generally having fun. After they took the kids back to Lindstrom, Minn., and New London, the Blokzyl’s did some visiting with family members.

Wes and Norma Maurer stopped to visit with Clara Lilly on their way home to Webster from Superior recently. When Clara’s husband, Glen, managed the Wood Lake Baptist Camp at Grantsburg, the Maurers were the cooks there.

Granddaughter Mitch came to visit Clara one day also. She brought granddaughter, Nikki, and grandson, Travis, and her friend, Jessica, then they all danced in the powwow in Danbury My husband, Dave Baker, and I enjoyed very much an overnight stay at the home of his daughter, Leda, and her husband, Mark Zeient, in Minnetonka, Minn.,

Fran Levings

last weekend. We appreciate the Mishlers taking care of our dogs. Another recent social event for us was having Sandra and Jeff Holmgren and their two children over from North Branch, Minn., one day.

A reminder to everyone to be sure to vote in the primary election next Tuesday, Sept. 9. Townships are required to hold a test and demonstration of the voting machines. Cloverton’s test will be Friday, Sept. 5, at 7 p.m., while Markville’s is scheduled for Saturday, Sept.

6, at 10 a.m. Use of voting machines at the polls is optional and voters may still be able to vote via paper ballot.

Be sure to vote, wherever you are.

PAGE 8 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - SEPTEMBER 3, 2008

TOWN TALK/COUNTRY CHATTER Webster Senior Center

866-4334 Margel Ruck attended the Minnesota State Fair on Monday with her daughter Cheryl and Dave Smith, and grandchildren Logan and McKenna of Baldwin. It has been a lot of years since Elden, Heather and I went there, but I hope to go again, maybe next year.

Nineteen ladies from the Ravishing Rubies Red Hat Society met for lunch on Tuesday at JoMama’s Restaurant and enjoyed the meal prepared by Jo Robinson. Elva Hughes brought a new member, Dolores Crane, and she was given a hearty welcome. Queen Mother Kelly Weiser of the Shattered Hatters in Glendale, Ariz., was dining at the restaurant and after she saw all of our red-hatted ladies having so much fun, she stopped by our tables and shared information with our group. After singing our red hat song, we also sang “Happy Birthday” to Jean McLaughlin, who had a birthday on Aug. 12, and she received a red hat gift.

Hilarious jokes and stories were told by Jeanine Bickford, Mary Poretti, Jeannie Wagner, QM Mary Klar, Vice QM Jeanette Olson, Dolores Crane and Donna Lehman.

Door prize winners were Judi Reese and Mert Kisselburg.

Gladys Beers gave a report on the adventures of our mascot bear, Ms. Hattie, during the month of August. She was taken camping with the Beers family at the Yogi Bear Campground at Fremont, but never had the opportunity to see any other bear relatives. Jeanine Bickford then offered to take Ms. Hattie home with her for the month of September and another new adventure. It was announced that the Old Bats in Red Hats, from Amery, were having a trip to Turtle Lake Casino for a style show fundraiser for the Amery Public Library on Tuesday, Sept.

16, and anyone interested in attending could call Muriel Pfiefer at 715-268-6578 for further details. Mary Poretti, Jeanine Bickford, Jeanne Wagner and Jeanette Olson volunteered to be the luncheon committee and will be planning our next September luncheon. Details will be given in this column in the very near future.

In addition to Wednesday being Liver Lovers Day, it was also Hat Contest Day, and Lily Gleason, Sandy Wohlets and Peggy Lawless won plates of homemade goodies from Deb. Dime bingo was also played after lunch, but I don’t have any information on it.

Lily Gleason and a friend attended the Minnesota State Fair on Thursday and Bob Gleason and Sandy Wohletz did Lily’s home-delivered-meal route for her.

Thursday evening pool players were Ken Hayes, Harold Peterson, Pat O’Brien, Dave Wardean and Earl Boelter.

Theresa Gloege, Nancy O’Brien, Carol Berglind, Bernie

Boelter, Margel Ruck, Jane Wardean and Gladys Beers played cards. Everyone enjoyed the treats furnished by the ladies. I missed out on all the fun as daughter Heather and I were busy getting ready for a garage sale at my house on Friday and Saturday and I was exhausted. I think that I shall never do another one, ever!

Deb served chocolate cake for dessert on Friday to honor those having birthdays in August: Sandy Wohlets, Sam Williamson, Leonard Fossum, Dave Wardean and Edna Schroeder.

Our Dining at Five evening meal dates have now been changed to be held on the second Tuesday of each month effective Sept. 9. The menu for the Tuesday, Sept. 9, will be roast turkey with dressing, mashed potatoes and gravy, vegetable, cranberries, rolls, milk and pumpkin bars for dessert. Call 715-866-5300 to make your reservation.

Gratitude is extended to Pat and Nancy O’Brien for donating a large amount of green beans, Wayne Burmeister – rutabagas, Diane Medaglia – zucchini and cucumbers, and Bev Pardun – craft material.

Our get-well wishes and prayers continue go to Mercelia Studeman, Edna Canfield; Pete Neubauer who is now at home and recovering from a total knee replacement; Lois Taylor who had total hip replacement on Aug. 24, Antone and Jeremy Gronski, and Pastor Richard Schrieber who is now a patient at Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis.

A number of years ago a governmental investigation discovered that some truckers were hauling garbage in the same refrigerated trucks that were used to transport food.

Part of the problem was that trucks making long trips could not afford to return empty. The truckers considered garbage a dream commodity as they were being paid to transport something that couldn’t be damaged. During congressional hearings, a food science professor compared the problem to serving potato salad from a cat’s litter box. This pollution-for-profit scandal is nothing compared to the one described in the Bible where Jesus cast out money changers from the temple because their schemes for financial gain had desecrated His Father’s house. But just as bad is polluting the temple of our bodies with thoughts and deeds that don’t belong there. In many ways, we are no better than those truckers or the temple merchants of Jesus’ day. We think it would be more profitable for us to carry the garbage of this world’s values in our minds. May God forgive us, cleanse us, and help us to cast out everything that defiles the temple in which He alone has the right to dwell. – Martin DeHaan.

Amery Senior Center

by Judith Alles, trip coordinator

Here it is already September, and summer’s over, the kids are back in school, time to think about taking the boat out of the water, get things set up for all the fall bazaars, and before you know it, it’s Christmas! Where has the year gone?

Our monthly birthday dinner is on Tuesday, Sept. 9, at 11:45 a.m. We have a meal planned with birthday cake to celebrate all the birthdays in September. You can have your blood pressure checked, free, from 11 to 11:45 a.m. that day, and after the dinner, Steve Helling of Northwestern Mutual will be speaking on long-term care. Everyone is invited to join us for the festivities; just call and make your reservation for the meal.

On Thursday, Sept. 11, Amery the Public Library will be here at the center for Fashions of the 20’s with sloppy joes for lunch. This is open to the public! There is a new book club at Centennial Hall on Oct. 6, at 11 a.m. featuring “The Great Gatsby” sponsored by the Amery Library. Should be a really interesting time.

The Fall Festival is coming up fast, and the Amery Senior Center will be having their traditional Pancakes Under the Tent on Sunday, Sept. 14, from 8 a.m. until noon, with

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all-you-can-eat pancakes. The cost is $5 for adults and $2.50 for children under 10. The Lake Country Cloggers will be performing there at 11 a.m. Come join us for yummy pancakes and a great show.

Our Branson trip, on Oct. 19, is in need of six or more interested in going with us for a great week filled with shows, entertainment, good food and good company. Call us right away at 715-268-6605 to sign up, as time is getting short and you definitely don’t want to miss this bus.

The Wednesday Bridge players had a good day, with Madeline Mickelson in first place, Georgia Mount, second, Judy Strobush, third, Helen Magnuson, fourth and Shirley Turek, fifth.

There were seven playing pool on Wednesday, with Val Hansen the winner, Carl Johnson was second and Art Butler in third. In Wii bowling, Ed O’Neill was our winner, Carl Johnson, second and Paul Hartung, third. Congratulations to all our players, they all played well.

Hope you all had a great Labor Day weekend. We are open Monday through Friday here at the center, and welcome visitors to drop by and see all that we have to offer the community in the way of activities, projects and trips.

Dewey - LaFollette

Brenda, Bryce and Jessica Sweet were overnight guests of Donna and Gerry Hines on Monday.

Tuesday evening Pat and Jerry Bahrke visited Judy Albee.

Dick Quinton is home again after having surgery and spending a few days in the hospital. He is wished a speedy recovery.

Visitors of Nina and Lawrence Hines Friday and Saturday were Steve, Heather and Joshua Kurkowski, Chris Harrison and Billy Anderson. Chad Harrison came for a while on Saturday, and Nancy and Steve Hagen visited them on Sunday.

Ted and Mary Tempest were Saturday visitors of Sue and Roger Mroszak.

Mark and Sue Hines and family, Brian and Jane Hines and family and Barry and Josh Hines were visitors of Gerry and Donna Hines over the weekend.

Hank and Karen Mangelsen visited Wayne and Marie Romsos at the Romsos Farm Saturday evening.

Karen Mangelsen

Six people were welcomed into membership at Lakeview United Methodist Church during the Sunday worship service. They are: Annie, Bertha and Harvey Asmus, Dixie and Chuck Andrea and Mary Jane Dunn.

Bob Denotter called on Hank and Karen Mangelsen Sunday afternoon.

Several friends and relatives enjoyed a cookout Sunday evening at the home of Tom and Sunshine Crosby. It was a surprise celebration for Beth Crosby’s birthday.

Sue and Roger Mroszak, Pat and Don Israel and Karen and Hank Mangelsen went out to eat together Sunday evening to celebrate their wedding anniversaries, which are the 1, 2 and 3 of Sept., respectively.

Donna and Gerry Hines were supper guests of Lida and Don Nordquist Sunday. They then enjoyed an evening of playing cards.

Mary Klar Christians must live in the world but not let the world live in them. “Lord, help us love what’s good and right, O make us pure within; and give us courage to repent, when we could choose to sin.” “Do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit?” – 1 Corinthians 6:19. See you at the center!

Wedding

Stuewer – Roush Gerhard and Cindy Stuewer of Omro and Dean and Rhonda Roush of Cushing are happy to announce the marriage of their children, Angela Catherine and Michael Scott.

The couple were married on May 10 in Omro.

Angie is a 2000 graduate of Omro High School and a 2005 graduate of UW-Oshkosh. She is currently teaching at Kimberly High School.

Mike is a 2000 graduate of St. Croix Falls and a 2004 graduate of Michigan Technological University. He is currently teaching at Berlin High School.

The couple is making their home in Omro. – Photo submitted

Engagement

Nissen/Schachtner Dawn Nissen, daughter of Dale and Audrey Nissen of St. Croix Falls, and Travis Schachtner, son of Joe and Patty Schachtner of Somerset, are pleased to announce their engagement.

Dawn is a 1995 graduate of Osceola High School and received her associate degree in visual communications from Century College, White Bear Lake, Minn. She is employed at Andersen Windows in Bayport, Minn.

Travis is a 1997 graduate of Somerset Senior High School and received his associate degree for industrial automation and networking from WITC-New Richmond. He is currently employed at PAR Nuclear, Shoreview, Minn.

The couple is planning an Oct. 4 wedding at Rock Island Park in Star Prairie with a reception at the Somerset American Legion. – Photo submitted

SEPTEMBER 3, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 9

Festival Theatre presents...

ST. CROIX FALLS – Though Josh Busick comes to Festival Theatre from Minneapolis, Minn., this multitalented artist hails from Missouri, where he earned an associate degree in visual art from State Fair Community College in Sedalia and a Bachelor of Arts degree in performance studies (minor in creative writing) from Missouri State University in Springfield.

Busick graduated magna cum laude.

“Josh has been a tremendous asset to our arts education efforts so far this year,” said Amy Klein, education director at Festival Theatre. “He’s imaginative, skilled and patient – just the things we value most at creativity camp and in our Youth and Family Theatre program.”

Busick’s training as an artist has included the study of acting, filmmaking, directing, painting and instrumental music (guitar and tuba). A wide range of production credits shows Busick’s versatility: he’s played roles in “Joe and Stew’s Theatre of Brotherly Love,” “Naomi in the Living Room,” “Lobster Alice” and “Botticelli.” He has produced one-act play showcases, founded a college fine art society, and managed an art and music venue. In addition, Busick has written, produced and directed several short films and been honored many times over for his work as an actor and a visual artist.

In his Festival Theatre acting debut, Busick uses his physical comedy to an extreme in the role of Sukeroku, the cowardly samurai warrior; however, he also has the opportunity to take his work as a teaching artist to a new level as he mentors 14 youth in their pre-professional arts education experience, which involves a survey of Kabuki theater.

Josh Busick “This has been a wild and wonderful experience,” said Busick. “I am delighted to be part of an arts education program that places kids at the center of the creative process. No matter how high you set the bar, these kids exceed it every time! My wife Lynette and I are expecting our first baby in February, and my experience with Festival Theatre’s Creativity Camp and Family and Youth Theatre project have been totally eyeopening with regard to process-based arts education. I can’t wait to introduce my own child to these awesome strategies.”

Later this autumn, Busick will make his second appearance on the Festival Theatre stage as Dr. Einstein in “Arsenic and Old Lace.” Until then, audiences can enjoy his talent during the run of “Ama and The White Crane” which opens on Saturday, Sept. 13, for just six public performances, through Sept. 21.

Making Memories and More joins nationwide Scrap Pink Campaign SIREN – On Saturday, Sept. 27, scrapbooking enthusiasts will come together for the second-annual Scrap Pink Crop, a fundraising event created by Scrapbooks Etc. to benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

Hosting the event locally will be Making Memories & More, a scrapbooking and rubber stamping store located in Siren at the Shops at the Lodge complex.

On Scrap Pink day, retailers will invite consumers to participate in an exciting in-store crop, where scrapbookers will create layouts and projects celebrating special family members and people in their lives. Layouts created can be entered into a national contest judged by a panel of scrapbookers, with an opportunity to win a variety of prizes.

Consumers will pay to attend the crop, and a portion of the registration fee will be donated to support Komen’s mission to find a cure for breast cancer through research, education, screening and treatment.

April Fiedler and Dawn DeRocker,

owners of Making Memories & More, see Scrap Pink as much more than just another fundraiser. “We feel this is a wonderful way for scrapbooking stores to work together for a great cause, and the Susan G. Komen organization has done so much for women we feel it’s time for us to give back.”

The 14-hour Scrap Pink Crop will be held at Making Memories & More and will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday morning and go until midnight. Croppers will get a lot of scrapbooking done along with being more educated on women’s breast health. Every women participating in the crop will receive a packet of information from the Susan G. Komen for the Cure organization. Local businesses have also donated several door prizes along with meals for the croppers. “This is our second year, and we plan to make next year’s event even bigger,” says storeowner DeRocker. If you are interested in attending or have any questions, feel free to call the store at 715-349-8900. - submitted

100 mpg My dad was intrigued by the possibility of perpetual motion. He envisioned an automobile that employed perpetual motion, but he realized that friction, gravity and air resistance could not be overcome, especially with his Buick Roadmaster.

Over the years, I have heard about inventors designing carburetors that get 100 miles per gallon. They were always “bought out” and their inventions never saw the light of day. There was never any information about the weight of the vehicles that these phenomenal carburetors were trialed in. I suspect the vehicle weighed about at much as the driver. Eventually, all OEM carburetors were replaced by multiport fuel injection, which is more efficient.

During all these transitions, gasoline was reformulated multiple times to improve mileage or by mandate to mollify pseudo-conservationists. Some of the

changes were good, such as eliminating lead.

The effect of the newest additive is devious. It is advertised as a “green” alternative to gasoline, replacing Methyl tert-Butyl Ether and reducing dependence on oil imports. There are a couple of problems; the new additive has increased the cost of meat, tacos and cereal. It is depleting some aquifers and the mileage is reduced. If you burn 100-percent ethanol, your mileage will be reduced 33 percent.

If you want 100 miles per gallon, make sure you are driving downhill – both ways.

Brooke Biedinger Irregular

Columnist

Historical Society annual meeting set TAYLORS FALLS, Minn. – Join the Taylors Falls Historical Society for their annual meeting on Thursday, Sept. 4, at St. Joseph Catholic Church fellowship hall, 490 Bench St. Main Street, Taylors Falls, from 7 to 9 p.m. The annual business meeting is first and will run about 15 minutes, election of new directors, etc.

The TFHS annual meeting is open to the public.

Following the business meeting, the program will feature well-known historian Bruce White, St. Paul, son of Helen White, former editor of The Dalles Visitor. White will talk about his latest book, “We Are At Home - Pictures of the Ojibwe People.” He will have books for sale and will autograph your copy. Attendees are encouraged to bring any Ojibwe artifact(s) to share with the group/meeting. A display table will be set up for the artifacts. Following the program, fresh blueberry muffins and coffee will be served. A great evening of

Bruce White history is anticipated. If you have any questions, please contact the program chairman, Sally Barott, at 651-257-4773 or sallybarott@aol.com. – submitted

PAGE 10 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - SEPTEMBER 3, 2008

POLK COUNTY LIBRARY NEWS Luck Public Library Moving day Saturday, Sept. 6, at 9 a.m.: Moving day for the Luck Library. Volunteers please sign up at the library, 715-4722770.

Grand opening Saturday, Sept. 13, at 2 p.m.: Grand opening, guest speaker will be local children’s author Julie Bowie.

Books will be available for purchase and signing. Limited edition Duncan yo-yos with the new Luck Library on them will be available for purchase at the grand opening as well.

Grand opening week Monday, Sept. 15, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.: Boys Adventure Camp at the library, ages 4-10. Wii love our teens. Wii party for ages 13 and up from 6 to 8 p.m.

Tuesday, Sept. 16, Wii love our preteens, Wii party for ages 9-12, from 4 to 6 p.m.

Wednesday, Sept. 17, 10 to 11 a.m., preschool story hour; 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.; American Girl’s Tea Party, girls ages 4 to 10; 6 to 8 p.m., PG-13 movie night. We will be showing a new-release movie at

Milltown Public Library

the library for all children of appropriate ages.

Thursday, Sept. 18, 9:30 to 11 a.m., play and learn birth to 5 group. Parents and children social interaction and educational opportunity. Register ahead, space is limited. Family Resource Center of St. Croix Valley, 715-684-4440; 4 to 6 p.m., P/PG movie night.

Friday, Sept. 19, 6 to 8 p.m., Bingo for Everyone night – kids, adults, seniors.

Everyone welcome. Fifty cents a card.

Other events Monday, Sept. 29, 6:30 p.m., book club meets to discuss “Last of Her Kind,” by Singrid Nunez.

Saturday, Oct. 18, 7 to 8:15 p.m., Carnegie Hall performer Peter Fletcher will treat us to a sparkling evening of world-class classical guitar.

Hours Monday 1-5 p.m., Tuesday 1-8 p.m., Wednesday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Thursday 18 p.m., Friday 1-5 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m.-noon.

Clear Lake Public Library Story times Beginning in September we will have our regular story times on 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-

Book club current book: “Founding Mothers,” by Cokie Roberts. The book club will be going to downtown St. Paul for dinner and “Talking Volumes,” at the

Parenting discussion group The Milltown Library hosts a weekly parenting discussion circle. Each week, this group’s discussions will relate to a different chapter from the book “Parenting for Peace and Justice,” by James and Kathleen McGinnis (1990). This secular discussion circle is free and open to all parents; free, on-site child care will be provided (although the baby sitters may appreciate a small tip). The discussion circle will meet every Tuesday from 6:30

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 10 a.m. yearround. Story times are free and are designed for children under 6 and their caregivers. Each story time lasts 30 to 45 minutes and includes time to browse and check out books.

Hours Library hours are Monday and Tuesday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and closed Sunday.

Bulb gardening will be held on Thursday, Sept. 18 at the Polk County Library. – Photo submitted

Gratitude is extended to James Inlow for the magic show he performed for the final summer reading program week here at the library. – Photo submitted 263-2802 or by e-mail lakepl@ifls.lib.wi.us.

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St. Croix Falls Public Library Hay - hey! Join us for a Community Harvest Dance hosted by the St. Croix Falls Library Board at the old fire hall downtown, as part of the St. Croix Falls Autumn Fest, Saturday, Sept. 27, 4 - 8 p.m. Bring the family, bring your friends – celebrate the library’s 87th birthday! $5 ticket price includes dancing and dinner, available in advance at the library. Proceeds from the silent auction and ticket sales will go toward building the new library! Also, watch for the library’s book and bake sale at the Overlook Deck during the Autumn Fest from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

One in a hundred – Win a bagful of Aveda products donated by Menagerie Salon of St Croix Falls! Buy a ticket for a dollar. Only 100 tickets will be sold.

Chances of winning are great! We hope to sell out each month, raising $100 for the new library! Thank you to Menagerie for their generous donation!

Upcoming events Mark your calendars for the following events. More information will be available soon. “Pumpkin Town” author Katie Mcky will visit the library and give a rousing live rendition of her fabulous children’s book on Saturday, Oct. 11, at 10 a.m.

Chad Lewis, author of the book “The Wisconsin Road Guide to Haunted Locations” will visit the library on Saturday, Nov. 1, at 7 p.m.

to 8:30 p.m., through Sept. 30. Parents are encouraged to attend as many of the meetings as possible, but not required to attend every week; likewise, reading the book is encouraged but not required.

Copies of the book will be available at the Milltown Public Library.

Polk County Library Federation

Monday movie madness This month we will be showing “Nim’s Island” (rated PG) on Monday, Sept. 22, at 6:30 p.m.

Free knitting/crochet lessons Four times each month we will be offering free lessons on how to knot or crochet. We provide all the materials needed for your first project. Join us from 5-6 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 8 and 22 or Wed., Sept. 10 and 24.

Green: It’s not just our awning Check out a “Kill-a-Watt” meter at the Milltown Public Library to find out how much electricity your appliances use.

Unplug or replace those energy hogs to save money and the planet! This easy-touse device comes with directions, and is available for a free one-week checkout to anyone with a MORE library card.

Stop by soon!

Fitzgerald Theater. Minnesota Public Radio presents Roberts at the Fitzgerald Theater on Tuesday, Sept. 23, at 7 p.m.

Friends of the Library The Friends of the Library will meet Wednesday, Sept. 24, noon, in the library.

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 more.

Story hour Listen to stories, create great art and have fun with other kids and parents every Wednesday, 10:30 a.m.

Hours, contact The library is open from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. every day, except Saturday 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Closed on Sunday. 715-483-1777.

Check out the library Web site and explore the links – go to www.stcroixfallslibrary.org.

Osceola Public Library

Brown Bag Library Lectures at Polk County Library Federation Banned book discussion to be held Tuesday, Sept. 30, noon to 1 p.m. at the Polk County Library. “Throughout history, tyrants, totalitarian states, church institutions and democratic governments alike have banned books that challenged their assumptions or questioned their authority. Even today, attempts by school boards, local governments and religious fanatics continue to restrict our freedom to read.”

“100 Banned Books” - Join us as we will discuss the history of banned books, and discuss one of the top-10 banned books of 2007. Registration is due by Friday, Sept. 5, to get a book – call ext. 8684 and leave a message or e-mail Gifford@ifls.lib.wi.us.

Join us this fall for one or all of the following offerings at the Polk County Library Federation, 400 Polk County Plaza, Balsam Lake, 715-485-8680.

Thursday, Sept. 18: Bulb basics Join Master Gardener and Polk County Library Federation Director Colleen Gifford as she presents this pop-

Frederic Public Library

ular fall gardening extravaganza. Topics include planting fall bulbs, types of bulbs and storing tender bulbs over the winter.

October (date to be announced) 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.

Join Maltee McMann, True Colors coach, as she leads us through exercises to learn what our color is. $10 fee for materials, 10 participants needed!

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.

SEPTEMBER 3, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 11

POLK COUNTY LIBRARY NEWS Amery Public Library The following children listened to over 100 books this summer in our Catch the Reading Bug summer reading program: Lily Marquand, Maya Curtis, Annie Zinn, Lucy Curtis, Brennan Hansen, Liberty Posey, Addie Amundsen, Aaron Gilbertson, Chloe Olson, Damion Posey, Stuart Hellie, Rebecca Kegley, Aidan Ziegler, Grace Ziegler, Daniel Marquand, Grant Hoff, Aaron Mork, Alexis Repka, Kaitlyn LaBlanc, Jacob Fansler, Seth Wright, Dominic Byrnes, Ashley Repka, Carli Vincent, Rayna Lee, Carmen Klugow, Jacob Gustafson, Macy Christenson, Lauren Sobczak, Breanna Burstad, Zachary Sobczak, Austin Bibeau, Connor Stoeklen, Kameron Zmuda, Dylan Thomsen, Asher Page, Sydney Bosley, Lydia Monson, Megan Marquand, Lily Weisenbeck and Corey Brune.

The following children were high achievers and read over 100 books this summer: Ethan Mork, Hannah Zinn, Sarah Gilbertson, Emma Curtis, Maria Jackman, Mariah Reindahl, Nicholas Erickson, Kylee Olson, Belle Meyer, Amanda Edwards, Alyssa Koehler, Dalton Johnson, Daniel Marquand, Megan Marquand, Riley Kulzer, Ryan Van Blaricom, Andrew Prindle, Brennen Hansen, Alex Thomsen and Brayden Dopkins.

The following children read over 1,500 pages in the 50-page club: Andrea Anderson, Erin Anderson, Hannah Fitzer, Brandon Sykes, Isabella Byrnes, Olivia Braaten, Sage Bellot, Mason Bosley, Micah Sykes, Noah Zinn, Bethany Marquand, Cheyenne Edwards, Rebecca

Jackman, Johnny Byrnes, Charles Wright, Emma Curtis, Cody Thomsen, Cole Jakupciak, Reece Kulzer, Joe Marquand, Kallie Wiesenbeck and Laura Kastenek.

The following kids and teens read over 2,500 pages in the 100-page club: Alek Keller-Betzold, Rachel Tallent, Natalie Putnam, Kaitlyn Krarup, Elizabeth Alexson, Alicia Cran, Kelly O’Brien, Isaac Hanson, Emily Klitgard, Brianna LaBlanc, Jaime Haines, Jacob Kastanek, Clover Stanze, Harvey Tallent, Seth Amundsen, Mitchell Kastanek, Kallie Weisenbeck, Isabella Byrnes, Casey Brune, Johnny Byrnes, Charlie Holerud, Connor McBrayer and Ryan McBrayer.

Congratulations to everyone who read or listened over the summer and to all those who brought you to the library. Pictures will be taken on Saturday, Sept. 6, at 11 a.m., at the library.

The Big Read kickoff program will be Prudence Johnson and Dan Chouinard doing music of the ‘20s at the Amery Public Library on Monday, Sept. 8, at 7 p.m. Come early to get a good seat for this fabulous pair!

The Amery Public Library Board meeting will be held at 6:15 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 9. Note change of date and day because of conflicts with programming.

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.

Frederic Public Library Let’s celebrate September!

Did you know that September is National Honey Month? Children’s Good Manners Month? Tiger Month? It’s also Library Card Sign-Up Month, a time when libraries across the country remind parents that a library card is the most important school supply of all. For adults, the goal is to make the library card the most valued and used card in every wallet. If you haven’t used your library card in a while, drop by the library to see what it can do for you – and if you don’t have one, visit the Frederic Library soon to get your library card. Here are just some of the 52 Ways to Use Your Library Card: Get to know your librarian, the ultimate search engine at your library; browse your favorite Web sites; plan your next vacation; find a list of child care centers in your area; reserve the latest mystery; read the daily newspaper; prepare your resume; look up all kinds of health information; borrow an audio book for your next road trip; ask for a recommended reading list for your kids.

September is Fines Amnesty Month For each item you donate to the Frederic food shelf during September, we’ll deduct $1, for a total up to $10, from your library fines (this does not apply to replacement charges). You can pay down your existing fines, but it also means that it’s time to dig under the bed, look behind the couch, and check the hall closet for long-lost items. Bring in your overdue materials, along with your food shelf items, and we’ll bargain. We’ll be happy to see our overdue items again, and you’ll feel good about helping out someone in need.

Reminder to turn in your summer reading checklists The Frederic Library summer reading

program ended Aug. 30, and the library will accept completed checklists through Friday, Sept. 5. Kids who turn in eight lists will receive T-shirts in mid-September. More than 850 children and adults attended the library’s special programs this summer.

Story time begins fall schedule Story time will begin again Wednesday, Sept. 17, at 10:30 a.m., with an hour of stories and activities for preschool children accompanied by their caregivers. If you would like to be a story time volunteer, please contact the library to choose your dates (we will supply the books and crafts).

Book groups will meet together in September As participants in The Big Read program through the Amery Public Library, the Thursday morning reading group and the evening book group are reading “The Great Gatsby,” by F. Scott Fitzgerald. The book groups will meet together at the Frederic Library on Thursday, Sept. 18, at 10 a.m., to discuss the novel, and new members are always welcome.

Dresser Public Library is located at 117 S. Central Ave., Dresser, WI 54009 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.

Three Internet computers You must physically present a MORE library card to library staff and library fines must be under $10 to use a computer.

Coming up Story time for lap-sitters and preschoolers will resume Thursday, Sept. 11, from 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Crochet class for beginners is held each Tuesday from 6:30-7:30 p.m. New members of all ages are welcome!

Book club will resume, after our summer break, on Thursday, Sept. 11, from

Thursday: noon - 7 p.m.; Friday: closed; and Saturday: 10 a.m. - noon.

1-3 p.m. We will be reading Joseph Conrad’s “Heart of Darkness.” A novella written in 1902, this is the story of Marlow, the captain of a steamboat in the Congo, far from the safety of civilization. Here he hears rumors of a white man who operates a trading post deep in the wilderness, and there are suggestions the man is seriously ill. After numerous delays, Marlow reaches the man’s station, only to be shocked at how the dying man has been consumed by his inner capacity for savageness.

Contact the library at 715-755-2944, which is our telephone and fax number or e-mail us at www.dresserpl@ifls.lib.wi.us. Our Web site, www.dresserpubliclibrary.org, has information about story times, days closed, reference links, library policy and community information.

Osceola Public Library Book and bird bonanza A book and bird bonanza will be held Saturday, Sept. 6, from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

It’s time once again for the Friends of the Osceola Library to hold their semiannual book sale. Stop in for some great deals on titles for old and young alike.

While you’re here, stick around for the wild family events scheduled throughout the day.

The raptors are coming, the raptors are coming. Join in the half hour of themed stories, songs and fun, beginning at 11 a.m. The Raptor Center visits at 1 p.m. Flesh-eating birds take over the library in the afternoon. Don’t miss this. (Fear not, folks – they will be tethered.)

ECO book discussion Discussion of “Prodigal Summer,” by Barbara Kingsolver, will be Thursday, Sept. 18, 6 p.m. Three stories of love are woven together within a larger tapestry of lives inhabiting the forested mountains and struggling small farms of southern Appalachia: a wildlife biologist and a young hunter, a bookish city girl turned farmer’s wife, and a pair of feuding, elderly neighbors. At the heart of these entwined narratives is a den of coyotes that have recently migrated into

the region. Join the first installment of the Eco book discussion group. The group will meet every other month.

Book discussion Discussion of “Great Gatsby,” by Scott Fitzgerald, will be Tuesday, Sept.

23, 6 p.m. at the library. After attending a lavish but ostentatious party at his neighbor’s estate, Nick Carraway slowly becomes Jim Gatsby’s one true friend. Though life for his circle of friends during the summer of 1922 is bustling with energy and excitement, Nick is disheartened by the emptiness that seems to surround him.

Preschool story time Preschoolers and an accompanying adult are invited to join in the fun and stories every Thursday morning at 10:30 a.m.

Hours, contact Our hours are Monday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday noon to 5 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Our phone number is 715-294-2310, and our Web address is www.osceolapubliclibrary.org.

Balsam Lake Public Library

Catch the Reading Bug – Our summer reading program ended last week with Amy Kelsey giving a very informative program about water bugs. Children in the summer reading program all received a book and a free one-day pass to any Wisconsin State Park, forest or recreation area. Our older readers went home Free wireless access available with a T-shirt. Gratitude is extended Free wireless Internet access is avail- Deanine for lining up performers, speakable for patrons who bring in their lap- ers and great activities. tops installed with wireless cards - no more waiting to use the public access Free wireless Internet access computers.

(Wi-Fi) Bring in your own laptop and find out what you need to know to conHours and information nect.

Frederic Public Library, 127 Oak Street West.

715-327-4979, e-mail freder- Story time icpl@ifls.lib.wi.us. Regular hours are Please join us for story time at 11 a.m.

Monday through Friday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; every Wednesday here at the library. All and Saturday 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. ages are welcome to join us for stories, crafts, music and snacks.

Centuria Public Library Regular library hours Monday: Noon - 5 p.m.; Tuesday: noon - 7 p.m.; Wednesday: noon - 5 p.m.;

Dresser Public Library

New books for September “Lucky One,” by Nicholas Sparks, “Heat Lightning,” by John Sandford, “Hot Mahogany,” by Stuart Woods, “Other Queen,” by Gregory Philippa, “Keepsake,” by Tess Gerritsen, “Red

Knife,” by Wm. Kent Krueger, “Book of Lies,” by Brad Meltzer. Nonfiction: “Power of Giving,” by Azim Jamal, “Mistaken Identity,” Don and Susie Van Ryn and “Newell”, Colleen and Whitney Cerak.

Book club September’s selection is “Infidel,” by Ayaan Hirsi Ali. “Infidel” is a profound, authentic, and inspiring memoir that lays bare the essential struggles between religion, faith, and freedom that define our turbulent times. It is a brave and urgent call for awakening, and a confident portrayal of one woman’s extraordinary evolution. The book club meets Wednesday, Sept. 17, 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: www.balsamlakepubliclibrary.org

PAGE 12 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - SEPTEMBER 3, 2008

Johnson is grand-prize winner at Milltown Library Milltown librarian Matt Rosendahl grudgingly gives Summer Reading Program grand-prize winner Amelia Johnson her new iPod Touch.

Congratulations Amelia and hats off to the 153 kids who read for more than 2,500 hours this summer for the library’s program. – Photos submitted

Pasture walk to be held RADISSON — The Northcentral and the Northwest Wisconsin Graziers Networks are co-hosting a beef pasture walk at the Jim and Jessica Spinners Elm Creek Farm in Sawyer County at 10831 Elm Creek (formerly Bechtel) Lane, Radisson, on Saturday, Sept. 13, from 10 a.m. to noon.

Topics of discussion will include Devon beef cattle, rotational grazing, grass finishing, Sudangrass, winter rye and cattle handling.

The Spinners currently own 140 head of purebred Devon and Angus cattle. They run 235 acres of land of which 175 is used for grazing. The Spinners are building their numbers of Devon cattle which are well-known to finish without grain. Devons are gentle and easy to handle. The Angus herd is also transitioning to grass-finishing. The Spinners have yearling bulls for sale. Sudan grass was planted to supplement forage for the drier summer months. Winter rye has been planted for late fall and early spring grazing. The Spinners have used rotational grazing for several years. They have a home-made cattle-handling chute. The farm also features a straw-bale home. Besides farming, Jim works for the Rusk County Sheriff’s Department, and Jessica works for the Winter School District.

To reach the farm from Radisson on Hwy. 70, take Hwy. 40 south 1.5 miles and turn right on Bechtel Lane. From Bruce on Hwy. 8, take Hwy. 40 north for 27 miles. Watch for the signs.

For more information, Otto Wiegand or Kevin Schoessow at UWEX-Spooner 715-635-3506, Bob Brandt at PriRu-Ta in Medford 715-748-2008, Aliesha Crowe at UWEX-Rusk 715-532-2151, Lynn Johnson at NW Graziers Network 715-268-8778, Tim Jergenson at UWEX-Barron 715-537-6250, or Ryan Sterry at UWEX-Polk 715-485-8600.

— from UW-Extension

SEPTEMBER 3, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 13

Dine Fresh, Dine Local on Sept. 11 ST. CROIX FALLS - How far did your food travel before it came to rest on your dinner plate? The answer to that question at a handful of local restaurants on Thursday, Sept. 11, will be: not far!

Dine Fresh, Dine Local is a special oneday culinary celebration of good, local food in St. Croix Valley restaurants.

“Local restaurants are very excited about celebrating local food,” says St. Croix Falls Buy Local Initiative VISTA volunteer, Arianne Peterson. Peterson helped orchestrate the event among local restaurant owners.

Restaurants in St. Croix Falls participating include: Dalles House Restaurant, The Buzz Café and Coffee Shop and The Dam Bistro. You can also enjoy local food at Tangled Up in Blue in Taylors Falls, Minn., at Café Wren in Luck or at Eichten’s Market and Cafe in Center City, Minn.

“Sept. 11 is a date that sticks in a lot of heads because of the events of Sept. 11, 2001,” says Melanie Nelson, St. Croix Falls Tourism Committee’s coordinator.

LEFT: The Dam Bistro is in the Seasons on the St. Croix building in downtown St. Croix Falls. - Photo submitted “It’s so nice to hear about efforts of sustainability and community celebration like Dine Fresh, Dine Local, happening on that day. I’m looking forward to enjoying a fresh meal out.”

Steve and Judy Balej and Sonya Fry, owners of the Dalles House Restaurant, say their local food sources will include white cheese curds from Crystal Ball Farm in Osceola and buffalo burgers from Eichten’s Market and Cafe in Center City, Minn.

This event is cosponsored by the St. Croix River Valley Buy Fresh, Buy Local Chapter, the River Market Community Co-op, Renewing the Countryside and the St. Croix Scenic Byway. To see a complete list of restaurants participating in the St. Croix Valley Dine Fresh, Dine Local event visit www.dinefresh dinelocal.com. - submitted

PAGE 14 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - SEPTEMBER 3, 2008

Greener Cleaning – the Green Guide Feel like you’re killing yourself trying to keep your house clean? You may laugh, but you’re closer to the truth than you think if you’re using harsh commercial cleaners. Get rid of them on Saturday, Sept. 6, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Household Hazardous Waste Storage Site in Spooner – past the fairgrounds.

Also collected that day will be medications and electronic items (for a fee).

Please call Jen for directions and more information at 715-635-2197.

There are many chemicals in commercial cleaning products that can harm you, children and pets. Many of the chemicals found in household cleaners and pesticides are not adequately tested, regulated or controlled. An estimated 2 to 5 million exposures to household poisons occur every year. A significant number of these exposures involve household cleaners.

Some chemicals are restricted by the government, and some that have known neurotoxins and carcinogens, quite dangerous at some level of exposure, are not. Hydrofluoric acid, an extremely dangerous chemical that can

penetrate through flesh to the bone without any warning signs, is a completely legal chemical in a commercially sold rust remover.

And many household cleaning products, such as furniture polish, oven cleaners, drain cleaners, even air fresheners, are considered hazardous waste and potentially very harmful. But you do have a choice. When you make your own cleaning products, you can avoid harsh chemicals harmful to your family and the environment... and save money, too! Over time, you’ll save hundreds of dollars. For example, on a typical visit to the store, you might purchase $20 worth of commercial cleaning products.

Using an equivalent amount of homemade cleaners can cost less than $5.

Household hazardous waste collections are perfect places to rid your home of potentially harmful products. Please call Jen for details or questions at 6352197.

Jen Barton Earth Notes

AgStar check presentation to Grantsburg Fair Association

by Priscilla Bauer GRANTSBURG – The AgStar Fund for Rural America, the corporate giving program of AgStar Financial Services has announced $50,000 in grants to county fair facility upgrades.

Fairs in the area received $2,500 in a grant to be used toward repair on fairground agricultural buildings.

One of those grants was presented Sunday at the Grantsburg Fair to go toward fair improvements.

“This program helps these counties

Ice Age Trail workday set CTH W. There is only roadside parking.

Please bring a bag lunch and a beverage.

New volunteers are always welcome.

Follow yellow IAT event signs. For more information or questions, please call Dean at 715-472-2248. – submitted

NARFE to meet LUCK - The National Active and Retired Federal Employees, Chapter 1581, will hold a dinner meeting at noon on Thursday, Sept. 11, at the Hog Wild Restaurant in Luck.

Wood floors: Dissolve 3 tablespoons of baking soda and 1 cup of white vinegar in 3 gallons of warm water. After mopping, wipe dry.

Furniture polish: You can use a little olive oil and vinegar to polish your furniture. Use one part white distilled vinegar and three parts olive oil. Add a little natural lemon oil (not the synthetic kind) and you’ve got a great polish.

Glass cleaner: Most commercial glass cleaners contain ammonia, alcohol and detergents that are annoying and sometimes quite irritating to breathe. Worse than that you are paying a high price for 95 percent water. You won’t believe it, but you can actually use plain club soda for a great glass cleaner. It works much better than commercial cleaners and isn’t irritating to breathe.

Rust remover: Toxic rust removers that are dangerous poisons are at the top of my list of cleaners to keep out of the house. You’ll be ecstatic to discover this simple, natural solution: Sprinkle a little bit of salt on the rust, squeeze a lime over the salt until it is nicely soaked in lime juice. Leave the mixture on for two or three hours. Use the leftover rind as a handy scrubber. Rust is gone. Nontoxic cleaning recipes from “Clean House, Clean Planet.”

Village Players Community Theatre donates to area schools

provide a better fair experience for area commnities,” said Jody Bloemke, fund administrator.

“We are proud to support agriculture in the communities where we operate,” she said.

Twenty counties got the grants this year.

AgStar hopes the funds help fair organizations maintain or upgrade fairground livestock buildings. “They can’t always afford the upkeep,” said Bloemke.

Quentin Miller, Burnett County Agricultural Society Fair Association secretary/treasurer (L) and President Mark Knoepke (R) accept a $2,500 check from Ag Star representative Jody Bloemke Sunday afternoon, Aug. 24, during the fair. – Photo by Priscilla Bauer

CLAM FALLS – On Sunday, Sept., 7, 10 a.m., has been scheduled for an Ice Age Trail Work Day. This is the Sand Creek segment. Volunteers will be working on puncheon construction and trail improvement. The group will meet at the trailhead on CTH E, 2-1/2 miles north of

You can make your own nontoxic cleaners using simple, ordinary ingredients like baking soda, vinegar, lemon juice and salt to make safe, inexpensive cleaners. The ingredients cost much less than store-bought cleaners, and they really work. It is possible to make cleaning safe and more enjoyable. Here are some age-old alternatives to harsh chemicals and store-bought household cleansers: Unclog drains: Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda in and around the drain opening. Follow with a cup of white kitchen vinegar. Repeat if needed, and finally flush with hot water.

Oven cleaner: Sprinkle inside oven with water, then baking soda. Let sit overnight and scour with a pad.

Tile/linoleum floors: Dissolve 1-2 teaspoons of dishwashing soap in 3 gallons of warm water. Mop floor with this solution; to rinse follow this procedure with 1 cup of white vinegar in 3 gallons of cool water. Studies have shown that 5 percent solution of vinegar (straight out of the store-bought bottle) kills 99 percent of bacteria, 82 percent of mold, and 80 percent of germs (viruses). Plus it is not toxic! The smell dissipates much more quickly than Lysol or other cleaners.

All federal and retired federal employees are welcome.

Reservations may be made by calling 715-327-8658 by noon on Monday, Sept.

8. - with submitted information

Village Players Community Theatre helps to support local arts at local area schools by donating to the fine arts departments. LaRitta Swanson delivered checks to Grantsburg and Spooner schools. Pictured above, Siren band director Bryn Anderson is receiving a check from Village Player Board member Bunny Day, who is accompanied by Colleen Johnson and Kitty Holmquist.

Webster School District also received monies from Village Players. This money was raised during the summer performance and was then distributed to the local districts in hopes of helping the schools with their theater. Village Players Community Theatre has plans for a dinner theater at Voyager Village Club House, Thursday and Saturday, Nov. 6 and 8. Co-directors Joan Gill and Holmquist will be holding auditions soon for the upcoming performance of “Murder Medium Rare” by Helen Moushey. Actors needed are five males and three females. People attending the theater are encouraged to participate and vote on who they think the murderer might be during the dinner performance. Please watch for local auditions and feel free to contact Village Players if interested in participating.

The Web site is www.villageplayerscommunitytheatre.com. More news will be coming as it is available. – Photo submitted

SEPTEMBER 3, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 15

Treshing demo at Grantsburg

The old-time threshing machine demonstration was a big hit at the Burnett County Agricultural Fair. Jeff Chell and Alan Melin’s job was getting oats into the thresher while Don and Mike Chell kept the 28-inch threshing machine running.

Don Chell was ready with his trusty oilcan just in case the threshing machine needed a little help to keep going. Chell and the rest of his Happy Farmers Threshing Unit demonstrated how to harvest oats the old-fashioned way at the Grantsburg Fair, held Thursday through Sunday, Aug. 21 to 24.

Allen McKinley provided the power to run the threshing machine, using his 1937 Farmall tractor. McKinley’s grandchildren, Hope and Nate McKinley, climbed on to give Grandpa some company while he worked.

Photos by Priscilla Bauer

Hazel Bohn celebrates 101st birthday

Wanell Hansen holds Hazel's great-great-granddaughter, Preslynn Olivia Pettis, at her birthday party held Wednesday, Aug. 27, at the Pour House in Siren.

Eunice Early (L) of Frederic surprised Hazel Bohn during her birthday party. Early played several songs including "Happy Birthday." Over 35 family members were in attendance. – Photos by Mary Hedlund

PAGE 16 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - SEPTEMBER 3, 2008

Suzhou’s gardens and canals make visit to “Venice of China” memorable

by Priscilla Bauer SUZHOU, CHINA – I walked out to my garden at the remains of a late June day for one last look before I left for China.

The setting sun gave a glow to some of my perennials just starting to bloom, and I was somewhat saddened at the thought that I’d be missing their fullest flowering. It was so peaceful here and so beautiful.

But my spirit lifted at the thought of my upcoming journey – and an opportunity to see some of China’s famous gardens.

Suzhou is a centuries-old city, filled with ancient and beautiful gardens. As soon as we arrived, we were faced with the task of picking which of them we would visit. Given the hot and humid July weather (close to 100 degrees, even in early morning) and our limited time in the city, choosing which of the 180 classic gardens to see had my friend and I paging through our Suzhou tourist guides.

Our first choice was the Humble Administrator’s Garden. One of Suzhou’s four most famous gardens, it was built in 1522 during the Ming Dynasty and covers 12.85 acres, making it the largest and most renowned with a listing as a World Cultural Heritage Site.

Enroute to our garden tour we drove past some of Suzhou’s 72 canals, some dating back to the Ming Dynasty. They are lined with old houses, restaurants, taverns and small boats.

Marco Polo was said to have called Suzhou the “Venice of the Orient” be-

Suzhou, known as the Venice of the Orient, has many ancient and ornate stone bridges crossing its more than 72 canals. Some of nearly 400 bridges date back to the Ming Dynasty.

Water lilies grow in abundance at the Humble Administrator’s Garden, one of China’s four famous classic gardens, adding to the peaceful and tranquil atmosphere in the centuriesold garden.

The author and her friend, Cindy Stewart, take a moment atop a stone bridge to ponder the beauty surrounding them on their tour of the Humble Administrator’s Garden. cause its canals were so reminiscent of Venice, Italy. According to our guide, Suzhou was built by He Lii, who was the King of Wu 2,500 years ago. Wu decided to take advantage of the area’s topography by reconstructing the natural rivers into a broad network of waterways to cover the entire city. Streets and lanes were built with earth dug out of the canals. His plan made Suzhou a city dominated by rivers and bridges, changing little even now in the city’s push toward modernization.

Each canal we passed was more picturesque than the next, and we were tempted to ask our driver more than once to stop for a photo. Luckily, we were dropped a few blocks from our destination and walked along several canallined streets. We all snapped more than a few pictures, none of which would quite capture the charm of actually standing on a bridge over a canal, both of which were centuries old.

The Humble Administrator’s Garden received it’s name from the builder, a government worker, who, as the story goes, intended to build a garden after he retired and simply do some gardening work, like planting trees and vegetables, living the life of a humble man.

As we entered the garden, we looked for several blooming flowers similar the ones I was sure were blooming in the Wisconsin garden, but we soon learned the concept of a Chinese garden is much different.

We learned classic Chinese gardens are often comprised of two parts - a residential section and a garden. One of the garden’s tour guides explained the garden’s

Dressed in traditional attire, performers give visitors to the Wangshi Garden a taste of Chinese culture at one of the events held each evening at the garden.

design to us as we looked over a map of the many paths we would be taking.

In the classic garden the natural environment is replicated on a miniature scale with ponds, bridges, rockeries, stones and fragrant flowers added to the gardens.

The artistic layout of the garden is combined perfectly with Chinese philosophy and ideology to exhibit an architectural culture of the Orient. In a small plot each component is designed delicately and arranged orderly by the accomplished gardeners to show their creativity. Often lyric pictures and poems are reflected in the themes of the gardens to evoke mountains and natural springs.

Halls or names of rooms sometimes show the masters aspirations, interests, and ideals or followings of Buddhist, Taoist and Confucian thoughts or philosophy. Using unique skills combining architecture with the surrounding scenery, artisans created gardens that are tranquil havens away from the world’s turmoil.

The classical gardens, as assemblies of residences and gardens, demonstrate the living habits and etiquette of ancient Chinese peoples.

The Humble Administrator’s Garden, created upon the old relics of a temple, was centered on a pond with small streams running through the natural landscape. We were awed by so many beautiful water lilies.

We strolled the garden’s three sections, each with a large and exquisitely designed hall at its center surrounded by pavilions, arched bridges, and manmade hills and found ourselves transported back into another time.

And now as evening fell on the city, we made our way to the Wangshi Garden.

Tired as we were, we wanted as other Suzhou visitors, to see its beautiful evening lights and traditional performers. The Wangshi Garden, though petite in comparison to the Humble Administrator’s Garden, is much praised for its ornateness by visitors and residents. The garden, which has a residential quarter, and a garden proper is decorated with lots of plants and rocks. To reach the garden you walk through a darken and quiet street which opens into the garden’s entrance bathed in lights and music. We heard singers and musicians performing under lantern light and standing in small alcoves along the central pond. Others and we were guided from one room of the residence to another seeing a different performance in each.

And as we left the gardens, I thought of our afternoon and the quiet, peaceful bridge over a sea of water lilies where my friend and I had stopped to ponder and my appreciation for the Chinese garden’s tranquil environment had grown.

These gardens so different from my Wisconsin garden, where I often sought solitude, were not so different in effect- and just as beautiful in the setting sun.

Photos by Priscilla Bauer

Ponds and streams are often the central features in the classic Chinese garden. Stone sculptures and pavilions are also intricate parts of the landscape design.

SEPTEMBER 3, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 17

Nelson Elementary School open house

Kindergartener Gretchen Lee checks out a caterpillar in her new classroom with her teacher, Mrs. Gloodt. Parents and students were invited to Nelson Elementary School’s open house last Thursday, Aug. 28, to get acquainted with teachers and staff and become familiar with the school before the start of the school year on Tuesday, Sept. 2. - Photos by Priscilla Bauer

Sliding into the new school year, Kycee LaPierre gets ready to take her turn sliding down a pole on the Nelson School’s playground climber. The playground was a popular place with new students last Thursday evening at the school’s open house.

Zayden Brady thought trying out a seat on the school bus was pretty cool. The kindergartener and other new Nelson School students and their parents had a chance to meet one of the bus drivers and tour the school bus they will be riding during the school’s open house last Thursday evening.

Five-year-old Skye Sanvig finds another piece to her puzzle during a visit to her new classroom at Nelson Elementary School last Thursday, Aug. 28. An open house was held at the Alpha prekindergarten through kindergarten school to welcome new parents and students.

Area youth prepare to open “Ama and The White Crane” ST. CROIX FALLS – Fourteen youth representing eight communities in the St. Croix River Valley are in the final stages of rehearsal for Festival Theatre’s next Youth and Family Theatre production, “Ama and The White Crane.” Joining the youth as their acting mentor is Josh Busick, a professional actor from Minneapolis who will also perform in “Arsenic and Old Lace” later this autumn.

Production manager Amy Klein and director Jenni Aldridge are excited about the show, which opens Saturday, Sept.

13, to the general public.

Set in 17th Century Japan, “Ama and The White Crane” is a Kabuki-style adventure that celebrates strong family values in an imaginative and expert blend of mime, movement, music and comedy.

The adventures of Ama and her handpuppet companion, White Crane, unfold as they journey to the Legendary Center of the Universe. A bombastic but goodhearted samurai and his servant befriend Ama as she seeks to save her village from a powerful Demon, whose disguises create suspense and humor. The demon is inevitably overcome by the ingenuity of young Ama. Most cast members have had the opportunity to play dual roles to extend their drama education experience. Playing the role of Ama are McKenzie Fortier of Osceola and Emma Wondra of St. Croix Falls. Professional actor Busick

Jasper Herman as Jiro, Emma Wondra as Ama, and guest artist Josh Busick as Sukeroku in Festival Theatre’s upcoming Family Theatre production of “Ama and The White Crane.” – Photo submitted plays Sukeroku, the cowardly Samurai, and his sidekick Jiro is played by Jasper Herman of Taylors Falls and Kasey Heimstead of Balsam Lake. Other cast members who play various demons, villagers, props-persons, and musicians are Cyrus Aluni, Dio Aluni, Emily Kessler, Grace Kessler and Henry Klein from St. Croix Falls; Solomon Falls and Hannah

Peltier from Dresser; Kally Hinz from Star Prairie; Noah Neault from Centuria; and Samantha White from Amery. All youth have participated in a survey course on Kabuki theater techniques and creating props, instruments and costumes.

With funding support from Polk-Burnett Operation Round-Up, Wal-Mart,

and private donations, Festival’s Youth and Family Theatre program offers theater arts training within the process of producing a play. The preprofessional training includes production coordination by the arts education director, inclusion of a professional director, and hiring at least one teaching artist to perform alongside the community cast and teach workshops throughout the rehearsal period.

Public performances of “Ama and The White Crane” begin Saturday, Sept. 13, at 7:30 p.m. with a total of six shows through Sept. 21.

Single tickets are $12.50 for adults and $7.50 for youth. A limited number of matinees are available to school groups for field trips and character education days (Sept. 16-19).

A curriculum resource packet for educators has been developed by the arts education department at Festival Theatre.

This production is especially suited to young children (age 3 and up) and their families. To learn more about opportunities for school groups, call Klein at 715483-3387. Festival Theatre is located in downtown St. Croix Falls, at 210 North Washington Street. To reach Festival Theatre by phone, call 715-483-3387 or 888-887-6002. You may also send an email to boxoffice@festivaltheatre.org or check the Web site at www.festivaltheatre.org where tickets are available to order online. - submitted

PAGE 18 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - SEPTEMBER 3, 2008

Lions/Lioness garage sale a big success

by Nancy Jappe SIREN – “We were very pleased with the community response with donations as well as coming to the sale,” commented Larry Blauhauvietz, secretary of the Siren Area Lions Club, in response to the success of the big garage sale at Crooked Lake Park over Labor Day weekend.

The sale grossed an estimated $20,000, according to Blauhauvietz. Set up started the Tuesday before Labor Day weekend.

The following Friday, opening day of the sale, was extremely busy, with cars parked all over the park and along both sides of Hwy. 35/70.

“We had, we feel, more items for sale this year than for the past several years,” Blauhauvietz continued.

“We were pleased with the quality of the items people donated. The furniture, sofas, etc., were of very good quality.”

The sale ran until 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 31. Everything after that time, people were told, was free for the taking. The only thing the Lions/Lionesses saved out was the antique cast-iron tub, which could be sold later on its own. Clean up of the park started at 7 a.m. Labor Day Monday.

Now that this year’s sale is over, the Lions/Lionesses are starting to collect items for next year’s Labor Day weekend sale. People can call Big Mike Henrickson at 715-349-2400 for information on collection. A day for dropping off items at the Lions storage shed will be set up sometime this month. That date will be publicized later.

Items donated to this year’s Labor Day sale in Siren were deemed to be of better quality than have come in during the past several years. The sale, run by the Siren Area Lions and Lioness clubs, ran from Friday through Sunday, Aug. 29 through 31, at Crooked Lake Park. Collections for next year’s sales are now under way, with only one item, a cast-iron tub, held over for later sale.

Deb Mikkelson, Siren, was only one of the people who showed, with a big smile, enjoyment in being at the Siren Lions/Lioness garage sale this past weekend. Mikkelson brought her own containers to carry all her bargains.

“I’ll enjoy the things in my house and maybe sell them later,” Mikkelson commented.

This Walt Disney pinocchio puppet on its stand went for $7.50 at the Siren Lions/Lioness garage sale at Crooked Lake Park over Labor Day weekend.

The puppet was called a really good bargain by the woman who quickly snatched it up.

Checking out was very quick and easy at the garage sale in Siren Labor Day weekend. Several lines were formed, and people were able to pay for their items and get on their way, or go back to looking for more. – Photos by Nancy Jappe

Grand champions announced

Burnett County Agricultural Society Fair’s Grand Champions were, back row, (L to R): Mark Olson, Tristan Brewer, Jacob Glover, Jaden Cook, and Lauren Jewell. Front row: Cassidy Quimby, Anneka Johnson, Jessica Glover, Lora Glover, Lori Linke and Austin Otis. – Photo by Priscilla Bauer

SEPTEMBER 3, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 19

"Empty Nest" offers chance for couples to strengthen relationships As their children head off to college in the fall, some couples may be wondering what they are going to do now that the kids are gone.

“When the kids leave, the dynamics of couple relationships change. However, research shows that marital satisfaction can actually increase in this ‘empty nest’ stage,” says Marilyn Kooiker, University of Wisconsin-Extension family living educator in Burnett County.

Kooiker says that rather than focusing on the empty nest, couples may find it more beneficial to think of this phase as the “second half” of their relationship.

“One great thing about moving into a new stage in life is that it is an opportunity to redefine ourselves and our relationships,” Kooiker says. Research has identified behaviors, skills and communication patterns that can help couples adjust to this change in their life.

Kooiker says there are specific strategies that help couples transition smoothly to the second half of their relationship.

She makes these suggestions:

Spend time together. It is important to consciously decide to spend more time with each other. Actually scheduling this time will help ensure that it isn’t the first thing dropped when you get Kooiker busy. If you’ve fallen out of the habit of “dates,” now is the time to reinstate them.

A date can be as simple as scheduling Saturday morning coffee together, going for a walk or checking out a new store. Enjoy the opportunity to let your relationship be focused on your partner, rather than your child. Get to know each other again.

Marilyn

Focus on Family Living

Verbalize your expectations. Don’t assume that your partner knows what is going on in your head. You may think that your partner knows your needs, feelings and opinions by this time, but if you expect your partner to read your mind, you may be in for hurt, disappointment and misunderstanding. State your thoughts as clearly, honestly and positively as you can. Ask questions to clarify each other’s thinking to avoid misunderstandings.

Express your appreciation and affection. Sometimes partners in a long-term relationship begin to unintentionally take each other for granted. It’s easy to get out of the habit of saying thanks.

Appreciation and affection are powerful ways to express love.

Revisit chores and other role assignments. Things may have changed since you first determined who takes care of what. For example, different workloads or caring for aging parents may now be part of your lives. It may make sense to change who does what around the

house.

Talk about your goals. A lot may have changed for you individually and as a couple since you began your relationship. What are your goals now?

What would you like to do as an individual? What would you like to do as partners?

Build a deeper friendship and enjoy each other. Friendship and fun is serious business in healthy relationships.

One advantage of being in the second half is that you are more familiar and comfortable with each other. You can enjoy an even deeper couple-friendship.

Celebrate the empty nest!

Finally, commit to growth. “It’s important that couples let go of past disappointments and look forward to strengthening the second half of their relationship,” Kooiker says.

For more information on ways to build healthy relationships, contact Marilyn Kooiker, family living agent at Burnett County Extension office.

Autumn Fest set for Sept. 27 ST. CROIX FALLS – Awaken your spirit to the arts, nature and unique flavor of St. Croix Falls, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 27. Activities will be held around the Overlook Deck in downtown St. Croix Falls.

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Activities include juried arts and crafts fair, live music, children’s activities and art exhibit, corn feed, local artisan exhibits, farmers market, bake sale, community booths, food, River Road Ramble, meet Olympian rower Megan

Kalmoe, 170th year of settlement program and party at 1 p.m. Concerts, more food and a harvest dance round out the evening. The scenic river valley, filled with vibrant colors, will be a prominent backdrop in historic downtown for the

“must-experience” event.

Visit www.scfwi.com for a complete list of activities Saturday and about the restaurant chili contest on Sunday. - submitted

PAGE 20 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - SEPTEMBER 3, 2008

Siren Class of 1988

Siren High School’s Class of 1988 recently had their 20th reunion at the Pour House in Siren. Those in attendance were back row (L to R): Nick Johnson, David Taylor, Andy Klein, Shane Hinze, Matt Marth, Dan Strabel and Kevin Renberg. Front row: Sheila Staples, class advisor; Michelle (Liebgott) Emery, Wendy (Richison) Marek, Linda (Johnson) Svoboda and Jim Tinman. – Photo submitted

Frederic Class of 1950

The Frederic Class of 1950 held their 58th reunion on Wednesday, Aug. 27, at the Pour House in Siren. Those attending were back row (L to R): Jim Glockzin of Coon Rapids, Minn., Mark Dahlberg of Grantsburg, Bill Berg of St. Charles, Ill., Lyle Johnson of Siren, Elaine (Carlson) Lemieux of Frederic, Joan (Jorgenson) Anderson of Webster, Helen (Fisher) Weinzierl of Frederic and Carol (Dittlefson) Lego of Kingman, Ariz. Middle row: Mary Lou (Elfstrom) Otness of Edina, Minn., Claudia (Denn) Wagner of Winter, Betty (O’Donnell) Jenson of St. Croix Falls, Geraldine (Grotjohn) Wright of Hastings, Minn. and Liz (Colvin) Johnson of Siren. Front row: Delores (Lindfield) Wilcox of Siren, Jean (Jorgenson) Flanigan of Webster and Thorsten Moline of Waukesha. – Photo submitted

Siren Class of '52 & '53 SIREN – Two classes of Siren High School held their reunion at The Pour House on Saturday evening, Aug. 23. There were 13 members in the Class of 1952 and only three were present. Five in the class have passed away. Others sent their greetings but could not attend for various reasons.

There were 24 members of the graduating class of 1953 and nine were present for the reunion, and four members have passed away.

Class of 1952 members present were (L to It was decided to meet again R): Ronald Nyren, Herb Colvin and Charles next year, the same time, and the D’Jock. same place, on Aug. 22, 2009.

Class of 1953 members present were, back row (L to R): Don Furstenburg, DuWayne Wiberg, Dean Hunter and Red Anderson. Front row: Sharon (Doran) Stewart, Jack Hunter, Joan (Anderson) Daniels, Rae Ellen (Engstrom) Johnson and Joan (Nyberg) Johnson. – Photos submitted

SEPTEMBER 3, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 21

St. Croix Falls Class of 1948 The St. Croix Falls Class of 1948 celebrated their 60th-year class reunion at the Holiday Inn on Saturday, Aug. 16. Members present were: Front row (L to R): Wilbur LaRue of Holcombe, Paul Norenberg of Minnetonka, Minn., Pat Olson-Crea of St. Paul, Minn., Stanley (Dave) Macoskey of Brush, Colo., Allan Anderson of Estero, Fla. and John Mulkern of Glendale. Back row: Lyle McKenzie of Chisago City, Minn., Harold Christianson of West Jordan, Utah, Bill Addington of Birchwood, George Laier of Cushing, Robert Peterson of St. Paul, Minn., Jerry Cain of Puyallup, Wash., Joan Northquest-Janzen of Chaska, Minn., Les McKenzie of Inver Grove Heights, Minn., Donald Anderson of St. Croix Falls and Norman Johnson of Hedgesville, W. Va. – Photo submitted

Grantsburg Class of 1953

The Grantsburg High School Class of 1953 held their 55th-year class reunion at Memory Lake Park on Saturday, Aug. 23. Those attending were Lucile Anderson Olson, Ardell Anderson, Victor Anderson, Donna Berglund Erickson, Shirley Branstad Carlstrom, Jerry Dahle, Pat Finch Ernst, Mary Kallman Danielson, Louise Lahners Klawitter, Orland Luedtke, Ardell Mangelson, Shirley Medchill Shodahl, Grace Lindberg Miller, Neil Miller, Kenneth Olson, Mavis Ramsdell Peterson, Bill Reed, Dale Soderbeck and Gene Swenson. – Photo submitted

PAGE 22 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - SEPTEMBER 3, 2008

Book signing at Frederic Depot Museum on Sept. 6 FREDERIC – Walt Wedin of Minneapolis will be at the Frederic Soo Line Depot Museum from noon – 3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 6, to visit with old and new friends and neighbors, and sign copies of the first part of his memoir, “A Foraging Journey: It Only Takes a Seed (1925-1943).”

The book signing is organized by the Frederic Area Historical Society, and profits from sales of the book will go to the society.

Wedin explains the word “foraging,” or searching, seeking, in his title. “Isn’t that—foraging—exactly what I have been privileged to do over the years as an agronomist?” And isn’t that what he did as one of a family of eight children in the Northwest Wisconsin countryside,

going to the one-room Round Lake School west of Frederic, and then Luck and Frederic high schools before heading off for the Army and then the university way down in Madison?

Sprinkled throughout his engaging memoir, Wedin has placed short poems in a Japanese form called Haiku, with three lines of five, then seven, then five syllables.

“I’ve foraged through life With ups and downs, but forward Been helped and lucky” On the cover, a four-leaf clover of pictures suggests both luck and the 4-H pledge, remembered by most everyone who grew up in rural Wisconsin: “I pledge my head to clearer thinking, my heart to greater loyalty, my hands to

larger service and my health to better living, for my club, my community, my country and my world.”

Wedin sees this sharing of his early life story as a way to give back to the area and the community, which has given him so much. He would enjoy seeing you on Saturday, Sept. 6.

If you are not able to be at the book signing, but would like to buy a copy of “A Foraging Journey,” you can order through Wedin’s sister, Carolyn Wedin, 11080 Hwy. 48, Frederic, WI 54837.

Books are $10 and checks should be made out to the Frederic Area Historical Society. Indicate if you would like to have your copy signed, and to whom it should be dedicated. - submitted

Franconia Sesquicentennial On Sunday, Sept. 14, the public is invited to attend the Bloom Family Settler Singers encore performance at the Gustafson’s Tomtegarden Barn on Redwing Avenue at 2 p.m. Directed by Richard and Alice Bloom, the Settler Singers are well-known here and beyond for their talent and song. At this performance you will enjoy Swedish, American, folk, and traditional songs through the story of the family’s tribulations in coming to Big Lake (Chisago Lake). This free Franconia Sesquicentennial event welcomes all and includes beverage and dessert.

Directions: From Hwy. 8 in Shafer, Minn., travel south 1.8 miles on CTH 21 or from Scandia, Minn., on Hwy. 95, travel north approximately five miles to CTH 26. Travel approximately three miles to Redwing Ave (CTH 21). Turn north (right) and proceed one mile. - submitted

Memory Days events

The Unity FFA Alumni 5K Milk Run winners were awarded their halfgallons of milk after the race in Centuria Saturday, July 12. The Centuria Neighborhood Watch donated T-shirts for the event and Rod Peterson donated the milk. Evelyn Larsen, Unity FFA Alumni secretary, (L) was on hand to congratulate the members. – Photos by Jeanne Alling

Be extraordinary, donate blood regularly FREDERIC – Average blood donors give less than two times a year. With just 38 percent of the population eligible to give blood, and just a fraction of that number actually donating, the Red Cross is asking eligible blood donors to try to donate more often. You can donate every 56 days but the average donor gives less than two times a year.

All types of blood are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. To donate blood you need to be 17 years old, 16 with a signed Red Cross parental/guardian consent form where state permits, must weigh at least 110 pounds and be in general good health. A donor card or driver's license, or two other forms of identification are required at check-in.

Sadly the demand for blood continues to increase, as more and more is needed for patients in surgery and for research.

This is a very busy time of the year and everyone has heard if you need something done, ask a busy person. At our last drive the Red Cross was so proud and pleased with your warm and generous response of 114 units of blood. Their fall community blood drive will be held at St. Luke's Methodist Church, Thursday, Sept. 18, from l to 7 p.m. and Friday Sept.

19, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Please consider setting time aside either day to help us out with this very special need. For appointments or questions, please callDorothea M. Jensen, blood drive chairman. – submitted

The South Milltown 4-H held their first-annual toilet bowl races at Centuria Memory Days, July 11-13. The winning team in the relay was from the Centuria Fire Department. Team members Brett Meyer, Chris Larson, and Brad Nelson received their traveling trophy from toilet bowl race coordinator Jolene Lindner. For the honor of winning the toilet bowl race they got to ride through the Memory Days parade, on toilets.

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SEPTEMBER 3, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 23

Noted regional artist donates painting to foundation fundraiser ST. CROIX FALLS – Ann Pedersen Fawver, a Luck resident and longtime artist, recently donated an original work, entitled “Morning Marsh,” which will be auctioned at the upcoming St. Croix Valley Health Care Foundation Gala fundraising dinner on Thursday, Sept.

25, at Trollhaugen in Dresser. Fawver describes her painting as “a soft watercolor of swans arriving at the marsh in the early morning.”

For Fawver, art has always been a passion and a hobby. While raising three daughters, maintaining a 24-year career as a social worker, and directing Kinship of Polk County, a mentoring program for at-risk youth, Fawver often lacked the time needed to express her art. “My first priority has always been family,” she says, “and I’ve been blessed with Dennis, my husband, three grown daughters and four grandchildren.”

As more time became available, Fawver was able to delve more deeply into her art. “In the past 10 years, I have been seriously playing with art,” she says. “I continued to study and create art in many mediums, and currently my favorites are clay, wood and watercolor painting.” As an artist, Fawver is primarily self-taught, learning through independent study, working with a group of artist friends and occasional workshops.

“Although I have no formal training,” she says, “I believe with passion and perseverance a person can do whatever they put their mind to.”

Fawver views art “as a form of meditation, which allows a time and place for thought and reflection.” She says her paintings often feature quiet scenes in nature, and through her sculptures she portrays the grace of the human figure.

It should not be surprising that Fawver

strongly believes in and promotes lifelong learning, and she currently works as community education director in Frederic. In addition, she teaches sculpture and woodcarving at The Clearing in Door County through community education and youth programs.

With her daughter, Hannah, Fawver maintains an art gallery on the south shore of Lake Superior on the harbor in Cornucopia, which is open during the summer. Work has also been shown in Orchard House Gallery, Gallery 135, Chateau St. Croix Winery and in Door County.

“We are very excited to be able to offer such a lovely work of art to our gala participants,” said Sandra Williams, St. Croix Regional Medical Center director of development. “Someone will go home with a true treasure that night! In addition, this is an opportunity to support

patient care at St. Croix Regional Medical Center.” The fundraising gala, with a Sounds of Broadway theme, will honor the 2008 Health Care Advocate and include a silent and live auction with such items as the Fawver painting, Twins tickets, jewelry, crystal and more. Attendees may also purchase a key to win a trip to New York or a $1,000 travel voucher.

Contact Williams at 715-483-0247 or Jessica Minor at 715-483-0579 to reserve your place for dinner or for information.

The St. Croix Valley Health Care Foundation is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to conduct charitable, educational, scientific and fundraising activities to promote quality health care in the St. Croix Valley. Its activities focus on health care, community service, scholarships and education. - submitted

Lifelong learning at West Denmark WEST DENMARK – Sunday, Sept. 7, is Rally Sunday at West Denmark Lutheran Church, and begins the fall schedule of education and worship activities.

Rally Sunday will kick off an exciting change in West Denmark’s Christian education routine. Who Is My Neighbor Sunday will be the first Sunday of each month. It will introduce children to their “neighbors” in different parts of the world as they learn the beginnings of generosity and curiosity about the world

around them, and learn about Christians of different cultures. Sunday school offerings the first week of each month will go toward buying a gift animal through the Lutheran World Federation program, God’s Barnyard. September will take them to Tanzania, a country on the southeastern coast of Africa.

Each month a different country or region will be paired with a gift animal, Bible stories, music, and crafts appropriate to that part of the world. Who is My

"Beyond the Open Well" ST. CROIX FALLS – “With superhuman strength he pulled himself back from the edge of the old open well, as clumps of dirt fell into the water far below. Eyes wide with fear, his two little sisters came to stand over him.

‘Maybe this is where Mama and Daddy are going to throw us when they kill us.’”

Thus begins “Beyond the Open Well,” the true story of the lives of sisters Joyce Buck West and Jane Buck McDaniel of Cornell. In this book, the sisters talk about a subject that is often kept secret. Six decades later, the abuse and neglect they suffered still influence their lives.

A graduate of Cornell High School with the Buck sisters, author Jean Hebert had no idea of the torment her schoolmates had endured. When she was first asked to write this story, she thought it would be a 20-page memoir for the Buck sisters to give to their children. It soon was evident that this story would become a book. During the 31/2 years it took Hebert to finish the manuscript, she and the sisters talked, laughed, cried and thanked God for their will to survive.

According to Hebert, Jane and Joyce hope that by telling their story they may shed light on the subject of abuse and encourage other sufferers to overcome it and live a prosperous life.

Joyce and Jane started life as Shirley and Sharon Colburn in Turtle Lake. At the ages of 5 and 7, they were taken away from their parents by authorities and placed in a foster home in rural St. Croix. They experienced their first circus, a fire in a school, their first clean house and good meals while living in the foster home.

As a reader who wrote a review for Amazon.com said, “Start this book on a day when you don’t have to get anything done because you will not be able to put it down. It is a very emotional and important story of horrific abuse,

Author Jean Herbert shows her book "Beyond the Open Well," the true story of the lives of sisters Joyce Buck West and Jane Buck McDaniel. – Photo submitted unbelievable dysfunction and ultimately, triumphant survival. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to experience the depth of human despair and the will to survive it. I’m glad that Jane and Joyce had the courage to finally tell their story. It’s a story you will not easily forget.”

A percentage of Hebert’s proceeds from the sale of “Beyond The Open Well” are slated for the Sloane J. Brehmer Endowment fund, a component of the Community Foundation of Chippewa County. The fund is earmarked to benefit the needs of children, and keep alive the memory of Hebert’s 15-month-old granddaughter, who passed away Sept. 7, 2007.

A book signing is scheduled from 1 to 3 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 25, at the Baker Building in St. Croix Falls. - submitted

You can subscribe to our print or e-edition online @

www.the-leader.net

Neighbor Sunday is an intergenerational event. All classes of Sunday school will attend – including the adults. Consider coming and spending time engaging the world and the Word of God. Sunday school classes for the rest of the month are divided into age/stageappropriate classes for preschool-aged children through early readers, early elementary, upper elementary/middle school and adult. Confirmation classes begin Wednesday, Sept. 10, and youth group activities are scattered throughout the year.

Adult classes are also available in several evening blocks during the year and include Bible study, topical discus-

sions/lectures, movie nights, field trips and fellowship. What better learning tool for our children than to see parents and adults engaged in lifelong learning themselves. For more information, call Pastor Linda or Pastor Mike at 715-4724196.

Sunday school begins at 9 a.m., followed by fellowship at 9:45 a.m., and worship at 10:30 a.m. A potluck lunch and folk dance will conclude the morning’s intergenerational focus. Visitors and guests are always welcome. West Denmark Lutheran Church is located at 2478 170th Street, just west of Luck off of CTH N.- submitted

PAGE 24 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - SEPTEMBER 3, 2008

Luck Comm.

Education

Frederic Community Education Knitting Extravaganza. Saturday, Sept. 13, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., at the Frederic Elementary School. Fee: $15. Preregistration is required. Contact Konnie 715-653-2619 or Lisa 715653-2510.

The Natural Step Study Circle. Tuesdays, Oct. 7 – Nov. 25, 6:30 – 8 p.m. Fee: $15 to purchase book and study guide.

Knitting for all levels. WITC #65091/ #42-815-408. Mondays, Oct. 6 – 27, 6 – 8 p.m. Instructor: Konnie Didlo. Fee: $23.41/$4 Sr. Tribal Gypsy Dance. WITC: #60-807-630. Mondays, Oct. 6 – 27, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Fee: $26.40. Instructor: Jennn Ramautar.

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/ #42-805-408. Thursdays, Oct. 16 – 30. Instructor: Julie Crabtree. Fee: $28.26/$4 Sr. Babysitting Clinic. WITC #65157/ #42-307-495. Tuesdays, 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. Mondays, Oct. 16 – Nov. 13, 5 – 7 p.m. (No class on Nov. 6.) Instructor: Melinda Sorensen. Fee: $23.41/$4 Sr. 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.

Drama in Northwest Wisconsin. WITC #65085/ #42-801401. Mondays, Oct. 20 – Nov. 24, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Instructor: Carolyn Wedin. Fee: $33.12/$4 Sr. 62+.

Write Right Now! WITC #65084/ #42-801-402. Tuesdays, Oct. 21 – Nov. 25, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. Fee: $33.12/$4 Sr. Creative Memories Workshops. Check Mimi’s Web site at www.mycmsite.com/mimis for details and additional information.

Walking at the Birch Street Elementary. Monday-Friday, 78 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 715-3274868 or e-mail fawvera@frederic.k12.wi.us.

Unity Community Education To register and for more information for any Unity Community Education class, contact 715-825-2101, ext. 1560 or email tworrell@unity.k12.wi.us.

Ongoing classes Scuba Diving Instruction. Northland Equipment and Diving provides instruction and certification through Unity Community Education. Call for details.

Water Aerobics. WITC Cat. #42-807-412. Six weeks, beginning Tuesday, Sept. 16 (Class #63741) and Tuesday, Oct. 28 (Class #63742). Tuesdays and Thursday, 5 to 5:45 p.m.

Fee: $33.12, $4 seniors 62+. Please write check to WITC. Beginning Computer Skills, WITC Course #42-105-449.

Mondays, Sept. 8 – 29, 5 – 8 p.m. Cost: $33.12, payable to WTIC ($4 for seniors 62+). Instructor: Anthony Rucci.

Hunter Safety. Tuesdays and Thursdays, Sept. 9 to Oct. 2, 7 - 9:30 p.m. Cost $10 payable to DNR, will be collected the first night of class.

The Art and Science of Food Preservation. This class will be held in September or October, in two class sessions equaling 10 hours total. Please call Community Ed for dates.

Cost: $22 registration fee to Community Ed. Please register at least one week prior to class. $27 material fee, pay to instructors on the first day of class. Instructors: Jolene Lindner and Lisa Johnson.

The Natural Step Study Circle. Thursdays, Sept. 11 to Oct. 30, 6:30-8 p.m. Cost: $15 to purchase book and study guide. Instructor: Jeff Peterson.

Watercolor with Pen and Ink, WITC Course #42-815-408.

Class #61569. Thursdays, Sept. 11-Oct. 2, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Cost $22.41 payable to WITC ($4 for seniors age 62+). $10 Material fee to instructor on first night of class. Instructor;

Barb Knowles.

Working the Room - How to Move People to Action through Audience-Centered Speaking. Mondays, Sept. 15Oct. 27 (skip Oct. 13). Cost $33.12 payable to WITC ($4 for seniors 62 or better). You will need to purchase the book “Working the Room” by Nick Morgan. Instructor: Jim Renno.

Personal Safety ~ Self-Defense, WITC Catalog #42-504416. Tuesday, Sept. 23, 5-8 p.m. Cost: $13.71 payable to WITC ($4 for seniors aged 62 or better). Instructor: Kristen Strohbusch.

Feed Dogs Down ~ Thread Painting: Painted Garden, WITC Course #47-815-405. Wednesday and Friday, Oct. 1 and 3, 2-4:30 p.m. Cost: $18.56 payable to WITC ($4 for seniors 62+). $10 material fee to be paid during class. Instructor: Lorraine Lunzer.

Rhythm and Relaxation. Thursdays, Oct. 2, 9, 16. 6-7:30 p.m. Cost: $36 registration fee to Community Ed. This class will be held south of Centuria, please call for details. You may sign up for any or all of the sessions. Instructors: Tanna Worrell, Dan Worrell and Barbie Luepke.

Introduction To Photoshop, WITC Course #42-103-493.

Tuesdays and Thursday, Oct. 7, 9 and 14, 6-9 p.m. Cost: $28.26 payable to WITC ($4 for seniors 62+). Instructor: Anthony Rucci.

Connecting Children to Nature and “Going Green.” Friday, Oct. 10, 9-11 a.m. Cost: $12 per family, registration fee to Community Ed. Instructor: Jennifer Dueholm.

Identity Theft ~ How to Protect Yourself, WITC Catalog #42-504-416. Tuesday, Oct. 14, 5-8 p.m. Cost: $13.71 payable to WITC ($4 for seniors 62+). Instructor: Kristen Strohbusch.

Cardinal Wall Hanging/Quilt. Saturday, Sept. 6, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Fee: $18.56/$4 Sr. plus $10 pattern.

Instructor: Bev Getschel. Class must have a minimum of 8 participants.

Want more quilting?

Sign up for the 4-Patch Stack-and-Whack class Saturday, Oct. 4, or the Appliqué Table Topper class Saturday, Nov. 1.

Dog Obedience Classes. Thursdays, Sept. 4 – Oct. 16, session 1, 6 – 6:45 p.m.; session 2, 7 – 7:45 p.m. Fee: $35 for either session 1 or 2. Instructor: Shelly Karl. Class size limited to 10.

Digital Cameras - Intermediate. WITC Class #64996, Catalog #42-103-460. Mondays, Sept. 8 – 29, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Fee: $23.41/$4 Sr. Instructor: Michael Chalgren. Class size limited to 12.

Want more camera classes? Take the 4-session Digital Camera/Scanner class offered Mondays, Oct. 6 – 27.

Computer: Designing with Microsoft Word. WITC Class #65192, Catalog #47-103-438. Thursdays, Sept. 11 – 25, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m., Fee: $18.56/$4 Sr. Instructor: Christine Seaton.

Class size limited to 12.

Want more computer classes? Sign up for the Intro to PhotoShop LE class Thursdays, Oct. 2 – 23, or Christmas Card Design class Thursdays, Nov. 6 – 20.

Survival Spanish for Travel. WITC Class #65193, Catalog #42-802-405. Mondays, Sept. 15 – Nov. 3, 6 – 8 p.m. Fee: $42.82/$4 Sr. Instructor: Dean Johansen. Class must have a minimum of 10 participants.

Baby-Sitting Clinic. WITC Class #64392, Catalog #47307-495. Tuesdays, Sept. 16 – Oct. 7, 3:30 – 5 p.m. Fee: $23.41. Instructor: Barb Kass.

Financial Management: First-Time Home Buyers. Tuesdays, Sept. 16 and 23, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Fee: $10. Instructors: Fred Memmer and Al Nelson.

Gardening: Bonsai Tree. WITC Class #65194, Catalog #42-001-405. Thursday, Sept. 18 – 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. Fee: $13.71/$4 Sr. Instructor: Gary Ganje.

Gardening: Composting Basics and Winterizing. Thursday, Sept. 18, 6 – 8 p.m. Fee: $10. Instructors: Linda Leef and Susan Armstrong, Master Gardeners.

Genealogy. Tuesday, Sept. 23, 6 – 8 p.m. Fee: $10. Instructor: Kathy Clark.

Felted Cap. Tuesday, Sept. 23, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Fee: $18.

Instructor: Audrey Anderson.

How to register for Luck Community Education classes: Contact Amy Aguado at 715-472-2152 ext. 103, or e-mail amya@lucksd.k12.wi.us. You may also call and register for WITC courses at 1-800-243-9482 ext. 4221 or log onto www.witc.edu. Many more classes are listed on the Luck School Web site: www.lucksd.k12.wi.us.

WHAT’S FOR LUNCH???

LOCATION

Menu

SEPTEMBER 8 - SEPTEMBER 12

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

BREAKFAST K-6 Uncrustable, 7-12 mini pancakes, cereal, juice, milk.

LUNCH Chicken crispito, asst. toppings, raw veggies, dip OR chicken taco salad.

BREAKFAST Hot pocket, cereal, juice, milk.

LUNCH Ham patty on a bun, scalloped potatoes OR Oriental chicken salad.

BREAKFAST Pop•Tart, cereal, juice, milk.

LUNCH Spaghetti hotdish, bread stick, winter mix OR beef taco salad.

BREAKFAST Bagel pizza, cereal, juice, milk.

LUNCH Cheeseburger, fries OR Oriental chicken salad.

BREAKFAST Cinnamon roll, cereal, juice, milk.

LUNCH Nachos with asst. toppings, refried beans, carrots OR chicken strip salad.

LUNCH Chicken fajita wrap, lettuce, tomatoes, rice, whole-kernel corn, mandarin oranges.

LUNCH Pizza casserole, salad lettuce, green beans, fresh fruit.

LUNCH Hot ham & cheese, oven potatoes, steamed broccoli, applesauce.

LUNCH Creamed chicken/biscuit, cranberries, peas, pear sauce.

LUNCH Ham stacker, Sun Chips, baked beans, fresh veggies, dip, strawberry fruit pop.

LUCK

BREAKFAST Cereal/omelet.

LUNCH PACKER/VIKING GRILLOUT: Hot dogs, brats, macaroni & cheese, baked beans, fruit sauce.

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 you own sub, potato chips, corn, fresh fruit. Alt.: Chicken nuggets, 7-12.

BREAKFAST Cereal/French toast.

LUNCH Spaghetii hotdish, hot buns, winter mix, fruit sauce. Alt.: Hot dog, 7-12.

BREAKFAST Cereal/cinnamon roll.

LUNCH Baked ham, cheesy potatoes, peas, fresh fruit. Alt.: Hamburger, 7-12.

SIREN

BREAKFAST Assorted cereal, toast served with peanut butter, juice and milk.

LUNCH Mini corn dogs, pretzel, steamed broccoli, fresh veggies, pear sauce.

Alt.: Baked Potato/ham/cheese/broccoli.

BREAKFAST Yogurt parfait, juice and milk.

LUNCH Hamburger on a bun, french fries, veg. beans, baby carrots, kiwi and oranges. Alt.: Tuna croissant.

BREAKFAST Assorted cereal, toast served with peanut butter, juice and milk.

LUNCH Spaghetti hotdish, Tostitos, shredded lettuce, corn, applesauce. Alt.: Orange-glaze chicken.

BREAKFAST Pancake and sausage on a stick, juice and milk.

LUNCH Ham & cheese sandwich, parsley potatoes, veggies, steamed peas, Jell-O, sliced peaches. Alt.: Fruit/cottage cheese, yogurt.

BREAKFAST Assorted cereal, toast served with peanut butter, juice and milk.

LUNCH Tacos - hard & soft shells, shredded lettuce, refried beans, pet. cinnamon roll, warm cinnamon apple slices.

Alt.: Cook’s choice.

BREAKFAST NO MENU AVAILABLE. LUNCH Chicken patty, potato wedges, peas, spicy apple slices.

BREAKFAST NO MENU AVAILABLE. LUNCH Mini corn dogs, tater tots, baked beans, pineapple/mandarin oranges.

BREAKFAST NO MENU AVAILABLE. LUNCH Spaghetti with meat sauce, garlic toast, broccoli with cheese, pears.

BREAKFAST NO MENU AVAILABLE. LUNCH Hot turkey sandwich, mashed potatoes, green beans, peaches.

BREAKFAST Breakfast NO MENUpizza.

AVAILABLE. LUNCH Cheese Pepperonidogs pizza,w/toppings, lettuce salad,baked corn, chips, cinnamon applesauce baked applesauce. beans. Alt.: Veggie beef barley, turkey sandwich.

BREAKFAST Lumberjacks.

LUNCH Sloppy joes or BBQ pork and hash browns.

BREAKFAST Scrambled eggs and sausage.

LUNCH Chicken nuggets and rice.

BREAKFAST Breakfast pockets.

LUNCH Pizza, corn and tuna salad.

LUNCH Chicken nuggets, au gratin potatoes, green beans, fruit cocktail, pears.

LUNCH Brat, bun, sauerkraut, baked beans OR hamburger gravy, mashed potatoes, corn, peaches, fruit mix.

LUNCH Hoagie patty, bun, carrots, sliced potatoes OR sloppy joe, bun, sliced potatoes, carrots, pineapple, applesauce.

FREDERIC GRANTSBURG Each building will have their own breakfast menu.

ST. CROIX FALLS UNITY WEBSTER

Waffles.

BREAKFAST

LUNCH Chicken a la king, biscuit or potato and peas.

Long johns.

BREAKFAST

LUNCH Sub sandwich, chips and cottage cheese.

LUNCH LUNCH Pizza dippers, marinara sauce, salad, Cheeseburger, bun, chips, fresh veggies, fresh fruit. mandarin oranges, pears.

SEPTEMBER 3, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 25

OMC donates to athletic department

CHURCH NEWS

Polka service at Cushing church set for Sept. 14

Osceola Medical Center’s Joan Flanders, physical therapist, left, and Lanette Johnson, rehabilitation services manager, present a $1,335 donation to the Osceola School athletic department. The donation represents all of the fees collected during two days of sports screening clinics. OMC’s rehab department annually holds sports screening clinics prior to the start of school for students interested in participating in high school sports and cheerleading.

The donation will help the athletic department provide for sports and cheerleading opportunities throughout the year. Receiving the donation is athletic director Arvid Maki. Representing the sports scene are Max Traynor, basketball and baseball; Ryan Peterson, football and basketball; and Megan Tarman, volleyball, basketball and track. – Photo submitted

CUSHING - Loren Nelson had a great idea nine years ago when he was in Texas. He put a polka worship service together while living in Texas for the winter. It was enjoyable, and he wanted to share it with folks up here in the northland. The bulletin from the worship service found its way to the desk of Pastor Arndt of Cushing about five years ago.

This piqued his interest, and he sent it on to the church council, which readily approved the idea.

Since then, Nelson’s polka worship service has been making the rounds in the area. First Lutheran Church of Cushing will be his fifth service this summer.

Nelson leads the congregational singing along with his partners in music, Bonnie Farenbacher on piano and accordion and Ed Schmidt on guitar. The worship includes the weekly scripture readings and the sermon, as always. It’s just that the music is ever so enjoyable, like singing “The Happy Wanderer” with words appropriate for worship in church. All the tunes are polka songs with lyrics changed to suit the worship setting.

Sunday, Sept. 14 will mark the fifth year of First Lutheran hosting the polka service. You are invited to join them in this lively and inspired style of worship.

- with submitted information

10 years of service

Allie DeLosier and Jaryd Braeden presented Hope Healy with a plaque in honor of her 10 years as Sunday school superintendant at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in Frederic. They also gave her a corsage. - Photo submitted

News from the Pews at Pilgrim Lutheran Church

Volunteers cutting the corn off the cob. – Photo submitted FREDERIC -The harvest dinner that the church served on Saturday, Aug. 23, was a huge success and gratitude is extended to everyone that attended and enjoyed the meal. Prior to the dinner, many families gathered to prepare the corn, from picking it from the field to shucking it and cutting it off the cob, to blanching it and storing it until the big event on Saturday. All the preparations prior to the event provided a time of bonding with fellow members of the church and getting to know one another better. The youth did a fine job with their responsibility of being the wait staff.

Everyone is invited to join them on Sunday, Sept. 7, at 9 a.m. for outdoor worship, which will be in the park (across from the church) under the north water

tower in Frederic. Sunday school kickoff will begin at 10 a.m. At 11 a.m., a potluck picnic lunch will be served. The day has been designated as Get to Know Your Neighbor Sunday so everyone is encouraged to bring a neighbor, and their own lawn chair, and join them.

It is with sadness that Pilgrim accepts the resignation of Joshua W. Rau as director of music. If you would be interested in the position of director of music, please call the church office for more details, 715-327-8012 or go to their newly updated Web site at www.pilgrimlutheranfrederic.com. submitted

PAGE 26 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - SEPTEMBER 3, 2008

CHURCH NEWS The love chapter

First Corinthians 13 is quoted during many Christian marriage ceremonies. I believe every married person should make it a habit to read this “love chapter” every morning and vow to follow its words. Perhaps then the divorce rate would drop and more couples would be truly happy and fulfilled in their marriages.

“Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, Perspectives thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”

(1 Cor. 13:4-7) We all can benefit from meditating on the love chapter, but especially husbands and wives. They are supposed to love one another as Christ loves us—in spite of their weaknesses.

There are too many unhappy marriages today.

Husbands and wives criticize or threaten their spouses, abuse them verbally, withhold money, or act prideful and arrogant. Many are unfaithful, unforgiving, and unrepentant. These things should not be.

Marriage is a sacred, biblical trust and not to be dealt with lightly. “What God has joined together, let not man separate,” Jesus said in Matthew 19:6. Married couples should never divorce, we’re told by Paul in 1 Corinthians 7:10-11. When communication breaks down between couples, they should seek help from God and his Word first, and then if needed, advice from a pastor or reputable counselor—not the divorce court.

Love means being patient with your spouse’s habits rather than trying to change them. Love means being happy and content with what the other provides, rather than being envious of others. Love means seeing the good in your spouse even when negative traits are obvious. Love means being humble and accepting rather than boastful and vindictive.

Belittling remarks foster resentment, but compliments, praise, encouragement and laughter go a long way towards a peaceful, contented home.

Love does not insist on your individual “rights,” because in marriage you’re one unit. That means sharing everything: what’s mine is yours and yours is mine. Not, what’s yours is mine and what’s mine I keep, as many believe.

Love never gives up, but believes that God can change lives for the better in any circumstance. Many problems are more often perceived than real.

Love never fails. Doing unto your spouse as you would have your spouse do unto you is the best way to show your love and keep your marriage healthy.

Lord, thank you for the perfect example of your love— your Son, Jesus. May we all follow his example. Amen.

(Mrs. Bair may be reached at sallybair@gmail.com or http://bairbonesblog.blogspot.com.)

Sally Bair Eternal

God's marvelous grace

“For by grace have ye been saved though faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not of works, that no man should glory’ (Ephesians 2:8-9). These words have been the center of controversy for as long as I can remember. Many men have suggested that man is saved solely on the basis of grace; that no man can “contribute one whit to his salvation.” This of course is false on Preacher’s the very surface of it. One need simply take a look at the numerous passages, which lay at the feet of each and every individual the responsibility to act on that which he has come to know and believe. – (Philippians 2:12) So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; – (Acts 17:30-31) Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead.” – (2 Corinthians 5:10) For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. – (James 2:18-20) But someone may well say, “You have faith and I have works; …show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder. But are you willing to recognize, you foolish fellow, that faith without works is useless?

If man plays absolutely no role whatsoever in his salvation, then all men must eventually be saved for “the grace of God hath appeared unto all men” (Titus 2:11).

The doctrine of salvation by grace has been

Garret Derouin The Pen

abused, maligned, and perverted. But we must avoid the temptation to swing too far to the right while attempting to make a correction toward center. Balance demands the recognition of both parties involved in salvation, namely the divine and human sides of salvation. When we speak of God’s grace, we are speaking of the divine side of salvation. Someone has said, “”Grace is that quality of God which gives us what we do not deserve while mercy is that quality which does not give us what we do deserve.” God saves us by grace, not by obligation. The only obligation that God has to save man is that obligation that He self imposes. He is not obligated by outside forces. What you or I do in compliance to God’s commands does not in any way obligate God, or place Him in debt to us. But since He has promised that He will save those who believe and obey, He has placed upon Himself the obligation to follow through on His promises.

What great comfort there is in knowing that we serve a God Who never lies, and Who always keeps His promises. There is great consolation in knowing that we do not have to depend upon our own self-righteousness to make it to heaven. Were that the case, then quite frankly, none of us would ever see so much as the shadow of that heavenly portal to which we have set our hopes and our hearts. The key here is this little word “depend.” It is a matter of in what or in Whom we place our trust and confidence. It is summed up in the word “faith.”

Paul clearly states that we are saved by grace, through faith. Faith is the medium by which we gain access to the wonderful grace of God. Here is the human side of salvation. When the two are combined, the result is man’s salvation through Jesus Christ our Lord. When we sing the words, “My Savior pardoned me and now I onward go; I know He’ll take me thro’ tho’ I am weak and poor,” we are speaking of God’s Marvelous Grace. (Adapted from an article written

by Tom Wacaster) If readers have questions or simply wish to know more about the Church of Christ, we would like to invite them 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.

Interfaith Caregivers garage and bake sale

ABOVE: “(The sale) was not as good as we expected,” Barb Blodgett, director of Burnett County Interfaith Caregivers, said following the sale the group had this past Labor Day weekend at the Webster Community Center. The sale brought in $1,400.

However, Blodgett added, “It was fun but exhausting. We all had a good time. The people (doing the sale) worked so well together.” From now on, Interfaith Caregivers is only taking donations from private people, not organizations, and the group is looking for a building in which to have their own thrift store.

LEFT: (L to R) Gladys Beers, Myrtle Kisselburg and Theresa Gloege were among the Interfaith Caregiver volunteers who sold baked goods at the Webster Community Center this past weekend, Aug. 30-31.

The sale brought in $860 for the work done throughout the year by the organization.

Photos by Nancy Jappe

Subscribe online @ www.the-leader.net

SEPTEMBER 3, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 27

Glenn L. Peters Glenn L. Peters, resident of Georgetown Township, Luck, died Friday, Aug. 29, 2008, at the age of 64.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia; daughters, Audrey (Steve) Yeager, Melissa (Troy) Moe and Jennifer (Chris) Kohler; seven grandchildren, Mariah and Kyle Yeager, Kaytlyn, Alex and Evan Moe, Kaspar and Karma Kohler; brothers and sisters, Raymond (Helga) Peters, Eleanor (Fred) Jepsen, Mary (Bill) Schilling and Shelby (Norm) Hanson.

Funeral services will be held at Bone Lake Lutheran Church in Luck, on Thursday, Sept. 4, at 11 a.m. Visitation will be held at the Rowe Funeral Home in Luck on Wednesday, Sept. 3, from 4-7 p.m.

The Rowe Funeral Home of Luck was entrusted with funeral arrangements.

Donna Johnson Donna M. Johnson, age 80, a resident of Webster, died Aug. 25, 2008, in Grantsburg.

Donna was born in Dubuque, Iowa, on Jan. 2, 1928, to Constance (Rogstad) and Daniel Lelle.

Donna’s family moved to Stillwater, Minn., in her childhood. She attended school in Stillwater. After her education, she worked in Stillwater, at a shoe factory, then she moved to the Webster area. She married LeRoy Johnson on Sept. 6, 1958, and to this union three children were born. Donna continued living in the Webster area until the time of her passing.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents; husband, LeRoy; daughter, Lonna Lee Johnson (in infancy); brother, Don Lelle; and sister, LaVonne Nelson.

Donna is survived by her sons, John L. (Tonja) Johnson of Webster and James F. Johnson of Webster; two grandchildren, William and Benjamin Johnson of Webster; sister, Renee Nelson of Stillwater, Minn., nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held Friday, Aug. 29, at Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home, Siren Chapel, with Pastor John Clasen officiating. Interment followed at Karlsborg Cemetery, Lincoln Township. Casket bearers were Dan Nelson, Chris Nelson, Kent Lindquist, Dean Nelson, Dale Johnson and Dan Johnson.

The Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home, Webster, was entrusted with arrangements.

Elizabeth Josephine Feurig Elizabeth J. Feurig, 94, a resident of Danbury, died Aug. 21, 2008, at her home.

Elizabeth was born Sept. 24, 1913, in Milwaukee to William and Kathryn End. Elizabeth was preceded in death by her parents; and her husband, James, in 1975.

Elizabeth is survived by her sons, Jim Feurig, Bob (Dori) Feurig and Tom (Jan) Feurig; grandchildren, Charlie, Chris, Megan and Paul; great-grandchildren, Alex and Madalyn.

Graveside services were held Wednesday, Aug. 27, at Calvary Cemetery in Sheboygan, with Deacon Mike Burch officiating.

The Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home, Webster, was entrusted with arrangements.

OBITUARIES Charles E. Pardun

Laura Smiley

Charles “Chuck” E. Pardun, 50, a resident of Frederic, died at home on Sept. 1, 2008, with his significant other, Arlene, by his side and his nurse cat, Banjo, at his feet.

Chuck was born Nov. 30, 1957, in Frederic, to Stanley and Geraldine Pardun. He was raised in Blaine, Minn., and attended Spring Lake Park High School.

He enlisted in the United States Navy in April 1976 and received an honorable discharge in October 1977.

He moved to the Burnett County area before settling in Polk County, where he worked for Colonial Craft and the Polk County Sheriff’s Department. At the present time, he was employed at the Inter-County Leader in Frederic and worked on-call night availability at Hazelden.

He will be fondly remembered for his radiant smile and wonderful sense of humor. He had a compassionate, playful and giving spirit that touched the lives of many children and people of all ages. He was very proud of his children and an inspiration to his grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

He enjoyed taking trips, playing games, music, movies, bonfires, motorcycles and hanging out with his family and friends. Chuck also enjoyed working in his yard, which he affectionately named “Sewell’s Park.”

He was preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his beloved mate, Arlene Murtaugh; children, Don (Sonya) Murtaugh, Amber (Shad) Pardun, Dannen and Tia Kroschel; grandchildren, Andrew, Allie, Austin, Breanna, Chase and Danaelle; siblings, Lonnie (Patricia) Pardun, Catherine (Paul) Babbage and Christine (Stephen) Chell; stepfather, John Cullen; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, Sept. 6, at 11 a.m. at the Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home, Webster, with Pastor Freddie Kirk officiating. Visitation will be prior to services from 9 – 11 a.m. at the funeral home.

Music will be provided by Dave and Cynthia Demar, Jay Stackhouse and Dave Peloquin (Siren United Methodist Men’s Chorus.) Interment will be at the Danbury Cemetery in Swiss Township, Burnett County. Honorary casket bearer will be Mitch Harrington.

The Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home, Webster, was entrusted with arrangements.

44Lp

Laura L. Smiley, age 53, a resident of Danbury, died Sept. 1, 2008, at St. Luke’s Hospital in Duluth, Minn.

Laura was born Aug. 15, 1955, in Siren, to Leon and Glanis Young.

Laura was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Earl; brother, Doug and twin sister, Karen at infancy.

Laura is survived by her children, David (Sheri) Smiley of Minong, Tracy Williamson of Danbury; grandchildren, Xander and Carter Smiley; sisters, Sharon Parent of Princeton, Minn., Kathy (Joe) Staples of Danbury; brothers, Michael (Peggy) Young of Minneapolis, Minn., Steven Young of Baldwin, Randy (Linda) Young of Wyoming, Minn., Darrell Young of Danbury, along with other relatives and friends.

Private family services were held.

The Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home, Webster, was entrusted with the arrangements.

Lee O. West Lee O. West, 70, of Siren, died in his sleep on Monday, Aug. 25, 2008.

He was born in Clayton on Aug. 15, 1938, son of Joseph and Dora (Lee) West. Lee was an avid fisherman and enjoyed the outdoors. He loved animals especially his pitbull, Max. Lee liked to entertain and was a very outgoing and social person.

Lee is survived by his two children, Annette West of Siren and Todd (Michelle) West of Suamico; four grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; siblings, Joseph “Ben” (Kathy) West of Prior Lake, Min., Judy (Pat) Rezin of Tomah, Susan (Jack) Swenson of Roseville, Minn., and Stephen (Judy) West of Hudson; further survived by numerous other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; and aunts, Emma and Alice.

A memorial service is being planned for the future.

Interment will be in Clear Lake Cemetery. The O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Hudson and Countryside Crematory of Baldwin were entrusted with

PAGE 28 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - SEPTEMBER 3, 2008

CHURCH NEWS Teaching children to read is greatest priority Q: Schools are asked to accomplish many things on behalf of our kids today. They are even expected to teach them how to have sex without spreading disease. What part of the curriculum would you give the greatest priority?

DR. DOBSON: Schools that try to do everything may wind up doing very little. That’s why I believe we should give priority to the academic fundamentals – what used to be called “readin’, writin’, and ‘rithmetic.” Of those three, the most important is basic literacy. An appalling number of students graduating from high school can’t even read the employment page of the newspaper or comprehend an elementary book.

Every one of those young men and women will suffer years of pain and embarrassment because of our failure. That misery starts at a very young age.

A 10th-grade boy was once referred to me because he was dropping out of school. I asked why he was quitting and he said with great passion, “I’ve been miserable since first grade. I’ve felt embarrassed and stupid every year. I’ve had to stand up and read, but I can’t even understand a second-grade book. You people have had your last laugh at me. I’m getting out.” I told him I didn’t blame him for the way he felt; his suffering was our responsibility.

Teaching children to read should be “Job One” for educators. Giving boys and girls that basic skill is the foundation on which other learning is built. Unfortunately, millions of young people are still functionally illiterate after completing 12 years of schooling and receiving high school diplomas. There is no excuse for

this failure.

Research shows that every student, with very few exceptions, can be taught to read if the task is approached creatively and individually. Admittedly, some can’t learn in group settings because their minds wander and they don’t ask questions as readily.

They require one-on-one instruction from trained reading specialists. It is expensive for schools to support these remedial teachers, but no expenditure would be more helpful. Special techniques, teaching machines, and behavior modification techniques can work in individual cases. Whatever is required, we must provide it.

Furthermore, the sooner this help can be given, the better for the emotional and academic well-being of the child. By the fourth or fifth grade, he or she has already suffered the humiliation of reading failure.

••• Q: My older child is a great student and earns straight A’s year after year. Her younger sister, now in the sixth grade, is completely bored in school and won’t even try. The frustrating thing is that the younger girl is probably brighter than her older sister. Why would she refuse to apply her ability like this?

DR. DOBSON: There could be many reasons for her academic disinterest, but let me suggest the most probable explanation. Children will often refuse to compete when they think they are likely to place second instead

Dr. James

Dobson Focus on the Family

of first. Therefore, a younger child may avoid challenging an older sibling in his area of greatest strength. If son No. one is a great athlete, then son No. two may be more interested in collecting butterflies. If daughter No. one is an accomplished pianist, then daughter No. two may be a boy-crazy goof-off.

This rule does not always hold true, of course, depending on the child’s fear of failure and the way he estimates his chances of successful competition. If his confidence is high, he may blatantly wade into the territory owned by big brother, determined to do even better. However, the more typical response is to seek new areas of compensation which are not yet dominated by a family superstar.

If this explanation fits the behavior of your younger daughter, then it would be wise to accept something less than perfection from her school performance.

Every child need not fit the same mold – nor can we force them to do so.

••• 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:

Siren/Lewis United Methodist Churches Siren, Wis.

Lewis, Wis.

Peace Lutheran to host free clothing event DRESSER – Peace Lutheran in Dresser will again host its free clothing event on Monday, Sept. 15, from 2 - 6 p.m. Free clothing, suitable for fall and winter wear, will be available to the general public at this event. All items are clean and in good condition, having been donated by members and friends of the Peace Lutheran congre-

gation. The public is asked to please comply with the hours of the clothing share, and not arrive before 2 p.m., out of respect to the church staff and their working schedule.

The free clothing event is sponsored by the church’s social ministries program, which is designed to reach

out to area residents through various public assistance services and activities. To learn more about the program and how it can help you or people you know, please call the church at 715-755-2515. – from Peace Lutheran Church

SEPTEMBER 3, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 29

PAGE 30 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - SEPTEMBER 3, 2008

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SEPTEMBER 3, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 31

W h i te E l e p h a n t Sa l e at F r e d e r i c S oo Li n e De p o t / M u s e u m The Frederic Area Historical Society’s annual White Elephant Sale was held Labor Day weekend, raising money for the operation of the renovated Soo Line depot and museum, which is located at the west end of Main Street. Ken Java of the historical society chatted with visitors to the sale (photo lower right). Members of the village’s royalty, including Miss Frederic Candace Buck, First Princess Orianna Tesch, Second Princess Kelly Daeffler and Miss Congeniality Bobbi Jo O’Brien, helped sort and price items for the sale (photo lower left). The museum offers a unique look at the history of the Frederic area and remains open on weekends through the end of this month. - Photos by Gary King

N e i g h b or - t o- N e i g h bor c o mm u n i ty p i c n i c

More than 100 people enjoyed the Clam Falls Neighborto-Neighbor community picnic hosted by Mike and Rayola Sparish (top left) on Saturday, Aug. 30. Chicken and sweet corn was cooked by the Sparishes. Guests brought dozens of side dishes to share. Games were played, including a scavenger hunt (top right) and a bean auction. Not even recent foot surgery could keep “bean auctioneer” Mary Carlson (right) from performing her duties. The Sparishes welcoming country-garden setting was made even more lovely with blooming potted plants loaned by The Rose Garden. The Clam Falls Neighbor-toNeighbor Committee provides a service called TFC (Transport For Christ) providing rides to doctor or other appointments for those who have no other transportation. They also provide welcome baskets for families who move into the community. - Photos submitted

PAGE 32 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - SEPTEMBER 3, 2008

SEPTEMBER WED. - SUN/3 - 7 Glenwood City

• Rustic Lore Days, 715-643-4211.

THURSDAY/4 Amery

• Poker at the senior center, 1 p.m.; trip to Door County.

Coming events

Frederic

A little off kilter and weatherworn, this old farm building adds a bit of color and character to the surrounding landscape. Photo by Ed Berdal

St. Croix Falls

• Exercise, 10-11 a.m.; Skipbo, 11 a.m.-noon; 500 cards, 6:30 p.m. at the senior center.

• American Legion meeting, 8 p.m. with dinner at 7 p.m., at the Legion Post 143.

St. Croix Falls

• Wii® bowling, 10 a.m. at the senior center.

Taylors Falls, Minn.

THURSDAY/11 Amery

• Stamping & scrapbooking at the senior center, 9:30 a.m.; Fashions of the ‘20s with lunch available, 12:30 p.m., 715-268-6605.

FRI. - SUN./5 - 7 Amery

Cumberland

• Gun show at the ice arena. Fri. 5-9 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sun. 9 a.m.-3 p.m., 608-7526677.

• Talk with a Doc at the hospital, 6-7 p.m.

Tummy tuck, abdominoplasty or scar managment.

FRIDAY/5

Frederic

Balsam Lake

Cozy Corners

• Cozy Corner Trails Snowmobile Club members meet at Moose Junction Lounge, 9:30 a.m. Board of Directors meet at 9 a.m.

Frederic

• Pool Fall Festival Fundraiser by Friends of the Pool- Softball, 8 a.m.-dusk - coed softball tourney; 9 a.m.-noon 3-on-3 basketball tourney; 9 a.m.-dusk coed volleyball tourney; 4-5:30 p.m.

Bill Bitner Memorial Dixieland Band; 5:30-7 p.m.

Local variety show; 7 p.m.- raffle drawing at Coon Lake Park.

• Potluck & celebration of birthdays of the month at the senior center, noon.

• Informational open house at Frederic Eastern Star and Landmark Masonic Lodge, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., 715-483-1671 or landmarkmasoniclodge@comcast.net.

• Pig roast fundraiser for Brody Measner at Coon Lake Park, 1-7 p.m.

Spooner

• 6-week grief support group begins at Spooner Hospital, 6-7:30 p.m., 715-635-9706.

Frederic

• Historical society annual meeting and program by author of “We Are At Home – Pictures of the Ojibwe People,” 7 p.m., 651-257-4773, sallybarott@aol.com.

SATURDAY/6

• Exercise, 10-11 a.m.; Skipbo, 11 a.m.-noon; 500 cards & Dominos, 12:30 p.m. at the senior center.

• First session of hunter safety class at the American Legion, 6:30-9 p.m., 715-488-9386.

• Pokeno played at the senior center, 1 p.m.

• Bean & Brat feed sponsored by Burnett Democratic Party, at Crooked Lake Pavilion, 5 p.m.

St. Croix Falls

Amery

• Birthday Party at the senior center, 11:45 a.m.; long-term care seminar by Steve Helling, 12:30 p.m.; card party, 6:45 p.m.

WEDNESDAY/10

Siren

• Bridge, 11 a.m. and Bingo, 1 p.m., at the senior center.

TUESDAY/9

St. Croix Falls

Osceola

Frederic

Balsam Lake

• American Red Cross CPR course, must preregister, 5:30-8:30 p.m., 715-485-3025.

• Chronic Illness/Disabililty Support Group will meet at Peach Luthern Church, 6:30 p.m.

• Auditions at St. Croix ArtBarn for “Escanaba in da Moonlight,” 6:30-8 p.m., 715-294-2787, www.stcroixartbarn.com.

• Frederic Class of 1945 reunion at Countryside Inn, noon.

• Pokeno played at the senior center, 12:30 p.m.; monthly meeting at 1:30 p.m.

TUES. & WED./9 & 10

Dresser

• 500 cards at the senior center, 6:30 p.m.

• Support group for people with bipolar disorder and depression at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 7:30 p.m. Call 715-327-4436 for more info.

• Balsam Lutheran Church bake sale at the farmers market in Pine Park, 3-5:30 p.m.

• St. Croix Falls Orchestra begins practice at the high school, 7-9 p.m., 651-257-1854.

Ladysmith

• Northwest Wisconsin Graziers Network pasture walk at the Svoma Farm, 1-4 p.m., 715-485-8600, 715-268-8778 or 715-635-3506.

Lewis

• Free Outdoor Experience for women & youth at South Fork Sporting Club, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., 715-327-8879 or 715-327-4954.

Osceola

• 21st-annual Osceola Fun Run & 2-Mile Walk, 6:30-7:30 a.m. check-in for runners, 7:15-8 a.m. for walkers. 715-294-2127, ext. 407.

• FFA tractor pull at the fairgrounds, weigh-ins 8:30 a.m.

• Friends of the Osceola Library book sale at the library, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

• Wheels and Wings, 715-755-3300.

St. Croix Falls

• The Lovers Show, concert featuring Noni & Jared Mason, at Festival Theatre, 7:30 p.m., 715-483-3387 or 888-887-6002.

Spooner

• Northwest Cleansweep at the HHW Storage Site, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., 715-635-2197.

SUNDAY/7 Clam Falls

• Ice Age Trail work day, Sand Creek segment.

Meet at trailhead on CTH E, 10 a.m. Contact Dean at 715-472-2248 for more info.

Grantsburg

• Harvest Festival at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Polka Mass 8:30 a.m., dinner 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m., farmers market, activities, etc.

Shell Lake

• Northwestern Wisconsin K-9 Club hosts Bark in the Park at Memorial Park, 11 a.m., 715-349-8377.

MONDAY/8 Amery

• Prudence Johnson & Dan Chouinard doing music of the 1920s at the library, 7 p.m., 715268-9340.

Frederic

• Spades played at the senior center, 1 p.m.

Luck

• Auditions for Prairie Fire Children’s Theatre’s production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” at the school, 3:30 p.m., 715-472-2152 ext. 103.

• Indianhead Rock and Mineral Society meets at the Luck Senior Citizen Center, 7 p.m. potluck, 7:30 p.m. meeting. Silent Auction, bring & buy.

St. Croix Falls

• Art group, 9:30 a.m.-noon at the senior center.

• 500 cards at the senior center, 6:30 p.m.

• Support group for people with bipolar disorder and depression at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 7:30 p.m. Call 715-327-4436 for more info.

Luck

• National Active and Retired Federal Employees, Chapter 1581, dinner meting at Hog Wild Restuarant, noon. 715-327-8658 for information.

St. Croix Falls

• Exercise, 10-11 a.m.; Skipbo, 11 a.m.-noon; 500 cards, 6:30 p.m. at the senior center.

Siren

• Ruby’s Pantry food distribution at Siren Covenant Church, 4 p.m.

FRI. & SAT./12 & 13 Luck

• Prairie Fire Children’s Theatre presents “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” 7:30 p.m., 715472-2152 ext. 103.

FRI. - SUN./12 - 14 Burnett County

• Antique car tour, tineau@sirentel.net.

715-349-8886 or bot-

FRIDAY/12 Amery

• Bingo at the senior center, 1 p.m.

G ra nd o pen ing fo r L uck Li b rar y a nd Mu seum s et

The Luck Library and Museum will be holding a grand opening on Saturday, Sept. 13, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. A dedication ceremony will start at 2 p.m. The public is encouraged to attend. – Photo submitted