March 3

Leader Sleds of yesteryear

Duffy makes debut

Currents, p. 12

Grounding with the Twins Currents, p. 14

Currents feature

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“Sacrifice”

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WED., MARCH 2, 2011 VOL. 78 • NO. 28 • 2 SECTIONS •

A clearer picture of Gov. Walker’s budget emerges; much less money for local schools and governments - more sacrifices for most Wisconsinites

Dad-powered

by Gary King Leader editor MADISON - A somewhat clearer picture of what Gov. Scott Walker’s proposed budget will mean to local schools and governments statewide emerged this week as he vowed in a speech Tuesday, March 1, to “remold” state goverment at every level.

Walker, who gave a 25-minute speech in the state Capitol’s Assembly chamber as the sound of drumming and the roar of thousands of protesters could be heard through the chamber’s thick Gov. Walker walls, presented a $59.2 billion, twoyear budget that asks for sacrifices and changes affecting residents throughout the state, from poor

How should schools deal with expected budget cuts?

1. Fewer teachers 2. Consolidation/closings 3. Eliminate programs and extracurriculars 4. Reduce pay and benefits 5. All of the above 6. Raise taxes and fees Go to our online poll at www.the-leader.net (Weekly results on page 8)

Walker budget plan

Deaths It’s always good to have reliable transportation when the weather turns bad - and this young man was lucky to have a dad-powered vehicle at the Siren Lions Ice-Fishing Contest on Lower Clam Lake last Saturday, Feb. 26. See more photos and contest results in Currents section. - Photo by Gary King

Keeping the valley working

See front page, SPORTS

• Carmen Therese Yunker • Harold Owens • Arvid W. Christiansen • Robert L. Baier • Gene E. McKenzie • Joseph David Cysewski • Edward Alan Rothbauer • Leonard O. Erickson • Diane J. Block • Martin A. Hahn • Virgil I. Olson • Dennis Chapman Obituaries on page 17-19B

INSIDE

The Sullivan family, owner-operators of Lumberjack Tools, includes Scott and Wendy and their two children, Logan and Grace. – Photo submitted

Local gymnast Lerud heading to state

Watch our e-edition each week for stories and photos that don’t make our print edition. Go to www.the-leader.net and click on “E-edition” to subscribe

Your opinion?

See Walker, page 14

• Madison action could cost Frederic School District $335,000 P. 4 • Burnett schools adopt wait and see approach P. 4 • Rep. Severson: “First step in balancing the budget” P. 6 • SCFalls School board moves forward with teacher discipline P. 4 • Polk and Burnett officers help keep peace in Madison P. 4 • Overview of Gov. Walker’s bill P. 5 • Readers weigh in Letters, P. 8-10 • Unity considers state budget implications; foresees budget shortfall of $1.1 million P. 4

The electronic edge!

“It’s about community,” says Lumberjack Tools owners and former Dresser residents Scott and Wendy Sullivan

by Jackie Thorwick Special to the Leader COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Former local residents Scott and Wendy Sullivan would have quite a trip if they decided to commute to work.

About 2,000 miles each day,

round-trip.

The Sullivans, who now live in Colorado Springs, own Lumberjack Tools, which they started eight years ago when they lived in Dresser.

Today, it’s not easy to say where Lumberjack Tools is located, exactly.

“Most of our tools are machined in New Richmond by the familyowned Heintz Machine Corp.,” said Scott Sullivan. “Tenere stamps the blades. They’re ground in Rice Lake

by Thompson Precision Machine.

White Bear Machine, family-owned

See Sullivans, page 3

Briefly 3A Letters to the editor 8-10A Sports 15-22A Outdoors 23A Town Talk 6-7B Coming Events Back of B Currents feature 1B Behind the Signpost 5B Letters from Home 3B Cold Turkey 3B Just for Laughs 3B River Road Ramblings 4B Obituaries 18-19B Students of the Week 23B Focus on the Family 20B Church directory 21B Copyright © 2011 Inter-County Cooperative Publishing Association Frederic, Wisconsin

The Leader is a cooperative-owned newspaper • Since 1933

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PAGE 2 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - MARCH 2, 2011

E-mail story ideas, news tips and feedback to: the-leader@centurytel.net

World-class trumpeter to perform

SHELL LAKE — The Shell Lake Arts Center is pleased to announce its featured performer at the 2011 piano festival, Dr. Thomas Barnett of UW-River Falls. Barnett will be featured at the evening concert concluding the piano festival on Saturday, April 9, at 7 p.m.

Barnett is in his 10th year teaching at University of Wisconsin–River Falls, leading such courses as trumpet performance and instruction, music theory and also performs with the River Falls Brass.

When not teaching, Barnett is active as a performer and clinician and has performed extensively Dr. Thomas Barnett throughout the Midwest, Eastern and Southern United States, Korea, Mexico, Brazil, Austria and Germany. He has performed with the Minnesota Orchestra, Orpheum Theatre Orchestra, Eau Claire Chamber Orchestra, La Crosse Symphony, Savannah Symphony, Akron Symphony, Canton Symphony, Greenville Symphony, Bach Society Orchestra and other ensembles in the Twin Cities area, and recently served as an adjudicator at the 2010 Eau Claire Jazz Fest.

He frequently performs with Orquesta Sinfonica Del Estado De Mexico in Toluca, Mexico.

Barnett’s performance is part of the third-annual piano festival, an event that not only caters to intermediate to advanced pianists, but also to community members interested in learning more about one of the world’s most popular instruments. For more information about this festival or the evening concert featuring Barnett, visit www.shelllakeartscenter.org or call 715-468-2414. — from SLAC

Scholarship for kids who impacted community

Luck trucker involved in fatal accident

A Luck man was involved in a fatal accident in eastern Iowa on Tuesday morning, March 1, when a woman jumped from an Interstate overpass landing onto the hood of the semi-tractor trailer he was driving. Stanley T. Engstrand suffered minor injuries but left the scene of the accident on his own cognizance. Engstrand was driving a truck belonging to Doug Fisk of Fisk Trucking, Luck. Emergency crews responded to the eastbound lane of Interate 80 at mile marker 249 at 8:50 a.m. for a report of a vehicle hitting a pedestrian. Upon arrival, crews found 37-year-old Shannon L. Hierseman of rural Iowa City, Iowa, lying on the hood of the semi. Police said it appears Hierseman intentionally jumped from the overpass of Herbert Hoover Highway.

She was taken from the scene by the Johnson County Medical Examiner’s office. Photo/information from easterniowanewsnow.com

To sign up for e-mails of local breaking news, go to

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Days to meltdown

Ominous sign

Area residents are counting the days until spring and with it will likely come one of the largest snowmelts the area has seen in a long time, with potential to create serious flooding.

This young man took part in a medallion hunt at the Whitetail Wilderness resort north of Webster, Saturday, Feb. 26. - Photo

by Gary King

The price of unleaded gas in Wisconsin ranged from $3.25 to $3.59 as of Wednesday morning, March 2, according to wisconsingasprices.com.

This photo was taken at a Polk County gas station.

The national average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline jumped to $3.37 Monday, Feb. 28, up nearly 27 cents a gallon in a month and 66 cents from a year ago, according to the AAA/Wright Express Daily Fuel Gauge Report. According to an article this week in the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel “Soaring oil prices over time have proved ruthless in their treatment of the American economy - 10 of the last 11 recessions were preceded by a spike in oil prices.” - Photo by Gary King

STATEWIDE – Only two weeks remain to nominate young volunteers for the Kohl’s Cares® Scholarship Program. Kids ages 6 to 18 who have made a positive impact on their communities can be awarded scholarships and prizes, ranging from $50 Kohl’s gift cards to $10,000 scholarships.

To nominate volunteers ages 6 to 18 for a Kohl’s Cares scholarship, visit www.kohlskids.com. Nominations are accepted through March 15, and nominators must be 21 years or older. Through the Kohl’s Cares Scholarship Program, Kohl’s aims to honor young volunteers who have made a difference in their communities by helping invest in their future. Past winners have been recognized for a variety of activities including starting a literacy program for homeless children, founding a business that donates net profits to cancer research, organizing a benefit concert for the visually impaired, and much more. - Submitted

Miss Frederic part of St. Paul Winter Carnival

ST. PAUL - At the end of January, Miss Frederic Krysta Laqua had the honor of representing Frederic in the St. Paul Winter Carnival. “Being a part of the festivities was a really fun and exciting experience,” she noted.

“I made a lot of new friends and a lot of great memories that I will never forget. We got to go downtown and see the ice and snow sculptures, ice-skate and be a part of their parade. We saw the new royal family get crowned and met them as well. I am so happy that I got to be a part of something so spectacular.”

- Special photo

Leader Krysta Laqua

HOW TO REACH US

Inter-County

A cooperative-owned newspaper since 1933

Inter-County Cooperative Publishing Association 303 N. Wisconsin Ave., Frederic, WI 54837 715-327-4236 • www.the-leader.net Doug Panek

Manager • dougpanek@centurytel.net

Gary King

Editor • gbking@centurytel.net

Board of directors Vivian Byl, chair Charles Johnson Merlin Johnson Janet Oachs Carolyn Wedin

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.

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

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The Inter-County Leader [ISS No. 8750-9091] is published weekly. Subscription prices are $34/yr. in Polk and Burnett counties; $38/yr. in Barron, Chisago, Washburn, St. Croix counties; $41/yr. anywhere in the United States $23/yr. for servicemen or women; $23/yr. for students or schools (9 months). Payment is needed before we can start the subscription. No refunds on subscriptions. Persons may subscribe online at www.theleader.net, write us at Inter-County Leader, Box 490, Frederic, WI 54837, or stop by one of our three offices.

STAFF MEMBERS

Nancy Jappe njappe@centurytel.net Tammi Milberg tammi@centurytel.net

Marty Seeger mseeger@centurytel.net Brenda Martin brendals@centurytel.net Greg Marsten marscafe@lakeland.ws

Sherill Summer sherill33@gmail.com Gregg Westigard greggw@lakeland.ws Carl Heidel cheidel389@centurytel.net

Priscilla Bauer cilla@grantsburgtelcom.net Mary Stirrat marystirrat@hotmail.com EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Raelynn Hunter rael@centurytel.net

• Briefly •

CENTURIA/AMERY - The volunteers of the St. Croix Valley-Polk County - American Red Cross are hosting Bowl for the Red on Friday, March 11 at McKenzie Lanes in Centuria and March 12, at Club 53 in Amery.

All proceeds will support the programs and services the Red Cross provides in Polk County. Bowlers and non-bowlers are welcome.

Each person will bowl three games, handicaps are determined. Please register at the bowling alleys or for more information call Terry Anderson at 715-485-3025. - Submitted ••• AMERY - The National Active and Retired Federal Employees Indianhead Chapter 1581 will hold a dinner meeting at noon on Thursday, March 10, at the Village Pizzeria in Amery. All federal and retired federal employees are welcome. Reservations may be made by calling 715-268-8618 by noon on Monday, March 7. - Submitted ••• RICE LAKE - Some topics for the short enrichment courses that will begin in March are German, photography, ballroom dance and beekeeping. Participants can read course descriptions, register and pay online by going to barron.uwc.edu and clicking on Community education, or by calling Samantha Heathman at UW-BC community education department at 715-2348176 Ext. 5403. - from UW-BC

Sex offender release canvassed

MARCH 2, 2011 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 3

Kyle McCarty, 24, to reside at Apple River motel - for now with details on notification process

by Greg Marsten Leader staff writer

BALSAM LAKE – The Polk County Sheriff's Department issued a sex offender release notification last week to warn or at least make residents and neighbors aware of his release.

Kyle T. McCarty, 24, was released on Monday, Feb. 28 from prison after serving his sentence for a 2007 conviction for child sexploitation, after admittedly taking nude pictures of an underage male victim and planning on selling them on the Internet. McCarty was also charged with four counts of witness intimidation for threats he made to the victim while awaiting his sentencing.

McCarty will be residing at the Apple River Motor Inn at 977 Hwy. 8 in the Town of Apple River, in part because his family members or other possible housing locations "were too close to schools or day-care facilities," according to Polk County Sheriff Pete Johnson.

The sheriff also noted that most of the homes or residences within a half-mile radius of the

Former Polk highway commissioner faces felony charges

BARRON COUNTY - A former Polk County highway commissioner and another man are facing 20 felony counts of misconduct in office.

Brian L. Mattison, 57, Turtle Lake, and Gene D. Anderson, 66, Barron, former employees of the Barron County Highway Department, have each been charged with 20 felony counts stemming from the same circumstances that led to their dismissals from their jobs. Mattison served as a highway commissioner in Polk County for a period in the 1990s before becoming highway commissioner for Barron County.

The men are scheduled to appear in court for an initial hearing on the charges on Wednesday, March 16.

Polk County District Attorney Dan Steffen is serving as special prosecutor for Barron County.

The charges stem from an internal investigation conducted in 2007 prompted by claims that both men allegedly told department workers to alter time cards and machine records that resulted in higher reimbursement rates from the state for work done by the county. Personal gain was not alleged.

Following a state audit, Barron County paid the state $10,351 in overcharges that were found.

A state investigator wrote in a report that two highway department employees said they were told by Mattison and Anderson to change their time cards to reflect using a truck they had not used, which collected a higher distribution rate ($35) from the state, instead of the one they had used, which collected a lower distribution rate ($12.88) Another worker and an office clerk who said they were directed

by Mattison and Anderson to falsify the time cards.

As part of their retirement and resignation agreements, the county agreed not to make disparaging remarks about either

man.

Shortly afterward, Mattison and Anderson filed civil lawsuits claiming that county Administrator Duane Hebert had made disparaging remarks about them to the public.

The county settled a $2.6 million lawsuit with Mattison for $175,000 and agreed to issue a statement saying Mattison was not directly involved in any falsification of records and that he voluntarily retired. Anderson also filed a lawsuit against the county. That case was dismissed.

Anderson is appealing that ruling.

Questions have arisen as to why it has taken three years for criminal charges to surface. The delay was largely planned, according to officials.

A conviction on just one count could lead to a maximum possible sentence of up to $10,000 in fines and more than three years’ imprisonment. - Gary King with information from Barron County News-Shield and Rice Lake Chronotype

Kyle McCarty

inn were also canvassed by officers, as was the victim and his family.

"We wanted to make sure we notified whomever we could," Johnson said. "It's better to err on the side of caution."

McCarty is only residing at the inn temporarily, according to the Department of Corrections, and will be under strict GPS monitoring, with "hard fence limits" on where he can and cannot go and at what times of the day.

Johnson stressed the need for the public to respect McCarty's release, and "not to harass or intimidate him in any way." While the sheriff reminded residents that they cannot "use the information against him," the department is also hoping the notification will make others aware of the consequences and also that unknown or potential victims of his or other sexual

Beginnings Wendy is originally from Arcadia, and Scott is from Chippewa Falls. They met in 1986 while both were working at Ashley Furniture in Arcadia.

They married, had two children and lived in Dresser for nine years ending in 2006.

Scott worked as an engineer in the Cities for 20 years. Wendy worked full time at RiverBank.

BURNETT COUNTY – A head-on collision took place on Austin Lake Road near Connors Bridge Road in the town of Meenon on Thursday, Feb. 24, with extensive injuries and damage to two young people involved.

According to a Burnett County accident report, Ryan Kanke, 25, Siren, was driving west on Austin Lake Road on a straight stretch. Jennifer Piper, 30, Siren, was going east, and the two vehicles collided head-on. Both parties had significant injuries, were trapped in their vehicles and had to be extracted.

They both were transported by air to a regional trauma center. Blood draws were performed. The report indicated Kanke was probably exceeding the speed limit of 55 mph at the time of the crash, and it notes Piper had “reduced alertness,” drugs were present, and that she was being charged with possession of cocaine.

It was unclear from the report if one or both parties were driving left of center. There will be further investigation of this accident and charges are pending. — with information from the Burnett County Sheriff’s Dept.

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

Amery man injures toddler in standoff

Allegedly threatened woman and seriously injured 14-month-old child

by Greg Marsten Leader staff writer AMERY – Adam W. Olson, 29, is facing several felony charges for allegedly injuring a 14month-old child and threatening to injure the child's mother after a brief standoff with police in the early morning hours in Amery on Sunday, Feb. 27.

According to the criminal complaint, the woman said she was being threatened by Olson, who was on top of her, and the he left her to "get his shotgun or a knife." While he was getting a weapon, the woman escaped and called authorities, leaving behind her 14-month-old son and two of Olson's children.

The woman stated that she thought Olson was "drunk and crazy," and was a possible threat to the children.

When police arrived, they saw Olson inside the home through an upstairs window and were

Sullivans/from page 1 drawknives, fixtures, machines and specialty products.

Arden Specialty Products assembles, packages and ships the orders.”

He added, “We do our best to keep people working in the St. Croix Valley.”

perpetrators may come to light with the attention. "[The notification] is not to make him open game. Part of the reason is based on confidential information," Johnson said, noting that the DOC is in charge of his supervised release, and is also covering his boarding costs, since it is so restrictive and location sensitive.

"They can really lock it down," Johnson said, outlining the parameters that the GPS notifications system can be set up to monitor. He said the GPS is triggered by a number of different programmed settings, meant to signal an e-mail alert to DOC and other law enforcement officials when "any of those boundaries are broken."

Johnson also said that they have "no reason to believe that [McCarty] is an absolute monster," he said. "But we have enough to justify concern and to alert the public."

McCarty formerly lived in Clayton, and the DOC is seeking a more permanent residence. He will be supervised by the DOC until his probation expires in 2026. Even after his probation expires, McCarty will remain registered in the Wisconsin Sex Offender Registry until 2042.

Agents with probation and parole can be reached at 715-4853114 for concerns or questions about McCarty's release.

Head-on crash seriously injures two

Scott began designing tools for use in making log furniture and homes, and they started to manufacture and sell them through other businesses in the area.

Their new business ran on a part-time basis for several years.

The business has grown more than 400 percent since leaving Dresser in August of 2006.

Today the Sullivans market their tools by attending many trade shows, according to Wendy Sullivan. They use direct mail campaigns as well. Their tools are sold nationwide, mainly on the Web from their Web site, www.lumberjacktools.com.

They sell wholesale to Sears, Amazon.com, Northern Tool

concerned that he would barricade himself in the home, but instead he came out of the home willingly when asked a short time later.

"It wasn't very long that he was in there," Polk County Sheriff Peter Johnson said. "By the time we got him on the phone, he had walked out."

Johnson also said that the county emergency response team was not alerted, due to the quick resolve. However, once Olson was placed under arrest, he began to verbally and physically assault the officer and his squad car, leading the officer to use pepper spray to subdue him and keep him from further injury.

The 14-month-old child did suffer serious injuries at Olson's hand, and was taken by ambulance to Amery Regional Medical Center, and then flown by air ambulance to Children's Hospital in St. Paul. The extent of the child's injuries have not been released, due to disclosure issues, but authorities are continuing to monitor the child's' condition. The arrest report mentions the child having "black eyes and other bruising on the

face," but are purposefully vague.

Olson was taken to the Polk county jail and found to have a blood alcohol content of .11. He was placed into custody and is now charged with felony child abuse - causing intentional harm and also with being a felon in possession of a firearm. Olson also faces three misdemeanor charges of operating a firearm while intoxicated and two charges of disorderly conduct.

He made an initial court appearance on Feb. 28, where Judge Molly GaleWyrick ordered him held on a $25,000 cash bond. He also had a hearing set for Tuesday, March 1, but a preliminary hearing was delayed until Monday, March 7. He remains in custody at press time.

Olson has a history of previous arrest and run-ins with the law, including disorderly conduct, victim or witness intimidation, threatening phone use and convictions for intoxicated driving, culminating with a felony conviction in 2009, where he had a small child in the car, and was sentenced to prison.

and Equipment, Woodcraft Supply and Rockler Woodworking.

Mills Fleet Farm carries their products in the store.

Then the Sullivans had an opportunity to move to Colorado Springs.

they were still living together as a family, and they could help them with the transition.

As they considered making the move to Colorado, the biggest challenge was to make sure that all would operate well from so far away. “We knew the values and principles of the Wisconsin folks we do business with would allow us to manage our business from 1,000 miles away,” said Scott Sullivan. “That in itself is pretty amazing. It’s not about us, it is about the community. It is small businesses like ours that keep the community intact.”

Long distance operation “We love Wisconsin,” said Wendy Sullivan. “We have family there.” But both she and Scott had family in Colorado also.

They decided to move partly because of the climate as well as to be near family there. “It’s milder in the winter and in summer,” she said, “and there are no mosquitos here!” They also wanted to give their kids the experience of living in a bigger city while

PAGE 4 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - MARCH 2, 2011

Walker budget plan

Burnett schools adopt wait and see approach

by Carl Heidel and Priscilla Bauer Leader staff writers BURNETT COUNTY - Schools in Burnett County have been faced with an array of uncertainties since Gov. Scott Walker proposed his state Budget Repair Bill two weeks ago. No one has been able to develop an overall sense of how the repair bill and proposed budget would impact the schools, but there has been plenty of speculation, and school boards have been meeting to develop ways to operate under the uncertainties.

In the end all three districts, Webster, Siren and Grantsburg, have chosen to buy time before developing steps to cope with anticipated cuts to school budgets.

They’ll just wait to see what happens.

Two concerns have been uppermost in the minds of the educators: 1) the proposed budget impact on district personnel, and 2) the impact on the schools’

programs. The fear has been that staff layoffs would be necessary, and that vulnerable school programs would be terminated.

But all three districts have announced that there will be no notices of nonrenewal for layoff purposes issued at this time.

Under state statutes, if staff jobs were to be cut at the end of the present school year, those layoff notices would have to be issued by Feb. 28.

Grantsburg avoided layoff notices at this time by extending the nonrenewal notification deadline to May 1. “By that time we will know if the state Budget Repair Bill is passed, and what Gov. Walker recommended in the state biennial budget,” said Superintendent Joni Burgin.

In Webster, the school board decided to honor staff contracts presently in place through the end of the 2012 school year.

This makes the Feb. 28 deadline irrele-

vant, and the district will issue no layoff notices. Superintendent Jim Erickson acknowledges this is a bit risky, and it might force his schools to operate with a deficit budget for a year.

The Siren Board of Education had to go through several steps to avoid layoffs.

First step was to approve the 2009-2011 certified staff collective bargaining agreement on Feb. 15.

Then on Feb. 24, the board rescinded a decision to issue preliminary notices of nonrenewal to certified staff members, and finally on Feb. 28 the board ratified a one-year extension to the collective bargaining agreement that pushed the ending of that agreement into 2012. The end result is that Siren will do basically what Webster is doing. No layoffs, and proceed to operate according to contracts.

But while the personnel issue is settled, at least for the moment, the impact on

programs is still uncertain. According to Erickson, the decision to cut programs may be made for the local schools at the state level if the budget terminates funding for programs that the state is operating in the schools.

After the matter of layoffs had been put to rest, all three superintendents had words of high praise for their personnel.

In a letter to all staff Burgin wrote, “The school board wanted me to express a thank-you to the teachers, support staff and the administrators for your professionalism through these hard times and for taking the ‘high road.’ They value your hard work and dedication.”

She added a personal note that expressed the sentiments of Siren’s Scott Johnson and Webster’s Erickson as well as her own. “I want to thank you for your level heads and for your integrity during this situation.”

by Mary Stirrat Leader staff writer BALSAM LAKE — The Unity School Board held a special meeting last Friday, Feb. 25, in part to discuss provisions of the state Budget Repair Bill and the anticipated impact of the 2011-13 state budget on the district.

Preliminary projections show an anticipated net budget shortfall of $651,000 for

the 2011-12 school year. This figure does not address any changes that may take place in current programs.

The district anticipates a reduction in the revenue limit of $606,074. The proposed state budget includes a reduction in state aid of $500 per student, resulting in a decrease of $226,000 at Unity. Annual cost increases are estimated at $275,000, for a total budget shortfall of $1,107,274.

About $240,000 of the Education Jobs Fund, which was part of the federal stimulus package, will be carried over to the 2011-12 school year, reducing the estimated shortfall to $867,274. Employee contributions for health insurance and retirement as outlined in the governor’s Budget Repair Bill will amount to an estimated $216,059.

The additional cost increases and rev-

enue decreases outweigh the carryover and employee contribution by an anticipated $651,215.

The board also voted to adhere to the 2010-12 certified staff collective bargaining language concerning nonrenewal and layoff notices, taking no action on a memorandum of understanding that would extend the Feb. 28 deadline for the notices.

deadline for nonrenewal of contracts from March 1 to May 1. The extra two months will allow the district extra time to work out concessions with the teachers or decide on program cuts.

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker is proposing cuts in the state aid to school districts that would cover part of the cost of teachers health insurance and pensions. The school districts would then require the teachers to pay more of those costs out of their wages. However, Frederic teachers are covered by a contract through the 2012 school year. Under their contract, the district could not shift those costs to the teachers for the coming year and would

face an unaided expense of $335,000.

“The Frederic teachers are secure,” Tischer said. “The fact that we have a settled contract is good for them and bad for us.

We have [with the extension] until May to figure out what to do. With concessions from the teachers, we could be OK. Without concessions, it will be very tight.”

Board member Troy Engen said the board needs to keep thinking that the district is the best one around. He said that if the district adopted the worst case option, getting rid of core programs to cut costs, the school will be gone. Engen said if the district cuts core programs, it would lose kids right away. He said the cuts would be

setting the district up for consolidation.

The district is still looking at the impact that total cuts in aid from the state may have. The coming months will be a period of looking at the budget for the 2011-2012 school year starting in July. There is still time for the district to act on nonrenewing contracts for the next year.

“This puts us in a protection mode,” Engen said. “It gives us more breathing room. We are doing this with the hope of keeping teachers. We don’t want to lose valuable teachers.”

County law enforcement people have also gone to Madison to assist in crowd security during the protests. Polk County Sheriff Peter Johnson gave some details on the local presence during the Public Protection Committee meeting Tuesday, March 1.

Two Polk County sheriff’s deputies have been in Madison already and two more are going to Madison, according to Johnson. In addition, four police officers from Osceola, two from Clear Lake and

one from Centuria have helped at the Capitol, Johnson said.

The aid came in response to a statewide request for help from the Capitol police.

Johnson said the first two deputies spent four days on the job in Madison. And while mutual aid requests are often answered with volunteered help, Johnson said in this case all expenses, wages, overtime, mileage to Madison and lodging, are being reimbursed to the county. In addition, the county officers have gone on

their days off so the county did not need to fill their spots here, and there has been no cost to the county.

The deputies reported no problems during their special duty, Johnson told the committee. They told Johnson that the crowd was well-behaved, and the protesters were picking up their trash and keeping the Capitol area clean.

ST. CROIX FALLS – Superintendent of St. Croix Falls Schools, Glenn Martin, released a statement last week following the school board meeting in which a closed session was held by the board to discuss any disciplinary action the school may take against teachers and support staff for

the school closing Friday, Feb. 18. The statement reads, “On Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2011, the board met in closed session to discuss the significant number of employee absences that occurred on Feb. 18, 2011, arising out of or related to the political dispute occurring at the Wisconsin state Capitol, which required the district to cancel school on that day. The board members consulted with the district’s administrative team about the impact on the

district’s calendar and the possibility of disciplinary action against those employees who violated district policy with their absences. The board provided the administration with directives and authority to move forward with regard to these difficult and complex issues. We appreciate the patience of the staff and the community as we address these challenging issues.”

The statement also included that the

layoff notices given following closed session when the board reconvened last Tuesday were preliminary layoffs due to the projections for next year. School boards statewide issue preliminary layoffs at this time of year and this has nothing to do with the Feb. 18 incident. –Tammi Milberg with information from SCF Schools

SIREN - Burnett County Sheriff Dean Roland said two of his sheriff’s deputies are among other area law enforcement officers in Madison this week to help keep peace at the state Capitol where a protest against the governor’s proposed budget bill continues.

“I have two officers in Madison,”

Roland noted. “They have worked Monday and Tuesday and will work today (Wednesday), returning home tonight. I have two additional officers that will respond if required on Friday and Saturday and another two for Sunday and Monday, if needed.”

Roland said he was in Madison for three

days last week, mostly attending meetings.

“The situation is very fluid with facts and rumors being mixed,” Roland said about the debate over Gov. Walker’s Budget Repair Bill. “It is difficult to know what the true situation currently is as it relates to pending legislation.”

Protesters continue to camp out at the state Capitol and could be heard through the thick walls of the Capitol building’s Assembly chamber room as Gov. Walker made a budget speech, Tuesday afternoon, March 1. - Gary King

Unity considers state budget implications

Madison action could cost Frederic Schools $335,000

Board extends staffing cuts decision to May 1

by Gregg Westigard Leader staff writer FREDERIC – The cuts in school aids being proposed in Madison could cost the Frederic School District $335,000 next year, district Administrator Jerry Tischer said at a special meeting of the school board Thursday, Feb. 24. To allow more time to decide how to respond to the possible cut in state funding, the school board approved an agreement to extend the

Polk officers help keep peace in Madison

Local deputies, police aid at Capitol

by Gregg Westigard Leader staff writer BALSAM LAKE – Recently, a large number of citizens have been gathering at the state Capitol in Madison to express their views on the budget proposals of Gov. Scott Walker. A number of Polk

St. Croix Falls moves forward with possible discipline of staff

Superintendent releases statement

Burnett officers in Madison

Walker budget plan

MARCH 2, 2011 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 5

“Budget is wrong for Wisconsin,” says WEAC president

MADISON - With Gov. Walker presenting his budget proposal to the state Legislature on Tuesday, March 1, Wisconsin Education Association Council President Mary Bell issued the following statement: “Gov. Walker’s budget is wrong for Wisconsin and doesn’t reflect our values. Wisconsin’s teachers and school staff acknowledge that these are difficult economic times – and we’ve agreed to the economic concessions Walker asked for to help our state weather these trying times.

“But the extreme cuts proposed in Walker’s budget go too far. You simply cannot cut nearly a billion dollars out of our education system and deliver on the basic promise to provide youth with a quality education. These drastic cuts to education cannot be absorbed by districts and will have a rippling effect in communities across the state as they deal with unprecedented teacher layoffs, elimination of programs and reductions in standards.

“Even in tough economic times, we cannot turn our back on the need to provide students with a quality education. This is our future – this is Wisconsin’s future.

“The budget brought forward today is filled with broken promises that will hurt our students as well as the state’s most vulnerable citizens – ultimately, this will hurt our communities and erode Wisconsin’s quality of life.

“While Wisconsin is open for business, the terms and

conditions of living for middle-class families are being called into question the more we learn about Walker’s agenda.

“Wisconsin has long been regarded as a state that provides a high quality of living. While we agree with Walker’s goal for long-term economic growth and job creation, we feel his priorities are misguided and disingenuous to what the people of this state value.

“He’s out of touch. And here are just a few examples: “He’s out of touch to suggest Wisconsin schools can eliminate categorical aid funding for advanced placement programs, science/technology/engineering/ mathematics, English language learners for Southeast Asian students and sparsity aid for our rural school districts that are already suffering. If we were truly open for business, we would be focused on preparing our students for a world economy. Our students deserve better.

“He’s out of touch to suggest limited state resources can be used to further expand the Milwaukee choice program – all while pulling back on accountability for results in these schools.

“He’s out of touch to suggest that more students should be taught by unlicensed teachers. Effective teaching is more than knowing a subject area. Clearly, a teacher must be trained to understand child development and learning fundamentals and have essential classroom

management training to succeed. Our students deserve this.

“He’s out of touch to suggest that all Wisconsin students can achieve reading proficiency by the third grade while at the same time proposing the elimination of reading specialists. All students deserve the individualized attention to help them learn this fundamental skill. Drastic teacher layoffs and removing resources that focus on literacy won’t help us achieve a goal of reading proficiency. Clearly this goes against common sense – and again, our students deserve better.

“He’s not listening to parents who have stated safe schools are a priority for Wisconsin. If he were listening, he’d realize that you cannot eliminate funding for our most vulnerable students who rely on at-risk programs or alternative education venues. Walker’s budget removes any special services for these students and sends them back to classrooms in communities across the state.

“Right now there’s a mood of uncertainty and angst in our state. The details of this budget make things worse and further polarize working families against corporate interests.

“It’s time for Gov. Walker to show leadership – and work across party lines to find sensible solutions that reflect the traditions and values of Wisconsin.” - from WEAC

STATEWIDE - Following is an overview of Gov. Scott Walker’s proposed Budget Repair Bill, as published by the Green Bay Press-Gazette. The entire bill can be found at www.the-leader.net.

Employers would be prohibited from collecting union dues, and members of collective bargaining units would not be required to pay dues. These changes take effect upon the expiration of existing contracts.

Local law enforcement and fire employees, and state troopers and inspectors would be exempt from these changes.

and provider cost-effectiveness. The proposed changes will require passive approval of the Joint Committee on Finance before implementation.

Overview of Gov. Walker’s Budget Repair Bill

Employee compensation Pension contributions Currently, state, school district and municipal employees that are members of the Wisconsin Retirement System generally pay little or nothing toward their pensions.

The bill would require that employees of WRS employers, and the city and county of Milwaukee, contribute 50 percent of the annual pension payment. The payment amount for WRS employees is estimated to be 5.8 percent of salary in 2011.

Health insurance contributions Currently, state employees on average pay approximately 6 percent of annual health insurance premiums.

This bill will require that state employees pay at least 12.6 percent of the average cost of annual premiums.

In addition, the bill would require changes to the plan design necessary to reduce current premiums by 5 percent. Local employers participating in the Public Employers Group Health Insurance would be prohibited from paying more than 88 percent of the lowest cost plan.

The bill would also authorize the Department of Employee Trust Funds to use $28 million of excess balances in reserve accounts for health insurance and pharmacy benefits to reduce health insurance premium costs.

Pension changes for elected officials and appointees The bill modifies the pension calculation for elected officials and appointees to be the same as general occupation employees and teachers.

Current law requires these positions to pay more and receive a different multiplier for pension calculation than general classification employees.

Under the state constitution, this change will be effective for elected officials at the beginning of their next term of office.

Modifications to Wisconsin Retirement System and state health insurance plans The bill directs the Department of Administration, Office of State Employment Relations and Department of Employee Trust Funds to study and report on possible changes to the Wisconsin Retirement System, including defined contribution plans and longer vesting periods.

The three agencies must also study and report on changes to the current state health insurance plans, including health insurance purchasing exchanges, larger purchasing pools and high-deductible insurance options.

General fund impact Authorizes the Department of Administration Secretary to lapse or transfer from GPR and PR appropriations (excluding PR appropriations to the University of Wisconsin) to the general fund an estimated savings of approximately $30 million from implementing these provisions for state employees in the current fiscal year, 2010-11. Segregated funds would retain any savings from these measures.

State and local government and school district labor relations Collective bargaining The bill would make various changes to limit collective bargaining for most public employees to wages. Total wage increases could not exceed a cap based on the consumer price index unless approved by referendum.

Contracts would be limited to one year, and wages would be frozen until the new contract is settled. Collective bargaining units are required to take annual votes to maintain certification as a union.

Career executive transfers The bill would allow state employees in the career executive positions to be reassigned between agencies upon agreement of agency heads.

Limited-term employees The bill would prohibit limited-term employees from being eligible for health insurance or participation in the Wisconsin Retirement System.

State employee absences and other work actions If the governor has declared a state of emergency, the bill authorizes appointing authorities to terminate any employees that are absent for three days without approval of the employer or any employees that participate in an organized action to stop or slow work.

Quality health-care authority The bill repeals the authority of home-health-care workers under the Medicaid program to collectively bargain.

Child-care labor relations The bill repeals the authority of family child-care workers to collectively bargain with the state.

UW Hospitals and Clinics Board and Authority The bill repeals collective bargaining for UWHC employees. State positions currently employed by the UWHC Board are eliminated and the incumbents are transferred to the UWHC Authority.

University of Wisconsin faculty and academic staff The bill repeals the authority of UW faculty and academic staff to collectively bargain.

Debt restructuring The bill authorizes the restructuring of principal payments in fiscal year 2010-11 on the state’s general obligation bonds. These principal repayments will be paid in future years.

Since the state is required to make debt service payments by Tuesday, March 15, the bill must be enacted by Feb. 25, to allow time to sell the refinancing bonds. This provision will reduce debt service costs by $165 million in fiscal year 2010-11.

This savings will help address one-time costs to comply with the Injured Patients and Families Compensation Fund, state Supreme Court decision, and make payments under the Minnesota-Wisconsin tax reciprocity program.

Medicaid Address FY11 Medicaid deficit Medicaid costs are expected to exceed current GPR appropriations by $153 million. The bill would increase the Medicaid GPR appropriation to address this shortfall.

Authorize DHS to restructure program notwithstanding current law Medicaid costs have increased dramatically due to the recession and expanded program eligibility.

In order to reduce the growth in costs, the bill authorizes the Department of Health Services to make program changes notwithstanding limits in state law related to specific program provisions.

The department is expected to develop new approaches on program benefits, eligibility determination

Technical correction Act 28 included language that required unused GPR expenditure authority in the Medicaid GPR appropriation at the end of the biennium to be carried over to the subsequent biennium. The bill repeals this provision in order to ensure unspent funds in Medicaid lapse to the general fund balance.

Aging and Disability Resource Centers The bill transfers an estimated $3 million in savings in this appropriation to Medicaid. ADRCs are the intake and assessment element of the state’s family care program.

Corrections The bill provides $22 million GPR to address shortfalls in the Department of Corrections adult institutions appropriation. These shortfalls are due to health-care costs, overtime, and reductions in salary and fringe benefit budgets under Act 28.

Temporary Assistance to Needy Families Funding for Earned Income Tax Credit The bill allocates $37 million of excess TANF revenues to increase TANF funding for the EITC from $6.6 million to $43.6 million in fiscal year 2010-11. By increasing TANF funding, GPR funding for the EITC is reduced by a commensurate amount.

Income augmentation revenues Allow the Department of Children and Families and Department of Health Services to utilize $6.5 million of already identified income augmentation revenues to meet fiscal year 2010-11 lapse requirements.

Act 28 required lapses by DOA secretary Under Act 28, the Department of Administration secretary is required to lapse or transfer a total of $680 million in 2009-11 from appropriations made to executive branch agencies to the general fund. The bill would reduce this amount by $79 million to ensure the lapses can be met in the next five months as this was ineffectively addressed by the previous administration.

Lapse of funding from Joint Committee on Finance Appropriation The JCF appropriation includes $4.5 million related to estimated fiscal year 2010-11 implementation costs of 2009 Wisconsin Act 100 (operating while intoxicated enforcement changes).

This funding is not anticipated to be needed in fiscal year 2010-11, and the bill lapses these amounts to the general fund balance.

Sale of state heating plants The bill authorizes the Department of Administration to sell state heating plants. The proceeds from any sale, net of remaining debt service, would be deposited in the budget stabilization fund.

Shift key cabinet agency positions to unclassified status The bill creates unclassified positions for chief legal counsel, public information officer and legislative liaison activities in cabinet agencies.

An equivalent number of classified positions are deleted to offset the new unclassified positions.

These activities are critical to each cabinet agency’s overall mission and should have direct accountability to the agency head.

PAGE 6 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - MARCH 2, 2011

Walker budget plan

State Superintendent: Budget needs “full and open public debate”

MADISON — State Superintendent Tony Evers issued a statement on Gov. Scott Walker’s 2011-13 proposed state budget.

“Wisconsin has long prioritized our children and their public schools. This budget proposes unprecedented cuts to state funding for students and their schools. Even in these difficult times, our

kids should not disproportionally bear the burden of years of state fiscal folly.

“A well-educated workforce is the fuel that drives Wisconsin’s economy forward.

While this difficult state budget demands shared sacrifice, we need a budget that is fair, equitable and does not do permanent harm to our public schools. To be clear, our children and our public schools did

not cause this economic downturn or state budget deficit.

“As the days and weeks go forward, this lengthy budget document will be thoroughly analyzed. I look forward to working with legislators on the state budget. The specifics of the proposed budget need to receive a full and open public debate, especially the impact on

our children and their public schools. Public education is a core Wisconsin value enshrined in our state Constitution.

“I understand funding for education will be part of a budget solution. Our legislative leaders must not put the problems of adults on our kids. We need a fair and equitable budget for all Wisconsin’s children.” - from the office of Tony Evers

Walker’s Budget Repair Bill: “This is the first step toward balancing the budget and getting Wisconsin back to fiscal solvency.

“I want to commend all members of the Assembly for their tireless hard work and dedication to the democratic process throughout the 63 hours of debate on the

Assembly floor, the 17-hour public hearing and the two weeks of spirited discussion in the Capitol and across Wisconsin.

“This was not an easy decision by any means. Public employees from Wisconsin are good and decent people with a work ethic that exceeds that of anywhere else in the country. Asking them to contribute

more of their hard-earned money for their benefits is not a decision I took lightly.

“It is time for the Senate Democrats to come back and do the jobs the people of Wisconsin hired them to do.” - from the office of Rep. Severson

Rep. Severson: “First step in balancing the budget”

After 60-plus-hour session, Assembly passes Budget Repair Bill 51-17

MADISON – State Rep. Erik Severson, R-Osceola, issued the following statement after the state Assembly approved Gov.

Polk County authorities have released some details on a two-car crash that turned into a threecar crash and may have involved a woman in labor. The incident occurred on Tuesday evening, March 1, on Hwy. 35, about one-half mile north of Hwy. 8, in the town of St. Croix Falls. According to the initial reports, a northbound car with one occupant apparently lost control and crashed into a car with two occupants, including the woman in labor. Another vehicle was also struck in the incident, and skidded into the ditch nearby and rolled over. Initial reports said the driver of the first car and the woman in labor were both transported by ambulance to nearby medical facilities, while the driver of the second car and the rolled-over vehicle suffered only minor injuries. “At this time, none of the injuries are believed to be serious,” Polk County Sheriff Pete Johnson stated. “But obviously, there is a concern for the pregnant woman and her child.” Further details and names had yet to be released at press time. The road was snow-covered and drifted from very high winds, but the cause remains under investigation. - Special photos

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by Laura Podgornik Wisconsin Public Radio SUPERIOR - Gov. Scott Walker made several pit stops around the state Monday, Feb. 28.

In the northwestern city of Superior, he was greeted by protesters. They were not allowed inside the terminal building but could be heard as Walker addressed the media.

In light of teacher layoff notices across the state, Walker says teachers should be scared if his bill does not pass.

“When I was a county official, the worst possible thing I ever had to consider was layoffs because they affected

real people and real families,” said the governor. “I don’t want to do that. I want to push this back as far as possible but again in the end, we’re broke in this state. We have obligations to make in this year as much as any.”

Meanwhile, state patrol officers blocked the entrance to the airport terminal so protesters couldn’t get in.

Among those denied entrance was Superior’s acting Mayor Bob Finsland, who says he wanted to greet the governor. Finsland called it “disgraceful” that he wasn’t allowed into a building owned by the city.

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MARCH 2, 2011 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 7

Walker budget plan

Grantsburg School Board puts hold on issuing teaching contracts

Teachers will receive Notice of Intent letters

by Priscilla Bauer Leader staff writer GRANTSBURG – Grantsburg Superintendent Joni Burgin informed the Grantsburg School Board at its Monday, Feb. 28, meeting, a vote to issue teaching contracts on March 15 as planned should be put on hold.

Burgin told the board Steve Weld, the school district’s attorney, advised that the board instead send Notices of Intent rather than issuing contracts at this time due to uncertainty with regard to passage of the state budget.

According to Burgin, Weld recommended districts offer a notice of renewal now, which will be supplemented later.

“This is because we are waiting on the state legislators to make decisions. There is currently uncertainty regarding what subjects future public sector collective bargaining agreements can address,” said Burgin.

Grantsburg High School social studies teacher Keith Lehne, who is the local unit director for Northwest United Educators, asked if he could address the board.

Lehne thanked the board and Burgin for working with the district’s teachers during these difficult times and their cooperation in the extension of the nonrenewal times.

“There has been a lot of uncertainty in regards to the budget and the potential for layoffs, and Joni and I have been working together to try and do what is best for the students and staff,” said Lehne.

Board President Dave Ahlquist asked Lehne to comment on this new development, the sending out of Notices of Intent rather than the contracts teachers were expecting.

“The teachers will have questions since this is not the usual procedure, but we will continue to work together to get through these uncertain times,” responded Lehne.

“My current understanding of this procedure is limited as I just learned about it last night and have not had a chance to consult with Superintendent Burgin,” said Lehne. “Once it is clear exactly how the

letters of intent will be issued and what this means then I will explain it to the teachers and advise them how this may affect their futures.”

“We understand that our local board has little or no control over what is happening at the state level, but we want to continue to make this a good place to work. We believe that by working together with the board and administration to figure out what all this means locally, we can continue to provide an excellent education for students in Grantsburg,” Lehne later commented.

“Keith and the district teachers have demonstrated level heads and much integrity during this situation,” commented Burgin.

At the special meeting last Friday, the board expressed a thank-you to the teachers, the support staff and the administrators for their professionalism through these hard times and for taking the “high road,” recalled Burgin. ‘The board said they valued the staff’s hard work and dedication and wanted to continue to work with them as the State situation unfolds. The school board wanted them to know that they are committed to working with them to continue to deliver a highquality education service to our students and community.

pend if funds are available and how committed the board is to making energy savings down the road,” said Burgin. “The geothermal wells would be Phase II of this project and would depend on funds.

Phase I is purchasing/replacing the unit ventilators that are ready and capable of the Phase II plans. The geothermal wells will be a major expenditure of approx. $200,000.”

Board member Jim Sunquist said he thought Option No. 4 was the way to go, as it is the less expensive for replacing the existing heating ventilators.

“It is the best alternative at this time and leaves an option for the future should the board want to reduce energy consumption,” said Burgin.

The board voted to approve Nell Polzine as the junior varsity volleyball coach for the 2011-12 season.

The board voted to renew the girls WIAA hockey cooperative agreement for Luck, Grantsburg, St.Croix Falls, Unity, Siren, Webster and Frederic.

Grantsburg Youth Hockey President Rick Quimby spoke to the board as to the

merits of the program, citing the high academic standing players have maintained throughout the season.

“It’s great to see our program is successful on and off the ice,” said Quimby.

Quimby told the board this was the first time there was a unanimous vote for the co-op agreement. “We are really looking to keep this program going. This is a fantastic thing for our youth programs.”

“The co-op arrangement with the varsity trickles all the way down to the mites.

Players from other towns learn to be friends with each other, which helps all our high school programs,” said Quimby.

The board also voted to approve the Hockey Contract Resolution to continue the hockey programs in partnership with Grantsburg Youth Hockey Association and the Burnett Youth Hockey Association.

The board then voted to renew the WIAA Wrestling Co-op Agreement for Luck, Frederic and Grantsburg and the Wrestling Contract Resolution to continue the district wrestling program.

In other board business The board voted to authorize Jim Tempke, engineer for HSR, to design an engineering plan for replacing the 14 45year-old existing Grantsburg Elementary School heating unit ventilators.

The plan includes developing contract documents for bidding and coordination of the bid process.

The board listened to several options presented by Tempke including Option No. 4, which included replacement of the current unit ventilators, controls and air handler controls. The new unit ventilators would have a hot water heating coil and a chilled water-cooling coil. The two-coil option would also be connected to a central chiller-heater, which could be piped to a geothermal well field in the future.

The board will be seeking an estimated $7,500 Focus on Energy grant to help with the cost of the project.

“Going to a geothermal system will de-

Raffle assists veterans

The lion’s share of the money raised to assist local families is through a gun raffle at Cafe Moonglow in Webster, and the group is already planning for the next round of giving with plans for a new raffle board at Cafe Moonglow this spring.

Last year one rifle was won by Dan Moucha of Jim Falls. This year the raffle board will be started earlier in the year in hopes that multiple rifles can be raffled off to winners.

The Northland DAVA also asks you to look for forget-me-not flowers that will be on sale in the region this summer.

The Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary and Cafe Moonglow in Webster raffled off a rifle last deer season with the proceeds assisting 12 veterans and their families over the holidays. More assistance will be given to veterans and their families at Easter. A new raffle will begin at Cafe Moonglow this spring. Shown from (L to R): Laurie Ament of Cafe Moonglow, raffle winner Dan Moucha of Jim Falls and Linda Wieser of the Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary. - Photo submitted

531347 28L

by Sherill Summer Leader staff writer WEBSTER - In these tough economic times, groups that are reaching out to help families make it day by day are needed. That is why Burnett County Veterans Service Officer Doug Stubbe calls the Northland Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary Unit 66’s efforts to help local veterans and their families “greatly appreciated.” Working closely with veteran service officers in Polk, Burnett and Washburn counties, the Northland DAVA helped 18 families last year in by giving much-needed cash at Christmas and Easter.

PAGE 8 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - MARCH 2, 2011

COMMUNITY

VIEWPOINTS

SEND YOUR VIEWS AND FEEDBACK TO: INTER-COUNTY LEADER, BOX 490, FREDERIC, WI 54837 OR E-MAIL the-leader@centurytel.net

• Letters to the editor •

• Joe Heller •

Rest of the story …

• Web poll results •

Last week’s question

To take part in our poll, go to theleader.net and scroll down to the lower left part of the screen • See front page for this week’s question

• Where to write • President Barack Obama 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. Washington, D.C. 20500 www.whitehouse.gov/contact/ Gov. Scott Walker Wisconsin State Capitol Madison, WI 53707 transition@wisconsin.gov

Congressman Sean Duffy (7th District) 1208 Longworth House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 202-225-3365

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

Washington, D.C. 20510 715-832-8492 senator_kohl@kohl.senate.gov

Rep. Erik Severson (28th District) Room 6 North State Capitol Madison, WI 53708 608-267-2365 • 888-529-0028 FAX: 608-282-3628 rep.Severson@legis.state.wi.us Rep. Roger RIvard (75th District) State Capitol Room 307 North P.O. Box 8952, Madison, WI 608-266-2519 • 888-534-0075 rep.rivard@legis.wi.gov U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson 2 Russell Courtyard Washington, D.C. 20510 202-224-5323

Sen. Robert Jauch (25th District) Room 415 South, State Capitol P.O. Box 7882, Madison, WI 53707 Sen.Jauch@legis.state.wi.us Sen. Sheila Harsdorf (10th District) State Capitol, P.O. Box 7882 Madison, WI 53707 608-266-7745 • 715-232-1390 Toll-free - 800-862-1092 sen.harsdorf@legis.state.wi.us

Rep. Nick Milroy (73rd District) Room 8 North, State Capitol P.O. Box 8953, Madison 53708 rep.milroy@legis.state.wi.us

Four hundred million dollars. This is how much money unions spent in 2008 elections to get people elected to political office in our country.

If elected, these politicians can (and do) return the favor to the unions by pushing for sweetheart deals for their membership. If this is not illegal, it sure as heck should be.

The teachers are now trying hard to convince all of us to support their unions.

I am tired of common sense getting pounded into the ground again and again in the name of unions, greed and politics.

I am a former union member of 25 years and I do not support what the teachers are presently doing. If you are or were one of the protestors in Madison, you are either very ignorant or you are very greedy. I will explain why I say this.

As teacher wage and benefit costs continue to go up each year, as do all of ours, any of these costs that are not absorbed by the teachers will have to be absorbed by the rest of us. In a time of good economic conditions, that would probably be how things would work. We all know what is happening with our economy right now. As previously reported by our local union, a teacher’s disposable income will decrease if they are required to pick up these costs and our local economy will lose money. What was not reported was that if these costs are passed on to the rest of us, our disposable income will decline and our local economy will still lose money. The teachers seem to have no problem with that.

Private sector workers have already been getting hit hard for the past three or four years with wage and benefit freezes and cuts. I haven’t seen any teachers stepping forward and protesting because private sector workers are taking a beating.

I went on to the DataMine Web site to see just how much our local teachers are earning. I randomly picked a dozen fulltime teachers from the New Richmond school district with more than one year of work experience. From this sampling, the average public schoolteacher in our school district is earning $59,153 per year in wages and $29,528 per year in benefits for a total package of $88,681 per year. If you calculate these figures based on a nine-month school year, the average teacher is making about $37.37 per hour in wages and has a total wage and benefit package that averages $56.02 per hour.

Many teachers also pick up summer jobs as well. Not because they have to but because they want to.

Now, compare this with the privatesector worker in our area that I sampled.

These people averaged more than three years’ experience at their present job as full-time employees. The average privatesector worker is earning $36,414 per year in wages and $14,667 per year in benefits for a total package of $51,081 per year.

Based on a 40-hour workweek, the average private-sector employee is making about $17.51 per hour in wages and has a total wage and benefit package that averages $24.56 per hour. Private-sector workers work all year because they have to.

Now, just think about that for a minute: $56.02 per hour verses $24.56 per hour.

It’s more than a 22 – to – 1 margin. And look at who is doing all the complaining.

The teachers are trying very hard to create statewide hysteria that the sky is falling. Let me assure you, it is all smoke and mirrors on their part.

Why do public schoolteachers have a monopoly on our children’s education?

Let’s start shifting education to the private sector. Just think of the potential savings to the taxpayer. As long as there is no legitimate competition in the education field, the teachers can and will continue to grab everything they can and at our expense, too.

I believe teachers are compensated plenty well for the work they do. They need to work with Gov. Walker and with

all of us if they are serious about their jobs. Since they continue to bite at the hand that feeds them, maybe now is the time to pull the rug out from under them.

This spending nonsense had to stop, not only in Wisconsin but in our entire nation. Collective bargaining is not a right.

We cannot afford it. It is obvious that the greed of public-sector unions has no limit.

Now, I hope you understand why, at the beginning of this letter, I said that if you are, or were, one of the protestors in Madison, you are either very ignorant or you are very greedy. I hope this letter brought a few more facts into light in the mix of this mess.

Tom Wulf New Richmond

Teachable moments

Since graduation, how often do you use what you learned in algebra? Do you know who won the War of 1812?

I haven’t and I didn’t until a recent visit to the battleground. However, long ago, I passed tests that covered both those subjects.

Rarely and often unexpectedly, an event teaches us about values, priorities, about one’s true beliefs. How my parents treated their parents taught me more about the Fifth Commandment than any religion class. I learned about the abuse of political power when President Nixon’s special advisors broke the law for his benefit and talked to him about it without any fear of consequences. Indelible learning.

One such moment is happening today.

What will your children learn about the meaning of democracy if you fail to support our educators and public employees, if you support Gov. Walker’s 140-page bill with all the immediate and long-term harm to our state? The teachers stood before the school board recently and took full responsibility for actions. It was one of those awful moments when conscience has to take precedence over person-made rules. They stated they were fully prepared to pay their share toward benefits, but the governor was not interested in that. He has a much bigger agenda.

Daily, more is being revealed about billionaires, about Washington think tanks and their influential role in Wisconsin politics.

Our own mayor, a recognized supporter of public education, apparently made a quick and harsh judgment when he was quoted in the Pioneer Press as being disappointed at the “greed” of his teacher friends. I’m disappointed in him for not assuming better of them. I imagine he has apologized by now.

At a public hearing, our school board listened to words of a supportive crowd yet seem to give more weight to critics who didn’t speak up in public. Disciplinary actions will follow. Education leaders should be thanking the teachers for taking the risk of teaching civics in action.

Where were you, mom, dad, civic and school leaders - in March 2011 when the rights of workers were being stripped?

When Wisconsin utilities were allowed for sale with no bids? When early childhood education was dropped? When classrooms became crowded? When tuition was raised at college? How will you answer your sons and daughters? How did you use your teachable moment?

Marilyn Brissett-Kruger St. Croix Falls

Want more opinions?

Reader input to our stories on the governor’s Budget Repair Bill can be found at the end of our stories posted on our Web site at www.the-leader.net.

Views expressed on these pages do not necessarily reflect the views of management or board members.

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• Letters to the editor • Start negotiating

As I’ve watched the historic events of the past couple of weeks unfold in our state, I know there’s a better way.

I’ve been county executive for Wisconsin’s fastest-growing county for 14 years.

In good times and bad, through all those years I sat down and worked with our county snowplow drivers, 911 dispatchers and nurses to bargain fair compromises for their families and all of us taxpayers.

Through bargaining rights guaranteed to our working families by the state for five decades, I worked with our nine unions and respectfully negotiated a 5percent pay cut in 2009, a 3-percent pay cut in 2010 and over $1 million a year in health-care concessions.

Because I’ve treated those workers with respect, we’ve always been able to work together on problems - big and small.

State workers have offered to work with the governor to help solve the state’s budget problems. The governor should stop attacking and start negotiating. It can be done. We’ve done it in Dane County.

Kathleen Falk Dane County executive Madison

Thoughts on the budget bill

One would think that Gov. Walker didn’t just win an election, but performed a political coup d’état. Take the Budget Repair Bill; repair what? Walker’s insistence that “we are broke” is a manufactured crisis. We were in the black until he gave millions away last month to his tea-bagger friends in the form of tax cuts and credits.

As a government employee, I was compensated for my work. Just like “Joe the plumber,” “Mike the electrician,” and “Sam the baker” and “Pete the grocer.”

Who is not paid for work? Contrary to popular belief, government workers work. We are not paid for the worth of our work, but rather by the ability of the county, school or state to pay. This is done through negotiations by and with people elected to represent you. After 36 years at the bargaining table, I can truthfully say that wage negotiations were always based on the amount of available monies, not our job skills. According to any reputable source, given our education, government workers are paid less than the private sector.

Government workers spend their hardearned pay in the community. Because we are paid with “holy taxpayer’s money,” maybe the grocer, plumber, electrician and shopkeeper should be punished for taking the “taxpayer’s money” that we have spent. Should they be allowed to go on vacation or buy a car or OMG run their business? Are they wasting your money?

The tea baggers, denouncing government and the workers, better not be selling cars, groceries, phones or services ... we’re not buying!

Furthermore, Sen. Sheila Harsdorf has already voiced her support of the Walker bill, voting it through the Joint Finance Committee with nary a blink of shame.

Because of this bill, BadgerCare, BadgerCare Plus, Senior Care and Family Care will be severely limited, to the detriment of the children, disabled and aged. Because of this bill, Wisconsin assets can be purchased by anyone Walker likes, without a bidding process. Because of this bill $46 million in federal grants to public transit is lost.

Because of this bill, middle-class wages and workers rights are ended. I question whether Harsdorf is supporting rural Northwest Wisconsin or Koch Brothers industries. I wonder how much they are funding her legislative tenure. Koch makes fertilizer ... perhaps she has a bag of her own now?

Previously, the senator broke with radical GOP tea baggers in one very important vote on TABOR. Now she is in lock-step with this much more dangerous bill.

Why did she pass legislation regulating wind energy out of Wisconsin? Isn’t the GOP against regulation? Why didn’t she support a now nixed biomass energy

MARCH 2, 2011 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 9

plant project? Could it be that Harsdorf wants Wisconsin to be held hostage by big oil? It is evident that Sen. Harsdorf’s independence has been sucked in by the “tea baggers dipped in Koch.”

It could be we need to recall Harsdorf before she does any further damage to the Wisconsin way of life.

Roxanne Moore Balsam Lake

Town issues

This spring we are going to see a change in the town of Bone Lake government.

Wayne Shirley, town chairman, is retiring.

Also Earl Ericksen was nominated and is running for town supervisor.

It is the responsibility of each of us, to talk to the people running for these positions. You need to ask questions and get our views and ideas on the workings of township government.

It has become much more than road maintenance and infrastructure.

Each township now must be aware of county and state ordinances and laws and how each interact with the other.

I volunteered to represent our township on the Polk County Ordinance Rewrite Citizens Advisory Committee. We are advisory in nature only. Polk County is in the process of rewriting their ordinances to work in conjunction with their Comprehensive Plan 10 Elements.

Ericksen and I also attended the plan commission workshop on Feb. 23 at the WITC Conference Center in New Richmond. It was a learning exercise in recent updates to the comprehensive planning law, roles and responsibilities of the planning commission and much more.

We have been told numerous times by the plan commission chairman that the plan commission only looks into issues the town board asks it to. Noise abatement was one of these issues.

A large group of town residents participated in this discussion, and the plan commission recommended not to present it to the town board at this time. Other items that the present town board has asked the plan commission to investigate include testing each private well, inspecting sewers and removing junk in yards. I have expressed my opinion numerous times that we are overregulated now and don’t need to be protected from ourselves.

Leave our property alone.

No town discussion can end without comment on the Straight River Dam. I think everyone should already know my opinion, let the 13 people on the river build and pay for the dam that affects their property. Remember Mr. Shilling and Miss Karpinen are two of the 13 property owners.

This past week a friend and neighbor stopped over to discuss town issues. He expressed many excellent ideas, but one in particular. “Why aren’t we getting the culvert at the Straight River Obstruction checked by an engineer for its structural integrity, before we even talk of a new dam?” It’s a great point as it has been asked of the present board but never answered.

Doug Route Town of Bone Lake

Not only union issues

Gov. Walker’s Budget Repair Bill, like most bills, is pretty unreadable, but I think I’ve made sense of some of it.

One passage, on page 24, says that “the department (meaning the Department of Administration) may sell any state-owned heating, cooling and power plant or may contract with a private entity for the operation of any such plant, with or without solicitation of bids, for any amount that the department determines to be in the best interest of the state.”

Why would he make it legal to sell power plants or contract to operate them without getting bids? The state makes more money when companies compete for these valuable facilities and contracts.

The only reason I can think of is that he’s less interested in repairing the budget than in selling power plants to campaign contributors at low prices.

But, wouldn’t the Public Service Com-

mission prevent such shenanigans, you say?

Later on page 24, I found this passage: “no approval or certification of the Public Service Commission is necessary for a public utility to purchase or contract for the operation of such a plant, and any such purchase is considered to be in the public interest and comply with the criteria for certification of a project under s.196.49 (3) (b).”

In other words, in this one case the governor eliminated all legal safeguards that protect citizens when the state makes such sales or contracts. Why did he do that?

And, why did the Republicans then, at 1 a.m., ram the vote on the governor’s bill through in just 10 seconds, so fast that a third of the Wisconsin Assembly (mainly Democrats) didn’t even get to vote on it?

One last question: What are you going to do about it?

Paul Sexton Siren

Supports Steffen

On April 5 those voting in Polk County will decide who will be the circuit court judge for Branch Two for the next six years. This decision has a substantial impact and should be made after a careful evaluation of the candidates.

A circuit court judge acts in diverse areas of the law. A judge must act not only in criminal matters. The judge must have knowledge and experience in family court where life-affecting decisions about questions such as child custody arise. In civil court, a judge resolves significant issues with serious financial impacts on individuals and businesses. In children’s court and in juvenile court a judge must balance the rights of families against the need to protect children and the community. A judge must also act in matters that affect the wishes of people’s estates.

The rights of people with mental illness, developmental disability, and those with alcoholism or chemical dependancy need to be weighed against the need to protect this population.

Each action by a judge must reflect a thorough knowledge of the law, an ability to fairly analyze complex information and the ability to make an impartial ruling in a timely fashion.

A judge must also be a leader in the development of innovative programs.

Restorative Justice, drug courts and OWI prevention programs are proven to be effective and cost effective.

One candidate possesses the ability to perform these duties. He has demonstrated skills in private practice representing individuals and businesses. He has prosecuted criminals. He has negotiated fair settlements and taken cases to trial before judges and juries. He has been involved in the implementation of programs that have protected the public while saving tax dollars. He has managed an office including 12 staff members.

Both candidates are fine individuals.

One stands head and shoulders above the other in characteristics needed to be an effective circuit court Judge.

I plan to support Dan Steffen, and I encourage you to do so as well.

Dave Sarow Balsam Lake Editor: The author is a retired juvenile justice intake social worker for Polk County.

Time to grow up!

I’ve been watching all the news channels, reading the letters to the editor in the various newspapers and reading information being shared on the Internet regarding the events in Wisconsin regarding Gov. Walker’s budget plans.

I don’t know about you, but I’ve heard about enough of the woes of the people who are impacted by the changes to the state budget. The mob mentality that’s prevailing in Madison is embarrassing to our state. It has also shown us how greedy the unions are and how much influence they have in government due to the huge contributions they make to elected officials. It’s all about greed and it’s definitely changed my thoughts on unions.

C O O P E R A T I V E - O W N E D

When the company I worked for had to implement furlough days for everyone in order to prevent additional layoffs, stopped all raises, increased health-care premiums and deductibles due to the economic conditions, we didn’t protest, we all showed up for work and were thankful we had jobs! We all understood these were measures our company had to take in order to survive. We didn’t expect that they would take money from taxpayers so they could just keep on as is, pretending the economic conditions don’t matter.

Look what happened to the American automakers when they took that approach in Detroit.

Public sector employees, do you really think the 14 Democratic senators are “hiding out” on your behalf or is it more likely that it’s a show of support for the powerful unions that support them in their election campaigns? Do you have any idea how many millions of your union dollars are going into financing election campaigns? Wouldn’t you rather see those dollars be more wisely used to help cover the costs of your benefit programs or the crazy idea of lowering our property taxes needed to support our schools?

As are many people in our community, I’m appalled that we had teachers from the St. Croix Falls Schools call in sick in order to attend a protest in Madison. If they felt so inclined to protest they certainly could have attended the protests on the weekend and made the same point.

What’s the message for our students?

Was there any consideration given to the impact to parents, children, private sector businesses that were impacted due to parents having to miss work because teachers didn’t show up for work?

We have a wonderful school system and community here in St. Croix Falls, and I’m sickened by what all this craziness is doing to change that. One can only hope the 14 Democratic senators find the courage to stand up and do the jobs they were elected to do so that we can move on to balancing our state budget. We’ve all faced times when we’ve not been happy with decisions that were made that we couldn’t control – I never “ran away” and hid! Time to grow up!

Sharon Kelly St. Croix Falls

Blame, divide and conquer

The discussions of the governor’s socalled Budget Repair Bill over the last couple of weeks have been revealing. The governor continues to insist that our fiscal woes are caused by the government workers who are our friends and neighbors. He refuses to acknowledge that the real problem is the loss of tax revenues due to risky Wall Street investments and the mortgage crisis.

Our public employees provide us with great services at good value. For example, Wisconsin ranks 20th in teacher compensation yet student test scores are consistently in the top three. Our middle and high school teachers must have a major in the subject they teach and almost half of Wisconsin’s teachers hold advanced degrees. Just as importantly, our teachers provide a safe and caring environment in which children can grow and learn. Wisconsin gets a lot of value from our teachers.

Public employees have always helped during challenging economic times. They have already agreed to all the financial demands the governor insists he needs to address the budget shortfall, but giving up their right to have a say in their employment conditions goes too far. The governor has gotten most of what he wants, yet he refuses to even talk to those who oppose his bill. However, he is willing to talk to someone he believes is a billionaire campaign contributor.

Instead of bringing us together to meet our common challenges, the governor has chosen the approach of blame, divide and conquer. The two-year budget he is about to propose is more of the same. This is not the Wisconsin way.

Kym Wright Dresser

N E W S P A P E R

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• Letters to the editor • Sun and wind power

Somehow there appears to be a misunderstanding regarding how power from either sun batteries or wind turbines can help meet our power requirements. Regardless of how much power you put into the grid during the day when the sun is shining or the wind is blowing, it is of little or no value because the large power plants that supply power for the grid can’t be turned on or off when the wind blows or the sun shines.

It takes a long time to start up a powergenerating plant and get it on line and the amount of power available on the grid must be maintained to always provide its contracted momentary peak power load.

Until such time as technology is developed to store electricity so it will continuously contribute a worthwhile amount of power to the grid, it is of negative value.

Also, your power company has to contract for power not on the basis of how much power is actually used but what they anticipate their momentary peak load will be. Your power company goes to great lengths to use as much of this power as possible without exceeding this momentary peak-power limit. In order to do that they use computers to control various loads such as hot water heaters or offpeak power heating systematically so they don’t exceed their contract peak level.

They even have different off-peak power rates for heating depending how long they can shut off your power to these auxiliary systems. Power put in the grid from sun or wind energy is not only wasted but increases the amount you pay per kilowatt because your power company also has to pay for that and it is also wasted.

Being limited by their peak power limit, they are doing everything possible to salvage as much of the peak load they are paying for as they can to keep your cost per KW as low as possible.

When I built my new house I decided to use off-peak power heating using a storage unit so the power could be shut off for 10 hours because it was circulating heat from a brick storage unit. It is an even, clean heat which at the time was less expensive to operate because the electric rates were low because it used power that otherwise would have been wasted. It was a good deal for both me and the power company. This is no longer the case since the power company raised the rates on power that would otherwise be wasted. This is the sort of thing that happens when the gas and electric are owned by the same company. They already have a monopoly on electric and this enables them to be more completive on gas.

We need to get rid of the government subsidies on wind and sun power as well as ethanol and drill oil, which Obama and the last Congress forbid. We get less miles per gallon with ethanol, which is not even suitable for use in small engines. It is past time to build atomic power plants which are the safest as no one in the U.S. has been killed or injured as in coal mines or oil fields. In the meantime we need to get started on developing new energy technology as we are paying $390 million a day to our foreign enemies for oil.

Sam Jones Siren

Did you hear the one about …

A teacher, a Tea Party member and David Koch are sitting at a table with a plate of a dozen cookies between them.

Koch reaches out and grabs 11 of the cookies, then turns to the Tea Party member and says, “Watch out for that teacher. He wants a piece of your cookie!”

Jeff Peterson Luck

Even FDR questioned it

The Declaration of Independence clearly states the philosophy of the founders including our political rights under the Constitution: Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. The citizens parading in Madison would have you be-

lieve that they have a special right to subvert democracy and reason to gain a retirement without want or worry, but we know better. Employees cannot claim any right to financial support directly from the government unless it is legislated. The federal government has never legislated on this and federal workers have no right to collectively bargain on benefits and work conditions. Franklin Delano Roosevelt, hero of the progressives, had this to say on the subject: “All government employees should realize that the process of collective bargaining, as usually understood, cannot be transplanted into the public service. It has its distinct and insurmountable limitations when applied to public personnel management. The very nature and purposes of government make it impossible for administrative officials to represent fully or to bind the employer in mutual discussions with government employee organizations. The employer is the whole people, who speak by means of laws enacted by their representatives in Congress.”

Wisconsin, however, did legislate, and that worked somewhat. Today the rate of public workers to private has increased and the long-term cost of ‘defined benefit’ retirement policies has ballooned due to lower retirement age and extended mortality. We can no longer afford this.

I have wondered why the unions, who have so little to offer members, do not assume the retirement plans and thus improve their position. If these costs were removed from employers the finances would be on a year-to-year basis, and thus could be handled.

Now, about the pinheads parading in Madison, my dear departed mother would have one thing to say if she were here: Shame, shame on you. Our state faces bankruptcy, a $3.6 billion shortfall, and contrary to some reports the solution has been discussed at length but the unions will not give on one issue, that of collective bargaining; an issue that even FDR would not recommend.

Gov. Walker is a man of character, fully transparent and fair. If the opposition will not bend the governor will be forced to fire people, thus causing havoc with our economy. I and a majority of Wisconsinites voted last November to give Walker the job. I say his proposals will work and that’s common sense.

Cletus J. Tauer Luck

Figures are wrong

Nancy Anderson, Polk County employee and District 8 Executive Board member, AFSCME Council 40-Madison, reminds us that “Polk County employees already pay 10 percent of health-care premiums, with deductibles and co-pays like everyone else.” Really? I have a friend with a very good job in the electronics field. I recently asked him about his health insurance benefits. He told me his monthly premium was about $600 per month, which was split equally between the employer and employee - each paying $300 per month. But the insurance doesn’t start until he has paid a $5,000 annual deductible. Believe me, Anderson nor any other government employee in Wisconsin has to pay a $5,000 annual deductible before their health insurance starts.

If Anderson has been employed by Polk County for any length of time, she might consider her 10-percent share of her health insurance premium to be some sort of sacrifice.

Until a few years ago, employees didn’t pay a dime of the cost of their health insurance. The taxpayers paid it all. We have any number of self-employed people and independent business people in Polk County who are paying 90 percent of Anderson’s health insurance and 100 percent of their own and earn a fraction of her salary.

She says Polk County employees pay 100 percent of the cost of visual and dental insurance. What she doesn’t say is that this coverage is not mandated. It is optional and available if the employee wants it. You only pay the premium if you want the insurance coverage. It is a great benefit for those who wish to have it, but it is

optional.

Anderson “forgot” to mention that as a Polk County employee, she does not pay a dime toward the funding of her retirement. The taxpayers pay both the employee and the employer share. The taxpayers also pay both the employer and the employee share of the cost of group life insurance. Is that “like everyone else” too? I don’t think so.

Anderson says employees “- also pay their long-term disability insurance.” That is simply a blatant lie. Section 22.09 of the master contract, available online at the Polk County Government Web site, spells out that the taxpayers pay an amount equal to 0.375 percent of the payroll toward the cost of long-term disability insurance. If the cost exceeds 0.375 percent of payroll the employee pays the rest.

Gov. Walker says that public employees should vote every year about whether or not they wish to be represented by unions, and individuals can choose whether to pay dues or not. Isn’t that freedom?

Aren’t the liberals all about “a person’s right to choose”?

I have no issue with public employees.

They are entitled to whatever they can persuade their employer to give them.

But, their employer is the taxpayer who votes. And when the employer changes its mind about how things need be done, changes will be made. Public employees can accept that reality or take their chances in the fast-food industry.

Bob Blake Rural Frederic

Convenient? No Right? Absolutely

After reading editorials in the Feb. 23 issue of The Leader, I feel it’s important to add my voice to the mix. I want to respond on a local level to the editorials about our local teachers.

It is not often convenient to stand up for what is right and what you believe in. I try, as I believe parents all over do, to teach my children to stand up for what’s right, for the person who needs support and for what my children are passionate about. I do not teach them to only do it when it’s convenient or a weekend.

The teachers of St. Croix Falls did not decide on a whim to go to Madison or call in “sick.” Our teachers love what they do, and it comes across in the classroom and in our children’s interactions during extracurricular activities. Our teachers do what they do in the hopes of producing well-educated and well-prepared members of the next generation. I truly believe that teachers are among the most important people we can introduce to our children.

I also believe a good education does not just come from a book or classroom. So, when our teachers take a day to support something that is very important to them, I say “good for them.” Let our kids learn that while it is easy to say, “This or that should or shouldn’t be done ... “ it is not easy to actually stand for what you believe. Throughout the history of our great country, there have been those who complain, and those who do. Because of that, we don’t speak with British accents and pay taxes on tea. We don’t have slavery and we don’t segregate our schools. Was it convenient? No. Was it right? Absolutely.

So, let’s not sit and write about consequences for our teachers actions, when they are the ones who acted and stood for what they believe to be true. Maybe, it’s a good lesson for all of us.

Julie Herrick Cushing

Only fair

I attended the town meeting of U.S. Congressman Duffy last night, Wednesday, Feb. 23. According to him, our primary objective should be to balance our budget, but the rich should be spared the pain of this because they are the ones who create jobs.

You’ll notice how the rich always take their surplus profits and hire more people.

The Democrats say that the people who need to be protected are the poor, because they are the most vulnerable.

You’ll notice then how we all proclaim that “we” are those poor people who need to be protected.

I believe that Democrats and Republicans need to come together to embrace the recommendations of last year’s bipartisan commission for balancing the budget.

The pain of balancing the budget, which we really do need to do, should be borne by all of us citizens. It is only fair.

Balancing the budget is also the theme of our governor. That is a worthwhile agenda. It is becoming increasingly obvious, however, that this is not his only agenda. He is also on a union-busting mission, much to the pleasure of his bigbusiness supporters. I find it shameful to use balancing the budget as an excuse for this highly partisan agenda.

David Almlie Frederic

Look beyond headlines

I am a teacher in St. Croix Falls. I reported to work on Friday, Feb. 18, just like every other day of the year, but I did so with a heavy heart. I respect my colleagues who chose differently that day. As teachers, we encourage our students to be informed about the issues that affect them. Then we equip them with the knowledge and skills they will need to contribute to community solutions and to exercise their full rights as citizens. When our teachers were faced with just such an issue, many chose to let their actions speak louder than their words. They followed their convictions, and they were willing to accept the consequences.

I wonder if the public fully understands the consequences of Walker’s actions. I am a conservative Christian. I generally vote Republican, although not blindly. I examine the issues, pray for guidance and make my decisions based on rational thought, not allegiance nor emotion. I do not believe that the public debate should focus on rigid political loyalties, but rather on the impact of the governor’s policies on real people.

This is about far more than my pay or my collective bargaining rights. I don’t find my security in a retirement fund, contract or union – my security lies in God alone, so I don’t fear the cutbacks I am being asked to make. But I do fear the future of our school if we don’t look past this repair bill to the sweeping cuts to education that Walker proposes. What kind of school system do you want for your children and grandchildren? One with overcrowded classrooms, insufficient resources, mediocre teachers and no aides or support staff because school boards are forced to work from bare-bones budgets?

You can’t cut funding for education as dramatically as Walker intends without seeing such ramifications. Why is there no outcry for the rights of our children?? They will pay the biggest price in the next round of budget proposals.

Please remember this – a school system is not a business, nor should it ever be treated as such. My students are not “products,” and my job results can’t be measured in numbers. I teach real human beings – complex and wonderful young people who are more than just the sum of their knowledge. Teaching them each day is a privilege beyond words, and until I literally can’t put food on my table, I will continue to teach no matter how much money the governor takes from my own personal pocket. But please don’t allow Walker to take money away from our students futures by setting something in motion that will be difficult to retract. Don’t let him balance the budget at the expense of our precious young children. Our students, your children, deserve the best educational system they can have, not a system gutted from the inside out by an overzealous governor who hasn’t considered the long-term consequences. Please look past the headlines and drama and be well-informed about what Walker intends to do next.

Sharlene Prinsen St. Croix Falls

SCF approved maintenance contract for Web site

Guys, who have a business downtown and who have helped set up and establish the Web site. The contract with Easy IT Guys lists a Web site hosting fee of $6.95 that is unlimited. The contract also pays for full tech support, design of rotating banners, Wordpress management, updates, training and biyearly reports to city council, Web site improvements, and all content updating for $249.99/month.

The council discussed the proposal with Easy IT Guys and mentioned that there was a 10-percent discount from one of the associates, Chuck Van Duynhoven.

The associate present at the meeting was William Van Duynhoven, who said he could not comment on the 10 percent because he would have to negotiate it with Chuck. The council did authorize a contract with Easy IT Guys for the remainder of 2011 to provide the tech support and Web site updating with a 10-percent discount. It will be up to Easy IT Guys to accept or decline the contract proposal the council authorized. The motion was a roll call vote with Kuhlman voting against it.

Kuhlman made it clear he preferred the library proposal.

The council tabled a request for light fixtures at the fire station. The request from the department has to receive council approval if the amount exceeds $2,500.

The proposal the department had from NEI was $4,915. Blesi stated he did not see specific details on the payback proposal for the light system. Blesi requested the matter be tabled to get better payback numbers and to shop around for other company bids to see what the energy efficiency is for the lights and how soon the city could recoup the investment. The matter was tabled.

In other business, Kravig told the council that she has been talking with experts who deal in issues similar to the one the city is having with the clear-cutting that took place on the foreclosed Biermann property. The RiverBank, who acquired the property at auction, inadvertently did some clear-cutting on the property, which is indicated as wetland area, without a permit from the city. Kravig stated that she is hoping the matter will be on the council agenda in two weeks to discuss a tree planting by The RiverBank to replace hardwoods in the area.

Kravig also stated a committee of 20 people will be meeting regarding the Auditorium Planning Grant. The first meeting will be Sunday, March 20, at 4 p.m.

Having an established committee is a large part of the grant requirement.

Scoglio referendum off April ballot

Vote on board size coming next year

by Gregg Westigard Leader staff writer BALSAM LAKE – A referendum on reducing the size of the Polk County Board will not be on the Tuesday, April 5, ballot.

The petitions calling for the referendum did not contain enough valid signatures to qualify the referendum for the coming election, according to Polk County Clerk Carole Wondra. Wondra, in a letter to Rick Scoglio, said that seven signatures were not valid. At least 1,025 valid signatures were required, and Scoglio submitted 1,026 signatures, allowing room for just one to be not valid.

Scoglio registered a petition action on Jan. 11, calling for a referendum to reduce the county board size to 15 members.

While he has 60 days to complete that action, he would have needed to meet a deadline of Feb. 22 to get the referendum on this spring’s ballot. Scoglio still has

time to submit the required amount of signatures to get the referendum on the ballot for the 2012 spring election. He told the Leader he will get the additional signatures.

Wondra says, in her letter to Scoglio, that she made an attempt to validate the signatures even though Scoglio turned in the petitions very late in the day on the 22nd, allowing only 15 minutes to attempt to make the verification. She states that the timing would have kept the petition off the ballot even if all the signatures had been verified.

If Scoglio completes the petition action, a referendum would be on the April 2012 ballot, the same ballot that would be electing a new county board using the district lines the board will be setting by this fall.

If that 2012 referendum is approved, the board would need to reduce the board size and establish new district lines for the 2014 election. Scoglio told the Leader he still hopes that the supervisors will approve a smaller county board this year as they work through the process of redistricting the county.

Siren School Board meeting short, to the point

by Carl Heidel Leader staff writer SIREN - The Monday, Feb. 28, meeting of the Siren Board of Education was short and to the point.

The board: • approved shared services addenda with CESA;

• approved the Burnett County hockey contract; • received the first reading of a revised kindergarten-first grade enrollment policy; • and hired Matt Ramlet as coach and Jeff Roberts as assistant coach of the joint Siren-Webster High School baseball team.

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by Tammi Milberg Leader staff writer ST. CROIX FALLS – The city of St. Croix Falls recently made their Web site live and on the agenda at the Monday, Feb. 28, council meeting were two proposals for maintaining and updating the Web site to consider.

The first proposal was from the city library staff. The library staff indicated they could update the Web site as needed with an anticipated 10 hours a month but not more to do so. The library proposal asked for $1,900 in addition to the library budget to cover staff costs for the additional duties to update the site. Sarah Adams, librarian, stated she felt it would be a natural fit for the library to do the updating since they have the technology in the library to do so and was asking for compensation for staff hours to help with the site.

This proposal did not come without its controversial opinions from some of the councilmen. Arnie Carlson was the first councilman to speak up. He stated he had a problem with the city paying another city organization for services. To him, Carlson said, it didn’t sit right. He compared the library proposal to the city crew asking for additional pay to plow the city parking lot when they are already employed by the city to maintain streets.

Councilman Paul Kuhlman stated that this was not like Carlson’s scenario at all because the proposal from the library is for additional work beyond the scope of library duties and that he felt the library should receive compensation because the staff is stretched already. Kuhlman said he was thankful the library offered to help the city out and that asking for less than $2,000 a year in the budget more to do it was reasonable.

Councilman Brian Blesi stated he could see where Carlson was going with the finances in his statement. Blesi said that once the additional dollars are added to the library budget as a line item, it could not be removed from that budget. He was concerned where that would put the city in terms of budget planning in the future.

“If it’s there and stuck, we can’t back the library budget down.”

Deb Kravig, councilman, said she thought it was a good fit for the library to update the Web site. Mayor Darrell Anderson said he thought the library offer may save the city money down the road or over time and he thanked them for wanting to help the city out.

The next proposal came from Easy IT

MARCH 2, 2011 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 11

Workin’ the room: Congressman Duffy makes his debut

PAGE 12 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - MARCH 2, 2011

Obey successor draws a crowd of well over 200, and much debate

by Greg Marsten Leader staff writer AMERY – It was part rally, part civics lesson and part political meet-and-greet for new 7th District Congressman Sean Duffy, R-Hayward, on Wednesday, Feb. 23. Duffy was making his first scheduled Polk County town hall meeting since being sworn in on Jan. 3.

Originally set for the Amery City Hall council chamber, the crowd size expectations swelled enough to force a change of venue to the Amery Senior Center, down the road, where well over 200 people gathered in standing-room-only conditions.

Amery Fire Chief Darrel Christenson joked about hoping he “wouldn’t have to tell the crowd to break up” because they were close to exceeding the room’s legal capacity.

“This is by far our biggest town hall so far!” Duffy said, noting that it was also just the fourth such event since his swearing in. “It’s great to see so many people.”

Long time coming Duffy’s fans were eager to meet the newly elected congressman, the first time the office wasn’t occupied by Democrat Dave Obey since before the moon landing.

That last time for a Republican holding the 7th District seat it was Melvin Laird, who left the House to work as secretary of defense under Richard Nixon.

So Duffy’s premier was unfamiliar, if not a long time coming for many people.

“Congratulations on your new job, Sean,” John Klatt of Luck joked. While Duffy had plenty of supporters at the event, he also had plenty of people from the other side of the aisle, as evident by several uncomfortable moments and decidedly partisan questioning from both sides.

Duffy, 39, gave a presentation on what he’s been working on, as well as some background on some major federal issues and his opinions on many political issues of the day - while staying somewhat mute on the recent state budgetary/union rights battles swelling, seemingly by the day in Madison.

His focus While sliding somewhat toward the center on health-care reform, Duffy has held firm with much of the same ideological focus of his drawn-out campaign, concentrating on the budget, monetary policy, but now also addressing “pressing issues” like the looming potential federal government shutdown. He restated several times his distaste of the federal stimulus program which began in 2008, an issue that he routinely referred to as an “utter failure,” noting that it was “the issue that got him involved” and “frustrated enough” to join the race.

Duffy also spoke passionately about how his campaign affected his life, about

New U.S. Congressman Sean Duffy, R-7th District. - Photos by Greg Marsten the struggles of joblessness across the nation and even his own struggles of being “without a paycheck” between his resignation as Ashland County district attorney and his swearing-in to the House.

He also gave the crowd a basic civics lesson when a man mentioned his own employment problems, and asked about Duffy’s salary [$174,000] and about how many people were in Congress [435 in the House, 100 in the Senate]. The man seemed shocked when adding up the salaries, numbers and comparing it to his own reduced wages.

But Duffy was also able to temper the man’s shock somewhat, by outlining his own household economics, “Having six kids and one paycheck.”

“I guarantee I have more debt than anyone in this room,” he said with a raised eyebrow. “It’s been a struggle to make the bills.”

QE2 and China Duffy also dwelled extensively on several basic economics lessons, talking of the controversial governmental banking policy of so-called “Quantitative Easing,” whereby the Federal Reserve “prints” new money, which is generally used for buying government bonds or other financial assets. Duffy noted the second phase, called QE2, and how the policy is being used to purchase $600 billion of the U.S. national debt.

He related it to the issues of trade deficits with China, and how there is also an international move to possibly “bundle currencies” to take the place of the U.S. dollar as a standard bearer of world markets. Duffy also mentioned the “scary” artificial adjustment by the Chinese on their own currency, the yuan, to keep their products “artificially low priced.”

Budgets, debt and borrowing, oh my Duffy is admittedly passionate on monetary issues and was appointed to the House Financial Services Committee. He outlined several major budgetary issues affecting Washington, such as the looming debt ceiling issue and how the federal government has been operating on continuing resolutions for many months, with the hope of resolve still not locked up.

“It’s a pretty bad situation,” he said of the possible government shutdown. “I hope there’s going to be an agreement.”

He also gave a brief outline of the current budgetary process, with the president releasing his budget, and Congress still hashing it over.

“There is great debate on the two proposals,” he admitted, noting how the GOP has “suggested concessions on spending reductions,” while dove-tailing the discussion into the issue of the current “debt ceiling” about to be reached in the coming months. He spoke briefly of the debate on whether to raise it and what changes were necessary for it to happen.

“Borrowing is not sustainable,” he said bluntly. “[We need to] acknowledge the problem ... If we don’t face the challenge, it will consume us.”

Duffy compared the debt crisis to World War II and other historical American challenges, “We need to hit this head on.”

Social Security and promises fulfilled Duffy was more optimistic on some issues, such as Social Security, which he called “very fixable.” He discussed the suggestions and philosophy behind raising the cap on who receives Social Security and said “his generation” would need to be aware of adjusted benefits in the future, and that Medicare and Social Security are “primary responsibilities” for the future and for Congress. Citing the need to “fulfill promises” with the two programs and how the current debt issues may affect the ability to hold to previous commitments.

“When you make promises to people and you take away those promises, well, we’ve seen what can happen ... they riot in the streets!” he said.

Accountability Duffy tempered some of his financial discussions with discussion at times on issues brought up out of the blue, and eased the tension at times when the crowd seemed to be on edge, with occasional cat calls for and against Duffy’s previous answers or comments.

He agreed with several concerns on things like military accountability, the cost of overseas engagements, foreign military base costs, and even seemed to agree when a man raised concerns the “we’re protecting large U.S. corporations with our military,” and nodded politely when a man suggested that if the Afghanistan interests are so great, with the costs so high, that U.S. taxpayers should be taxed for it.

Duffy said he wants to better “identify the mission there,” and suggested that the U.S.21 needs to be out of the “nation building business.”

Over 200 people turned out at a town-hall-style meeting in Amery with new 7th District U.S. Congressman Sean Duffy.

“I guarantee I have more debt than anyone in this room,” he said with a raised eyebrow.

“It’s been a struggle to make the bills.”

– Congressman Sean Duffy

The elephant in the living room He spent a long time addressing the controversial health-care issue after Chris Boland of Luck asked about the “Elephant in the living room - health care - that nobody wants to discuss.”

Duffy disarmed many of his opponents when he offered a conciliatory caveat of sorts about what to even call the healthcare situation, noting that “many people are offended by the term ‘ObamaCare,’” but he used the term - respectfully, he said - “so that people know what I’m talking about.”

He also surprised some supporters when he seemed to chastise fellow Republicans records on the issue, emphasizing their “lack of meaningful work on solving health care.”

“Republicans have dropped the ball [on health-care reform]. At least Democrats did something,” he said. “I don’t agree with all of it, but they started a conversation.”

That caveat led to a long discussion on many of the health-care issues, from benefit levels to the possible faults of the insurance industry to the now-huge percentage of the Gross National Product consumed by health-care and insurance costs. He again discussed Medicare issues, and even mentioned preventive medicine as part of “many possible solutions.”

He is admittedly banking on competition regionally and between states as the primary answer to health care issues, and dwelled at times on the difference in cost of a colonoscopy between Ashland and Superior, and how “competition is needed” to bring those costs under control.

While some people nodded in agreement, others didn’t think it went anywhere near far enough. One woman asked repeatedly for Duffy to work toward a pilot program for a so-called “public option,” to allow her to buy into Medicare early, “because some people can’t buy insurance. Some people need help!”

Duffy was cool to the request, at best, and shrugged off insurance industry blame, but said he wanted to get to “the root causes” of why health-care costs were rising so far beyond other costs. He mentioned lasik surgery as an example where “competition can work,” while also addressing cosmetic surgery as an example of the market stabilizing prices as demands were met.

He also admitted that “changes are def-

See Duffy, page 14

Jail numbers, new squads purchased

MARCH 2, 2011 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 13

Some jobs are hard to fill

by Gregg Westigard Leader staff writer BALSAM LAKE – The Polk County Public Protection Committee held its first monthly meeting since January on Tuesday, March 1.

The committee heard reports from the five department heads that the committee advises. Among other items, the meeting looked at new squad cars, inmate populations at the jail and the problems with filling a vacant position in the clerk of court office.

The clerk of court story might be called a mess. Clerk of court Lois Hoff has been trying to fill the position of chief deputy clerk of court, a position she can fill by appointment. After an outside hire quit the job soon after being hired, Hoff appointed

one of her senior clerks to the position.

That person changed her mind about taking the new position and returned to her previous job. Now, Hoff told the committee, the union is protesting that person’s right to keep her previous 22 years of seniority. A grievance has been filed on interpreting the contract work rules.

Meanwhile, the position of chief deputy clerk of court remains unfilled.

The sheriff’s department has a program of replacing its fleet according to a vehicle rotation plan (four years /150,000 miles) that balances age, miles and maintenance costs. The 2011 department budget includes the replacement of three marked squads, one truck and one unmarked SUV-type vehicle. Sheriff Pete Johnson pointed out the positive reasons for buying three Dodge Chargers at $24,295 each.

They will be replacing the last of the Ford Crown Victoria squads, a model that is

being discontinued by Ford. One of the four-door trucks will also be replaced.

Johnson said the four squad trucks have been great this winter and the higher purchase price, $27,500, should be made up by a higher resale value. The committee also approved the purchase of a used Chevrolet Traverse crossover model for use by the sheriff. The 2010 vehicle with 23,000 miles sold for $24,700.

Johnson, who took office in January, has started reporting jail statistics. He said the average daily jail population in February was 95 inmates, up from 86 in January.

There were 117 bookings (87 male, 30 female) and 103 releases (80 male, 23 female). During February, 199 inmates took sick call, double the 101 county for January. The county held four inmates boarded by other counties.

Medical examiner Jonn Dinnies reported that his office had had 48 cases this

year, compared to 42 last year. Many of the cases are requests for cremation permits. Dinnies said the first autopsy of the year has just been done.

The goals of the child support agency were reviewed, and agency head Jeff Fuge said that besides the goal of meeting state performance criteria and receiving performance funds, he has a goal of continuing to reduce the agency’s use of county levy dollars. In 2009, 13.5-percent of the budget came from the levy. That may be down to 10.1 percent for 2010. Fuge wants to draw in more federal and state dollars to fund the agency’s work.

Finally, District Attorney Dan Steffen said he is starting the process of filling a position in the victim witness office. He said that most of the expense for that office is covered by state funds.

Grant provides laptop computers for local libraries

BALSAM LAKE — Keeping up with ever-changing technology is a continual struggle for educational institutions, including the public libraries of Polk County.

In order to provide assistance in this area to the county’s local librarians, the Friends of the Polk County Libraries organization last year applied for and was awarded a grant to fund a technology specialist.

Kay Fitzgerald started in that position last April, and since that time has provided more than 750 hours of technology assistance to the libraries in Polk County.

The value of these services is placed at nearly $16,000.

Major grantors for the position are the Fred B. and Kathryn C. Andersen Foun-

Colleen Gifford Foxwell, director of the Polk County Library Federation, discusses the benefits of having a technology specialist who can assist all public libraries in the county.

Polk County Library Federation technology specialist Kay Fitzgerald, with a blooming hyacinth presented to her for her assistance to the public libraries of Polk County.

dation and the Otto Bremer Foundation, but numerous other contributors helped make it possible.

The Otto Bremer Foundation recently awarded another grant to the Friends of Polk County Libraries which allowed the purchase of 10 laptop computers, one for each public library in the county.

Presentation of these computers to the library directors was made last Wednesday at the Polk County Library Federation in Balsam Lake. Each library director was presented a computer by the Polk County supervisor who represents the community in which the library is located.

The computers will be available to the public for a variety of purposes, including testing and other situations where privacy is necessary. — Mary Stirrat

Chris Byerly, director of the Frederic Public Library, accepts a laptop computer for her library. County board Chairman William Johnson, who represents Frederic, made the presentation.

County board supervisors and the library directors in their districts pose after each director was presented with a laptop computer for their library. Standing (L to R) are Frederic Library Director Chris Byerly, county board Chairman William Johnson IV who represents Frederic, Supervisor Patricia Schmidt representing Luck, Supervisor Wendy Rattel representing St. Croix Falls, Supervisor Jim Edgell representing Centuria, Supervisor Warren Nelson representing Amery, Supervisor Brian Masters representing Balsam Lake, Polk County Library Federation technology specialist Kay Fitzgerald, and Supervisor Kathryn Kienholz representing Milltown. Seated in middle are Lynne Schauls of the Centuria Public Library, Jill Glover of the Luck Public Library, Elaine Meyers of the Amery Public Library and Trisha Olson of the Balsam Lake Public Library. In front are Sarah Adams of the St. Croix Falls Public Library and Jen Feske of the Milltown Public Library. Not shown are Osceola Library Director Nate Deprey and Supervisor Kim O’Connell, Dresser Library Director Linda Ellefson and Supervisor Kris Hartung, and Clear Lake Library Director Cricket LaFond and Supervisor Gerianne Christensen.

Photos by Mary Stirrat

Trisha Olson, director of the Balsam Lake Public Library, is Polk County Supervisor Patricia Schmidt, right, and Friend of the Library Spike Maiden Muller present a laptop to Luck Li- presented a laptop for her library by Polk County Supervisor Brian Masters. brary Director Jill Glover.

PAGE 14 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - MARCH 2, 2011

Felony charges against Amery woman for identity theft

ST. CROIX FALLS – Julie Mork, 23, Amery, was arrested on Tuesday, Feb. 22, and charged with being party to unauthorized use of a person’s identity to obtain money, a felony, according to a Polk County arrest report.

A woman contacted the sheriff’s department to report that someone had been stealing money from her bank account in

St. Croix Falls at The RiverBank. She said she had talked with her bank and learned that on four occasions someone had called the bank, provided the last four digits of her Social Security number and given instructions to withdraw money from her account. The bank was asked to convert them into cashier’s checks in other people’s names. The woman said she thought

her ex-husband may have had something to do with it, as he had used her Social Security number in the past for fraudulent activity.

There was such a withdrawal on Feb. 22 in the amount of $1,200 that was converted to a cashier’s check in the name of Julie Mork. The check was picked up by a woman and cashed. The officer went to

initely needed,” noting that colonoscopy cost chasm again.

“The markets actually work,” he said several times, while also offering a nod that “shopping around” is not always a realistic option in an emergency.

He also discussed his own health-care issue, struggles and mentioned the “gold plated plan” he received as a state employee, and how he now has the same insurance plans - at $600/month - “as a janitor at the health department.”

overseas and then repatriate those profits, and he noted how only the U.S. taxes those profits. “Nobody else does that,” he said, later stating that “pro-growth policies ... take pro-growth reform.”

Duffy also alluded to the timber industry, logging and regulation, dwelling on the need to concentrate on domestic production, which he says has been “strangled” by regulation and environmental concerns.

Many agreed, with one lumberman upset about “all the wood that’s coming out of Brazil.” Others raised concerns with Middle East oil reliance and suggested domestic drilling is necessary to compete.

Duffy nodded in agreement, but stopped when the same person, ironically, downplayed alternative energy sources such as solar and wind, after the man said “GE was shoving wind down our throats.”

Duffy didn’t take sides, but said it was time for a concentrated, broad U.S. energy policy, from coal to shale oil to solar and even expanded Gulf drilling. He also suggested that some regulations are necessary and mentioned the Gulf oil spill as an example.

“We need to pursue energy at all levels,” he said.

own struggles with the regulation battles, addressing the so-called Sarbanes-Oxley Act, which was instituted almost unanimously through both houses of Congress in 2004, and signed by President George W. Bush. That bill, in general, forces larger corporations into vastly more stringent accounting and public reporting methods with Securities and Exchange Commission review, primarily out of the Enron and Tyco scams. According to Klatt, SOX compliance would cost Lakeland over $1.2 million and is keeping them from competing at a larger level with other telecommunications firms, due to SEC requirements and compliance.

Duffy agreed to talk with Klatt later to help, if possible, but also noted that regulation issues are “never easy.”

Duffy/from page 12

Overseas and regulations While he preferred to stay on the sidelines of some local issues - such as the Polaris plant closure in Osceola - he weighed-in just enough to get cat calls by several people when he suggested overregulation and taxes were the root cause of the firm’s closure and pending move to Mexico, later acknowledging that the country’s sweat shop wages may have contributed.

Duffy went in-depth on a recent discussion with a Microsoft CEO, and how regulations “drove them to Canada” and how the U.S. is no longer just competing with the usual suspects, like Mexico and Canada, but with nations in Asia and South America with few, if any, regulatory structures.

He mentioned the difficult issues of how to deal with companies that build

Walker/from page 1

families receiving health care or welfare from the state to participants in the SeniorCare prescription drug plan to students and teachers.

Those sacrifices are meant to help the state save money to offset an estimated $3.5 billion budget gap.

Walker unveiled his 2011-13 budget Tuesday, but the bill must go through the Legislature’s Joint Finance Committee, which will hold public hearings in March and April - followed by votes in the Senate and Assembly.

••• Many school boards, village boards and city councils held special meetings this week to discuss contracts with employees and potential budget cuts but without a state budget actually being passed into law, there were mostly questions on how much the governor’s budget will slash from their local budget.

Many school districts across the state issued layoff and/or nonrenewal notices this past week to meet state-imposed deadlines, should they be faced with carrying out the cutbacks.

Walker is slashing aid to public schools and local governments and eliminating 1,200 state jobs.

He is also placing the tightest limits on property taxes in Wisconsin history.

"We are returning to frugality and making the long-term decisions to balance our budget now and more importantly into the future. We will do the heavy lifting to protect our children and grandchildren from having to make the hard decisions that were once avoided," Walker said.

Walker’s speech came two weeks into a standoff over his proposal to eliminate nearly all collective bargaining for public unions.

All of the Democrats in the state Senate blocked a vote on Walker’s Budget Repair Bill - specifically the portion that limits collective bargaining rights - by leaving the state - going into hiding somewhere in Illinois.

In his speech, Walker hinted that negotiations may lure the Democrats back to the Senate this week, where his proposal can be debated and voted upon.

Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald acknowledged he had talked to a few of

Local issues Lakeland Communications CEO John Klatt asked Duffy for help with his firm’s

the 14 Senate Democrats this week in Kenosha and suggested not all of the senators who had left the state agreed with the group’s leaving. None, however, have hinted at returning.

••• Walker’s proposal would force local governments and schools to cut spending because state aid would fall by roughly $1 billion over the next two years, and they would be prevented from making up that money by raising property taxes.

Local governments - including schools - would need to absorb those cuts by trimming their employees health and pension benefits.

Union leaders have agreed to those cuts, but only if Walker drops the proposal to sharply curtail bargaining rights.

••• The budget proposal would slash $834 million in state aid for K-12 education, providing 7.9 percent below what was given in the current 2009-11 budget. That would continue to move the state farther from its former commitment to cover twothirds of the costs of public schools.

The budget also calls for a 5.5-percent decrease in the maximum amount per student that public schools receive in state aid and property taxes. That’s an effort to keep school property taxes from being used to fill the void left by the loss of state aid.

That would amount to an average cut of $555 in the average $10,100 per-pupil limit. The amount would be lower for low-revenue school districts.

The cuts in state jobs would be mostly vacant positions but could also include layoffs.

••• Following is a breakdown of Walker's proposal in other key areas:

UW System The proposal would turn the UW System's Madison campus into a quasi-public authority and study making the same change to the Milwaukee campus.

UW-Madison would face the deepest cut among state universities in Walker's proposed budget, but other state public universities would face 11 percent budget cuts and get none of the cost-saving tools

In closing After close to two hours of public discussion, Duffy wrapped it up with references to Ronald Reagan, past prosperity, innovation and the general need to adjust to changing times.

“We are fundamentally shifting to unchartered territory,” he said. “Where is this country going to be? We obviously haven’t all agreed tonight ... but it was pretty respectful.”

Duffy closed by saying his “days are long - but I love what I’m doing!”

UW-Madison would get by splitting from the UWsystem.

Tax cuts, the economy Walker's budget would provide investors with lower state taxes on capital gains for investing in Wisconsin businesses. The capital gains changes would lower taxes by $36 million over the two years.

The bill also would give multistate corporations a larger window in using losses to offset their tax liability. That would lower taxes by $46 million over two years.

The proposal would also provide $196 million over two years for the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp., the partly private entity that is replacing the state Department of Commerce.

Health care The budget would provide nearly $1.3 billion more in state money over the next two years - the biggest increase in state spending - to cover fast-growing costs in Medicaid health programs for the poor.

But the administration will still have to find ways to avoid an additional $500 million in spending that would be needed under current trends for Medicaid.

So programs such as BadgerCare Plus for children and families, Family Care for the elderly and disabled in need of longterm care, and the SeniorCare prescription drug benefit still could see large changes and potential cuts.

For instance, SeniorCare recipients eligible for the separate federal Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit would be required to also enroll in the federal program. That would lower state spending by $15 million by shifting costs to the U.S. government. Recipients would see no changes in benefits, according to the administration.

Local governments Besides the limits on school revenue, the bill would freeze property taxes for local governments, allowing them to increase only for the construction of new homes or buildings.

The bill would hold the growth in property taxes for the owner of the medianvalued $160,000 home in the state to $42

RiverBank and looked at video of the transaction. Two women came to the bank teller and got the check. One of them, Mork, showed her ID and cashed the check. Mork was then arrested. Police were still seeking information on the identity of the second woman at the time of the report. — with information from the Polk County Sheriff’s Dept.

Lakeland Communications CEO John Klatt asked for help on his company's dealings with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.

over the next two years, according to projections by the administration. But the proposal would also squeeze local governments like cities and counties, which would see their aid cut by $96 million, or nearly 12-percent on average.

Recycling programs, subsidies cut Walker's plan eliminates the requirement for local government to operate recycling programs, and also eliminates the state subsidies to run those programs.

In addition to the cuts in general aid for local governments, Walker's plan would reduce their payments to maintain local roads by 10 percent.

Transportation Funding for highways would increase $410.5 million, and money would be fed into road projects in two key ways. First, it would shift $95 million from the state's main account to its road fund. Second, it would pay for bus and other transit systems - $115 million in all over two years from the state's main account instead of the transportation fund.

Public safety, corrections The budget proposal calls for more DNA analysts in the State Crime Laboratory, more staff to investigate child pornography cases and enforce tougher drunken driving laws, and more public defenders. It includes $1 million for raises for prosecutors.

The budget would eliminate the early prison release program approved as a cost-saving measure two years ago when Democrats controlled the state House.

Walker's budget saves money for corrections in other ways, primarily because the prison population is declining as part of a national trend. The average daily population in the last fiscal year was just over 23,000, and Walker believes it will decline to about 21,200 in two years.

Money is also saved by closing Ethan Allen School in Wales and South Oaks Girls School in Union Grove. Those facilities have seen declining populations, and their operations would be shifted to Lincoln Hills School in Lincoln County. -with information from Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel

WINTER SPORTS

MARCH 2, 2011 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 15

INTER COUNTY LEADER • INTER COUNTY LEADER • INTER COUNTY LEADER

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 BASKETBALL • GYMNASTICS • HOCKEY • WRESTLING

Grantsburg’s Aimee Lerud heading to state

Gymnast breaks school record in floor event

Extra Points

GRANTSBURG – It’s been quite a few years since the Grantsburg gymnastics team has had a member representing them at the state meet in Wisconsin Rapids. Last Saturday, Feb. 26, Aimee Lerud became the first Pirate since the late ‘90s to earn a trip to state. The last gymnast was Nikki Kingston, who eventually moved on to the collegiate level in gymnastics, competing with Aimee Lerud Gustavus Adolphus College. Lerud is a sophomore this season and in her first year as a Grantsburg gymnast, but after competing with elite clubs over the past several years, Lerud’s work has paid off.

Grantsburg gymnasts gather after the sectional meet in River Falls on Saturday, Feb. 26.

Aimee Lerud, pictured front row, third from left, is heading to the state competition in Wisconsin Rapids on Friday, March 4. – Photos submitted As any gymnast wishing to go to state, they first need a solid performance at the River Falls Sectional Gymnastics Meet - Saturday, February 26 sectional meet, and Lerud did just that in Team Vault/Place Bars/Place Beam/Place Floor/Place All Around/Place Place River Falls last weekend.

36.175 35.800 37.450 36.600 146.025 1st River Falls “It was a big day for her!” said coach Onalaska 33.525 32.550 32.625 33.750 132.450 2nd Menomonie 33.250 28.575 32.125 33.575 127.525 3rd Kathy Lund, who noted that Lerud broke 32.950 27.850 30.000 35.425 126.225 4th G.M.C. the school record in the floor event with a Arcadia 32.025 28.125 30.300 32.800 123.250 5th high mark of 9.15, which was enough for 32.075 27.950 26.550 31.750 118.325 6th Grantsburg a tie in third place.

St. Croix Falls/Unity 20.150 13.050 12.700 15.150 61.050 7th “The balance beam was our third event Grantsburg Individual Scores and it was here where personal discipline Aimee Lerud 8.400/12thT 8.725/4th 9.050/5th 9.150/3rd 35.325/4th paid off for Aimee. Placing fifth with a 7.525/29th 7.475/16th 6.100/26th 7.300/29th 28.400/16th Heidi Horky Breanna Fickbohm 8.400/12thT 7.025/18thT 6.075/27th 21.500 no-fall routine shows how tough the com6.700/32nd 4.725/30th 7.575/26th 19.000 Raelyn Pochman petition was at the meet,” Lund said.

RuthAnn Pederson 3.725/32nd 4.700/32nd 7.725/25th 18.150 In the all-around, Lerud finished in 7.750/23rd 6.775/32nd 14.525 April Campana fourth place with a score of 35.325. She Haley Johnson 5.325/31st 5.325 took fourth in the bars with an 8.725 and St. Croix Falls/Unity Individual Scores placed fifth on the beam with a no-fall Kady Meyer 7.400/30th 6.250/25th 6.900/22nd 7.750/24th 28.300/17th routine and score of 9.05.

7.350/31st 6.800/21st 5.800/30th 7.400/28th 27.350/18thT Ashley Johnson “As a team we started on vault and our Brandi Larson 5.400/33rd 5.400 scores seemed to be a little low and there were some disappointments, but I was pleased with the performance and felt we had a good start,” Lund said.

Recording personal-best scores at the sectional included Breanna Fickbohm, who tied with Lerud for 12th place in the vault with a score of 8.4. Freshman Heidi Horky had a personal best in the uneven bars with a 7.475, and 16th place.

Another personal best was recorded by Raelyn Pochman during the floor exercise with her mark of 7.575. April Campana scored her personal best as well in the same event with a 6.775.

“As the season comes to an end as a team, there is an excitement of sending Aimee on to state,” Lund said.

Lerud is competing as an individual beginning Friday, March 4, in Wisconsin Rapids beginning at approximately 5:10 p.m.

Aimee Lerud took fourth in all-around and on the uneven bars at sectionals.

SCF/Unity competes with three ST. CROIX FALLS – The St. Croix FallsUnity co-op competed with three gymnasts in River Falls. In the all-around, Kady Meyer took 17th, and Ashley Johnson placed 18th.

Meyer placed 24th in the floor, 22nd in the balance beam, and 30th in the vault.

Johnson took 28th in the floor exercise, 30th in the balance beam, 21st in the parallel bars and 31st in the vault.

Brandi Larson also competed in the vault, and placed 33rd.

••• STEVENS POINT – Luck’s Britta Petersen is capping off a stellar career and season with the UW-Stevens Point women’s basketball team. Petersen was recently named WIAC Player of the Year for the first time in her career. It’s the the third straight time she has been nominated to the All-WIAC Team. Petersen has been averaging over 14 points per game and Britta Petersen 5.2 rebounds per game. She helped the Pointers to their fourth straight WIAC Tournament Championship against UW-Whitewater, and will host St. Norbert College during the first round of the Division 3, NCAA Tournament this Friday, March 4, beginning at 7 p.m. Stevens Point became only the fourth team in WIAC history to end the conference season with a perfect 16-0 record. They are 25-2 overall, while St. Norbert is 23-2 overall. – Marty Seeger with information from athletics.uwsp.edu ••• STEVENS POINT – The UW-Stevens Point men’s track and field team took second last weekend and Brian Thill, a former Webster standout athlete, finished in first place during the indoor pentathlon, which provisionally qualifies him for the NCAA Championships. He took Brian Thill second in the long jump, (6.38 meters), first in the shot put (12.57 meters) and second in the high jump (2.00 meters). – Marty Seeger with information from athletics.uwsp.edu ••• STEVENS POINT – Former Frederic athlete, and 2008 graduate Peter Carlson is a junior this season on the UWRiver Falls men’s track and field team. Last Saturday, Carlson broke the UW-River Falls University record in the pole vault by reaching a mark of 14-8. The previous Peter Carlson school record of 14-6 was set in 1992. Carlson also holds the Frederic school record in the pole vault, and competes in both the indoor and outdoor events for the Falcons as a vaulter. He is the son of Bruce and Molly Carlson of Frederic.

••• LEADER LAND – Local sports tidbits to share? Please contact the Leader by 4:30 p.m. on Mondays to go in Extra Points. – Marty Seeger ••• 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 2011 and hasn’t been mentioned, send us an e-mail or call and we’ll take it from there. – Marty Seeger

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

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

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Nelson finishes sixth at state in tough bracket

Hendricks and Lennartson end tournament run early

by Marty Seeger Leader staff writer MADISON – Unity senior Luke Nelson made the best of his first state tournament appearance, and the best of his final high school wresting matches. The 135-pound weight class was loaded with quality talent, but Nelson matched up well with his first opponent on Thursday, Feb. 24. Nelson wrestled Tyler Wagner, a senior from Southern Door with a record of 35-11. Nelson defeated him by a 5-3 decision.

“Luke had a great tournament. Placing sixth in a weight class that was really loaded with talent is really impressive. He lost a couple of close matches,” said coach Shawn Perkins.

Nelson’s next match was against the eventual state champion, Jarod Donar, who ended the season undefeated at 49-0, and beat Nelson by a 16-3 major decision.

In the consolation round, Nelson won his second match of the tournament

Luke Nelson of Unity does his best to subdue three-time state champion Jarod Donar, who ended the tournament undefeated. – Photos by Megan Carlson

against Jesse Huggins of Clintonville by a 3-2 decision. Huggins had a record of 378 as a senior. The win against Huggins earned Nelson a trip to the consolation semifinals against sophomore Gabe Flandrick of Somerset, who had a record of 385 and became the eventual third-place winner. Unfortunately, Nelson lost 2-0 in overtime.

Alex Lennartson takes on Peter Seuffer during the state tournament in Madison last week.

Klassen defeated in first round at state

by Marty Seeger Leader staff writer MADISON – St. Croix Falls sophomore James Klassen lasted just one round at the state wrestling tournament in Madison last Thursday, Feb. 24, at 119 pounds. The Division 2 wrestler has two more years to improve on what he accomplished this season, however, as he ended the year with 31 wins and 18 losses. Klassen’s match was against junior Jared Pawlak of Oconto Falls, who had a record of 32-13 and pinned Klassen in 4:39.

“I am proud of the season James had.

He took a huge step this year in qualify-

“The Flandrick match might be Luke’s best match of the entire year - even though he lost. He was really focused the entire tournament and I am really proud of him,” said Perkins.

During the fifth-place match, Nelson lost to senior Nick Mor of Wisconsin Dells (34-8), by a 1-0 decision.

At 145 pounds, Dylan Hendricks’ state tournament bid ended in the first round after he was defeated by a 9-5 decision to junior Kiefer Bennett of Delavan-Darien (41-11) who eventually placed fourth overall.

“Dylan had a tough draw. He lost his match to a wrestler who ended up as a top-place winner at 145. He had worked so hard all year and I am glad he got the experience of the state tournament,”

Unity’s Luke Nelson gets the victory after his match against Tyler Wagner of Southern Door.

Perkins said.

Hendricks ended his senior season with a record of 33-10.

At 285 pounds, Alex Lennartson wrestled two matches in Madison, but lost both by pin. Lennartson had a first-round bye and wrestled on Friday, Feb. 25, but lost the first match to Newton Smerchek of Luxemburg-Casco (45-5). Lennartson was defeated by Peter Seuffer (36-3) of Omro during the consolation round, but will have two more chances at a state title as he’s only a sophomore, who finished his season at 36-7.

“Alex also had a tough draw. His first match that he lost was to the eventual runner-up. Thankfully Alex has a couple of more years to hopefully place at the state tournament,” Perkins said.

Dylan Hendricks wrestled just one match during the state tournament, against Kiefer Bennett.

Local spikers take tourney

ing for state. He has now been there, and has two more years to get back down there and win it,” said coach Dan Clark.

Klassen and the rest of the Saints team have a lot to look forward to next season, as nearly every wrestler will be back next year. The Saints finished a close second in the conference behind Clear Lake, who is competing as a team at state this year.

“I believe that our team for next year can be extremely good if they choose to work hard between now and next November. They have always been a hardworking group and I would expect that to continue,” Clark added.

James Klassen wrestled his only match of the state tournament against Jared Pawlak, but he’ll be back for two more seasons with the Saints. – Photo submitted

This group of young ladies from Luck, Frederic and Osceola proved to be a winning combination. The traveling club volleyball team was the champion squad at the North Country Region Presidents Day Festival in Hastings, Minn. The tournament involved two days of competitive volleyball, with the squad playing teams from Minnesota, Iowa and Wisconsin. “The girls played tough and really worked well as a team to achieve the gold,” stated assistant coach Renee Gavinski, who took over for the weekend. Head coach Jen Nelson was out of state watching her daughter play volleyball. “It was a very exciting weekend, one the girls and parents will never forget,” Gavinski added. For over 20 years, the Presidents Day weekend has been synonymous with volleyball tournaments across the country, and several other local teams also participated in events across the Midwest. Pictured: front row (L to R): Maci Terhell. Middle row: Kalley Lunsmann, Hailey Foeller, Mya Rivera, Katie Pfaff and Reilly Giller. Back row: Sophia Davies, Jenni Holdt, Mackenzie Peper, Angela Gore and Gavinski. – Photo submitted

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Tigers fend off the dogs in playoff opener

Frederic and Siren face each other Friday, March 4 Webster 56, Boyceville 40

by Marty Seeger Leader staff writer WEBSTER – The Tiger boys basketball team got off to a good start against Boyceville in the first round of the WIAA playoffs on Tuesday, March 1. Webster advances to the regional semifinal against Spring Valley this Friday, March 4, beginning at 7 p.m. Spring Valley is a solid opponent with an overall record of 16-6, and finished second place with a 12-4 record in the Dunn St. Croix Conference.

“They’re talented. We won’t have any excuses. We’ll get after it again and let the chips fall where they may. We’ll play hard, and if we shoot the ball OK we can play with just about anybody I think, but our defense has got to be there and we’ve got to stay out of foul trouble,” said Webster coach Randy Hedrick.

The Tigers played solid defense against the Bulldogs on Tuesday, holding them to just 12 first-half points. Webster jumped out to a 9-0 lead at the start and held Boyceville to four points in the first quarter, and eventually extended their lead to 12 points at the half.

“I thought we came out with good intensity, and we’ve talked about that all year, that we have to have that intensity defensively.

In the third quarter, things quieted down for the Tigers offensively but they still put up 13 points. James Wethern and Austin Elliott both sat out a portion of the third quarter in foul trouble, and Wethern took a hard fall into the bleachers, which kept him off the court for a time.

“I thought our third quarter was OK, and then I thought we got a couple of ticky-tack fouls that haven’t been called all year and all of a sudden we’ve got a couple of guys in foul trouble, and that stuff happens … you’ve got to change personnel and do some things a little different, so it happens,” said Hedrick.

The Bulldogs inched their way back into the game early in the fourth quarter with the help of a Luke Hellman 3-pointer, which cut the Tigers lead to seven, but it was as close as they would get, as Josh Baer, Greg McIntyre, Elliott and Wethern helped the Tigers go on an 8-0 run to help keep the game out of reach.

“Overall it was a good win for us, the kids played hard and that’s all I can ask

Siren junior Isaac Wegner goes inside and drives the lane against LCO sophomore Tony Roach.

Webster’s James Wethern gets leverage on Bulldog Luke Hellman for two points.

Next up for the Dragons is a secondround playoff contest against conference rival Frederic at Siren on Friday, March 4.

Stoner and Smith’s health is unknown, but both players have been essential in the Dragons success this season. – Greg Marsten

Webster’s Austin Elliott tries to dump a pass off to Greg McIntyre on Tuesday night against Boyceville. Elliott had 30 points in the Tigers win. – Photos by Marty Seeger Dragons also had some solid help from for,” Hedrick said.

Webster scoring included Elliott with 30 Andrew Brown, who added 15 points to points, Wethern, 12, Baer, six, and Dan the tally.

The Dragons maintained a solid lead, Dochniak, four. even without their starters, who were also Siren 77, Lac Courte Oreilles 19 down in numbers with lone senior Seth SIREN – The second-seeded Siren Stoner out sick and Murdock Smith nursDragon boys basketball team had little ing a back injury. trouble stopping the visiting Lac Courte Coach Ruud was pleased with the perOreilles Eagles squad on Tuesday, March 1 formance of his starters and his bench at Siren, winning their first-round Divi- players, who had a rare chance for actual sion 5 WIAA playoff contest by an over- playoff minutes. whelming, 58-point margin to advance to “I thought they looked pretty good,” a contest against Frederic this Friday.

Ruud said of his bench players. “EverySiren exploded out of the gates, and one contributed. They gave us a good outscored the Eagles 49-6 in the first half, game.” with Dragon Elijah Hinze knocking down Notables for Siren include seven points 24 first-half points before head coach Jon for Taylor Renberg, and three players with Ruud cleared the bench and gave his six points each: Davis St. John, Isaac Wegstarters a break. Hinze finished with 28 ner and Will Barr III. Siren ended up winpoints, including five 3-pointers. The ning by a 77-19 final score.

Siren freshman Jared Emery goes in for a drive against LCO senior Esiban Parent. – Photos

by Greg Marsten

St. Croix Central 54, St. Croix Falls 46 HAMMOND – The St. Croix Falls boys basketball season came to an end on Tuesday, March 1, in Hammond as they were defeated by St. Croix Central. The Saints ended a tough season with a record of 218 overall, and a winless conference record of 0-12.

The Saints stuck with with the Panthers, however, leading 11-7 after the first quarter and trailing 24-22 at the half. In the third quarter the Saints were held to nine points, while the Panthers extended their lead heading into the fourth quarter, but not by much as the Saints trailed by just four points.

The Saints will lose quite a few seniors to graduation as the season ends, including Nathan Gravesen, Nick Johnson, Jared Sprieter, Marcus Campbell, Joe Thayer and Zach Christenson.

Siren boys roll through LCO in first round. – Marty Seeger

See Boys regionals/page 21

Jared Sprieter of St. Croix Falls eyes up a shot during a game against Unity. Sprieter and other seniors concluded their season in a loss at Hammond on Tuesday, March 1, during the WIAA playoffs. – Photo by Marty Seeger

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Foeller’s crazy buzzer beater beats Saints

Unity 44, St. Croix Falls 42

by Marty Seeger Leader staff writer ST. CROIX FALLS – Among rivals, it’s hard to assume that any one game will be an easy pass to victory. Season records seem to fly out the window when the Unity and St. Croix Falls boys teams come together in competition, and Friday’s game in St. Croix Falls was no exception.

The Eagle boys basketball team entered Friday, Feb. 25, with a 7-4 conference record and the Saints would hope to close out the regular season with a win. As of Friday, the Saints remained winless in the conference at 0-11 and looked like they might pull out a close victory, or at least send the game into overtime. That is, until Xavier Foeller spoiled the night on a buzzer beater that won’t be soon forgotten, at least for the Eagles.

With 1.5 seconds to go, Xavier Foeller gets set to float the ball over his shoulder to defeat the Saints with just over a second remaining in the game. YouTube under the title, Unity@SCF.MOD. – Photos by Marty Seeger

Xavier Foeller gets mobbed by teammates after sinking a no-look bucket to defeat St. Croix Falls on Friday, Feb. 25.

“It was an unbelievable finish that’s for than a second to go Foeller caught the ball sure!” said Unity coach Shaun Fisher. “We in the air near the 3-point line and lofted would prefer not to have it come down to the ball over his shoulder without lookthose situations, but it has been an excit- ing, and banked the shot in. ing year with a lot of great finishes for us.

Foeller’s amazing buzzer beater can be We just hope we can continue to have seen on YouTube under the title, some of that fortune in the playoffs.”

Unity@SCF.MOD. While Foeller admitted With the game tied at 42 with just under shyly after the game that it wasn’t somea minute to play, the Saints held onto pos- thing he practiced on a regular basis, the session of the ball and looked eager to Eagles will need to focus their attention on take the final shot of the game, but pres- their next goal, which is the WIAA playsure defense by the Eagles forced the ball offs. As a No. 1 seed, the Eagles will be loose, and ended up in a jump-ball situa- playing the winner between Somerset and tion. The possession arrow pointed to- Amery this Friday, March 4, at home. ward the Saints, but moments later they “We are excited to move on into the turned the ball over on a travel, giving the playoffs and play well at home on Friday. ball to Unity with 19 seconds on the clock. We realize that it is one game at a time St. Croix Falls did their best to keep the from here on out and if we are looking to Eagles from scoring in the final seconds, Saturday already we probably won’t get and managed to force the ball out of there,” Fisher said. bounds at mid court with two seconds reThe Eagles were led by Flaherty with 15 maining in the game. The Eagles main- points, Turner, 12, Rush Hickethier, seven, tained possession of the ball, and after a Foeller, six and Seth Krueger, four.

30-second time-out by St. Croix Falls, the Nick Johnson led the Saints with 11, Eagles final play of the game ended as Zach Christensen, 10, Marcus Campbell, Brady Flaherty lofted the ball toward the nine, and Nate Gravesen and Jared Sprepaint. The ball was then tipped into the air iter each had six. by teammate Brady Turner, and with less

Defense is the key as Luck boys hold off Pirates Luck 43, Grantsburg 25

by Greg Marsten Leader staff writer GRANTSBURG – The Luck Cardinals boys basketball team fended off the hosting Grantsburg Pirates on Friday, Feb. 25, in spite of lackluster performances at times by both squads, and a punishing defense that kept the normally high-scoring Pirates to just 25 points total.

Both squads had their moments, but they were rare in the first half, when the Cards were held to just four points, with the Pirates garnering only six points. But the background on that score is intriguing since the Pirates were ahead, 6-0, when the Cards exploded at the end of the first quarter, going on a 13-0 run that went into the second quarter. The Pirates had a hard time getting anything to drop, and they only added another four points in the second frame, giving Luck a 19-10 lead at the half.

Part of the key for the Cards was to keep Pirate senior Trevor Thompson caged in, and it seemed to work, as he only tallied three points on the night.

Grantsburg tried desperately to get their offense going, but had just one 3pointer drop with 18 misses. They also shot just 11 of 48 from the field, and were no match for the Cards at the charity stripe, where they essentially won the game, going 19-22, compared to just 2-5 for the hosting Pirates.

“Our players responded by playing superb defense,” Luck head coach Rick

Pirates Trevor Thompson (left) and Seth Coy (No. 54) haul in a rebound together.

Luck senior Logan Hacker battles for room with Pirate sophomore Connor Myers. – Photos by Greg Marsten

Giller said after the 18-point win. “It was great way to finish the regular season.”

Luck leaders include Cole Mortel with 12 points and eight boards, followed by Logan Hacker with nine points. Other notables include seven points from Brady Klatt and Evan Armour, four points from Alec Mortel - with a solid 14 rebounds and two points each from Roger Steen and

John Denny.

Grantsburg notables include 11 points and six boards for Brent Myers, six points from Seth Coy, three points each from Thompson and Derek Bertelsen and two points from Connor Myers.

The Cards improved their final regular season record to 18-4, with a stellar 11-1 in West Lakeland Conference play. They are in the new Division 5, and have also earned a top seed and a first-round bye in the WIAA playoffs, playing the winner of Birchwood/Northwood on Friday, March 4, at home.

Mike Tesch of Frederic looks to shoot the ball under pressure by Elijah Hinze. – Photo

by Becky Amundson Grantsburg finished right on the Cards’ heels with an 8-4 conference record and a 17-5 overall mark. They also drew a firstround bye, theirs in Division 4, and play the winner of Glenwood City and Clear Lake on Friday, March 4 at home.

Siren 60, Frederic 29 FREDERIC – The Siren boys basketball team cruised with an easy win over the Vikings on Friday, Feb. 25. No game stats were available at press time.

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Pirates shut down Luck girls in second half

Grantsburg 63, Luck 56

by Greg Marsten Leader staff writer GRANTSBURG – The Grantsburg Pirate girls basketball team was able to keep the visiting Cardinals of Luck at bay on Friday, Feb. 25, winning 63-56 at home.

Both squads played close for much of the first half, but Luck had foul trouble from senior Morgan Denny, and her forced absence at both ends of the court was huge as the final first-half minutes waned. The end of the first half led to a dramatic, 11-0 Pirate offensive run - much from an injured Kortney Morrin - that the Cards were never able to overcome later.

“In the first half I thought we came out a little sluggish, defensively, and Luck executed nicely on the offensive end,” Pirate head coach Adam Hale said. “Kortney Morrin kept us in it by going five of five from 3-point range. She had an all-around terrific night also registering 10 rebounds and six assists.”

Luck head coach Marty Messar admitted as much, citing Morrin’s deep shots were “absolutely the key to the win.” Messar also said it was a different game without Denny, who finished with 15 rebounds on top of eight points. Messar also noted his team going from a threepoint lead to an eight-point deficit a few minutes later.

“I thought we could weather the storm,” Messar said. “Wrong!”

Both Hale and Messar also gave credit to Pirate junior Nicole McKenzie, who was dynamite inside and on both ends of the court.

“Inside, Nicole McKenzie was a force,” Hale said, noting her 14 points, eight rebounds and three blocked shots.

Luck’s scoring machine, Avery Steen, did her best to keep the trailing Cards in the hunt, but even her 31 points were not enough to overcome the Pirate machinery,

Grantsburg senior Haley Larson (left) drives upcourt with Cardinal sophomore Avery Steen following. – Photos by Greg Marsten

which kept the Cards at arm’s length for the second half, and held on for the sevenpoint win.

“Avery Steen was outstanding and no matter what we did defensively, we couldn’t slow her down.” Hale said.

Other Luck notables include eight points for Ashlyn Petersen, five points from Camille Marsten and two each for Maia Lehmann and Darian Ogilvie, with

six rebounds for Taylor Joy in the loss.

“I give a lot of credit to Coach Messar and the Luck girls,” Hale stated. “They battled hard all game and never let us extend the lead by more than a couple possessions.”

Pirate notables included 25 points for Morrin - including five first-half 3-pointers, 14 points for McKenzie, 11 points for Haley Larson, six for Samantha Schwieger

Grantsburg junior Nicole McKenzie (right) blocks a jump shot by Luck freshman Darian Ogilvie.

and five points from Lisa Gaffney, with two points from Liz Gaffney in the win.

Siren secures conference championship over Vikings Emery scores 42, breaks school record Siren 81, Frederic 32

by Marty Seeger Leader staff writer FREDERIC – The Siren Dragon girls basketball team steamrolled the Vikings on Friday, Feb. 25, securing their fifth consecutive conference title, while getting ready for another run in the playoffs.

“I hope we are peaking at the right time, but Guevara injured a knee Friday night and didn’t play Monday. So I have concern about that. With conference championship wrapped up and a firstround bye, we have some time to rest and heal,” said Siren coach Ryan Karsten.

Both Siren and Frederic could potentially meet again in the playoffs, but the Vikings will need to get through Birchwood and LCO or Northwood to do it.

Siren drew a No. 1 seed for the WIAA playoffs and will receive a first-round bye, before taking on the winner of Luck and Shell Lake. They will play their first playoff game on Friday, March 11, in Siren.

The Vikings have a No. 3 seed and will face Birchwood on Tuesday, March 8, at home. All playoff games begin at 7 p.m.

Siren will close out the regular season against Grantsburg this Thursday, March 3.

Siren has been exploding on offense over the past few games, and Carley Emery provided a huge spark last Friday against Frederic, scoring 42 points, which is a school record in girls basketball.

“Carley really played well in the gym over her career; she scored at Frederic 32, 18, 36 and 42. She averaged 32 points a game at Frederic. I don’t think they will mind seeing her graduating. I was really happy with the way our kids focused and played against the third-ranked team in

Vanessa Neumann tries to get a shot at the basket amid Siren defenders.

Brittany Coulter glides toward the basket against the Vikings on Friday, Feb. 25. – Photos by Becky Amundson

our conference, and it will take that kind of focus to beat the quality teams we will see in the playoffs,” Karsten said.

Emery hit 10 shots from beyond the arc including eight in the second half, where they managed to put the game out of reach from the Vikings.

Emery is closing on 2,000 career points, and with only 49 more to go she just may

hit that mark heading into the playoffs.

Others scoring for the Dragons included Ashley Guevara with 12, Daphne Hubbell, nine, Brittany Coulter and Liz Brown, five, Carly Good and Raven Emery each had three and Danielle Keller had two.

Vikings coach Troy Wink noted that his girls played strong throughout the game,

but had an up-and-down first half, starting strong defensively. The Vikings trailed by as much as 24-5 in the second quarter, but Jade Johnson heated up, scoring seven of the Vikings 13 points in the second, before suffering an injury late in the first half.

Johnson still led with nine points, Maria Miller, eight, Corissa Schmidt, six, Sam Nelson, five, and Vanessa Neumann, four.

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Saints defeat Eagles, lose starting guard to injury St. Croix Falls 46, Unity 25

by Marty Seeger Leader staff writer ST. CROIX FALLS – The Saints girls basketball team defeated the Eagles on Friday, Feb. 26, behind a solid defensive effort that rendered a scoreless third quarter for Unity.

It was a good first half for the Eagles, however, as they quickly shot out to a 4-0 lead, but an unfortunate turn for the Saints early in the game, as they lost starting point guard, Sarah Petznick, to an injury that took her out for the remainder of the game. Petznick suffered a torn ACL and will be out for the remainder of the season.

The Saints stepped up defensively after the Eagles early run, and held the Eagles scoreless for the remainder of the first quarter until Shay Nelson hit two points with seconds remaining and brought Unity to within one point after the first quarter.

The second quarter was a battle offensively for both teams but the score remained close, with each team taking the lead several times before the end of the first half. Brittany Thomfohrda hit a jumper at the buzzer for the Eagles to keep the score tied 16 at the half, but it was a very different Eagles team in the second half, particularly in the third quarter. The Eagles couldn’t seem to get their shots to fall and the Saints clicked offensively to build an 11-point lead heading into the fourth quarter, where they slowly pulled the game away for the eventual win.

Saints guard Sarah Petznick tore an ACL on Friday, Feb. 25, just minutes into the game against Unity. Petznick is out for the season. – Photos by Marty Seeger

The Saints had a mix of scoring with Sydney Geisness adding 14 points, Caitlyn Olson, 10, Alexis Erickson, eight, Natalie Sempf, six, and Madi Neumann, Taylor Orton, Jordan Johnson and Jessica Rademacher adding two points apiece.

Geisness and Erickson led in rebound-

ing with five apiece, and Sempf, Orton and Rademacher each had four rebounds.

Sempf also had seven steals and a block.

Crystal Donahue and Thomfohrda each had eight points for the Eagles. Hayla Bader had six, Nelson, two and Shauna Jorgenson added one.

Saints senior Rebecca Wampfler comes down with a rebound against Crystal Donahue of Unity.

Turtle Lake shuts down Cardinal girls in finale

Turtle Lake shuts down Cardinal girls in finale Turtle Lake 55, Luck 47

by Greg Marsten Leader staff writer TURTLE LAKE – The Turtle Lake Lakers girls basketball team finished off the Luck Cardinals regular season with a closely fought, 55-47 victory on Monday, Feb. 28, in part due to a flat start by the Cards in the first quarter where they were outscored, 15-4, and never really recovered.

“We started poorly,” Luck head coach Marty Messar stated bluntly. “We also played poorly to start the second half, giving up 22 points in the third quarter.”

In spite of the two difficult defensive periods, Luck was able to stay in the hunt until the end, and cut the Laker lead to just four points for a spell.

“But we failed to dig ourselves out of the hole we found ourselves in,” Messar said, who also noted his squad’s struggles at the free-throw line.

In spite of the big, early deficit, Luck outscored the Lakers 15-8 in the final quarter, and made it a contest as the Turtle Lake girls went into stall mode early in the final quarter, to protect their lead. The tactic worked and Luck fell by an eightpoint margin.

Luck had 27 points from Avery Steen in the loss, who had a thumb injury on her shooting hand and was still the high scorer. The Cards also had 10 points and nine boards from Morgan Denny in her final regular-season contest. Other notables for Luck included four points for Ashlyn Petersen, and two points for Darian Ogilvie, Taylor Joy and Camille Marsten. Marsten and Joy had eight and seven rebounds in the loss, respectively.

But few other Cardinals could make their court time count to stay with the athletic Lakers, who finished with a record just above .500 in the Central Lakeland.

The Cards finish the season with a 1012 overall record, but only 3-9 in conference play. They start their playoff run in

Luck’s Morgan Denny gets mobbed by Turtle Lake defenders on Monday, Feb. 28. – Photo by Jenna Clemenson

the new Division 5 next Tuesday at home against the Shell Lake Lakers - whom they beat solidly earlier this season - with the top-seeded Siren Dragons waiting for the winner later next week.

Webster 56, Cumberland 37 WEBSTER – The Webster Tiger girls exploded with a dominating, 56-37 victory over the Cumberland Beavers on Monday, Feb. 28, giving them a little boost as they close out their 2011 campaign.

The Tigers held the Beavers to just two first-quarter points, while scoring 21 of their own in the same period, stretching a lead that they never surrendered in the victory.

Webster had strong nights from several players, with Mary Johnson leading the way with 14 points, followed closely by

Michelle Gibbs’ 13 points. Shauna Rein added 10 points of her own, and Chelsea Larson contributed nine points to the victory.

The Tigers never trailed, and they never let up defensively, either, limiting the struggling Beaver squad to just seven freethrow attempts all night.

Cumberland senior Jamie Lundequam led all scorers with 18 points, but only four other Cumberland players scored at all.

Webster cruised to an easy victory in their last nonconference game of the regular season. Webster closes out their 20102011 campaign at home on Thursday against St. Croix Falls, who beat them in January by seven points. The Tigers record moves to 8-13 overall, with a 3-8 mark in West Lakeland play.

Siren 47, Northwestern 36 MAPLE – The Siren Dragon girls were able to fend off a late attack from the Northwestern Tigers on Monday, Feb. 28, winning 47-36 on the road, in a surprisingly close contest.

“They were much bigger and stronger than us,” stated Siren head coach Ryan Karsten. “I was happy with how it turned out.”

Siren kept a safe distance ahead from early on, but still only led by two points as the second quarter started. They stretched that lead slightly at the half, and never trailed. But neither team was all that proficient in their third-frame shooting, as the Tigers outscored the Dragons, 9-5, and got back within striking distance before the Dragons shut them down in the final quarter for the win.

Notables for Siren included 18 points for Carley Emery, who now needs just 49 points for the elusive 2,000-point mark for her career. Siren also had eight points from freshman Carly Good, who had some extra playing time with the absence of Ashley Guevara who was out with an injury. Abigail Mitchell started for Guevara and added six points, Raven Emery contributed five points, Daphne Hubbell added four points and sophomores Liz Brown and Brittany Coulter each tallied three points each.

In spite of not having defensive star Guevara in the lineup, Karsten was pleased with the performances of his players who filled the vacancies.

“I think Abby (Mitchell) and Carly (Good) both had really solid games for us,” he said, noting that while free-throw shooting left something to be desired, overall it was a solid evening. “I think we did very well against a much bigger, Division 3 team.”

The Dragons record goes to 19-2 overall, and they close out their regular season at second-place Grantsburg on Thursday, March 3. Siren will have an extra rest period, courtesy of their top seed in the playoffs and first-round bye. They will start the WIAA regional action at home against either Luck or Shell Lake next week.

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Boys regionals/continued

Frederic 54, Shell Lake 39 FREDERIC – The Vikings boys advanced to the second round of the WIAA regional basketball tournament on Tuesday, March 1, with a win over Shell Lake.

Frederic doesn’t have far to travel, as they take on Siren this Friday, March 4, in Siren beginning at 7 p.m.

The Vikings have been beaten twice by the Dragons already this season by scores of 49-28 and 60-29, but playoffs are a different animal, and Vikings coach Ryan Lind will have his team fired up and ready to roll, especially if they played with as much intensity as they did against Shell Lake.

“Yeah they played hard … so did Shell Lake for that matter … and I know they are looking forward to Friday,” Lind commented. “I thought Mike (Tesch) and Trae (Gehl) had solid games, and we were all glad to just get out of there with a win so we could play again. Our seniors have been positive leaders on and off the floor all year, and they continue to go out and play their hardest every night.”

Against Shell Lake, the Vikings were led

by Tesch with 16 points, while Gehl added 12, Waylon Buck, 11, Adam Chenal, seven, and Robert Kirk and Joe Draxler had four apiece.

A R E A Hacker’s Lanes

Sunday Youth (3 Games) Standings: Infinite 23, JDZ 15, Shooting Stars 10, Boss 10, The Three Amigos 10, Team Hambone 8, The Bowlers 8, Brothers & Arms 8.

Girls games: Corissa Schmidt (SS) 189, Lauren Domagala (SS) 138, Julia Owens (B) 118.

Girls series: Corissa Schmidt 491, Lauren Domagala 374, Julia Owens 341.

Boys games: Zach Schmidt (JDZ) 183, Austin Bruss (B) 172, Chris Hopp (I) 168.

Boys series: Austin Bruss (B) 486, Chris Hopp (I) 457, Zach Schmidt (JDZ) 452.

Team games: JDZ 489, Infinite 460, Shooting Stars 441.

Team series: Infinite 1333, Shooting Stars 1243, JDZ 1228.

Monday Afternoon Senior Mixed Standings: Vultures 24, The Bears 24, Eagles 22, Swans 18.5, Nite Hawks 16.5, Badgers 16, Cardinals 12, Zebras 11.

Women’s games: Lila Larson (B) 243, Bonnie Fjorden (C) 242, Joan Anderson (NH) & Cindy Tyler (TB) 235.

Women’s series: Cindy Tyler (TB) 674, Lila Larson (B) 669, Joan Anderson (NH) 647.

Men’s games: Max Simen (S) 260, Dale Johnson (V) 242, Dick Coen (NH) 238.

Men’s series: Dick Coen (NH) & Jack Buecksler (S) 671, Max Simen (S) & Dale Johnson (V) 655. Bill Cook (C) 646.

Team games: Vultures 909, Swans 872, Cardinals 859.

Team series: Vultures 2523, Nite Hawks 2521, Swans 2514.

Monday Night Ladies Standings: Mane Attractions 46.5, Hog Wild Gals 42, The Bottle Shop 39, House of Wood 33.5, Hacker’s Lanes 17, Bye 11.

Individual games: Karen Olsen (HL) 178, Jean Anderson (BS) 173, Barb Morgan (HWG) 169.

Individual series: Karen Olsen (HL) 485, Barb Morgan (HWG) 481, Linda Giller (HWG) 471.

Team games: Hog Wild Gals 597, House of Wood 569, The Bottle Shop 543.

Team series: Hog Wild Gals 1736, Hacker’s Lanes 1610, House of Wood 1598.

Tuesday Classic Standings: Yellow Lake Lodge 65.5, Bottle Shop 59.5, Great Northern Outdoors 55, SHWHORAW Co. 52.5, Pioneer Bar 42, Rural American Bank 37.5.

Individual games: Jake Anderson 236, Ed Bitler & Bryce Daeffler 235.

Individual series: Ed Bitler 657, Ron Skow 632, Kelsey Bazey 630.

Team games: Great Northern Outdoors 633, Bottle Shop 622, Yellow Lake Lodge 606.

Team series: Bottle Shop 1791, Great Northern Outdoors 1751, Yellow Lake Lodge 1735.

Games 50 or more above average: Jake Anderson 235 (+57).

Splits converted: 6-7-10: Dale Gregory.

2-4-10: Jon Anderson. 3-4-7-10: Jon Anderson, Tom Coen. 3-10: Ron Skow. 2-10:

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E A D E R

Mike Tesch goes in for a layup against the Lakers during the first round of the WIAA playoffs on Tuesday, March 1. – Photos by Larry Samson

B O W L I N G

Ed Bitler.

Wednesday Night Early Men’s Standings: Larsen Auto Center 25, Cummings Lumber 20, Skol Bar 17, Pioneer Bar 14, Lewis Silo 13, A-1 Machine 7.

Individual games: Curtis Renfroe (SB) & Oliver Baillargeon (A1) 221, Norm Hanson (A1) 218.

Individual series: Shawn Olson (LS) 615, Curtis Renfroe (SB) 593, Norm Hanson (A1) 587.

Team games: A-1 Machine 950, Pioneer Bar 930, Skol Bar 918.

Team series: A-1 Machine 2726, Pioneer Bar 2707, Lewis Silo 2575.

Thursday Late Standings: Stotz & Company 22, Johnson Upholstery 16, Hansen Farms Inc. 13, Fisk Trucking 12.5, Hog Wild BBQ & Grill 11.5.

Women’s games: Heather Wynn 132.

Women’s series: Heather Wynn 372.

Men’s games: Eugene Wynn Sr. & Eugene Wynn Jr. 226, Kenneth Hackett 219.

Men’s series: Eugene Wynn Jr. 640, Eugene Wynn Sr. 625, Kenneth Hackett 603.

Team games: Hansen Farms, Inc. 892, Stotz & Company 864, Johnson Upholstery 850.

Team series: Hansen Farms Inc. 2630, Johnson Upholstery 2468, Hog Wild BBQ & Grill 2446.

Friday Night Ladies Standings: The Leader 46, The Pin Heads 37, The Dozers 36, Frederic Design 28, Pioneer Bar 28, Junque Art 24, Meyer’s Plus 17.

Individual games: Cindy Denn 208, Terri Pearson 197, Sheila Hansen 191.

Individual series: Cindy Denn 528, Sheila Hansen 496, Kathy Underwood 485.

Team games: The Leader 700, The Pin Heads 604, The Dozers 568.

Team series: The Leader 1880, The Pin Heads 1734, The Dozers 1678.

Games 50 or more above average: Terri Pearson, Paula Maslow, Cindy Denn.

Sheila Hanson.

Splits converted: 5-6: Myrna Magnuson.

5-8-10: Gail Linke.

McKenzie Lanes

Monday Night Madness Standings: Pepie’s Gals 52, Triple Threat 40, Eagle Lounge 38, Mishaps 34, McKenzie Lanes 34, Alleycats 32, Scottay’s Trucking 32, Radio Shack 24.

Individual games: Debbie Swanson 214, Nichole Reed 187, Cathy Albrecht 172.

Individual series: Debbie Swanson 522, Cathy Albrecht 454, Denise Johnston 437.

Team games (Handicap): Triple Threat 638, Mishaps 615.

Team series (Handicap): Alleycats 1769, Pepie’s Gals 1755.

Monday Night Ladies Standings: Sam’s Carpentry 27, McKenzie Lanes 20.5, Wolf Creek Log Furniture 19.5, Metal Products 18, Milltown Appliance 16.5, Edina Divas 15.5, Bogus Pumpkins 5.5, Frederic Truck 5.5.

Individual games: Kathy McKenzie 215,

Toni Sloper & Yvonne Snyder 201.

Individual series: Cindy Castellano 569, Toni Sloper 549, Donna Petersen 547.

Team games (Handicap): McKenzie Lanes 838.

Team series (Handicap): Metal Products 2434.

Tuesday Early Mixed Standings: The New Comers 68, Lemon Heads 64.5, What the Ek 64, Mom’s Boys 58.5, Lane Crashers 58, Jim’s Flooring 55, Lamar Stars 55, Bye 0.

Women’s games: Brenda Lehmann 171, Linda Bringgold 167, Barb Palmier 157.

Women’s series: Brenda Lehmann 460, Barb Palmier 430, Linda Larson 426.

Men’s games: Blake Fleming 235, Kevin Ek 234, Jeff Lehmann 226.

Men’s series: Kevin Ek 657, Jeff Lehmann 623, Blake Frenning 578.

Team games: What the Ek 585.

Team series: What the Ek 1538.

Tuesday Women’s Standings: Tomlinson Insurance 113, Hauge Dental 105.5, Kassel Tap 100, Custom Outfitter 90, LC’s Gals 89.5, Gutter Dusters 88.5, Country Gals 85.5, Cutting Edge Pro 76.

Individual games: Jane Smith 224, Toni Sloper 213, Cindy Castellano 201.

Individual series: Cindy Castellano 565, Shirley Wilson 552, Audrey Ruck 536.

Team games (Handicap): Kassel Tap 870, LC’s Gals 813, Tomlinson Insurance 810.

Team series (Handicap): Kassel Tap 2466, Tomlinson Insurance 2360, Country Gals 2296.

Tuesday Night Men’s Standings: Steve’s Appliance 98.5, The Cobbler Shop 92.5, Hack’s Pub 92.5, McKenzie Lanes 89.5, Dream Lawn 80.5, The Dugout 67.5, Nel-Lo-Hill Farm 60.5, Centurview Park 58.5.

Individual games: Norm Hansen 257, Craig Willert 255, Rick Fox 254.

Individual series: Mark Kamish 685, Norm Hansen 667, Randie Gustafson 636.

Team games (Handicap): The Cobbler Shop 1314.

Team series (Handicap): McKenzie Lanes 3522.

Wednesday Early League Mixed Standings: Cutting Edge 60, Holiday StationStore 47, Pro Fab 45, Hack’s Pub 44, Suzie Q’s 38, Top Spot 36, Amrhien Paint-

P O R T S

Viking senior Joe Draxler takes a shot over a Shell Lake defender.

R E S U LT S ing 32, Bye 18.

Women’s games: Justine Melin 189, Dixie Runberg 179, Janice Fox & Patty Walker 167.

Women’s series: Justine Melin 489, Dixie Runberg 473, Janice Fox 459.

Men’s games: Cody Korsan 220, Merlin Fox 212, Mike Welling 209.

Men’s series: Ricky Fox 568, Cody Korsan 565, Mike Welling 559.

Team games (Handicap): Cutting Edge 709.

Team series (Handicap): Cutting Edge 1968.

Wednesday Night Men’s Standings: McKenzie Lanes 46, Dalles Electrical 44, Davy’s Construction 42, Tiger Express 32, Harvest Moon 29, Hanjo Farms 26, Edina Realty 19, Reed’s Marina 18.

Individual games: Carl Hetfeld 278, Bob Carey 266, Darren McKenzie 249.

Individual series: Darren McKenzie 693, Daryn Sylvester 682, Bob Carey 669.

Team games (Handicap): McKenzie Lanes 1052, Davy’s Construction 1047.

Team series (Handicap): Davy’s Construction 3057, Tiger Express 2985.

Thursday Night Ladies Standings: Hauge Dental 51, Hack’s Pub 48.5, Cutting Edge Pro 41, Bont Chiropractic 39, Eagle Valley Bank 39, RiverBank 36.5, Truhlsen Chiropractic 33, KJ’s 32.

Individual games: Annette Norlander 224, Mjo Hacker 222, Carrie Schultz 221.

Individual series: Mjo Hacker 584, Carrie Schultz 553, Jen Whelan 550.

Team games: Hack’s Pub 829, RiverBank 829, Cutting Edge Pro 819.

Team series: Hack’s Pub 2438, Cutting Edge Pro 2395, Bont Chiropractic 2371.

Black & Orange

Early Birds Standings: Yellow River Saloon 30-10, The Tap 22-18, Black & Orange 16-24, Gandy Dancer Saloon 12-28.

Individual games: Kay Casey (YRS) 171, Gayle Naegeli (B&O) 168, Lynn Toivola (T) 160.

Individual series: Kay Casey (YRS) 462, Lynn Toivola (T) 458, Gayle Naegeli (B&O) 428.

Team games: Yellow River Saloon 865, Black & Orange 832, The Tap 821.

Team series: Yellow River Saloon 2478, The Tap 2411, Black & Orange 2348.

Games 50 or more above average: Gayle Naegeli 168 (+52).

Monday Night Standings: Glass & Mirror Works 33-3, Larry’s LP 17-19, Black & Orange 14-22, Pope’s Construction 8-28.

Individual games: Josh Johnson (L) 236, Tyler Pope (PC) & Breck Eytcheson (G&MW) 233, Curt Phelps (G&MW) 206.

Individual series: Mike Zajac (G&MW) 571, Breck Eytcheson (G&MW) 570, Curt Phelps (G&MW) 556.

Team games: Glass & Mirror Works 971, Larry’s LP 961, Black & Orange 921.

Team series: Glass & Mirror Works 2828,

Larry’s LP 2712, Black & Orange 2618.

Games 50 or more above average: Tyler Pope 233 (+88); Josh Johnson 236 (+69); Breck Eytcheson 233 (+69).

TNT Standings: Flower Power 18-14, Cashco 16-16, Larry’s LP 15-17, Black & Orange 15-17.

Individual games: Jennifer Kern (L) 195, Cheryl Scallon (C) 176, Mary Ellen Smith (C) 168.

Individual series: Jennifer Kern (L) 520, Cheryl Scallon (C) 483, Mary Ellen Smith (C) 478.

Team games: Cashco 878, Black & Orange 853, Larry’s LP 818.

Team series: Cashco 2526, Black & Orange 2456, Flower Power 2377.

Wednesday Night Standings: Lions 26-10, Black & Orange 23-13, Cashco 22-14, Northview Drive Inn 18-18, 10th Hole 13-23, Vacant 6-30.

Individual games: Art Bliven (L) 217, Mike Young (NDI) 213, Ron Dildine (10th) 212.

Individual series: Art Bliven (L) 593, Mike Young (NDI) 555, Josh Johnson (L) 526.

Team games: Lions 967, 10th Hole 939, Northview Drive Inn 928.

Team series: Lions 2863, 10th Hole 2752, Black & Orange 2658.

Games 50 or more above average: Norm Bickford 194 (+69); Ron Dildine 212 (+67).

Series 100 or more above average: Norm Bickford 490 (+115).

Thursday Night Ladies Standings: Webster Motel 48.5-35.5, Lip’s 45.5-38.5, Pour House 39-45, Vacant 35-49.

Individual games: Christine Arntson (WM) 173, Daphne Churchill (L) 168, Tooter Barnes (PH) 159.

Individual series: Christine Arntson (WM) 461, Shaurette Reynolds (L) 434, Daphne Churchill (L) 429.

Team games: Lip’s 691, Webster Motel 689, Pour House 662.

Team series: Lip’s 1973, Webster Motel 1952, Pour House 1869.

Splits converted: 7-9: Christine Arntson.

Denny’s Downtown Lanes

Sunday Afternoon Mixed Standings: Spare Us 47, 3-M’s 39, George’s Angels 36, Team Siren 34.5, Bye 29, The Pacifiers 24.5.

Women’s games: “Trouble” Barfknecht 179, Ernie Meyer & Bea Moyer 159.

Women’s series: Ernie Meyer 437, “Trouble” Barfknecht 416.

Men’s games: Jim Loomis 183 (x2).

Men’s series: Jim Loomis 537, Jamie Meir 480.

Team games: George’s Angels 464, Spare Us 457.

Team series: Spare Us 1331, George’s Angels 1239.

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Knights of Columbus free-throw contest winners

The Knights of Columbus salute the District 87 free-throw winners from area councils in the Frederic, Webster, Balsam Lake and Spooner area. The students will compete in the diocesan competition Saturday, March 5, in Ladysmith, and those winners will advance to the state level.

The district competition was hosted by the Frederic Council at Siren School on Saturday, Feb. 26, under the direction of Mike Murphy. Winning girls by age and council are (L to R): Lara Harlander, 14, Frederic; Christina Weis, 13, Webster; Aubre Larson, 12, Frederic; Jasmine Beebe, 11, Spooner and Summer Marske, 10, Spooner. – Photos by Willis McLain

Bulldogs take third

The Burnett County Bulldog Wrestlers took third place as a team at the Superior Wrestling Tournment. Pictured Front row, (L to R): Jason Peterson, Terrance Spears, Taedon Nichols, Mitchell Daniels, Vinton Cracker and Hunter Sellant. Back row: Tony Britton, Dakota Schultz, Tristan Brewer and Cole Britton. – Photo submitted

LEADER SPORTS SCOREBOARD BOYS BASKETBALL

West Lakeland Standings Team Conf. Overall Luck Cardinals 11-1 18-4 Grantsburg Pirates 8-4 17-5 Unity Eagles 8-4 16-6 Webster Tigers 8-4 16-7 Siren Dragons 5-7 15-8 Frederic Vikings 2-10 8-15 St. Croix Falls Saints 0-12 2-18 Scores Friday, February 25 Unity 44, St. Croix Falls 42 Siren 60, Frederic 29 Luck 43, Grantsburg 25 Tuesday, March 1 (First Round Regional) Frederic 54, Shell Lake 39 Siren 77, Lac Courte Oreilles 19 Webster 56, Boyceville 40 St. Croix Central 54, St. Croix Falls 46 Upcoming Friday, March 4 (Regional Semifinals) 7 p.m.

Northwood at Luck Frederic at Siren Clear Lake at Grantsburg Webster at Spring Valley Somerset at Unity Saturday, March 5 (Regional Finals) TBD

Visit

www.wissports.net

for local scores and stats

GIRLS BASKETBALL

West Lakeland Standings Team Conf. Overall Siren Dragons 10-1 19-2 Grantsburg Pirates 8-3 14-6 St. Croix Falls Saints 6-5 13-6 Frederic Vikings 6-5 13-7 Unity Eagles 3-8 10-11 Webster Tigers 3-8 8-13 Luck Cardinals 3-9 10-12 Scores Friday, February 25 Grantsburg 63, Luck 56 Siren 81, Frederic 32 St. Croix Falls 46, Unity 25 Monday, February 28 Clayton 52, Unity 51 Siren 47, Northwestern 36 Turtle Lake 55, Luck 47 Webster 56, Cumberland 37 Upcoming Thursday, March 3 7:30 p.m. Siren at Grantsburg Frederic at Unity St. Croix Falls at Webster Tuesday, March 8 (First Round Regionals) 7 p.m.

Shell Lake at Luck Birchwood at Frederic Webster at Glenwood City St. Croix Central at St. Croix Falls Unity at Osceola

GYMNASTICS

Upcoming Friday, March 4 (State Meet) 5:15 p.m. March in at Wisconsin Rapids Saturday, March 5 (State Meet) 10:40 a.m. March in at Wisconsin Rapids

Winning boys by age and council from the district free-throw contest Feb. 26 include (L to R): John Dalsveen, 14, Frederic; Cole Ousterhues, 13, Spooner; Aaron Ruud, 12, Frederic; Ben Lemieaux, 11, Frederic; and Beau Brenizer, 10, Frederic.

Cardinal boys cap off successful JV season

The Luck JV basketball team completed their season with a 20-2 record under coach Alan Tomlinson. The team went undefeated in conference play with a record of 12-0. Pictured front row (L to R): Logan Hamack, Brody Kunze and Dylan LeMay. Back row: Jesse Renecke, B.J. Fenning, Jon Denny, Karsten Petersen, Kyle Hunter and Jan Rozumalski. – Photo submitted

Luck fifth grade goes undefeated The Luck fifthgrade basketball team went undefeated this season with a record of 130. Pictured back row, (L to R): Jonah Tretsven, Michael Delaney, coach Kyle Johansen and Payton Ellefson. Front row: Gage Johansen, Jack Johansen and Eli Dikkers. Not pictured: Cashton Ellefson and Beau Brenizer. – Photo submitted

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MARCH 2, 2011 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 23

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

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

Trout season could be a good one

Even as ice fishing remains alive and well in the angling world, there’s a significant tug at the brain that eventually leads me toward the stream this time of year. On Saturday, March 5, beginning at 5 Marty a.m., the early catchand-release trout seaSeeger son is set to begin on most inland streams, and the fishing could The be better than ever acBottom cording to the DNR, who says there are curLine rently 10,631 miles of trout streams in Wisconsin. The number of trout has also increased in some streams.

“Trout abundance is at or near all-time highs on most waters in western Wisconsin,” stated Heath Benike in a recent DNR press release. Benike is the fish manager for Barron and Polk counties. “Several good year classes are recruiting into area trout fisheries and fishing should be good to excellent on many local waters.”

A recent analysis by UW-Stevens Point seems to prove that point, as it shows that trout populations since 1950 have grown, or at least continued to improve statewide, including the size of the fish being caught. The catch-and-release ethic has grown among anglers, which may be a contribution to the success of the trout in Wisconsin, but the exact reason as to why the numbers have increased isn’t clear according to those working with the UW-Stevens Point analysis.

There are still a number of anglers out there, including myself, who’d rather come home with a creel full of fresh brook trout for the grill on most troutfishing excursions, but regulations have changed quite a bit from what they used to be. For example, the Hay River in Barron County, which is where I’ve spent a good number of hours trout fishing in the

The inland trout season officially begins this weekend, with the early catchand-release season which runs from Saturday, March 5, beginning at 5 a.m., to Sunday, May 1, at midnight. This chunky brook trout was caught during the catch-and-release season last year. – File photo by Marty Seeger past, has gone from a daily bag of five guaranteed a meal of fish to bring home – trout, (brookies or browns) measuring 7 with the right fishing conditions. inches or more, to a one-fish daily bag There are a handful of anglers who limit, with a size limit of 15 or more voiced their opposition to the change in inches. To be honest, I’ve never caught a the possession and the size limit, but 15-inch fish from that river. They do exist, streams still exist nearby, and in neighbut it’s comparable to catching a 33-inch, boring counties, where anglers still have 13-pound walleye on a lake in Polk or a good opportunity to bring home some Burnett County. nice trout from 7 inches and up when anI’d like to think my odds of catching a glers can finally keep trout when the sea15-inch fish or better in the next few years son opens in May. will increase, but I’m going to miss the Just remember to bring your trout regdays of being able to visit one of my se- ulations guidebook, and be sure to ask cret fishing holes that almost always permission from a landowner before at-

Deer management unit information forums to be held around state

MADISON – A series of deer management public information forums are scheduled across the state in March.

These forums are for anyone interested in deer and the most up-to-date deer management unit information.

Topics will include 2010 harvest summaries and recommendations for 2011 season frameworks, increasing hunter survey participation and new deer research progress. Local wildlife biologists will be on hand at each meeting to provide information on local deer management units and answer questions.

The meetings are intended to share information with the public about Wisconsin deer management and how it is applied in the local areas where they live, hunt or farm.

The local wildlife biologist will provide a brief presentation followed by a question-and-answer period. Some meetings may also have an open house format, allowing attendees to stop in anytime during the scheduled time.

People are encouraged to attend the meetings that cover the deer management units they are interested in, but are

welcome to attend any of the meetings.

People who are unable to attend any of the forums also have an opportunity to discuss the units with DNR wildlife staff at the Wisconsin Sport Show in Eau Claire, the Deer and Turkey Expo in Madison, the Wisconsin Deer Classic and Hunting Expo in Green Bay, and the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Sports Show in West Allis.

Those interested in deer management units 10 and 16 in Burnett County should attend the meeting at the Crex Meadows Wildlife Education and Visitors Center in Grantsburg on Thursday, March 10, beginning at 6 p.m. Contact Steve Hoffman for more information at 715-463-2896.

A meeting focusing on Barron and Polk County DMUs 10, 15, 16, 21, 22, 22A and 23 will be held on Monday, March 14, beginning at 7 p.m. at the Turtle Lake High School Library. For more information contact Kevin Morgan at 715-637-6867 or Michelle Carlisle, 715554-1728. – from the DNR

tempting to fish streams that are bordered by private land. State lands, however, tend to have generally easy access and can yield some pretty successful fishing opportunities as well, and these are the areas where our trout stamp monies are being used, so its worth giving them a try too.

The early catch-and-release trout season may actually get off to a slow start this year, due to the abundant snow cover and cold temperatures. The DNR says the best times to fish are during the warmest parts of the day, between noon and 4 p.m.

As temperatures begin to climb, so will the depth of streams and rivers, which will ultimately dictate how successful a day will be. Trout can be very active this time of year, especially when the snow melts into April and waters begin to lower again.

Only artificial lures may be used during the catch-and-release season, but anglers may use barbed hooks this year, which still doesn’t make much sense, considering barbless hooks seem safer and it’s much easier to make a quick release, which is what you’re required to do anyway.

If you’re not the fly-fishing type, the pole you use for bluegills in the summer, and Mepps spinner or Panther Martin work great in the one-eighth– to onefourth-ounce weight. It’s always nice to have an assortment of colors and sizes, since streams and rivers differ significantly. Plus, snags can be a common theme, and it’s a good chance you could lose a few lures in your attempt to pinpoint a cast in the right location.

If there’s one bonus to the catch-and-release trout-fishing season, it’s that you rarely see any other anglers on the water.

There are many times where trout are difficult to find or even get to, depending on weather conditions, but you can hit the jackpot when the right weather conditions present themselves. If you have any questions regarding regulations for early trout season, or where to go, the DNR Web site has a treasure trove of information and maps that can point you in the right direction at www.dnr.state.wi.us/.

Special speaker series at Crex Meadows

GRANTSBURG - Crex Meadows Wildlife Area has a new series. Every month Crex will have an expert who specializes in a natural resources related field give a presentation. On Monday, March 14, from 7 to 8 p.m., Matt Berg will give a

presentation on golden-winged warblers at the Crex Meadows Wildlife Center. Future presentations will include topics such as furbearers, wolves, fish, plants, birds and hiking. Cost is free. – submitted

Game fish season ending soon

John Dahlberg hauled in this 34-inch northern pike recently, which weighed over 10 pounds. There’s still a little time to reel in those pike, walleye and bass, but the inland game fish season closes on most inland Wisconsin waters on Sunday, March 6. – Photo by Priscilla Bauer

PAGE 24 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - MARCH 2, 2011

•Area news at a glance •

Choking man saved SUPERIOR - A Superior man in his early 80s who choked on a piece of meat and temporarily stopped breathing at a Superior restaurant Thursday evening, Feb. 24, had luck on his side. Among the bystanders who rendered aid to the man were two soldiers with the 950th Clearance Company, of Superior and Spooner.

According to the Superior Fire Department, firefighters were called at 6:46 p.m., about a man choking on a piece of steak at Barker’s Island Inn. But before firefighters arrived, he had stopped breathing, Superior Fire Battalion Chief Steve Edwards said. “Bystanders then performed the Heimlich maneuver and got the steak out,” he said. Gerald Olson and Robert Fonger of Superior Water, Light and Power performed the Heimlich maneuver and performed CPR on the choking gentleman, which saved his life, said Debra Noble-Olson, who witnessed the event.

Cpl. Bradley Ingalls, an engineer with the Wisconsin National Guard unit that returned to Superior just two hours earlier, said he ran into the restaurant as two other people, Olson and Fonger, were performing CPR on the man after they were able to dislodge the meat. He said he knelt down by the man whose pulse was racing.

He was still gasping for air. - Superior Telegram Breaks into restaurant for food ST. CLOUD, Minn. - A St. Cloud man broke into a restaurant, where he is an employee, on Friday and tried to make himself some chicken wings. According to police, 21-year-old Michael Mogen of St. Cloud broke into the Pizza Hut that he works at, on Friday, Feb. 25. The alarm was set off, and when police arrived they found the back door open. They found Mogen inside of the Pizza Hut trying to fry some chicken wings. Mogen also threw marinara sauce on the wall. He then registered a 0.22 blood-alcohol content, almost three times the legal limit to drive.

Mogen was taken to the Stearns County Jail where he was held on suspicion of third-degree burglary. - redrockonair.com

County employee raises set BARRON COUNTY - Barron County nonunion employees will get a 1-percent raise on March 1 and a 1-percent raise on Oct. 1 in the second year of their two-year contract with the county. As with last year, the county will pay 90 percent of the medical insurance premium rates for nonunion as well as union employees in 2011. In 2009, nonunion employees saw a 2-percent raise on the first day of the year and a 1-percent raise on July 1. The highest nonunion salary paid in the county was frozen for 2010 and 2011. That would be county attorney John Muench’s salary at $107,370. Muench also serves as child support director under that salary. The next highest paid salary is Department of Health and Human Services Director Judy Demers at $92,823 on March 1 and $93,751 Oct. 1. Highway Commissioner Mark Servi will make $78,046 March 1 and $78,826 Oct. 2. Technology Director Mark Koenecke will earn $74,080 and $74,821, respectively. Human Resources Director Rachael Richie will make $73,551 March 1 and $74,287 Oct. 1. Behavioral Health Program manager David Hensley’s salary is $71,000 beginning March 1 with no additional increase this year. On the lower end of the spectrum, county Administrator Jeff French’s administrative assistant will make $40,653 March 1 and $41,060 Oct. 1.

Under the hourly rate, the jail nutrition head cook will make $15.74 per hour March 1 and $15.90 per hour Oct. 1. A cook’s helper will earn $8.89 per hour and $8.98 per hour, respectively. - Rice Lake Chronotype

Hit and run suspected in skier’s death ASHLAND - A cross-country skier was found dead on the ice of Chequamegon Bay on Sunday morning, Feb. 20, and evidence on the scene leads authorities to be-

lieve the man was struck by a vehicle traveling on an ice trail from Washburn toward Ashland. The skier, whose name has not yet been released, was discovered by a snowmobiler early Sunday morning on a trail that had been used for the Book Across the Bay ski race on Saturday night.

Investigators from the Bayfield County Sheriff’s Office say they believe the man left Washburn sometime after the race ended and was skiing to Ashland. The skier is not believed to have participated in the actual race, according to a news release. He apparently was in Washburn during activities at the end of the race and then sought to ski back to Ashland via the race route. An Ashland man turned himself in to authorities at the Bayfield County Sheriff’s Office on Sunday morning, identifying himself as the driver of the vehicle that reportedly struck the skier.

A passenger in the vehicle also reportedly witnessed the accident. While the name of the victim will not be released until family members have been notified, an incident report indicated he is not from the area but had recently attended college in the area. - Superior Telegram

Investigation comes to an end BLOOMER - The Bloomer Police Commission voted 5-0 Thursday, Feb. 10, to accept the findings by the commission’s attorney, Tim O’Brien, in the investigation into the complaint filed by Darla Butterfield that Bloomer Police Chief Richard Carr engaged in harassment of her and her family. Unfortunately for Butterfield, the findings of the investigation did not arrive in the mail until the day after the commission’s meeting. Butterfield spoke during the commission’s public comments, telling the commission that the police department needs to do a better job of record keeping and that a policy is needed for logging complaints. She added that complaints should be filed with the police department, not city hall. The commission then went into closed session for almost

20 minutes, reconvened into open session and then voted on the investigation into Butterfield’s claim. - Bloomer Advance (see badvance.com for rest of story)

Nelson pleads not guilty RICE LAKE – A former local school official was arraigned Tuesday, Feb. 15, and pleaded not guilty to trying to solicit sex from a minor. Christopher J. Nelson, 58, appeared in Milwaukee County Circuit Court Tuesday where he waived his right to a preliminary hearing on a felony charge of using a computer to facilitate a child sex crime. Judge Dennis Cimpl found sufficient evidence to continue the case, and Nelson was arraigned and entered a plea of not guilty. A scheduling conference is scheduled for Friday, Feb. 25. Nelson was Weyerhaeuser School District superintendant and is the New Holstein School District administrator. He was arrested in Milwaukee Jan. 19 while attending a school board convention. Nelson allegedly arranged over the Internet a sexual encounter with a 15-year-old boy, who was actually an undercover investigator. Earlier this month, Cimpl found that Nelson was eligible for appointment of counsel at county expense. A lien was placed against Nelson’s retirement account for reimbursement to the county.

Nelson’s salary and benefits as New Holstein School District administrator is $140,000. Rice Lake Public Defender John Hinde explained that a person who does not qualify as indigent and, therefore, is not eligible for a public defender may qualify under law for a county attorney.

“It is designed for someone who doesn’t qualify for indigency but who needs a lawyer now and can’t pay a retainer for one but will compensate for it,” Hinde said. Hinde said each county evaluates eligibility differently. Judges look at income, assets, expenses and any money left over to hire an attorney, he said. - Rice Lake Chronotype

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MARCH 2, 2011 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 25

Burnett County circuit court

Jeremy S. Anderson, Webster, operating motor vehicle w/o proof of insurance, $10.00.

Gail M. Bearhart, Danbury, operating while revoked, not guilty plea.

Brianna L. Bearheart, Webster, underage drinking-possess 17-20, alcohol assessment, $263.50; operate w/o valid license, $200.50.

Nathan T. Beckman, Plymouth, Minn., speeding, $175.30.

Hannah M. Belland, Rice Lake, underage drinking-possess 17-20, not guilty plea.

Elijah Benjamin, Sandstone, Minn., drink open intoxicants in MV, $200.50.

Shelby J. Benjamin, Webster, underage drinking-possess 17-20, not guilty plea.

Joshua M. Bentley, Siren, operating motor vehicle w/o proof of insurance, $10.00.

Christian J. Berchild, Superior, speeding, $175.30.

Denise M. Berg, Frederic, seat belt violation, $10.00.

Jan S. Berghoff, Shorewood, Minn., speeding, $200.50.

Jolene M. Bildeau, Webster, operating while suspended, not guilty plea.

Paul M. Bjerke, Siren, fail to stop/improper stop at stop sign, $175.30.

Angela R. Bonander, Grantsburg, operating motor vehicle w/o proof of insurance, $10.00.

Jacenta L. Boser, St. Cloud, Minn., speeding, $250.90.

Samir Bouzrara, St. Louis Pak, Minn., operating motor vehicle w/o proof of insurance, $10.00; speeding, $175.30.

Craig E. Bowman, Grantsburg, speeding, $200.50.

Patrick H. Brautigan, Pine City, Minn., operate snowmobile w/o trail sticker, $200.50.

Ryan J. Brodsky, Bloomington, Minn., speeding, $200.50; operating motor vehicle w/o proof of insurance, $10.00.

Lana J. Burns, Ashland, speeding, $175.30.

Scott T. Carpenter, Albany, Ore., speeding, $175.30.

Arnold J. Chandler, Grantsburg, operating motor vehicle w/o proof of insurance, $10.00.

Adrian N. Chicoine, Ramsey, Minn., speeding, $175.30.

Nicolas A. Christenson, Grantsburg, OWI; operating w/PAC, not guilty pleas.

Daniel C. Christopherson, Oakdale, Minn., operate snowmobile w/o trail sticker, $200.50.

Maria L. Dearbin, Webster, operating while revoked, not guilty plea.

Susan M. Deblase, Danbury, operate with restricted controlled substance, not guilty plea.

Mitchell A. Derrick, Dresser, operate w/o valid license, $200.50.

Heidi M. Distel, Blaine, Minn., speeding, $175.30.

Jamie R. Donaldson, Minnetonka, Minn., speeding; operating a motor vehicle w/o insurance, not guilty pleas.

Keith Duffee, Turtle Lake, construct bldg. w/o permit, $263.50.

Jacqueline D. Duncan, Webster, underage drinking-possess 17-20; speeding twice, not guilty pleas.

Mark Q. Engdahl, Inver Grove Heights, Minn., speeding, $175.30.

Kari A. Ervin, Edina, Minn., speeding, $175.30.

Terry R. Fish, Webster, operating while revoked; fail/stop at stop sign, not guilty pleas.

Cole J. Fornengo, Danbury, operating motor vehicle w/o proof of insurance, $10.00.

Thomas W. Frankot, Superior, operating while suspended, $200.50; nonregistration of auto, etc., $175.30.

Reid A. Fry, Grantsburg, seat belt violation, $10.00; unsafe lane deviation, $175.30.

Kelly R. Gardner, Siren, seat belt violation, $10.00.

Michael B. Gensmer, Ham Lake, Minn., perate snowmobile w/o trail sticker, $200.50.

Richard E. Georgeson, Crystal, Minn., illegal snowmobile operation on highway; operate snowmobile at unreasonable speed, not guilty pleas.

Dylan A. Geske, Siren, seat belt violation, $10.00.

Craig D. Gillespie, Columbus, Minn., speeding, $175.30.

Christopher G. Glonek, Grantsburg, operating while revoked; seat belt violation, not guilty pleas.

Daniel Goodremote, Grantsburg, vehicle restriction on private property, not guilty plea.

Anastasia M. Groat, Springbrook, seat belt violation, $10.00.

James K. Halvorson, Grantsburg, discharge firearm from/across highway, $217.90.

Steven K. Halvorson, Grantsburg, discharge firearm from/across highway, $217.90; load/discharge firearm in/from a vehicle, $258.10.

Frank C. Hamer, Shell Lake, operating while suspended, not guilty plea.

Anthony S. Hanson, Siren, seat belt violation, $10.00.

Jacob R. Haw, Otsego, Minn., operate snowmobile w/o trail sticker, $200.50.

James M. Heidenreich, Minong, operate w/o valid license, not guilty plea.

Shane J. Hennessey, Grantsburg, speeding, $175.30.

Jeremy M. Hollis, Webster, seat belt violation, $10.00.

Patricia A. Hopkins, Webster, inattentive driving; possess open intoxicants in MV; OWI; operating w/PAC; operating while revoked, not guilty pleas.

Jean M. Hummel, Minneapolis, Minn., operate snowmobilefail/comply signs, not guilty plea.

Bernard J. Stachowski Jr., 79, Grantsburg Township, Feb. 3.

Emma J. Torfin, 80, Oakland, Jan. 30.

Elroy M. Nelson, 70, Siren Village, Jan. 18.

Leonard J. Fossum, 85, Webster, Feb. 13.

Carl K. Meister, Webb Lake, and Barbara L. Zibell, Meenon, Feb. 14.

Richard M. Bell, Meenon, and Janet C. Britnell, Meenon, Feb. 17.

Derek J. Eisenbraun, Trade Lake, and Laura E. Merrifield, Trade Lake, Feb. 17.

Thomas D. Johnson, Cloquet, Minn., and Brittany J. Anderson, Cloquet, Minn., Feb. 23.

Lee A. Hawkins, Webster, and Elaine B. Vogelpohl, Webster, Feb. 24.

Fia Card Services, vs. Jean M. Didier, Webster, $3,184.13.

Capital One Bank, vs. Nancy A. Melton, Shell Lake, $1,331.32.

Capital One Bank vs.

Catherine R. Schultz, Shell Lake, $1,388.20.

Capital One Bank vs. Erica Gustafson, Webster, $2,047.18.

Benjamin G. Anderson, 24, Frederic, warrant - failure to appear, Feb. 23.

Jolene M. Bildeau, 26, Webster, warrant - failure to appear, Feb. 23.

Andrew R. Cameron, 24, Spooner, arrest warrant - complaint, Feb. 25.

Bruce E. Erichsen, no date of birth given, no address given, warrant - failure to appear, Feb. 24.

Lester Gates, no date of birth given, Spooner, warrant - failure to appear, Feb. 22.

Lisa L. Haler, 29, Pine City, Minn., warrant - failure to appear, Feb. 23.

Gary L. Larson, 53, Grantsburg, warrant - failure to appear, Feb. 23.

Sherry A. Mesecher, 41, Grantsburg, arrest warrant complaint, Feb. 24.

Gale A. Rachuy, 60, Duluth, Minn., warrant - failure to appear, Feb. 23.

Joe Ritchey, 38, Maplewood, Minn., warrant - failure to appear, Feb. 23.

Rhonda J. Taylor, 24, Webster, warrant - failure to appear, Feb. 23.

Jared L. Westbrook, 26, Luck, warrant - failure to appear, Feb. 22.

Alan E. Huro, Grantsburg, operating motor vehicle w/o proof of insurance, $10.00.

Blake R. Jedneak, North Branch, Minn., operate snowmobile w/o trail sticker, not guilty plea.

Valerie C. Jensen, Grantsburg, operating while suspended, not guilty plea.

Neal H. Johnson, Edina, Minn., seat belt violation, $10.00.

Nicholas J. Johnson, Rice Lake, operating while suspended; failure to notify police of accident, not guilty pleas.

Jeremy L. Just, Grantsburg, OWI; operating w/PAC; operating left of centerline, not guilty pleas.

Nathan R. Kast, Webster, driving too fast for conditions, $213.10.

Katy L. Kelley, Webster, seat belt violation, $10.00.

Dale A. Kitchenmaster, Webster, operating while suspended, not guilty plea.

Kelsey R. Larson, Bloomington, Minn., speeding, $200.50.

Timothy A. Larson, Perham, Minn., operating motor vehicle w/o proof of insurance, $10.00; speeding, $1753.0.

William A. Lehman, Dairyland, operating motor vehilcel w/o proof of insurance, $10.00.

Jason L. Lindner, Luck, speeding; operating a motor vehicle w/o insurance; nonregistration of auto, etc., not guilty pleas.

Michelle C. Lopez, Minneapolis, Minn., underage drinking-possess 17-20, $263.50.

Ryan S. Madden, Frederic, nonregistration of vehicle <=10,000 lbs., $175.30; operating a motor vehicle w/o insurance, $200.50.

Orville L. Martini Jr., Spooner, OWI; driving too fast for conditions, not guilty pleas.

Dorothy M. Matrious, Danbury, operate w/o valid license, $200.50.

Rusty J. Matrious, Webster, underage drinking-possess 1720, not guilty plea.

William G. McDaniel, St. Paul, Minn., operating a motor vehicle w/o insurance, $200.50.

Megan A. Morgan, Spooner, seat belt violation, $10.00.

Ronald W. Morse, Siren, OWI; operating w/PAC >=0.15, not guilty pleas.

Allan Mosay, Webster, underage drinking-possess 17-20, license suspended, alcohol assessment, $767.50; violate absolute sobriety law, license suspended, $389.50; operating while suspended, $200.50.

Duane W. Mosay, Webster, underage drinking-possess 1720, not guilty plea.

Timothy S. Nelson, Frederic, speeding, $175.30; operating a motor vehicle w/o insurance, $200.50.

Mark A. Olsen, Spooner, seat belt violation, $10.00.

Burnett County deaths

Burnett County marriage licenses

Burnett County civil court Burnett County warrants

Derek L. Olson, Grantsburg, snow removal parking violation, $185.00.

Thomas C. Pagel, South St. Paul, Minn., fish w/o license, $206.70.

Beth A. Palmquist, Grantsburg, speeding, $200.50.

Robin L. Parsons, Webster, failure to notify police of accident; operating while revoked, not guilty pleas.

Michael M. Patterson, Grantsburg, speeding, $175.30; operating a motor vehicle w/o insurance, $200.50.

Angela S. Paulzine, Webster, OWI; operating w/PAC>=0.15, not guilty pleas.

Dudley W. Peno, North Branch, Minn., operate snowmobile-fail/comply signs, $175.30.

Roselyn L. Peters, Grantsburg, seat belt violation, $10.00.

Josephine P. PetersonWhite, Brooklyn Park, Minn., operating a motor vehicle w/o insurance, not guilty plea.

George E. Phelps III, Webster, speeding; operating while suspended, not guilty pleas.

Dinah C. Radke, Frederic, operating while suspended; nonregistration of auto etc., not guilty pleas.

Kathleen T. Recke, Edina,

Minn., operating motor vehicle w/o proof of insurance, $10.00.

Albert E. Reitzel, Harris, Minn., failure to keep vehicle under control, $213.10.

Debra J. Reyolds, Webster, seat belt violation, $10.00.

Zachary L. Rintoul, St. Croix Falls, speeding, $200.50.

Michael C. Rizzo, Spooner, passing in no-passing zone, $213.10.

Robert J. Rothfork, Foley, Minn., speeding, $233.00.

Jon M. Route, Frederic, speeding, $175.30.

Jordan W. Sargent, Siren, operate w/o valid license; failure to keep vehicle under control, not guilty pleas.

Nicholas A. Seeger, Grantsburg, snow removal parking violation, not guilty plea.

Gerald R. Slater, Mendota Heights, Minn., seat belt violation, $10.00.

Jacob T. Smith, Shoreview, Minn., speeding, $175.30.

David E. Sobieck, Oakdale, Minn., operate snowmobile w/o trail sticker, $200.50.

Jesse M. Spafford, Webster, operating a motor vehicle w/o insurance, $200.50.

Charla M. Stickland, Webster, operating motor vehicle w/o

proof of insurance, $10.00; seat belt violation, $10.00.

Renae J. Sturtevant, Mora, Minn., speeding, $175.30.

Donald A. Thomas Jr., Spooner, approaching operator fail/dim multibeams, not guilty plea.

Roberta L. Thomas, Webster, fail/yield right/way from stop sign, not guilty plea.

Brian J. Turnbull, Danbury, operating a motor vehicle w/o insurance, not guilty plea.

Suzanne M. Ulmer, Hayward, operating motor vehicle w/o proof of insurance, $10.00.

Dustin F. VonRuden, Woodbury, Minn., disorderly conduct w/motor vehicle, $185.00.

Nicolle A. Webb, St. Croix Falls, operating motor vehicle w/o proof of insurance, $10.00.

Andrew E. Wellman, Webster, seat belt violation, $10.00.

Jon J. Wikstrom, Eagan, Minn., operate snowmobile w/o safety cert., not guilty plea.

Rebecca A. Wong, Hillsboro, speeding, $175.30.

Michael R. Young, Webster, operating motor vehicle w/o proof of insurance, $10.00; speeding, not guilty plea.

Jeremiah L. Ziemer, Shell Lake, seat belt violation, $10.00.

Cop dodges head-on collision

MILLTOWN - Joseph Conlan, 46, Balsam Lake, was charged with OWI, third offense, after nearly running his car headon into a patrol car on Friday, Feb. 25. An officer was patrolling that night in a marked squad car on East Main Street heading west. He saw another vehicle with its headlights out coming straight at him in the wrong lane, picking up speed.

It swerved back into the correct lane and then back into the officer’s lane again. The officer turned onto Mill Road to avoid a collision. The vehicle continued going east. The officer turned on his emergency lights and pursued it. Then the headlights came on. Finally it left the road, hitting a snowbank and getting stuck.

When the officer approached the vehicle, he could see the driver had blood coming from his mouth, and a broken tooth, from hitting the steering wheel when he ran into the snowbank. The officer asked if he was OK, and Conlan allegedly said, “Yes I am, what do you

want?” The officer clearly smelled intoxicants and asked to see the driver’s license.

According to the arrest report, Conlan pulled out a large amount of cash, waved it at the officer and said, “This is my driver’s license, now let me go. I will give you this if you do.” He was identified as Joseph Conlan.

The officer called an ambulance to make sure Conlan was OK, but he refused medical attention. He also refused to take field sobriety tests or a Breathalyzer, and he was arrested. His record shows two previous OWIs in New York. He was taken to the hospital for a blood draw where he was also medically cleared.

While there, Conlan spit blood at the officer, used loud, profane language and needed to be restrained. From there, Conlan was taken to the Polk County Jail.

Conlan’s charges include disorderly conduct with a notation that further citations will follow. — with information from the Polk County Sheriff’s Dept.

TOWN OF SAND LAKE – A Chippewa Falls man sideswiped another vehicle with his vehicle on Sunday, Feb. 27, sending the other vehicle into the ditch, then driving away from the accident.

Thomas Michaelson, 57, was going east on Hwy. 70 and allegedly went across the

centerline, hitting the vehicle of RoseAnn Campagnoli, 67, Prior Lake, Minn., who was driving west on Hwy. 70. Campagnoli had no apparent injuries. The report notes Michaelson was later arrested for OWI. — with information from the Burnett County Sheriff’s Dept.

POLK COUNTY - Lisa Hunter, 43, Luck, was arrested and charged with OWI, first offense, on Sunday, Feb. 27. Police were called to a two-vehicle accident in the parking lot of JJ’s Bar that night.

There were several women in the parking lot when the officer arrived. Hunter identified herself and said she didn’t see a northbound vehicle as she was pulling out of the parking lot. Hunter had a cut lip, but said she was OK several times.

As they spoke, the officer smelled alcohol coming from Hunter. She admitted to drinking about three hours before the accident while at home. She was given field sobriety tests and a PBT, which registered .12. She was taken to the jail. While there, she complained of pain in her side and

asked for an ambulance, and she was taken to the hospital.

Phillip Myhre, 29, Balsam Lake, rolled his vehicle about 200 feet south of Vijobi Trail on Hwy. 46 on Thursday, Feb. 24. A police officer found him walking north about 200 feet from the crash scene.

He smelled of intoxicants, but said he didn’t want to take any sobriety tests if he didn’t have to. He was arrested and taken to the jail.

There he took a breath test which registered .15. He was cited for OWI, prohibited blood alcohol content, failure to have control of his vehicle and operating without insurance. — with information from the Polk County Sheriff’s Dept.

ST. CROIX FALLS - Lisa Wenell, 44, St. Croix Falls, was arrested and charged with OWI, first offense, after driving her Jeep into the ditch at 80th Street south of Hwy. 8 on Satruday, Feb. 26. Police were called to the accident and found Wenell sitting in the back seat.

There were tracks in the snow where you could see she had gotten out of the driver’s seat and moved to the back seat.

She identified herself to the officer, who asked her to get out of the car. She fell into the snow as she got out of the car. The officer picked her up, leaned her against the car. She admitted driving the car and said she’d been ice fishing. She said she wasn’t

hurt, but the officer reported she was very difficult to understand and didn’t administer field sobriety tests, as she was too intoxicated. He did attempt to give her a Breathalyzer, but before he could get a reading, Wenell began to fall over, and the officer released it in order to catch her.

She was arrested and taken to jail.

There she took another Breathalyzer, which registered .25 with a poor sample of her breath. She was taken to St. Croix Regional Medical Center where she was medically cleared and then taken back to jail. — with information from the Polk County Sheriff’s Dept.

Hit and run, OWI, charged

OWI arrests made in Polk County

Woman too intoxicated to take sobriety tests

PAGE 26 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - MARCH 2, 2011

Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (15 U.S.C. Section 1692), we are required to state that we are attempting to collect a debt on our client’s behalf and any information we obtain will be used for that purpose.

529029 WNAXLP

erd, Minn., speeding, $200.50.

Jason A. Graham, St. Paul, Minn., theft-movable property <=$2,500, probation, sent. withheld, $88.00; criminal damage to property, probation, sent. withheld, $3,388.00.

Brandi J. Java, Siren, oper-

FOR RENT In Balsam Lake

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1-BR Furnished/ Unfurnished Apartment, ground level, with cable.

445101 8a-etfcp 19Ltfc

(March 2, 9, 16) STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF MILTON C. RUSSELL Notice to Interested Persons and Time Limit for Filing Claims (Informal Administration) Case No. 11 PR 12 An application has been filed for informal administration of the estate of the decedent, whose date of birth was February 3, 1916, and date of death was February 7, 2011.

The decedent died domiciled in Polk County, State of Wisconsin, with a post office address of 301 7th Street, Centuria, WI 54824.

Please take notice that: 1. The application will be heard at the Polk County Courthouse, Balsam Lake, Wisconsin, Room 500, before Jenell Anderson, Probate Registrar, on March 25, 2011, at 8:30 a.m. or when scheduled thereafter.

You need not appear unless you object. The application may be granted if no objection is made.

2. Creditors’ claims must be filed with the probate registrar on or before May 23, 2011.

3. Publication of this notice shall constitute notice to any persons whose names or addresses are unknown.

Jenell L. Anderson Probate Registrar February 22, 2011 Steven J. Swanson Personal Representative/ Attorney Attorney at Law P.O. Box 609 St. Croix Falls, WI 54024 715-483-3787

REQUEST FOR PRICES

The Burnett County Highway Department will receive sealed prices until noon, Wednesday, March 9, 2011, on the following items: 1 SINGLE-AXLE TRUCK CHASSIS 1 TANDEM-AXLE TRUCK CHASSIS 1 3/4-TON 4x4 CREW CAB PICKUP Please mark on the outside of your envelope: TRUCK CHASSIS OR PICKUP. Complete specifications can be obtained from Steve Washkuhn, Shop Foreman, Burnett County Highway Department, 8150 Highway 70, Siren, WI 54872. Telephone number 715-349-5345 (ext. 1457).

The Burnett County Highway Committee reserves the right to reject any or all of the prices or to accept the price they deem most advantageous to Burnett County and to waive any irregularities in the proposal process.

By order of the Burnett County Highway Committee 530852 27-28L 17-18a WNAXLP

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Lease plus deposit. No pets. No smoking. Mgt. on site.

PARKWAY APTS. 715-485-3402 715-554-0780

Cell

(Feb. 16, 23, March 2, 9, 16, 23) STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY THE RIVERBANK, Plaintiff, vs.

EDWIN C. EMERSON, Defendant.

Case No. 10 CV 378 NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE By virtue of and pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the above-entitled action on October 5, 2010, in the amount of $99,390.23, I will sell at public auction at the Main Front Entrance of the Polk County Justice Center, 1005 West Main Street, in the Village of Balsam Lake, Polk County, Wisconsin on: Wednesday, April 6, 2011, at 10:00 o’clock a.m., All of the following described mortgaged premises, to-wit: Lots Twenty-two (22), Twentythree (23) and Twenty-four (24), Block Two (2), Re-Survey of Syndicate Addition to the City of St. Croix Falls according to the Official Plat thereof on file and of record in the office of the Register of Deeds for Polk County, Wisconsin.

Parcel No. 281-00840-0000 Street Address: 133 Monroe St., St. Croix Falls, WI 54024 TERMS OF SALE: Cash DOWN PAYMENT: 10% of amount bid by cash or certified check.

Dated at Balsam Lake, Wis., this 18th day of November, 2010.

Timothy G. Moore, Sheriff Polk County, Wisconsin Steven J. Swanson Bar No. 1003029 Attorney at Law P.O. Box 609 105 South Washington Street St. Croix Falls, WI 54024 715-483-3787

612-280-7581

530766 17-18a,d 28-29L

All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians; pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18.

This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination call HUD toll-free at 1-800-6699777. The toll-free telephone number for the hearing impaired is 1800-927-9275.

$

(Feb. 16, 23, Mar. 2, 9, 16, 23) STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT CIVIL DIVISION POLK COUNTY BANK MUTUAL, Plaintiff, vs.

PAMELA J. MICHAELSON f/k/a PAMELA J. LARSON, Defendant.

Case No. 10-CV-722 Branch No. 1 Foreclosure of mortgage/30404 Honorable Molly E. GaleWyrick NOTICE OF REAL ESTATE FORECLOSURE SALE PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that, by virtue of a Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the above-entitled action on January 10, 2011, in the amount of $90,101.43, the undersigned Sheriff will sell at public auction in the Lobby of the Polk County Justice Center, 1005 W. Main St., Balsam Lake, WI 54810, on April 13, 2011, at 10 a.m., the following real estate and mortgaged premises directed by said Judgment to be sold, towit: LEGAL DESCRIPTION: Lot 20, Plat of Hasta La Vista in the Village of Milltown, Polk County, Wisconsin.

TAX KEY NO.: 151-00367-2000.

ADDRESS OF PROPERTY: 101 Ranger Ct., Milltown, WI 54858.

TERMS OF SALE: 10% down in cash or certified funds (no personal checks) at sale, the balance due within 10 days of confirmation. Buyer to pay applicable Wisconsin Real Estate Transfer Tax from the proceeds of the sale upon confirmation of the Court. Said real estate is sold as is and subject to all liens and encumbrances.

Peter M. Johnson Polk County Sheriff STUPAR, SCHUSTER & COOPER, S.C. By: Jeffrey S. Schuster Attorneys for Plaintiff 633 West Wisconsin Avenue Suite 1800 Milwaukee, WI 53203 414-271-8833

JOB POSTING ATHLETIC DIRECTOR VACANCY

There is an opening beginning after the spring sports season for Athletic Director. The duties include scheduling events, officials, setting up event workers, coordinating event changes, establishing budgets for each sport and ordering supplies. The wages will be between $3,000 and $6,000 per year. If you are interested in applying for this position or would like more information contact Joseph Zirngibli, 24022 Fourth Avenue, Siren, WI 54872. 715-349-2277, ext. 200, or e-mail 530920 28-30L jzirngibl@siren.k12.wi.us

COACHING POSITIONS AVAILABLE SCHOOL DISTRICT OF WEBSTER

Junior High Track JV Softball

Please Contact: Roy Ward, Athletic Director 715-866-4281, Ext. 334 rward@webster.k12.wi.us Deadline Is Friday, March 11

ate w/o valid license, $186.00.

Victoria M. Luna, Siren, drink open intoxicants in MV, $123.00; reckless driving-endanger safety, $389.50.

Noe M. Martinez, Siren, disorderly conduct, local jail costs, $243.00.

Debbie L. Moore, Blaine, Minn., OWI, local jail, license revoked 12 months, $916.00.

David J. Peloquin, Siren, possession of THC, probation, sent. withheld, $243.00.

Brian S. Tinkle, St. Paul, Minn., disorderly conduct, $302.00.

Maurice C. Anderson, Siren, issue of worthless checks <=$2,500, $330.50.

Todd J. Baker, Webster, OWI, local jail, license revoked 12 months, ignition interlock, $1,109.00.

Jeremy P. Conant, Sobieski, speeding, $175.30.

Travis L. Demarre, Siren, OWI, license revoked 6 months, alcohol assessment, $691.50.

Donna M. Demarre, Coleman, Mich., failure to obtain rabies vaccination-dog, $177.50.

Bradley D. Glienke, Webster, operate with controlled substance, license revoked 6 months, alcohol assessment, $691.50.

Danielle Goodremote, Siren, disorderly conduct, probation, sent. withheld, $243.00.

Brandon R. Hackett, Frederic, speeding, $175.30.

Dwight M. Kraemer, Webster, failure to notify police of accident, $263.50.

Shyla R. Lemon, Grantsburg, battery – county ordinance, $330.50.

Larry B. Leventhal, Plymouth, Minn., speeding, $175.30.

Cassandra A. Mack, Grantsburg, county ordinance-issue worthless check, $601.15.

Ryan S. Madden, Frederic, failure to notify police of accident, $263.50.

Ryan J. Magana, Webster, operating w/PAC >=0.15, license revoked 8 months, alcohol assessment, $817.50.

Richard A. Nyhus, Barronett, operating w/PAC >=0.08, <0.15, license revoked 6 months, alcohol assessment, $741.50.

Douglas S. Poeschl, Grantsburg, OWI, license revoked 6 months, alcohol assessment, $691.50.

Kami A. Rudd, Webster, county ordinance-issue worthless check, $330.50.

Bruce Severance, Trego, county ordinance-issue worthless check, $309.00.

Dean E. Sunderland, Grantsburg, retail theft-intentionally take <=$2,500, local jail, $1,646.83; criminal damage to property, local jail, $100.00.

Matthew J. Wortman, Grantsburg, illegally construct, use or fail/remove or attach name/address or DNR No. to unattend. tree stand, $162.70.

Polk Co. marriage licenses

Marianne Coe, town of Farmington and Joseph L. Elmquist, town of Farmington, issued Feb. 24, 2011.

Polk County deaths

Galan J. Tone, 75, Luck, died Feb. 8, 2011.

Vida Diers, 88, Balsam Lake, died Feb. 11, 2011.

Hilda M. Marois, 88, Farmington Township, died Feb. 12, 2011.

Jason W. Margl, 31, Frederic, died Feb. 13, 2011.

Esther P. Anderson, 98, Milltown, died Feb. 14, 2011.

Dougal D. Blaisdell, 75, Milltown, died Feb. 15, 2011.

NOTICE Town of Luck

Board Meeting Tuesday, March 8, 7 p.m.

Town Hall 531222 28L

Heather L. Culver, Webster, County ordinance-issue worthless check, $330.50.

Christian M. Edwards, Pine City, Minn., failure to support child, 120 day+, probation, sent. imposed local jail, $150.00.

David E. Gildenzoph, Brain-

530350 WNAXLP

U.S. BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as assignee of MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC., acting solely as nominee for U.S. BANK, N.A., a national banking association, Plaintiff, vs.

GREGORY J. ALDEN, and U.S. BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, ND, a national banking association, Defendants.

Case No.: 09-CV-0812 FORECLOSURE CASE CODE: 30404 NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE By virtue of a Judgment of Foreclosure made in the aboveentitled action on February 24, 2010, in the amount of $107,662.35, I will sell at public auction in the front entrance of the Polk County Justice Center, 1005 West Main Street, City of Balsam Lake, County of Polk, State of Wisconsin, on March 10, 2011, at 10:00 a.m., all of the following described mortgaged premises, to wit: Part of the Northeast Onequarter (1/4) of the Northwest One-quarter (1/4) of Section Four (4), In Township Thirtyfive (35) North, Range Nineteen (19) West, in the Town of Eureka, Polk County, Wisconsin, described as Lot One (1) of Certified Survey Map No. 4323, recorded in Volume 19 of Certified Survey Maps, Page 104, as Document No. 672217.

TAX KEY NO.: 020 01006 0100.

TERMS OF SALE: Cash.

DOWN PAYMENT: 10% of amount bid by cash or cashier’s check due at time of sale.

Balance of purchase price must be paid within ten (10) business days after confirmation of the sale.

This property is sold “as is” subject to all legal encumbrances and any outstanding and accruing real estate taxes, special assessments, and penalties and interest, if any. Upon confirmation of the sale by the Court, purchaser will be required to pay all recording fees and, if desired, the cost of title evidence.

Dated this 26th day of January, 2011, at Balsam Lake, Wis. /s/ Peter M. Johnson Sheriff of Polk County, WI Heidi Herschede KOHNER, MANN & KAILAS, S.C. Attorneys for Plaintiff 4650 N. Port Washington Road Milwaukee, WI 53212 PH: 414-962-5110 The above property is located at 2393 River Road, Saint Croix Falls, WI 54024.

Burnett County criminal court

530470 WNAXLP

(Jan. 26, Feb. 2, 9, 16, 23, Mar. 2) STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY

Charleston K. Baker, Webster, theft-movable property <=$2,500, probation, sent. imposed local jail, $4,496.85.

531190 WNAXLP

Notices

Agenda: 1. Reading of the minutes 2. Treasurer’s Report 3. Review and pay bills 4. Patrolman’s report Any additional agenda will be posted in the Luck Town Hall and Clerk’s Office.

Lloyd Nelson, Clerk

Ronald R. Reinders, 75, Clam Lake, died Feb. 15, 2011.

Joseph D. Cysewski, 87, Amery, died Feb. 16, 2011.

Edward N. Katuin, 69, Garfield Township, died Feb. 17, 2011.

Richard A. Cox, 80, Turtle Lake, died Feb. 19, 2011.

Iris E. Gilbertson, 96, Amery, died Feb. 19, 2011.

MANAGER TRAINEE Great benefits and earning potential. Career opportunities available upon completion of training program.

Bachelor’s degree in a business field required.

Must be open to relocation. Addl. $2.50 per hour for weekend hours.

Apply In Person At:

MENARDS 1285 208th Street St. Croix Falls, Wis. 530794 27-28L 17-18a,d

SCHOOL DISTRICT OF WEBSTER

REGULAR ROUTE SCHOOL BUS DRIVER NEEDED

A CDL with school bus endorsement is required to drive a school bus. For more information, please contact the Transportation Director, Brian Sears, at 715-866-4281, ext. 336 or bsears@webster.k12.wi.us. Applications are available at the Administration Office or online at www.webster.k12.wi.us.

530873 27-29L Deadline is March 11, 2011.

POLK COUNTY HOUSING AUTHORITY REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING

Thursday, March 17, 2011, at 9 a.m.

Shoreview Apartments, Balsam Lake

531084 28-29L

Agenda: I. Call to Order. II. Minutes. III. Financial Reports. IV. Operations Report. V. Unfinished Business: A. CDBG. VI. New 530953 28L Business: A. Exec. Director. VII. Adjourn

Notices/Employment Opportunities

MARCH 2, 2011 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 27

LONG-TERM 6TH-GRADE SUBSTITUTE TEACHER Tim Widiker, 5-12 Principal Webster Middle/High School P.O. Box 9 Webster, WI 54893 715-866-4282 twidiker@webster.k12.wi.us Deadline: Monday, March 7. 2011

531203 28L

Qualifications: Must have appropriate DPI Licensure.

Start Date: March 14, 2011 Please apply by sending copy of licensure, cover letter and resume to:

CHILD DEVELOPMENT DAY SCREENING

The School District of St. Croix Falls will be having a Child Development Day Screening for two- and three-year-old children. The date of the screening will be March 16, 2011, from 8:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m.

During Child Development Days, you will have the opportunity to learn about your child’s cognitive, motor and language development. There will be an early childhood teacher and a speech therapist from the St. Croix Falls School District as well as representatives from birth to three assisting in the screening. A 4K teacher will be present to answer any questions you may have about the 4K program in St. Croix Falls. In addition, trained personnel will check your child’s hearing.

Please call Mary Jo Krueger, 715-755-3165, Ext. 221, to schedule and appointment and for information about location. Please schedule and appointment by Friday, March 11, 531205 28-29L 2011.

VILLAGE OF GRANTSBURG RESIDENT CAMPER FOR JAMES N. MCNALLY CAMPGROUND Applications are being accepted for a contract position of resident camper for the James N. McNally Campground for the 2011 season from April 15, 2011 - Oct. 16, 2011.

The resident camper duties will include: Taking camper reservations, registrations, collecting and turning in fees, keeping a calendar of reservations for shelter usage, cleaning and light maintenance of the bathhouse and surrounding area, cleaning up the campsites if needed and notification to the police of any problems in the park.

The resident camper must provide a certificate of liability insurance.

The Village will provide a free campsite with electricity, water, sewer, local telephone, cable TV, $325/month payment, mowing and heavy maintenance, trash pickup and all supplies for the bathhouse and maintenance.

Interested individuals should submit a letter of interest by March 7, 2011, by 4 p.m. to the Village of Grantsburg, 316 S. Brad Street, Grantsburg, Wis. 54840, 715-463-2405.

Applications will be screened and those most qualified for the position will be invited for the interview process.

VOTING BY ABSENTEE BALLOT TOWN OF MEENON Any qualified elector who is unable or unwilling to appear at the polling place on election day may request to vote an absentee ballot. A qualified elector is any U.S. citizen, who will be 18 years of age or older on election day, who has resided in the ward or municipality where he or she wishes to vote for at least 10 days before the election.

The elector must also be registered in order to receive an absentee ballot.

TO OBTAIN AN ABSENTEE BALLOT YOU MUST MAKE A REQUEST IN WRITING Contact your municipal clerk and request that an application for an absentee ballot be sent to you for the Spring Election. You may also request an absentee ballot by letter. Your written request must list your voting address within the municipality where you wish to vote, the address where the absentee ballot should be sent, if different, and your signature.

Special absentee voting application provisions apply to electors who are indefinitely confined to home or a care facility, in the military, hospitalized or serving as a sequestered juror. If this applies to you, contact the municipal clerk.

You can also personally go to the clerk’s office or other specified location, complete a written application and vote an absentee ballot during the hours specified for casting an absentee ballot. (Please call the Town Clerk after 5 p.m. to arrange a time to cast an absentee ballot.

The Meenon Town Clerk is Suzanna M. Eytcheson, 715866-4893, 25863 E. Bass Lake Drive, Webster, WI 54893).

The deadline for making application to vote absentee by mail is 5 p.m. on Thursday, March 31, 2011.

Military electors should contact the Municipal Clerk regarding the deadlines for requesting or submitting an Absentee Ballot.

The deadline for voting an Absentee Ballot in the Clerk’s office is 5 p.m. on Monday, April 4, 2011.

All voted ballots must be returned to the Municipal Clerk so the Clerk can deliver them to the proper polling place or counting location before the polls close on Tuesday, April 5, 2011. Any ballots received after the polls close will 531197 28L 18a WNAXLP not be counted.

Virgil Hansen, Clerk 530886 28-29L 18-19a,d

(Jan. 26, Feb. 2, 9, 16, 23, Mar. 2) STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY WESTCONSIN CREDIT UNION, Plaintiff, vs.

JACKIE M. JOHNSON, JEFFREY J. JOHNSON, MRC RECEIVABLES CORPORATION, Defendants.

Case No. 10CV506 Code: 30404 Foreclosure of Mortgage NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE By virtue of a judgment of foreclosure and sale rendered in the above-entitled action on September 20, 2010, in the amount of $173,796.58, the undersigned Sheriff of Polk County, Wisconsin, will sell at public auction at the front entrance of the Polk County Judicial Center in the City of Balsam Lake, in said County, on the 24th day of March, 2011, at 10:00 a.m., the real estate and mortgaged premises directed by the judgment to be sold, therein described as follows: Lot 3 of CSM #3514 recorded in Volume 16 of CSM, Page 27 as Document #621163, located in the SE 1/4 of the SE 1/4, Section 18, Township 32 North, Range 15 West, Village of Clear Lake, Polk County, Wisconsin, being Lot 4 of CSM #2328 recorded in Volume 11 of CSM, Page 35 as Document #560731.

PROPERTY ADDRESS: 207 1st Avenue East, Clear Lake, Wis. TERMS OF SALE: Cash.

DOWN PAYMENT: A deposit of 10% of sale price to be deposited in cash or by certified check with the Sheriff at the time of sale; balance to be paid by cash or certified check upon confirmation of sale.

Dated this 26th day of January, 2011. /s/Peter M. Johnson Polk County Sheriff Attorney Christine A. Gimber WELD, RILEY, PRENN & RICCI, S.C. 3624 Oakwood Hills Parkway P.O. Box 1030 Eau Claire, WI 54702-1030 715-839-7786 Attorneys for Plaintiff This is an attempt to collect a debt. Any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY MUNICIPAL SWIMMING POOL MANAGER Village of Grantsburg

Applications are now being accepted for a part-time seasonal position of Municipal Swimming Pool Manager. The Manager will have the responsibility of administration of the Community Swimming Pool in Grantsburg. This position will report to and be overseen by the Village Board of Grantsburg.

A full description of duties is available at the Village Office, 316 South Brad Street, Grantsburg, WI 54840.

Wage: Dependent upon qualifications.

Qualifications: U.S. Citizen; 18 years of age or older; high school diploma or its equivalent; Candidate must be willing to become National Certified Pool Operator. Water Safety Instructor’s (WSI) certification by the American Red Cross is required. The manager will also be expected to attend periodic workshops to update techniques of pool operations and safety.

Apply: By submitting an application by Monday, March 7, 2011, by 4 p.m., to the Village of Grantsburg, 316 South Brad Street, Grantsburg, Wisconsin 54840, 715-463-2405. Applications are available at the Village Office.

Applications will be screened and those most qualified for the position will be invited for the interview process. The selected candidate will be offered a conditional job offer and subjected to a background check. There will be a one-year 530553 27-28L 17-18a probationary period.

The Village of Grantsburg is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Check out our E-edition • Log on to www.the-leader.net

530551 27-28L 17-18a

Monthly Board Meeting Monday, March 14, at 7 p.m.

Milltown Fire Hall

529317

SCHOOL DISTRICT OF WEBSTER

AMENDED NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that by virtue of a judgment of foreclosure entered on April 28, 2010, in the amount of $211,189.64, the Sheriff will sell the described premises at public auction as follows: TIME: March 17, 2011, at 10 a.m.

TERMS: 1. 10% down in cash or money order at the time of sale; balance due within 10 days of confirmation of sale; failure to pay balance due will result in forfeit of deposit to plaintiff.

2. Sold “as is” and subject to all legal liens and encumbrances.

PLACE: Polk County Justice Center at 1005 W. Main Street, Balsam Lake, Wis. DESCRIPTION: Lot 4 of Certified Survey Map No. 1902, recorded in Volume 9 of Certified Survey Maps, Page 49, as Document No. 533284, located in the Northwest 1/4 of the Southeast 1/4 of Section 36, Township 32 North, Range 18 West, in the Town of Alden, Polk County, Wisconsin. Together with and subject to a nonexclusive easement for ingress and egress over the 66foot private access road as shown on Certified Survey Map No. 1902, recorded in Volume 9 of Certified Survey Maps, Page 51, as Document No. 533299 and disclosed in Declaration of Protective Covenants, recorded in Volume 414, page 809, as Document No. 390552.

PROPERTY ADDRESS: 30C 185th Street, Star Prairie, WI 54026.

TAX KEY NO.: 002019340400.

Dated this 16th day of February, 2011.

Peter M. Johnson Sheriff of Polk County Chaz M. Rodriguez State Bar #1063071 Blommer Peterman, S.C. 165 Bishops Way Brookfield, WI 53005 262-790-5719 Please go to www.blommerpeterman.com to obtain the bid for this sale. Blommer Peterman, S.C., is the creditor’s attorney and is attempting to collect a debt on its behalf. Any information obtained will be used for the purpose. (265986)

TOWN OF MILLTOWN

WNAXLP

The Polk County Board of Adjustment will hold a public hearing at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, March 15, 2011, at the Government Center in Balsam Lake, Wisconsin. The Board will call the public hearing to order at 8:30 a.m., recess at 8:45 a.m. to view each site and will reconvene at 11 a.m. at the Government Center in Balsam Lake, Wisconsin.

At that time each applicant will inform the Board of their request.

(THE APPLICANT MUST APPEAR AT 11 A.M. WHEN THE BOARD RECONVENES AT THE GOVERNMENT CENTER.) MICHAEL & COLLEEN SWANSON request a Special Exception from Article 8D1(a) of the Polk County Shoreland Protection Zoning Ordinance to operate a Tourist Rooming House.

Property affected is: 1163 Jeans Ln., Lot 3, CSM #367, Vol. 2/Pg. 96, pt. of Govt. Lot 2, Sec. 31/T33N/R16W, Town of Lincoln, Bear Trap Lake (class 1).

JERROD & SUSAN BEZDICEK request a Special Exception from Article 8D1(a) of the Polk County Shoreland Protection Zoning Ordinance to operate a Tourist Rooming House. Property affected is: 2485 202nd St., Lot 2, CSM #13, Vol. 1/Pg. 14, pt. of Govt. Lot 1, Sec. 34/T36N/R18W, Town of Laketown, Sandhill Lake (class 2).

530857 27-28L 17a,d WNAXLP

(Feb. 23, Mar. 2) STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY U.S. BANK N.A. Plaintiff, vs.

DARWIN B. GREEN, et al Defendants Case Number: 10 CV 25

530757 WNAXLP

NOTICE OF HEARING

(Jan. 26, Feb. 2, 9, 16, 23, March 2) STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY EAGLE VALLEY BANK, N.A., Plaintiff, vs.

NORMAN F. GUSTAFSON and SUSAN K. GUSTAFSON d/b/a Falls Furniture & Custom Woodworking and GRANITE TOPS, Defendants.

Case No. 10 CV 306 NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE By virtue of and pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the above-entitled action on September 7, 2010, in the amount of $128,353.71, I will sell the described premises at public auction at the Main Front Entrance of the Polk County Justice Center, 1005 West Main Street, in the Village of Balsam Lake, Polk County, Wisconsin, on Wed., March 16, 2011, at 10 o’clock a.m., TERMS OF SALE: 1. 10% down in cash or certified funds at the time of sale; balance due within 10 days of confirmation of sale; failure to pay balance due will result in forfeiture of deposit plaintiff.

2. Sold “as is” and subject to all legal liens and encumbrances.

3. Buyer to pay applicable Wisconsin Real Estate Transfer Tax. DESCRIPTION: The East 80.8 feet of Lots Nine (9), Ten (10), Eleven (11) and Twelve (12), Block Two (2) of the Original Plat of the Village of Centuria, Polk County, Wisconsin, except the North 20 feet of Lot Nine (9).

PARCEL NO.: 111-00243-0000.

Dated at Balsam Lake, Wis., this 13th day of January, 2011.

Peter M. Johnson, Sheriff Polk County, Wisconsin Steven J. Swanson No. 1003029 Attorney at Law P.O. Box 609 105 South Washington Street St. Croix Falls, WI 54024 715-483-3787

529187 WNAXLP

The Siren Sanitary District will hold their monthly Board Meeting on Thurs., March 10, 2011, at 6:30 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Siren Town Hall. Immediately following the Sanitary District Meeting the Town of Siren will hold their monthly Board Meeting at approximately 6:45 p.m. The agenda will be posted. If you wish to be on the agenda, please call Mary Hunter, Clerk.

Mary Hunter, Clerk, 715-349-5119 530791 27-28L WNAXLP

(Feb. 9, 16, 23, March 2, 9, 16) STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY CITIMORTGAGE, INC. Plaintiff, vs.

MORRIS M LEEHEY, et al Defendants.

NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE Case Number: 09 CV 973 PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that by virtue of a judgment of foreclosure entered on April 16, 2010, in the amount of $71,182.97, the Sheriff will sell the described premises at public auction as follows: TIME: March 30, 2011, at 10 a.m.

TERMS: 1. 10% down in cash or money order at the time of sale; balance due within 10 days of confirmation of sale; failure to pay balance due will result in forfeit of deposit to plaintiff.

2. Sold “as is” and subject to all legal liens and encumbrances.

PLACE: Polk County Justice Center at 1005 W. Main Street, Balsam Lake, Wisconsin.

DESCRIPTION: The following described real estate in Polk County, State of Wisconsin, South 280 feet of the East 390 feet of the Southwest 1/4 of the Southwest 1/4 of Section 22, Township 34 North, Range 18 West, the Town of St. Croix Falls, Polk County, Wisconsin.

PROPERTY ADDRESS: 2073 140th Avenue, Saint Croix Falls, WI 54024.

TAX KEY NO.: 044-00537-0000.

Dated this 19th day of January, 2011.

Peter M. Johnson Sheriff of Polk County Chaz M. Rodriguez State Bar #1063071 Blommer Peterman, S.C. 165 Bishops Way Brookfield, WI 53005 262-790-5719 Please go to www.blommerpeterman.com to obtain the bid for this sale. Blommer Peterman, S.C., is the creditor’s attorney and is attempting to collect a debt on its behalf. Any information obtained will be used for that purpose. 264579

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NOTICE SIREN SANITARY DISTRICT BOARD MEETING TOWN OF SIREN BOARD MEETING

NOTICE

PAGE 28 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - MARCH 2, 2011

ATTENTION!

Place: Webster Elementary Dates: March 24 & 25 RSVP: Please call the Elementary Office at 715-866-8210 to set up your session time!

530751 27-30L 17-20a

Come and join the Tiny Tiger and Kindergarten teachers for a fun-filled session!

Parents will be registering and children will be having fun at school!

NOTICE TO ABSENTEE VOTERS SPRING ELECTION APRIL 5, 2011 A spring election will be held in the State of Wisconsin on Tuesday, April 5, 2011. Any qualified elector unable to get to the polling place on Election Day may request to vote an absentee ballot. A qualified elector is any U.S. citizen, who will be 18 years of age or older on Election Day, who has resided in the ward or municipality where he or she wishes to vote for at least 10 days before the election. If voter registration is required, the elector must also be registered.

TO OBTAIN AN ABSENTEE BALLOT YOU MUST MAKE A REQUEST IN WRITING. Contact your municipal clerk and request that an application for an absentee ballot be sent to you for the primary or election or both. You may also request an absentee ballot by letter. Your written request must state that you will be unable to get to the polling place on election day. It must also list your voting address within the municipality where you wish to vote, the address where the absentee ballot should be sent, if different, and your signature.

Special absentee voting application provisions apply to electors who are indefinitely confined to home or a care facility, in the military, hospitalized, or serving as a sequestered juror. If this applies to you, contact the municipal clerk.

You can also personally go to the clerk’s office, complete a written application, and vote an absentee ballot.

Town of Osceola Town of Alden Town of Garfield Lorrain Rugroden, Clerk/Treas.

Judy Demulling, Clerk Sue Knutson, Clerk P.O. Box 216 183 155th St. 690 Minneapolis St. Dresser, WI 54009 Star Prairie, WI 54026 Amery, WI 54001 715-755-3060 715-248-7859 715-268-4857 Town of Apple River Tom Sykes, Clerk 1565 60th St., Cty. Rd. D Turtle Lake, WI 54889 715-268-2534

Town of Georgetown Kristine Lindgren, Clerk 1913 W. Bone Lake Drive Balsam Lake, WI 54810 715-857-5788

City of St. Croix Falls Bonita Leggitt, Clerk 710 Hwy. 35 So. St. Croix Falls, WI 54024 715-483-3929 Ext. 11

Town of Balsam Lake Brian Masters, Clerk 1574 State Hwy. 46 Balsam Lake, WI 54810 715-554-2091

Town of Laketown Patsy Gustafson, Clerk 2773 230th St. Cushing, WI 54006 715-648-5569

Town of St. Croix Falls Janet Krueger, Clerk 1305 200th St. St. Croix Falls, WI 54024 715-483-1851

Town of Bone Lake Darrell Frandsen, Clerk 954 280th Ave. Frederic, WI 54837-5002 715-472-8212

Town of Lorain Susan E. Hughes, Clerk Alex Till, Deputy Clerk 3340 15th St. Frederic, WI 54837 715-653-2629

Town of Sterling Julie Peterson, Clerk 13308 Bucklund Rd. Grantsburg, WI 54840 715-488-2735

Town of Clam Falls Betty Knutson, Clerk 3335 90th St. Frederic, WI 54837 715-653-4206 Town of Eureka Michelle Tonnar, Clerk 2077 190th Ave. Centuria, WI 54824 715-646-2985 Town of Farmington Debbie Swanson, Clerk 304 State Rd. 35 Osceola, WI 54020 715-294-2370

Town of Luck Lloyd Nelson, Clerk 1616 260th Ave. Luck, WI 54853 715-472-2037 Town of McKinley Deborah Grover, Clerk 2296 1st St. Cumberland, WI 54829 715-822-3864

Town of West Sweden Andrea Lundquist, Clerk 1535 345th Ave. Frederic, WI 54837 715-327-8650 Village of Dresser Jodi A. Gilbert, Clerk 102 W. Main St., P.O. Box 547 Dresser, WI 54009 715-755-2940

Village of Frederic Town of Milltown Kristi Swanson, Clerk Virgil Hansen, Clerk P.O. Box 567 P.O. Box 100 107 Hope Rd. W. Milltown, WI 54858 Frederic, WI 54837 715-825-2494 715-327-4294 The deadline for making application to vote absentee by mail is 5 p.m. on Friday, April 1, 2011.

The deadline for voting an absentee ballot in the clerk’s office is 5 p.m. on Monday, April 4, 2011.

All voted ballots must be returned to the municipal clerk so the clerk can deliver them to the proper polling place before the polls close on April 5, 2011.

531121 28L 18a,d WNAXLP Any ballots received after the polls close will not be counted.

Children turning four on or before Sept. 1 are invited to attend.

(Feb. 9, 16, 23, Mar. 2, 9, 16) STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY BRANCH 1 BREMER BANK N.A. 855 Eagle Point Blvd.

P.O. Box 1000 Lake Elmo, MN 55042, Plaintiff, vs.

Douglas Gailen Borgerson 1926 78th Street Luck, WI 54853, and Mary Ann Borgerson, a/k/a Mary A. Stute 105 South West Street Deer Park, WI 54007, and Chase Bank USA, N.A. 200 White Clay Center Drive Newark, DE 19711, and Amery Regional Medical Center 265 Griffin Street E. Amery, WI 54001, and Capital One Bank (USA) 3033 Campus Drive, Suite 250 c/o Messerli & Kramer PA Plymouth, MN 55441, and Interventional Pain Specialists of WI 2021 Cenex Dr. Rice Lake, WI 54868, and NCO Portfolio Management 1804 Washington Blvd.

Baltimore, MD 21230, and Bayfield Financial LLC 150 South 5th Street 1800 Fifth Street Towers Minneapolis, MN 55402 Defendants.

Case No. 10 CV 474 NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE Code: 30404 By virtue of and pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the above-entitled action on August 24, 2010, I will sell at public auction at the Polk County Justice Center in the Village of Balsam Lake, in said County, on March 24, 2011, at 10:00 o’clock a.m., all of the following described mortgaged premises, to-wit: Lot 2 of Ludtke’s Addition on Little Blake’s Lake, lying in Part of Government Lots 7 and 8, Section 26-35-16.

Together with that part of Government Lot 8, lying Westerly of Lots 2 and 3 of the Plat of Ludtke’s Subdivision on Little Blake Lake and more particularly described as that triangular portion of land lying between the streets and roadways as shown on said plat, Section 26-35-16, Polk County, Wisconsin.

PIN NO.: 26-1614-0.

The above property is located at 1926 78th Street, Polk County, Wisconsin.

TERMS: 1. 10% cash or certified check down payment at time of sale, balance upon confirmation by Court.

2. Sale is subject to all unpaid real estate taxes and special assessments.

3. Purchaser shall pay any Wisconsin real estate transfer fee.

4. Property is being sold on an “as is” basis without warranties or representations of any kind.

5. Purchaser shall be responsible for obtaining possession of property.

Dated at Balsam Lake, Wis., this 1st day of February, 2011.

Peter M. Johnson, Sheriff Polk County, Wisconsin SCHOFIELD, HIGLEY & MAYER, S.C. Attorneys for Plaintiff Bay View Offices, Suite #100 700 Wolske Bay Road Menomonie, WI 54751 715-235-3939

OPEN HOUSE AND EARLY CHILDHOOD SCREENING

Wed., March 23 OR Fri., March 25 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. (One-hour Session)

KINDERGARTEN CAMP

Children turning five on or before Sept. 1 are invited to camp Friday, March 25 - a.m. session/p.m. session Current 4K students will attend at their regular time and will be sent a separate notice.

Please call the Frederic Elementary School to register your child - 715-327-4221 by March 16. Enrollment papers will then be sent to you for completion before attending the screening. We look forward to hearing from you. A lifetime of learning starts here!

530700 27-28L 17-18a

Do you have a child who will be four on or before September 1? If so, it’s time to bring them to our Pre-K Tiny Tiger Registration at Webster School on March 24 & 25, by appointment!

If you have a child who will be FIVE before September 1, and entering kindergarten who did not attend the Pre-K Tiny Tiger Program, please call to schedule an appointment. Registration for your child will be with the kindergarten team on March 25.

Agenda will be posted at the Town Hall.

Town of McKinley Deborah Grover, Clerk

(Feb. 23, Mar. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30) STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY BRANCH 2 ASSOCIATED BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, Plaintiff, vs.

KID’S VIEW DAY CARE INC., a Wisconsin corporation; ILENE J. LINDSKOOG; ROBIN A. KELLEY and RONNIE R. CHINANDER d/b/a CASTLE CREEK COMPANY, Defendants.

Case No. 10-CV-636 Case Code No. 30404 Foreclosure of Mortgage NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE STATE OF WISCONSIN : : SS. COUNTY OF POLK : By virtue of and pursuant to a judgment of foreclosure entered in the above-entitled action on October 15, 2010, I will sell the following-described mortgaged premises at public auction in the Foyer Area of the Polk County Justice Center, 1005 West Main Street, Balsam Lake, Wisconsin, on April 20, 2011, at 10:00 a.m.: Lot Three (3), Oakcrest Business District, City of St. Croix Falls, Polk County, Wisconsin.

Tax Parcel No.: 281-011870003 Property Address: 815 E. U.S. Hwy. 8, St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin.

The property will be sold subject to all legal encumbrances.

TERMS OF SALE: Cash. 10% down in the form of cash, certified check or cashier’s check, or money order must be paid at the time of sale. No personal checks or letters of credit will be accepted. Buyer to pay applicable Wisconsin real estate transfer tax from the proceeds of the sale. The balance of the price shall be paid to the Clerk of Courts by cash, certified check or cashier’s check no later than 10 days after confirmation of the sale by the Court.

If the balance is not paid within that 10-day period, Bidder forfeits the down payment made.

Dated at Balsam Lake, Wisconsin, this 17th day of February, 2011. /s/Peter M. Johnson Sheriff Polk County, Wisconsin This Document Drafted By: Metzler, Timm, Treleven, Pahl, Beck, S.C. Attorneys for Plaintiff By: Ronald F. Metzler WI Bar Member No.: 1010044 222 Cherry Street Green Bay, WI 54301-4223 920-435-9593

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WEBSTER ELEMENTARY FOUR-YEAR-OLD TINY TIGER AND FIVE-YEAR-OLD KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION

Frederic’s Mite-Y-Vikes Registration

The Regular Monthly Board Meeting For The Town Of McKinley Will Be Held On Tues., March 8, 2011, At 7:30 p.m.

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531096

To Apply: Download Application: www.peacefullivingcare.com 531085 Or Call: 715-386-7071 28-29Lp Peaceful Living, LLC is an EEO 18-19a,dp

The Comprehensive Planning Committee will meet monthly in 2011. Each scheduled meeting will be on the second Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m. in the township hall.

For Additional Information, Call: Perry Karl 715-653-4247 Brad Olson 715-327-4614

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7 days a week, 6.5 hours per day, midafternoon to early evening. Duties include performing personal care and tasks indicated in the care plan.

CLAM FALLS TOWNSHIP

2011-2012 School Year

NOTICE

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Seeking 1 And/Or 2 Mature & Responsible Personal Care Workers

NOTICE

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IMMEDIATE OPENINGS IN LUCK, WI

(Feb. 2, 9, 16, 23, March 2, 9) STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY AnchorBank, fsb f/k/a S & C Bank, Plaintiff, vs.

Estate of Donna G. Bengtson, Unknown Spouse of Donna G. Bengtson, Laura Fairchild as personal representative of the Estate of Donna G. Bengtson, Village of Milltown, a Wisconsin municipal corporation, United States of America, and Unknown Tenants, Defendants.

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE Case No. 10 CV 535 Case Code: 30404 Judge: R.H. Rasmussen PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that by virtue of a Judgment of Foreclosure entered on December 20, 2010, in the amount of $31,045.36, the Polk County Sheriff will sell the following described real property at public auction as follows: DATE/TIME: March 24, 2011, at 10 a.m.

TERMS: 10% of successful bid must be paid to the Sheriff at sale in cash or by certified check. The balance is due within 10 days of court approval of the sale. The purchaser is responsible for payment of all transfer taxes and recording fees. Sale is AS IS in all respects and subject to all liens and encumbrances.

PLACE: Foyer Area, Polk County Justice Center, 1005 West Main Street, Suite 900, Balsam Lake, WI 54810.

DESCRIPTION: Lot 4 of the Plat of Pixie Acres Mobile Home Subdivision in the Village of Milltown, being part of the Northwest 1/4 of the Southwest 1/4, Section 8, Township 35 North, Range 17 West.

Said land being in the Village of Milltown, County of Polk and State of Wisconsin.

PROPERTY: 519 Parkins Ave. ADDRESS: Milltown, WI 54858 Peter M. Johnson Polk County Sheriff ECKBERG, LAMMERS, BRIGGS, WOLFF & VIERLING, P.L.L.P. Amanda E. Prutzman (#1060975) Attorney for Plaintiff 1809 Northwestern Avenue Stillwater, MN 55082 651-439-2878 Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (15 U.S.C. Section 1692), we are required to state that we are attempting to collect a debt on our client’s behalf and any information we obtain will be used for that purpose.

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Ask for Sherrie.

MORNING STOCK CREW 5 a.m. - 9 a.m.

Monday through Saturday Apply In Person At:

MENARDS

1285 208th Street St. Croix Falls, Wis. 530797 27-28L 17-18a,d

529652 WNAXLP

(Feb. 2, 9, 16, 23, March 2, 9) STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY BENEFICIAL FINANCIAL 1 INC., AS SUCCESSOR ENTITY OF BENEFICIAL WISCONSIN INC., Plaintiff, vs.

JACK H. PHILLIPS JR. Defendant.

Case Number 10 CV 626 Foreclosure Of Mortgage 30404 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that by virtue of a judgment of foreclosure in the amount of $169,063.89, entered by the court on September 17, 2010, the undersigned Sheriff of Polk County, Wisconsin, will sell the following described real estate.

Lot Two (2) of Certified Survey Map No. 463, recorded in Volume 2 of Certified Survey Maps, page 192, located in Government Lot One (1) and the Southwest Quarter of the Southeast Quarter (SW1/4 of SE1/4), Section Twenty-eight (28), Township Thirty-six (36) North, Range Seventeen (17) West, Polk County, Wisconsin.

Tax Key No. 146-00540-000.

Street Address: 413 S. 7th St, Luck, WI 54853.

Place of Sale: Foyer of the Polk County Justice Center, 1005 W. Main St, Balsam Lake, WI. Date & Time of Sale: March 22, 2011, at 10 a.m.

Terms of Sale: 1. Property is sold “as is” and subject to all legal liens and encumbrances, including but not limited to unpaid and accrued real estate taxes, special assessments & other governmental charges, plus interest and penalties, if any.

2. A bid deposit of not less than ten percent (10%) of the bid amount shall be due in the form of cash, cashier’s check or certified funds at the time of sale.

3. Successful bidder to pay the entire unpaid balance of bid within ten (10) days following confirmation of the sale by the court plus buyer to pay for buyer’s title insurance, document recording fees and Wisconsin Real Estate Transfer Tax. 4. Failure to make timely payment following confirmation of sale will result in forfeiture of bid deposit.

Peter M. Johnson, Sheriff Polk County Law Offices of James E. Huismann, S.C. N14 W23777 Stone Ridge Dr. Suite 120 Waukesha, Wisconsin 53188 (262) 523-6400

One Position Available: Medical Eligibility Outreach/Contract Health Intake Worker

TOWN OF ST. CROIX FALLS Polk County, Wisconsin www.townofstcroixfalls.org PLAN COMMISSION NOTICE OF HEARING March 9, 2011

- Screen for Medicaid/Medicare Eligibility - Screen for tribal membership/descendency - Screen for private insurance eligibility - Assist in application process - Advocate for medical insurance coverage - Redirect if ineligible for services with St. Croix Eligible applicants should be culturally competent and respectful of Native American beliefs and values. Full job description available upon request. Native American Preference Employer.

Please mail or fax your resume to the St. Croix Tribal Health Clinic, attention Health Director.

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715-483-0016

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Hwy. 8, Glacier Drive St. Croix Falls, Wis.

The Town of St. Croix Falls Plan Commission will hold a public hearing at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, March 9, 2011, at the Town Hall at 1305 200th Street & U.S. Hwy. 8, St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin. At that time the applicant will inform the Commission of their request. (THE APPLICANT MUST APPEAR AT 6:00 P.M. WHEN THE COMMISSION CONVENES AT THE TOWN HALL.) Written evidence, testimony or comments, if any, must be delivered in person or by mail to the Town Hall.

Marguerite Lindblom has applied to rezone two adjacent parcels of land and therefore has applied to amend the Town Zoning Map. The applicant is proposing the zoning change from Agricultural to Transitional. The parcel identification numbers are 044-00343-0000 and 044-003470000. The properties are located in Section 15, T. 34N., R.18W. The address of these parcels is 2014 160th Ave, St. Croix Falls.

James Alt, Zoning Administrator 530792 27-28L WNAXLP (Feb. 16, 23, March 2) WI010675 STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY RESURGENCE CAPITAL, LLC Plaintiff, vs.

BECKY OLMSTEAD A/K/A BECKY J. OLMSTEAD 227 N. WASHINGTON ST. P.O. BOX 15 SAINT CROIX FALLS, WI 54024 Defendant(s).

PUBLICATION SUMMONS Case No. 10CV955 Case Code: 30301 THE STATE OF WISCONSIN, to the said defendant(s) : You are hereby notified that the Plaintiff named above has filed a lawsuit against you. The Complaint, which is attached hereto, stated the nature and basis of the legal action.

Within forty (40) days of February 16, 2011, you must respond with a written answer, as that term is used in Chapter 802 of Wisconsin Statutes, to the Complaint. The Court may reject or disregard an answer that does not follow the requirements of the statutes. The answer must be sent or delivered to the court, whose address is: 1005 W. Main St., Ste. 300, Balsam Lake, WI 54810-4410 and Plaintiff’s Attorney, RESURGENCE LEGAL GROUP, P.C., whose address is 6980 N. Port Washington Rd., Suite 204, Milwaukee, WI 53217. You may have an attorney help or represent you.

If you do not provide a proper answer to the Complaint or provide a written demand for said Complaint within forty (40) days, the Court may grant a judgment against you for the award money or other legal action requested in the Complaint, and you may lose your right to object to anything that is or may be incorrect in the Complaint. A judgment may be enforced as provided by law. A judgment awarding money may become a lien against any real estate you own now or in the future and may also be enforced by garnishment or seizure of property.

Dated: February 10, 2011.

RESURGENCE LEGAL GROUP, P.C.

By One of Plaintiff’s Staff Attorneys Robert I. Dorf State Bar No. 1027887 RESURGENCE LEGAL GROUP, P.C. 6980 N. Port Washington Rd. Suite 204 Milwaukee, WI 53217 877-440-0860

We are growing!!

Join a dynamic team that is focused on person-centered health care.

VOTING BY ABSENTEE BALLOT Spring Election April 5, 2011

(Feb. 23, March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30) STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY THE RIVERBANK, Plaintiff, vs.

DANIEL E. FOUST and KAREN M. FOUST, Defendants Case No. 10 CV 811 NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE By virtue of and pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the above-entitled action on January 4, 2011, in the amount of $111,661.05, I will sell the described premises at public auction at the Main Front Entrance of the Polk County Justice Center, 1005 West Main Street, in the Village of Balsam Lake, Polk County, Wisconsin, on Thursday, April 7, 2011, at 10 o’clock a.m.

TERMS OF SALE: 1. 10% down in cash or certified funds at the time of sale; balance due within 10 days of confirmation of sale; failure to pay balance due will result in forfeiture of deposit to plaintiff.

2. Sold “as is” and subject to all legal liens and encumbrances.

3. Buyer to pay applicable Wisconsin Real Estate Transfer Tax. DESCRIPTION: Lot Fourteen (14) of Certified Survey Map No. 5261 recorded in Volume 23 of Certified Survey Maps on page 168 as Document No. 721541, said Map being Lot 14 of Certified Survey Map No. 214 recorded in Volume 1 of Certified Survey Maps on page 217, as Document No. 359866, located in the Northwest Quarter of the Northwest Quarter (NW 1/4 of the NW 1/4), Section Twenty-five (25), Township Thirty-five (35) North, Range Fifteen (15) West and part of the Southwest Quarter of the Northwest Quarter (SW 1/4 of the NW 1/4), Section Twenty-five (25), Township Thirty-five (35) North, Range Fifteen (15) West, Town of Johnstown, Polk County, Wisconsin.

PIN: 028-00625-0000.

STREET ADDRESS: 1983 Long Lake Lane, Comstock, Wisconsin 54826.

Dated at Balsam Lake, Wis., this 7th day of February, 2011.

Peter M. Johnson, Sheriff Polk County, Wisconsin Steven J. Swanson No. 1003029 Attorney at Law P.O. Box 609 105 South Washington Street St. Croix Falls, WI 54024 715-483-3787

Any qualified elector who is unable or unwilling to appear at the polling place on election day may request to vote an absentee ballot. A qualified elector is any U.S. citizen, who will be 18 years of age or older on election day, who has resided in the ward or municipality where he or she wishes to vote for at least 10 days before the election. The elector must also be registered in order to receive an absentee ballot.

TO OBTAIN AN ABSENTEE BALLOT YOU MUST MAKE A REQUEST IN WRITING Contact your municipal clerk and request that an application for an absentee ballot be sent to you for the primary or election or both. You may also request an absentee ballot by letter. Your written request must list your voting address within the municipality where you wish to vote, the address where the absentee ballot should be sent, if different, and your signature.

Special absentee voting application provisions apply to electors who are indefinitely confined to home or a care facility, in the military, hospitalized, or serving as a sequestered juror. If this applies to you, contact the municipal clerk.

You can also personally go to the clerk’s office or other specified location, complete a written application, and vote an absentee ballot during hours specified for casting an absentee ballot.

THE DEADLINE FOR MAKING APPLICATION TO VOTE ABSENTEE BY MAIL IS 5:00 P.M., ON THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 2011.

MILITARY ELECTORS SHOULD CONTACT THE MUNICIPAL CLERK REGARDING THE DEADLINES FOR REQUESTING OR SUBMITTING AN ABSENTEE BALLOT. THE DEADLINE FOR VOTING AN ABSENTEE BALLOT IN THE CLERK’S OFFICE IS 5:00 P.M., ON MONDAY, APRIL 4, 2011.

ALL VOTED BALLOTS MUST BE RETURNED TO THE MUNICIPAL CLERK SO THE CLERK CAN DELIVER THEM TO THE PROPER POLLING PLACE BEFORE THE POLLS CLOSE ON TUESDAY, APRIL 5, 2011.

ANY BALLOTS RECEIVED AFTER THE POLLS CLOSE WILL NOT BE COUNTED. This notice is published on behalf of Burnett County Municipalities.

Town of Anderson Jessica King, Clerk 2773 185th St. Luck, WI 54872 715-472-4753

Town of Meenon Suzanna M. Eytcheson, Clerk 25863 E. Bass Lake. Dr. Webster, WI 54893 715-866-4893

Town of Trade Lake Deborah Christian, Clerk 13361 St. Rd. 48 Grantsburg, WI 54840 715-488-2600

Town of Blaine Doris E. Willett, Clerk 4035 Big McGraw Rd. Danbury, WI 54830 715-244-3910

Town of Oakland Deanna Krause, Clerk 7426 W. Main St. P.O. Box 675 Webster, WI 54893 715-866-8213

Town of Union Gail Nielsen, Deputy Clerk 27440 County Rd. FF Webster, WI 54893 715-866-8084 651-353-0078 - Cell

Town of Roosevelt Karla Mortensen, Clerk 22030 Bakker Rd. Shell Lake, WI 54871 715-468-4088

Town of Webb Lake Gail Keup, Clerk 2363 Escape Drive Webb Lake, WI 54830 715-259-3439

Town of Rusk Jennifer Christner, Clerk 26951 W. Benoit Lake Rd. Webster, WI 54893 715-635-3861

Town of West Marshland Margaret A. Hess, Clerk 25161 Spaulding Rd. Grantsburg, WI 54840 715-463-2922

Town of Sand Lake Peggy Tolbert, Clerk 25862 Normans Landing Rd. P.O. Box 165 Webster, WI 54893 715-866-4398

Town of Wood River Dawn Luke, Clerk 11097 Crosstown Rd. Grantsburg, WI 54840 715-689-2296

Town of Daniels Ellen Ellis, Clerk 8713 Daniels 70 Siren, WI 54872 715-349-5840 Town of Dewey Pamela Brown, Clerk 1148 Swiss Chalet Rd. Shell Lake, WI 54871 715-468-7111 Town of Grantsburg Romey Nelson, ClerkTreasurer 118 E. Madison Avenue P.O. Box 642 Grantsburg, WI 54840 715-463-5600

Village of Grantsburg Jennifer Zeiler, Clerk 316 S. Brad St. Grantsburg, WI 54840 715-463-2405

Town of Jackson Lorraine Radke, Clerk 4742 County Rd. A Webster, WI 54893 715-866-8412

Town of Scott Kim Simon, Clerk 28390 County Rd. H Spooner, WI 54801 Office 715-635-2308

Town of LaFollette Linda Terrian, Clerk 23928 Malone Rd. Siren, WI 54872 715-349-2531

Town of Siren Mary Hunter, Clerk 23340 Soderberg Rd. Siren, WI 54872 715-349-5119

Village of Siren Ann Peterson, Clerk-Treasurer 24049 First Ave. P.O. Box 23 Siren. WI 54872 715-349-2273

Town of Lincoln Patrice Bjorklund, Clerk 25520 Ice House Bridge Rd. P.O. Box 296 Webster, WI 54893 715-866-7580

Town of Swiss Judy Dykstra, Clerk 7551 Main St. P.O. Box 157 Danbury, WI 54830 715-656-3030

Village of Webster Patricia Bjorklund ClerkTreasurer 7505 Main St. W., P.O. Box 25 Webster, WI 54893 715-866-4211

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Shear Image Salon

AGENDA: Minutes & treasurer report; town truck repairs; contract for heavy trucks; payment of town bills and any other business properly brought before the board. Agenda will be posted at Daniels Town Hall 24 hours before meeting. Visit Daniels Township Web site - www.townofdaniels.org.

Ellen M. Ellis, Clerk 531206 28L

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Apply in person.

NOW HIRING

The Monthly Town Board Meeting Will Be Held Tues. March 8, 2011, At 7 p.m., At Daniels Town Hall

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Stylist/Manager For Busy Salon

St. Croix Tribal Health Clinic 4404 State Road 70, Webster, WI 54893 715-349-8554, Fax: 715-349-2559

TOWN OF DANIELS MONTHLY BOARD MEETING

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HELP HELP WANTED WANTED

NOTICE

530341

Subscribe online! www.theleader.net

MARCH 2, 2011 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 29

PAGE 30 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - MARCH 2, 2011

MESSERLI & KRAMER, P.A. Jillian N. Walker, #1066378 3033 Campus Drive Suite 250 Plymouth, Minnesota 55441 Phone: (763) 548-7900 Fax: (763) 548-7922

530549

(Feb. 23, March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30) STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY HSBC MORTGAGE SERVICES INC. Plaintiff, vs.

RANDY L. MCDANIEL AND CINDY S. MCDANIEL, husband and wife; and CAPITAL ONE BANK (USA), NA; and WESTCONSIN CREDIT UNION, Defendants.

Case No. 10-CV-639 Code No. 30404 Foreclosure of Mortgage Dollar Amount Greater Than $5,000.00 Code No. 30405 Other Real Estate NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALES PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that by virtue of a judgment of foreclosure entered on October 8, 2010, in the amount of $190,528.83, the Sheriff will sell the described premises at public auction as follows: TIME: April 12, 2011, at 10:00 o’clock a.m.

TERMS: 1. 10% down in cash or certified funds at the time of sale; balance due within 10 days of confirmation of sale; failure to pay balance due will result in forfeit of deposit to plaintiff.

2. Sold “as is” and subject to all legal liens and encumbrances.

3. Buyer to pay applicable Wisconsin Real Estate Transfer Tax. PLACE: Polk County Justice Center located at 1005 West Main Street, Balsam Lake, Wisconsin.

DESCRIPTION: That part of Government Lot Three (3) of Section Thirty (30), in Township Thirty-two (32) North, Range Sixteen (16) West, in the Town of Black Brook, Polk County, Wis., described as follows: Lot One (1) of Certified Survey Map recorded in Volume 12 of Certified Survey Maps at page 155, as Document No. 580602.

AND Part of Government Lot Three (3) of Section Thirty (30), in Township Thirty-two (32) North, Range Sixteen (16) West, in the Town of Black Brook, Polk County, Wis., described as follows: Commencing at the Northwest corner of said Section 30; thence on an assumed bearing along the North line of the Northwest 1/4 of said Section 30, North 89 55’ 09” East a distance of 1,273.65 feet to the Northwest corner of Lot 1 of Certified Survey Map No. 2668, recorded in Volume 12, page 155; thence continuing along said North line North 89 55’ 09” East a distance of 371.53 feet to the East line of said Lot 1 and the point of beginning of the parcel to described; thence continuing along said North 89 55’ 09” East a distance of 128.47 feet; thence South 02 19’ 56” East a distance of 436.08 feet; thence South 89 55’ 09” West, a distance of 133.66 feet to the East line of said Lot 1; thence along last said East line North 01 39’ 04” West a distance of 435.91 feet to the point of beginning.

PROPERTY ADDRESS: 192 118th Street, Town of Black Brook.

TAX KEY NO.: 010-754-0100 Timothy G. Moore Sheriff of Polk County, WI O’DESS AND ASSOCIATES, S.C. Attorneys for Plaintiff 1414 Underwood Avenue Suite 403 Wauwatosa, WI 53213 414-727-1591 O’Dess and Associates, S.C., is attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. If you have previously received a Chapter 7 Discharge in Bankruptcy, this correspondence should not be construed as an attempt to collect a debt.

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(Feb. 16, 23, Mar. 2, 9, 16, 23) STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY THE RIVERBANK, Plaintiff, vs.

DANIEL J. OSBORNE, Defendant.

Case No. 10 CV 609 NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE By virtue of and pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the above-entitled action on September 20, 2010, in the amount of $122,391.93, I will sell at public auction at the Main Front Entrance of the Polk County Justice Center, 1005 West Main Street, in the Village of Balsam Lake, Polk County, Wisconsin, on: Thursday, March 31, 2011, at 10 o’clock a.m., all of the following-described mortgaged premises, to-wit: TERMS OF SALE: Cash.

DOWN PAYMENT: 10% of amount bid by cash or certified check.

Parcel 1: Lot Four (4) of Certified Survey Map No. 5116, recorded in Volume 23 of Certified Survey Maps, page 23, as Document No. 713014, located in the Northwest Quarter of the Northeast Quarter (NW 1/4 of NE 1/4), Section Twenty (20), Township Thirty-four (34) North, Range Eighteen (18) West, Town of St. Croix Falls, Polk County, Wis. Parcel 2: A perpetual easement for ingress and egress over and across the West 70 feet of the North 638.71 feet of the Northeast Quarter of Northeast Quarter (NE 1/4 of NE 1/4), Section Twenty (20), Township Thirty-four (34) North, Range Eighteen (18) West, over current driveway as it is now laid out and traveled.

PIN: 044-00458-0400.

PROPERTY ADDRESS: 2228A 150th Avenue, St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin 54024.

Dated at Balsam Lake, Wis., this 31st day of January, 2011.

Peter M. Johnson, Sheriff Polk County, Wisconsin Steven J. Swanson No. 1003029 Attorney at Law P.O. Box 609 105 South Washington Street St. Croix Falls, WI 54024 715-483-3787

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(Feb. 16, 23, Mar. 2) STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY Discover Bank Discover Bank Naples, FL 34108 Plaintiff, vs.

Jeffrey A Hayman 2361 75th Ave. Osceola, WI 54020 Plaintiff.

SUMMONS Case Code: 30301 CASE NO. 11CV40 THE STATE OF WISCONSIN To each person named above as a Defendant(s): You are hereby notified that the Plaintiff named above has filed a lawsuit or other legal action against you. The Complaint, which is attached, states the nature and basis of the legal action.

Within forty (40) days of February 16, 2011, you must respond with a written answer, as that term is used in chapter 802 of the Wisconsin Statutes, to the Complaint. The court may reject or disregard an answer that does not follow the requirements of the statutes. The answer must be sent or delivered to the court, whose address is Lois Hoff, Clerk of Circuit Court, 1005 West Main Street Ste. 300, Balsam Lake, WI 54810 and to Messerli & Kramer, P.A., Plaintiff’s attorney, whose address is 3033 Campus Drive, Suite 250, Plymouth, MN 55441. You may have an attorney help or represent you.

If you do not provide a proper answer within forty (40) days, the court may grant judgment against you for the award of money or other legal action requested in the Complaint, and you may lose your right to object to anything that is or may be incorrect in the complaint. A judgment may be enforced as provided by law. A judgment awarding money may become a lien against any real estate you own now or in the future and may also be enforced by garnishment or seizure of property.

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minutes, 44 seconds West 255.61 feet to a point on the East line of Stokely Road; thence North 00 degrees 05 minutes 56 seconds West along the East line of Stokely Road to a point due West from the point of beginning; thence East to the point of beginning.

Parcel 4: Part of the SW1/4 of SE1/4 and part of the NW1/4 of SE1/4, Section 8, Township 35 North, Range 17 West, Village of Milltown, Polk County, Wisconsin, described as follows: Part of Lot 1 of Certified Survey Map No. 1166, recorded in Volume 5 of Certified Survey Maps, Page 157, Document No. 445507 described as follows: Beginning at the Northwest corner of parcel described in Volume 567 Records, Page 066, Document No. 489307; thence North along the East line of Stokely Road to the Southwest corner of parcel described in Volume 526 Records, Page 785, Document No. 464646; thence North 89 degrees 54 minutes 04 seconds East along the Southernmost line of said parcel and extending North 89 degrees 54 minutes 04 seconds East to the Northwestern line of parcel described in Volume 564 Records, Page 625, Document No. 487944; thence South 47 degrees 55 minutes 44 seconds West to the Eastern corner of parcel described in Volume 567 Records, Page 066, Document No. 489307; thence West along the North line of said parcel to the point of beginning.

AND, part of Lot Three (3) of Certified Survey Map No. 337, recorded in Volume 2 of Certified Survey Maps, Page 66, Document No. 373350, described as follows: Commencing at the most Northerly corner of Lot 3 of Certified Survey Map No. 337, located in the SW1/4 of Section 8, Township 35 North, Range 17 West in the Village of Milltown; thence South 00 degrees 05 minutes 11 seconds West 542.43 feet along the Westerly right of way of Stokely Road; thence, leaving said right of way, North 31 degrees 03 minutes 10 seconds West 193.38 feet; thence North 00 degrees 05 minutes 11 seconds East 309.41 feet; thence North 31 degrees 03 minutes 10 seconds West 6.04 feet to a point on the Southeasterly right of way of the service road; thence, along said right of way, North 58 degrees 56 minutes 00 seconds East 120.50 feet to the point of beginning. Said parcel being more specifically located in the East 1/2 of SW1/4, Section 8, Township 35 North, Range 17 West.

TERMS OF THE SALE: Cash due upon confirmation of sale.

DOWN PAYMENT: Ten Percent (10%) of amount bid by certified check due at time of sale.

Dated this 16th day of February, 2011, at Balsam Lake, Wisconsin.

Peter M. Johnson, Sheriff Polk County, Wisconsin John Grindell GRINDELL LAW OFFICES, S.C. Plaintiff’s Attorney P.O. Box 585 Frederic, WI 54837 715-327-5561

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066, Document No. 489307; thence North along the East line of Stokely Road to the Southwest corner of parcel described in Volume 526 Records, Page 785, Document No. 464646; thence North 89 degrees 54 minutes 04 seconds East along the Southernmost line of said parcel and extending North 89 degrees 54 minutes 04 seconds East to the Northwestern line of parcel described in Volume 564 Records, Page 625, Document No. 487944; thence South 47 degrees 55 minutes 44 seconds West to the Eastern corner of parcel described in Volume 567 Records, Page 066, Document No. 489307; thence West along the North line of said parcel to the point of beginning. And other real estate.

ATTACHMENT PAGE 3: Parcel 1: Part of Lot One (1) of Certified Survey Map No. 1166, recorded in Volume 5 of Certified Survey Maps, Page 157, Document No. 445507, described as follows: A parcel of land located in the SW1/4 of SE1/4 and in the NW1/4 of SE1/4, Section 8, Township 35 North, Range 17 West, Village of Milltown, Polk County, Wisconsin, described as follows: Commencing at the South 1/4 corner of Section 8, Thence N 00 degrees 05 minutes 56 seconds W along the north-south quarter line, 1,101.80 feet; thence N 47 degrees 55 minutes 44 seconds E, 300.0 feet to the point of beginning of the parcel herein described; thence continuing N 47 degrees 55 minutes 44 seconds E, 205.00 feet; thence S 43 degrees, 40 minutes, 49 seconds E, 215.69 feet to a point on the northerly right-ofway line of the Soo Line Railroad; thence S 47 degrees 55 minutes 44 seconds W along said northerly line of the Soo Line Railroad, 205.00 feet; thence N 43 degrees 40 minutes 40” W, 215.69 feet to the point of beginning.

Parcel 2: Part of the W1/2 of SE1/4, Section 8, Township 35 North, Range 17 West, Village of Milltown, Polk County, Wisconsin, described as follows: Commencing at a point on the 1/4 line 1,101.80 feet North of the South 1/4 corner of Section 8, Township 35 North, Range 17 West, thence North 47 degrees 55 minutes 44 seconds East 44.39 feet to the point of beginning of the parcel described; thence North 47 degrees 55 minutes 44 seconds East 255.61 feet; thence South 43 degrees 40 minutes 49 seconds East 215.69 feet to the Soo Line right of way; thence along the Soo Line right of way South 47 degrees 55 minutes 44 seconds West to a point on the East line of Stokely Road; thence North 00 degrees 05 minutes 56 seconds West along the East line of Stokely Road to the point of beginning.

Parcel 3: Part of the W1/2 of SE1/4, Section 8, Township 35 North, Range 17 West, Village of Milltown, Polk County, Wisconsin, described as follows: Beginning at the Northernmost corner of a parcel of land described in Volume 528 of Records, Page 152 (Parcel 2) in the office of the Polk County Register of Deeds, thence South 47 degrees, 55

Agenda to include: Reports from the Clerk, Treasurer, Chairman and Supervisors, road report, discussion in regard to radios, garage doors, hauling contract, Chelmo Property, pay bills and adjournment.

Suzanna M. Eytcheson Meenon Town Clerk

(Feb. 23, March 2, 9) STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT BURNETT COUNTY In the matter of the name change of: WHITNEY LINN KROGSTAD By: (Petitioner) MARY KATHERYN YAMBRICK By: (Co-Petitioner) WILLIAM ALLEN YAMBRICK Notice and Order for Name Change Hearing Case No. 11-CV-34 NOTICE IS GIVEN THAT: A petition has been filed asking to change the name of the person listed above: From: WHITNEY LINN KROGSTAD To: WHITNEY LINN KROGSTAD-YAMBRICK IT IS ORDERED: This petition will be heard in the Circuit Court of Burnett County, State of Wisconsin: HON. KENNETH L. KUTZ, Burnett County Circuit Court, 7410 County Road K #115, Siren, WI 54872, Room 220, March 14, 2011, 11:45 a.m.

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED: Notice of this hearing shall be given by publication as a Class 3 notice for three (3) weeks in a row prior to the date of the hearing in the Inter-County Leader, a newspaper published in Frederic, WI, State of Wisconsin.

If you require reasonable accommodations due to a disability, in order to participate in the court process, please call: 715-349-2147 at least ten (10) working days prior to the scheduled court date. Please note that the court does not provide transportation.

BY THE COURT: Hon. Kenneth L. Kutz 2-14-11

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(March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, April 6) STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY Rural American Bank-Luck, Plaintiff, vs.

Donald L. Michaelson aka Donald Michaelson and Laura S. Michaelson aka Laura Michaelson, et al, Defendants Case No. 10 CV 738 Case Code: 30404 Foreclosure of Mortgage NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE By virtue of and pursuant to a judgment of foreclosure entered in the above-entitled action on the 8th day of February, 2011, I will sell at public auction at the Polk County Justice Center, 1005 West Main Street, Balsam Lake, Polk County, Wisconsin, on the 25th day of May, 2011, at 10:00 a.m., all of the following described mortgaged premises, to-wit: ATTACHMENT PAGE 2: Part of Lot One (1) of Certified Survey Map No. 1166, recorded in Vol. 5 of Certified Survey Maps, page 157, Document No. 445507, described as follows: A parcel of land located in the SW1/4 of SE1/4 and in the NW1/4 of SE1/4, Section 8, Township 35 North, Range 17 West, Village of Milltown, Polk County, Wisconsin, described as follows: Commencing at the South 1/4 corner of Section 8, thence N 00 degrees 05 minutes 56 seconds W along the north-south quarter line, 1,101.80 feet; thence N 47 degrees 55 minutes 44 seconds E, 300.0 feet to the point of beginning of the parcel herein described; thence continuing N 47 degrees 55 minutes 44 seconds E, 205.00 feet; thence S 43 degrees 40 minutes 49 seconds E, 215.69 feet to a point on the northerly right-of-way line of the Soo Line Railroad; thence S 47 degrees 55 minutes 44 seconds W along said northerly line of the Soo Line Railroad, 205.00 feet; thence N 43 degrees 40 minutes 40” W, 215.69 feet to the point of beginning. Parcel 4: Part of the W1/2 of SE1/4, Section 8, Township 35 North, Range 17 West, Village of Milltown, Polk County, Wisconsin, described as follows: Beginning at the Northernmost corner of a parcel of land described in Volume 528 of Records, Page 152, in the office of the Polk County Register of Deeds, thence South 47 degrees 55 minutes 44 seconds West 255.61 feet to a point on the East line of Stokely Road; thence North 00 degrees 05 minutes 56 seconds West along the East line of Stokely Road to a point due West from the point of beginning; thence East to the point of beginning.

Parcel 5: Part of the SW1/4 of SE1/4 and part of the N1/4 of SE1/4, Section 8, Township 35 North, Range 17 West, Village of Milltown, Polk County, Wisconsin, described as follows: Part of Lot 1 of Certified Survey Map No. 1166, recorded in Volume 5 of Certified Survey Maps, Page 157, Document No. 445507 described as follows: Beginning at the Northwest corner of parcel described in Volume 567 Records, page

The next meeting of the Meenon Town Board will be held on Monday, March 14, 2011, at the Meenon Town Hall at 7 p.m.

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MEETING NOTICE

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NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR THE FOLLOWING DEPARTMENTS & POSITIONS

(Feb. 23, March 2, 9) STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ALFRED V. ROGERS Notice to Interested Persons and Time Limit for Filing Claims (Informal Administration) Case No. 11 PR 10 An application has been filed for informal administration of the estate of the decedent, whose date of birth was January 15, 1925, and date of death was February 6, 2011. The decedent died domiciled in Polk County, State of Wis., with a post office address of: 1899 120th Avenue, St. Croix Falls, WI 54024.

Please take notice that: 1. The application will be heard at the Polk County Courthouse, Balsam Lake, Wis., Room Ste. 500, before Jenell Anderson, Probate Registrar, on March 14, 2011, at 8:30 or when scheduled thereafter. You need not appear unless you object. The application may be granted if no objection is made.

2. Creditors’ claims must be filed with the probate registrar on or before May 22, 2011.

3. Publication of this notice shall constitute notice to any persons whose names or addresses are unknown.

Jenell Anderson Probate Registrar February 18, 2011 Steven J. Swanson Personal Rep./Attorney P.O. Box 609 St. Croix Falls, WI 54024 715-483-3787

Snowball Week

Unity’s Snowball Court during the Fun Day activities were, (L to R) front row: Freshman court, Maddie Ramich and Cash Hicketier; and sophomore court, Kasey Heimstad and Scott Bever. Back row: Senior court, Jon Peper, Cailin Johnson, Julia Moore and Dylan Hendricks; and junior court, Xavier Foeller and Natasha Quaderer.

Unity High School

Snowball King Dylan Hendricks and Queen Julia Moore. – Photos by Jeanne Alling

Staff karaoke at Unity’s Snowball found this group singing “These Boots are Made for Walking.” Staff members included Jeanne Alling, Carol Kline, Dana Paulsen, Julie Bever, Sue Duerkop, Jessica Eisenmann and Sarah Schmidt.

Snowball Week

Snowball King Ben Jensen and Queen Michelle Gibbs dance together after being crowned Friday evening, Feb. 25, during the snowball dance at Webster. – Photos submitted

MARCH 2, 2011 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 31

Natalia from Italy, Olga from Russia and Femke from Germany had an interesting week at Unity during Snowball Week.

They really got into displaying their school spirit.

Peel the Banana is a popular game at Unity’s Snowball. TaySchool spirit was demonstrated

by Elijah Marek and Kyle Sorensen lor Heathman, Stephanie Stivers, Janet Hunter and Raven Merrill showed their technique to winning. during Snowball.

Webster High School

The Webster Snowball Court was (L to R): Rachel Salas, Kayce Rachner, Mary Johnson, Callan Brown, Queen Michelle Gibbs, King Ben Jensen, Austin Elliot, James Wethern, Croix Swanson and Zach Holmstrom.

RIGHT: Tessa Schiller, Tanya Johnson, Brittany Elgin, Tami Petersen and Siiri Larsen showed their school spirit on Spirit Day.

Dressed for Decade Day is Brittany Maxwell, Chelsey McIntyre, Leslea Wiggins, Shauna Rein, Sharon Zabel and Jill Holmstrom.

Hope for a Cure Basket Bingo

PAGE 32 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - MARCH 2, 2011

A surprised Tammy Miltz-Miller of Trade Lake gave a big shout of “Bingo!” at the Hope for a Cure Basket Bingo fundraiser last Sunday afternoon.

Darlene Sherstad, a 42-year cancer survivor, was presented with a hope basket at last Sunday’s Hope for a Cure Basket Bingo event in Siren.

Michele Gullickson Moore, Burnett County community relations coordinator for the American Cancer Society enjoyed drawing the winner of the grand prize at the basket Bingo event held last Sunday at the Northwoods Event Center.

Rita Gerlach proudly held up her winning card at the annual Hope for a Cure Basket Bingo event held at the Northwoods Event Center in Siren on Feb. 27.

Sandy Eng, organizer of the annual Hope for a Cure Basket Bingo, looked reflectively at the Longaberger baskets she was about to give out as prizes for Bingo games. Generous donations from local businesses, organizations, individuals and families make the event, which raised over $9,000 this year, possible.

Photos by Priscilla Bauer

Bingo lovers of all ages packed the Northwoods Event Center in Siren on Sunday, Feb. 27, for the Hope for a Cure Basket Bingo fundraiser. The annual event raised over $9,000 for the Burnett County Relay for Life and the American Cancer Society.

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Currents

WED. MARCH 2, 2011 • INTER-COUNTY LEADER NORTHERN CURRENTS • SECTION B

THE-LEADER.NET

Locals feed the skiers

by Gregg Westigard Leader staff writer HAYWARD – It was a cold Birkie last Saturday, Feb. 26, but a large group of local skiers turned out for the 50K (31mile) race through the forest from Cable to Hayward. And there to help the skiers midpoint through the race at the gravel pit food station were William Johnson IV, Frederic, and his crew of volunteers.

The skiers have traveled 9 kilometers, 0about 5.6 miles, from their last sign of people when they round a curve and see the bright flags welcoming them to the gravel pit stop. They are greeted with cries of “welcome,” “water,” “energy drink,” “bananas.” Broken poles are replaced.

Overly cold skiers are led to a warm fire.

The gravel pit is a friendly rest stop, a time to chat.

The gravel pit crew starts arriving about 8:30 in the morning at a site about a mile from the highway. Two large metal

An award-winning newspaper serving NW Wisconsin

A cold Birkebeiner

The lead skiers were in a tight group at the 32K point in the 50K race.

Eric Olson, Luck, always looks for a new way to do the Birkie. This year he was one of the few skiers on traditional wooden skis, a pair made in the year he was born. Notice the icicle hanging down from his hat on this very cold day.

Neil Soltis, Osceola village administrator, paused for a photo at the gravel pit. Soltis finished the race in 3 hours and 30 minutes.

water tanks are in place and have been heated since the night before. Long tables (plywood sheets on sawhorses) line the pit area. On the tables are racks of paper cups ready to fill with warm drinks. The

Steve Pearson, Danbury, is a regular at the Birkie. The flags in the background represent the home countries of some of the skiers.

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Follow the Leader

Burnett County Sheriff Dean Roland was one of the many volunteers at the gravel pit.

volunteers start cutting chunks of bananas and slices of oranges. All is ready for the first racers.

From 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. the gravel pit is a busy place. Part of the crew greets each skier, offering drinks and food, try-

The front-runners crest a hill in close formation.

Area skiers in this year’s races

by Gregg Westigard Leader staff writer HAYWARD – The Birkie was actually two races last Saturday, the Birkebeiner and the Kortelopet. The Birkie has two tracks part of the way, a 50K course for skate skiers (the new method) and a 54K (33.5 miles) classic route. The routes have merged by the time the skiers reach the gravel pit stop. The Kortelopet is half that length and does not reach the gravel pit.

Here are the area skiers who finished one of the races Saturday, listed by their home address.

Amery: Larry Behne, Thomas Carlson, Cheryl Clemens, Breanna Draxler, Dan Draxler, Christopher Johnson, Craig Johnson, Stephen Monette, Mark Oman, Michelle Stone, Chelsea Whitley, Jason Whitley Centuria: James Kelley Clayton: Jane Dobb, Jake MacHoll, Carol Wickboldt, Carol Wozniak Comstock: James Rennicke, Jesse Rennicke Cushing: Steve Clark Danbury: Jerry Becker, Steve Pearson Dresser: Justin Ulrich Frederic: John Anderson, Ross Longhini, Vicki Longhini Grantsburg: John Rathje Luck: Robert Ditsch, Eric Olson, Jes Pedersen, Paul Pedersen Osceola: Thomas Brannon, Michael Colaizy, Steven Edling, David Fehlen, Pete Fillipi, Adam Pieri-Johnson, Kevin Rogers, Neil Soltis, Chris Willett St. Croix Falls: Kevin Klein, Arne Lagus, Steve McCormack, Thomas Meister, Robert Nichols, Samuel Nichols, Steven Swanson Siren: Gary Beecroft Webster: Joseph Bjorklund Shell Lake: Dale Cardwell, Joseph Kujala, Timothy Mikula, Jamison Wendel Spooner: John Bjorklund, Jeff Eichten, Katie Eichten, Latty Flynn, Sofia Jarvis, Kurt Kunkel, Madeline Kunkel, Bjorn Larsen, Randy Larson, Deb Lawrence, David Martin, Mark Muraski, Matthew Mutaski, Deanne Myers, Kevin Meyers, Iciar Ocariz, Jose Ocariz, Annette Pederson, Daniel Pederson, Lisa Pederson, Scott Pederson, Beth Pederson, Marva Sahs, Kevin Schoessow, Richard Shipman and Michael Ubbelohde.

ing to help the skiers open energy snack pouches. More of the crew are running buckets of drink to the tables. Still more are clearing the cups and orange peels from the track. All the while, the crew are checking the skiers for problems and offering help. The time flies by.

This year, 5,207 skiers finished the Birkebeiner, the longer of two races run on the same course. All of them passed through the gravel pit.

Jolly H's 4-H ice-fishing contest

PAGE 34 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - MARCH 2, 2011

Vanessa Wickstrom received first place in the sunfish category during the 4-H fishing contest held Saturday, Feb. 26.

Oops. Colton Quimby dropped his minnow scoop and seemed to have a hard time picking it up.

Big Wood Lake

Devyn Ellfson checks his tip-up during the Jolly H's 4-H Club ice-fishing contest held Saturday, Feb. 26, on Big Wood Lake near Grantsburg. The Jolly H's 4-H Club sponsors this to raise Brooke and Cassie Quimby set this money for the Grantsburg Food Shelf. This year the club raised tip-up back in the water after having a $208. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Photos submitted flag.

Ice anglers of all ages seemed to enjoy the snowy weather on Saturday, Feb. 28, during the Jolly H's 4-H icefishing contest on Big Wood Lake.

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Kickoff breakfast for Luck Area ACS Run/Walk is March 18

LUCK - The kickoff breakfast for the Luck Area American Cancer Society’s 16th-annual run/walk will be Friday, March 18, at 7 a.m. at Oakwood Inn. Posters, registration forms, foot-a-buck shoes and additional information will be available. Door prizes will also be given.

Businesses, schools, churches, clubs and other organizations are encouraged to start organizing teams for this May 7 event. Individual participants are also welcome.

Team captains attending the breakfast, and anyone else interested in finding out more about the run/walk, should contact Patti Mattson at 715-472-2654. The committee is very grateful for the generous support the community has given this annual American Cancer Society event in the past. - submitted

Just for

A blind man and his dog walked into a bar, and the blind man started swinging his dog around.

Joe Roberts The barman said, “What are you doing?” The blind man replied, “Nothing, I’m just looking around.”

••• How many lawyers does it take to change a lightbulb? Three, one to climb the ladder, one to shake it and one to sue the ladder company.

••• A guy has a talking dog. He brings it to a talent scout. ”This dog can speak English,” he claims to the unimpressed agent. The guys says to the dog, “What’s on the top of a house?” “Roof!” the dog replies. “Oh, come on ... “ the talent agent responds. “All dogs go ‘roof.’”

“No, wait,” the guy says. He asks the dog, “What does sandpaper feel like?” “Rough!” the dog answers. The talent agent gives a condescending stare. He is losing his patience. “No, hang on,” the guy says. “This one will amaze you.” He turns and asks the dog: “Who, in your opinion, was the greatest baseball player of all time?” “Ruth!” barks the dog. The talent scout, having seen enough, boots them out of his office onto the street. The dog turns to the guy and says, “Maybe I shoulda said DiMaggio?”

Laughs

Frederic to hold auditions for Prairie Fire Children's Theatre

FREDERIC – Frederic auditions for Prairie Fire Children’s Theatre’s original musical adaptation of “Alice in Wonderland” will be held Monday, March 7, at 3:30 p.m. at Frederic Elementary School.

Up to 83 local young people are needed to play the roles of Alice, the White Rabbit, the Duchess, the Cook, the Cheshire Cat, the March Hare, the Dormouse, The Jack of Hearts, the King of Hearts, the Caterpillar, Tweedledum, Tweedledee, the Deck of Cards, the Flowers and the Birds.

They will have a place for all. They also need students to run lights and music.

Auditions are open to Frederic area youth, grades 2-12.

The audition process lasts up to two hours, and all auditioners are required to be in attendance the complete time. Rehearsals will be after school the remainder of the week, with performances scheduled for Friday and Saturday, March 11 and 12, at 7:30 p.m., at Frederic Elementary School.

Prairie Fire Children’s Theatre professionals, from the staff of Prairie Fire Children’s Theatre, will direct this production and play the roles of Queen of Hearts and the Mad Hatter.

Tickets for the performance are adults $5, and children 3 to 18 $3, and will be available at the door. The Prairie Fire Children’s Theatre residency is being sponsored by Frederic Community Education with financial help from Polk Burnett Operation Round-up. Frederic Subway will help sponsor supper for actors on Friday. For more information contact Ann Fawver at 715-327-4868. - submitted

Write or wrong

One of the great risks of writing

Cold Turkey

is that your family becomes your most vocal critic. It isn’t my writing style that they criticize but John W. Ingalls rather how they might be portrayed each week. Most of my family critics are kind and forgiving, gently suggesting changes in the text. Sometimes they strongly recommend starting over on an entirely different subject and sometimes they like what they read. Despite any grammatical disagreement I can always rely on my computer spell checker. Know matter watt my proofreaders say, I be leave that my computer spell checker is always write. I don’t pretend to be a grate author but I do like to right stuff that people can reed.

Putting your work on public display opens you up to criticism. While I can handle the critics it is frustrating when people attack your family as well. Someone once told me how bad my grammar was. I didn’t know my grammar was bad. I told them they shouldn’t talk about the dead that way. My grammar died nearly 20 years ago.

I don’t pretend that Cold Turkey is quality material but I do try to make it readable. Quality writing can

MARCH 2, 2011 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 35

I saw the boxes in my parents’ attic.

I was at my parents’ home with my sister, her husband, and their two children. There were too many of us to fit in the spare Carrie Classon bedrooms so I climbed the ladder up to the attic and slept there. That’s where I saw the boxes of slides neatly stacked against the wall.

My dad has been trying for a couple of years to scan his slides, but they remain stubbornly in the 20th century. So that evening we all settled in front of the whirring slide projector and the big silvery screen. My mother randomly grabbed a box of slides and we ended up watching 1974-1975, the year I turned 13, which didn’t seem quite fair.

No one looks their best at 13 — even people who looked good at 13. I had long hair in ponytails and wore plaid bell bottoms and peculiar hats. I had a green felt hat in the summer that belonged on “The Beverly Hillbillies,” and a furry winter hat that had a tall spire at the top like a small European cathedral.

This was not a look that would make a 13-year-old popular today and it certainly did not help my popularity in 1975.

My sister was 8 and had shiny blond ringlets. She wore bright colors and smiled directly into the camera. I have energetic parents and we were always canoeing, bicycling or camping. My sister seemed to be having a wonderful time in every photo except the one taken when we were backpacking, where it appeared she had died along the side of the trail, her oversized bright red pack beside her.

My 3-year-old nephew, Beau, was bored by these large pictures in the dark, but my niece Isabelle, at 8, was old enough to enjoy seeing the little girl in ringlets who looked so much like herself.

After our trip through the mid-'70s, we watched my parents’ honeymoon slides. My father has en-

Letters from

Home

dured a lot of abuse over the years for taking more photos on this trip of his brand-new Studebaker than of his shiny new wife. But my mother took a careful count this time and found herself in the lead, unless my father has weeded out some Studebaker photos at some point in the last 51 years (and I would not put it past him).

There were photos of my mother wearing plaid pedal pushers and hiking in the mountains in little white tennis shoes. They rented bikes on their honeymoon, which was not surprising, and they rode horses, which was a surprise. My mother remembered that she was nearly thrown off the photographed horse, riding along a mountain pass.

We watched slides taken at my parents’ wedding and their first Christmas together. The top of my grandfather’s bald head was white from wearing a cap all day in the sun.

“That’s your great-grandpa, Beau. He was a farmer,” my mother said.

My great-grandmother wore a stiff dress and a stiffer smile. “That’s your great-great-grandma, Isabelle. She came from Norway.”

I have no children, so my niece and nephew will carry our family slide show forward: fragments of memory, slightly tinted with age, tiny truths that combine to make a life.

“Your grandmother didn’t like horses, but she was a good bike rider.”

“Your grandfather once had a very fast car.”

“Your mother looked just like you, when she was your age.”

“Your aunt liked to wear funny hats and tell stories.”

She still does.

Till next time, —Carrie

Carrie Elkin to headline at Honky Tonk Café

ST. CROIX FALLS - Fizz Kizer’s Honky Tonk Café was a staple of life in River Falls until a change of venue was needed, and that led to the opportunity to host some of the unique singer-songwriter programs in St. Croix Falls at Festival Theatre.

Headlining the upcoming March 11 music event is Carrie Elkin, who was recently signed to Grammy-winning folk label Red House Records.

The concert will take place in The Elbow Room, Festival’s street-level performance space, “so it’s completely a club atmosphere with tables, wine and beer, and wonderful intimacy to the stage,” notes Danette Olson of Festival Theatre.

Elkin is becoming a big name around the country, working from her Austin, Texas, base. She documents the human condition with sensitivity and humor, crafting songs that have garnered attention at prestigious songwriting contests, including Mountain Stage New Song and the Falcon Ridge Emerging Artist Showcase.

Maverick Magazine said, “We have never seen a performer so in love with the act of singing. Onstage Elkin was simply a force of nature.”

Elkin is known for winning new fans at every show, whether playing at a headlining club gig, singing the national anthem in front of 20,000 at a Chicago Bulls game or opening for artists like Jesse Winchester, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and Greg Brown. Although she got her musical start young, singing in church and playing the saxophone, Elkin lived an extremely diverse and active young life. She competed as a national champion acro-gymnast, which led to an eventual invitation to join the circus. Instead, she studied physiology at Ohio University and became an organic chemist. But music never left her blood, and the attention she was gaining from her songwriting quickly stole her away from the academic world, as she began to record and actually be very complicated.

You must take all of the parts of speech that are jumbled up inside of your head and arrange them in a way that tries to make sense. It is the verbal equivalent MD of a jigsaw puzzle. I once tried to conjugate a subject and a predicate but an adverb and a preposition got in the way. Instead of an interrogative imperative I realized that my participle was dangling.

In order to correct my past imperfect predicate I had to completely dismantle my thesis and start over.

I once had the personal goal of becoming a writer but I never really studied the writer’s craft. Why bother with the basics, I wanted to go directly to the published text without understanding what went into the finished product. Through blind effort and sheer luck I was able to get two articles published, first in Fur, Fish and Game magazine and later in Wisconsin Sportsman magazine. While none of these would ever be considered for the Pulitzer Prize, to me it was huge accomplishment. However my youth and enthusiasm were quickly buried by reality. I was writing with the hope of financial reward and while that hope was realized, it was substantially less than I needed. I received a total of $15 for my efforts. My desire to write

tour across the country. After settling in Austin in 2007, she recorded her album “The Jeopardy of Circumstance,” and is now hot on the heels of her recent success with her new album, “Call It My Garden.”

The Honky Tonk Café experience opens March 11 at 7:30 p.m. Additional Honky Tonk Café concerts will take place on May 21, July 14 and

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was shelved alongside my thesaurus for the next 30 years.

It’s funny how some things in life never really take root until all of the components fit together. It’s like aged cheese, fine wine or a big zit on your face when you are a teenager. It needs time to develop before it feels right. In my case it was a frustrated attempt to make a pot of homemade baked beans. Some of you remember that story. The beans were a complete disaster but I was compelled to tell the story and send it to a friend who then forwarded it to the paper. To my complete surprise it appeared on the front page the next week.

My writing career was born not out of need or effort but out of a hundred stories to tell and the experience to tell them in ways in which others could relate. I was a successful writer not because I had to write but because I did it out of enjoyment. It has made me an instant celebrity at parties. Now when approached by total strangers they say, “Aren’t you that guy … ?” I reply, “Yes, I am. Have you ever heard of Mark Twain, John Grisham or Leo Tolstoy?” When they all ooh and aah I can say “They’re writers just like me.” Now if I can just get my spell checker to pick out the write words.

River Road

Let’s stick it to the Union

Down here in the Deep South, the news is full of the turmoil all over the world as people rise up against rule by dictators and their families. You can hardly turn on the news without seeing pictures of huge crowds protesting in Tunisia, Egypt, Yemen, Libya, etc. People seem to have been successful in their protests in all the places except for Wisconsin, where the Fitzgerald, Koch and Walker families seem firmly entrenched. For idealogical reasons, they have taken a budget balance problem and turned it into an attack on public unions. As a former teacher and thus a public union member, I got bothered enough to try to explain, from my own experience, how public unions came about and why they are so important to their members. Get ready for a teaching moment!

Back in 1973, I became a schoolteacher. It was very hard to find a teaching job in those years with all the baby boomers coming into the market. I had a degree from River Falls in physics and math, and had spent another two years in grad school at UW Madison learning how to be a teacher and getting certified. Margo and I sent out hundreds of applications to schools in the Midwest, and finally got an interview and then a job on Washington Island, the smallest school district in the state of Wisconsin, out in Lake Michigan.

Washington Island was the most property-rich school district in Wisconsin (dozens of lakeshore mansions owned by absentee Chicago and Milwaukee millionaires), but the school district paid the lowest wages in the whole state; levying the lowest property tax rate in the whole state.

“The rich people might not come here in the summer if we raise their taxes,” was the school board’s argument for continuing to use their two-room 100-year-old schoolhouse with a few lean-tos tacked on.

There were only a half dozen teachers K-12, some of them part time. My salary was $7,000 for nine months of teaching. I had 4.8 percent of my salary withheld for the Wisconsin Retirement fund and the school board contributed a matching 4.8 percent in my name. I had no other benefits, including no health insurance. They offered the same salary for the next year. Costs of everything were about 30 percent higher on the island than the mainland— really impossible to live on the salary.

Rodger Meyer, my high school physics teacher from St. Croix Falls, explains salary negotiations back in the ‘60s.

“When I started teaching we had to go before the school board individually to plead for a raise in wages, which were pathetic. Some farmer on the board would moan and groan and say, ‘You are asking for more than I’m making.’

Our teachers organization was run by the school superintendent and the school board (management). When I got involved in trying to form a teachers union without management, the school board wanted to fire me.”

Not being able to live on my island salary and with Margo expecting, I searched around for other teaching jobs with health benefits and managed to find one on the mainland, at Goodman, a lumbermill town on Hwy. 8 near the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. My salary was $7,800 and I had some health benefits. I stayed at Goodman for three years and in that time became a member of the Wisconsin Federation of Teachers, a branch of the American Federation of Teachers. The AFT was one of two teachers unions in Wisconsin; a very small one compared to the Wisconsin Education Association union.

I was chosen a member of the teachers bargaining team.

We held meetings with the school board and administrator on a new contract every two years. Most of our negotiations were over pay, benefits and working conditions.

We decided, at Goodman, with the agreement of the school board, that instead of a raise over one two-year contract, the district would pay both their 4.8-percent and our 4.8percent pension contributions. As I remember, that way gave some tax benefits. We paid all of our health insurance (in those days the whole cost was something like $50 per month). Next time we negotiated instead of a raise, the school would pay the health insurance, again for tax advantages. When I hear folks now complain that teachers get retirement and health benefits paid, you have to remember that was what both parties negotiated; these issues can be reopened and changed at any contract renewal.

We did not have the right to strike. If we couldn’t come to an agreement with the school board, then there was nothing we could do. Teacher strikes were illegal in Wisconsin under the 1971 bargaining law that mandated goodfaith bargaining on both sides of the table. However, there was nothing in the law that forced compliance for either party.

The old contract would just stay in effect.

It was very frustrating, because the school boards would tell us, “There is no money,” or maybe, “There is $20,000 more available for the whole school next year,” and ask “How do you want to divide it?” and they meant that was what was available for new equipment, books, salaries, benefits, etc. School boards believed this was bargaining in good faith. They could raise property taxes if they wanted to but that was done at the annual school meeting.

The board could have explained the need for more money, but often chose to let the folks opposed to taxes of any kind dominate the meetings.

Mark D. Biller

Ramblings

Armadillos are ubiquitous in Louisiana. Their local name is “speed bumps.” – Photo by the Rambler

The ‘70s were a time of high inflation, and each year our buying power got less. A decent old mill house cost only $30,000 in Goodman, but the bank told us we couldn’t afford it based on their rule of a house should cost only 2-1/2 times one’s salary. Margo was home with our new baby and there were no jobs for her available anywhere nearby.

I liked teaching at Goodman. It was a smaller school, good teachers and decent (if old) facility. I just couldn’t afford to live on the wages. We teachers looked to our union to help us out by giving us a stronger voice at the bargaining table.

Gaylord Nelson pushed through a bill in Wisconsin that public workers including teachers had the right to organize and negotiate contracts for their labor back in 1959, but with no right to strike there was no way to force school districts or other governments to settle—they could just stall if they chose to, and many did.

From 1970-1977, there were 30 Wisconsin teacher strikes (and over 100 public employee strikes) that occurred, including the infamous Hortonville strike of two years’ length where 84 teachers were fired. These strikes were illegal, and often ended in strikers losing their jobs, but they continued. With the increasing number of strikes and labor problems with teachers and other public employees, many legislators were beginning to think about improving the process.

The big Wisconsin teachers union, WEA, joined with the AFT and started lobbying the state Legislature for a bargaining process that gave teachers (and other public employees) a more even chance at negotiations. I was selected from my school to go to a meeting with our local Assembly representative and, with the WEA representative, talk to her about the problems and our proposed solution, binding arbitration.

“We have run into a real dead end in our ability to bargain with local school districts. They don’t have any reason to negotiate; if they do nothing they win. We are very frustrated with this, and you can see the result; strikes by teachers, even when they know it is illegal and they could be fired. We are to the point where it is strike or quit teaching and get better-paying job.

“We are proposing this: We negotiate until both the board and union are stopped at their last offer. The state appoints a neutral mediator to come in and try to move along further negotiations. If the mediator certifies that there is no hope for an agreement then we each make a written last best offer that is submitted to a panel of three persons for arbitration. One arbitrator comes from the union; one from the school board and one from a pool of independent, neutral state arbitrators. The arbitrators are only allowed to choose one plan exactly as it was submitted—no changes allowed, by a majority vote.

“We think that forcing each group to submit its last best offer, knowing it will be take it or leave it by the arbitrators, will force each side to move closer together, and that in most cases, when this last offer is presented, one side or the other will take it right then.”

Well, that passed in 1977, with the vote of our representative (a Republican) and it worked pretty much the way we figured it would. Teachers or school boards, seeing each other’s real last offer often did take it. When the process went all the way to arbitration, it did help the lowest-paid districts, because the arbitrators tended to look at the surrounding school districts for comparisons in making the decision. Strikes disappeared. Since 1978, there have been no public employee work disruptions in Wisconsin and for the most part, governments and workers have gotten along smoothly.

Well, I moved on to Amery in 1978 and taught in the high school there. A bigger school meant more money ($10,000).

The first year was great. I liked the larger school, and the innovative spirit amongst the teachers and administrative

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staff. It was an excellent school district, and I close lived to enough Dad and Collected by Russ Hanson Mom that I figured I could afford a house—of course it would be on their land and with wood from our forest and sawmill, but at least a chance to own a home of our own!

Well, my teaching career hit a snag Feb. 12, 1980, a Tuesday, at 1:30 p.m. My afternoon Math 9 class had 35 students (way too many!). A normally quiet student, Don (not his real name) , a small, skinny, shaggy, shy boy, started talking in the class, seemingly to no one, just talking loudly.

His voice was slurred and I couldn’t understand anything he said. It was totally out of character for him.

“What’s wrong Don?” I asked. “Nothing, … ,” with some more unintelligible stuff. “Do you want to go to the sick room and talk to the nurse?” He shook his head no, but got up and sort of lurched across the room and out the door. A student said “He and his friends were doing drugs at noon.” I followed him out the door into the hall. I asked, “Are you on drugs?” He looked at me, as if he planned to say something, and then pulled back his right hand, made a fist and hit me squarely on the jaw. I was shocked; it was totally unexpected. It didn’t hurt, as he seemed to have little strength in his arm. “Don, whatever is wrong, you won’t fix it by hitting me. You go down to the office right now and tell the principal what happened.” This happened in sight of many of the students.

I talked to the principal after class. “I think he is on drugs. It is totally out of his character, and I didn’t provoke him at all.” The principal had sent him to the sick room.

He called a meeting with the parents, both working full time, with the husband on the road most of the time as a salesman. A few days later we met. The parents took the position, very insistently, that it must have been my fault, as their son just couldn’t have just hit a teacher. I told them of my suspicion he was on drugs. They got angry and accused me of making accusations without any proof. Don was given detention for two weeks (had to stay after school for an hour), and stayed in my class. I was upset after the verbal raking over from the parents and felt the principal had not stuck up for me. Why was I left feeling guilty for a kid punching me? There was no question that I had touched Don at all or provoked him, as several students who had seen it all told the principal in interviews as I was investigated.

That weekend, I searched the Twin Cities job ads in the newspapers. I updated my resume and wrote a glowing letter about my imagined and real experience in computers and shot off an application for a computer scientist job at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. I finished the school year, got the new job and left my career in teaching, shaking the dust off my feet on the way out. I look back and am actually grateful for Don’s punching me into a better job than teaching. My pay immediately doubled! Sadly, Don was in county court within a year, and now, 30 years later, is still trying to get his life free from drugs and the problems they caused to him and his family.

Getting an education is how we poor farm kids made it into the lower part of the middle class. Many of us went into teaching, thinking it an honorable profession; a respected way of making a modest living. We knew if we stuck by it for 35 years, we would get a modest pension.

Luckily, our pension money went into an account that politicians couldn’t touch—so in Wisconsin our pension fund is totally funded. I even get a small amount each month from my six years of teaching—the money gaining interest over the 30 years it was invested in the account.

The depression starting in 2008 dropped the amount I get from the investment, but, unlike in many states where pensions are badly underfunded, the independent retirement fund is sound.

I think it was wrongheaded of Gov. Walker and the Republicans to attempt to change the bargaining laws for public employees without first asking them to help solve the problem. Public employees are truly our neighbors, friends and relatives, not our enemy. Many of our local farmers and business owners depend on a public employee spouse for health insurance for them and their kids. Public employee unions should have been given a chance to help solve the problem. They are not our enemy! Wisconsin’s new political leaders seem to have two core principles: tax cuts for the wealthy and wage cuts for everyone else.

What few decent jobs that are still available to us will soon disappear if politicians continue to attack unions and workers. Remember, the only reason why workers have things like health care, pensions, eight-hour days, minimum wages, workplace safety, unemployment insurance, and a say in their wages is because unions have fought the battles for everyone for the past 100 years. Without the things won for us by unions, we would all be fighting for a greeter’s job at Bigmart or flipping burgers nearby, right up to the day we went to the poorhouse.

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February in review

One thing about having a “dish” in the yard is that

it assures us we will see lots of old movies, over and over.

Last week we saw “A River Runs Through It” twice in one day. I can relate to fly-fishing as both my father and husband were fly fishermen.

My mother and I often went with my father as he had a favorite stream he liked. Mother and I took a walk along the country road, picked wildflowers in the woods, or just sat in the car visiting.

My father had hip boots and could walk right in the stream along with the trout.

So, when a character in the film asks the crucial question, “What are they biting on?” we could relate to that question and the answer is, “On the end of the line.”

We never went home empty-handed. If the fish weren’t biting, my father would bring us a handful of wild watercress. It required a lot of washing and rinsing but was good eating.

The film is about a Presbyterian minister, his wife and two sons and their life in the rectory. The sons are very different, one becomes a college professor in Chicago and the other is a newspaper reporter who once interviewed Calvin Coolidge, but he traveled in the wrong crowd and owed many gambling debts.

One son was successful and the other was doomed.

It’s the fishing scenes we like best and in the last scene everyone is gone of the people the oldest son most loved. He is “haunted by water” (the Blackfoot in Montana). The water and under the water are the rocks and beneath the rocks are the words, and sometimes they were their own. Beautiful last words.

We also saw “This Property is Condemned” two times and “The Best Years of Our Lives.” All thoughtprovoking movies. We know many of the lines by heart.

Old-time readers Suzanne Johnson writes a weekly column for the Washburn County Register in Shell Lake. Recently she was looking at an old-time recipe book and wondering what we ate when we were growing up.

Since my father was a gardener, he grew every vegetable and we ate every vegetable including fresh lima beans (not mealy like canned ones), corn-on-thecob, (a mixture of corn cut off the cob and lima beans was called succotash and tasted delicious with lots of butter); we ate buttered beets or Harvard beets (spicy); brussels sprouts (I tried to get my sons to eat them, saying, “They’re just baby cabbages”), peas, carrots, cauliflower, broccoli, parsnips, string beans, parsley potatoes, spinach, tomatoes (mostly Big Boys available seed through Burpees) whatever vegetable was in season.

In my growing-up years we sometimes had chicken on Sunday or a small beef roast.

If there was meat left over or potatoes, the meat was put through the grinder and onion and cut-up potatoes added and we had hash the next day, fried in an iron skillet.

Does anyone make or eat hash anymore?

My mother didn’t shop for groceries but ordered them by telephone, and the grocer delivered orders several times a week.

We ate codfish cakes. Codfish came in a compact wooden box with dovetailed corners and the codfish had to be freshened to get rid of some of the salt. It was mixed with leftover cooked potatoes, formed into patties and sautéed in butter (of course). It was golden brown and delicious with lots of vegetables as side dishes.

My father told us how embarrassed he was as a boy to be sent to the grocery store by his mother to buy 15¢ worth of veal. (To be used in veal stew) I’m not sure anyone eats veal anymore, considering it’s slimy.

We ate a lot of fish that my father caught. (He did boat fishing, too.) Sometimes I’d go with him and row the boat so he could troll, but he said I talked too much.

We roasted pigeons, woodcock, duck, quail, etc., as my father was a hunter.

Since there was a cow barn and dairy on the place

Behind the

Signpost

Bernice Abrahamzon where we lived we had plenty of raw milk.

Nowadays, people are afraid to drink raw milk.

We always had plenty of food. My mother enjoyed baking icebox cookies, lemon chiffon pie, hickory nut cake, mocha cake (coffee-flavored layers with real whipped cream between layers). In memory I can taste each one, just remembering.

My mother seldom made yeast dough. It skipped her generation and I am the one baking bread.

But I made lots of bread pudding, rice pudding, salmon loaf, rhubarb sauce in my days of early marriage.

Fortunately, I know how to change with the times.

We enjoy a sub sandwich, pizza, a fish sandwich, tossed salad, baked potatoes.

When the school menu is printed in this newspaper. I read the listing, looking for new ideas of what’s for supper. I puzzle over some of them, wondering what it is, exactly.

When we moved up north, I was happy to see hickory nuts and I stooped to smack one with a rock so I could get at the nutmeat.

Hannah Serier told me, “Those are bitternuts.

They’re no good.” She was right. I had to spit it out.

Imagine, bitternuts masquerading as my favorite hickory nuts.

Downstate we picked up bushels of hickory nuts, and in winter we’d sit at the dining room table cracking them and putting the good part in jars. We’d do that when we listened to the radio shows of “Ma Perkins” or “The Little Theatre Off Times Square.”

My poor Molly My favorite dog, actually my only dog right now, Molly, is doing her best to keep down the mouse and chipmunk population, but Sunday she killed a big gray squirrel. However, the squirrel bit Molly on her nose and she had a terrible nosebleed.

Molly yelped and complained bitterly. I happened to be at church and my sons were working here on the farm and wondered what in the world ailed Molly.

They soon found out. I think Molly will hesitate before she dares to grab another squirrel.

We have flying squirrels too, and one son brings in the birdfeeder at night trying to discourage those foxy little critters.

Strange phone calls I knew it was only a random phone call, on a tape, but I was invited to be in Madison at 3 p.m. to demonstrate peacefully against the governor’s current bills.

I am not inclined to picket, although I have strong opinions on the subject. I cringe when I hear teachers described as fat-cat teachers.

For years we have joked about how much we have spent on education. When my husband was alive, we had five college graduates in our household.

We joked we were getting poorer by degrees.

Although I branched into being a writer from being a teacher, I am very interested in education. If I lived in a college town, I’d gladly enroll in an advanced course, even now.

You’ve heard that expression “If you think education is expensive, try ignorance.”

Until next week, Bernice

P.S. When did teachers lose their prestige? When did teachers lose the respect they had always enjoyed?

SCVHF requests applicants for health-care scholarship

ST. CROIX FALLS - The St. Croix Valley Healthcare Foundation now has applications available for three types of scholarships: one for high school seniors, post high school and nontraditional (adult returning to school) students pursuing a degree in a health-care field.

For many years, the foundation has provided scholarship assistance of varying amounts to individuals from area communities served by the medical center, and children of medical center employees who are furthering their education and who have been accepted to an accredited program of training for health-care occupations.

Each year, a percentage of foundation funds, includ-

MARCH 2, 2011 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 37

ing memberships, are earmarked for this Scholarship Award Program. Many past scholarship recipients now are putting their education and experience to work in our region, and several are SCRMC employees. To request an application, please contact Janet Luhman, foundation assistant, 715-483-0587, or Sarah Shaw, education specialist at St. Croix Regional Medical Center, 715-4830431. You may also stop by the medical center and request a Foundation scholarship application or request a copy by e-mail at foundation@scrmc.org and put “college scholarship application” in the subject line. The deadline for application submissions is April 1. Winners will be selected and notified by the end of May. - from SCVHF

The Inter-County Leader Connect to your community

Do you remember?

Compiled by Bernice Abrahamzon

50 Years Ago

Bob Hope and Lucille Ball were starring in the movie “The Facts of Life,” playing at the Frederic Theatre.-“North to Alaska” was playing at the Grand Theatre in Grantsburg, starring John Wayne, Stewart Granger and Ernie Kovacs.-Cliff and Sarah Erickson purchased Windus Apparel shop in Frederic.-Frederic Stokely Van Camp would operate during the coming season.-State highway users paid $118,549,000 in to state coffers.-A Frederic girl, Marika Laatsh, and Cushing boy, George Gullickson, won the speaking event at Spooner.-Pilgrim Lutheran Church had a pancake supper sponsored by the Senior Girl Scout.-A card party was held at St. Dominic Catholic Church, sponsored by the Luck Study Club.-There were 43 head of cattle plus machinery at an auction held on Feb. 19 by Leonard Halmstrom in Rice Lake.-Young and Rich Auto Sales, Frederic, announced they were all sold out and readers should watch for the finest used cars.Route’s Super Market, Frederic, had specials on tuna fish at five cans for $1, 50 lbs. of flour at $3.19, 10 lbs. sugar at 98¢ and grapefruit at 10 for 49¢.-A sale was held at Farmer’s Union Co-op starting Feb. 15 with a dollar a minute oil sale.-Specials at the Frederic Super Market included meat pies at 3 for 59¢ and round steak at 55¢ lb.

40 Years Ago

State board action released Pierce County from Advotech 18.-There were 17 Frederic students who won at speech contest.-Tires were flattened during tourney games at Luck.-Specials at Anderson Store, Siren, included round steak at 97¢ lb., bacon at 2 lbs. for $1.29, potato chips at 39¢ for a 12-oz. bag and toilet tissue at four rolls for 29¢.-A dance was set for Friday, March 12, and Saturday, March 13, from 9 p.m.

– 1 a.m. at the Oasis, Webster, with music by the Easy Riders.-Specials at Route’s Super Market, Frederic, included 2 lbs. bacon at $1.19, pot roast at 57¢ lb., beef stew 79¢ lb. and 20 lbs. Russet potatoes at 79¢.Open house was set for the Webster Co-op on March 12 feed specials.-John O’Konski took over Roy’s Bottle Gas on March 1, to be known as John’s Bottle Gas, Danbury.-A Minnesota pilot made an emergency landing at Voyager Village.-Frederic Farmers Union Co-op had a big sale, calling it “Your really big Coopportunity.”-Farmers State Bank advertised conventional loans, FHA loans, commercial loans, insured loans, loans to refinance and home improvement loans.-A dance was set for Saturday, March 13, at the Indian Creek Dance Hall with admission at $1 each and lots of door prizes.-Chester Fremont, Frederic, sold American Family Insurance.

20 Years Ago

It was determined that the cost of nutrition center meals was more than donations.-A Frederic store manager appeared on “Money Game” TV show. Her name was Marie Taylor.-Obituaries included Floyd Gullickson, Anna Oberg, Russell Helgeson, Alice Kuhnly, Eugene Raddke, Ross Gjerning, Olga Babcock and Mildred Doriott.-Alpha Feed needed someone for a full-time office work position.-The tourism information center construction was delayed.-A gassaving invention was unveiled in Siren by Charlie Albrecht.-Dog races were canceled at Grantsburg.Two more towns decided to adopt comprehensive zoning, Trade Lake and the town of Anderson.-A string of burglaries was solved.-Fire damages a Boner Lake home, that of Gary Kobelarcsik.-Village residents in Burnett County were asked to clear fire hydrants of snow.-Tax help was available for Operation Desert Storm participants.-Peggy’s Fashion Rack in Siren had a sale with 25 percent off many items.-Carlyle’s in Grantsburg had a sale with 40 to 60 percent off certain items.-Ted Cook was selected as student of the month in Danbury Elementary School.-Lunch and cards were available Saturday, Feb. 9, at the Webster Community Center.-Parentchild fair was held on a Saturday in the Siren school.A review was given when Julie Engebretson became the bride of Dennis Stevermer.

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PAGE 38 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - MARCH 2, 2011

Dundee is a 2-yearold neutered male min pin with happy feet. He likes everyone he meets, and that includes children, cats and other dogs. He is an equal opportunity pup. Dundee wants to go whereever you go. A ride in the car is his idea of a trip to an amusement park, complete with roller coaster and fun house. He wants Dundee to be your welcome sentry at the front door, greeting everyone he meets with a smile and handshake.

Four of our mystery puppies have gone home.

Three remain – Calamity, Cornelius and Churchill.

Two Border collie/German shorthair pups are mak-

Await

Arnell Humane Society of Polk County

ing their debut this week. They are Taz and Turbo.

These pups are smart and well-behaved. They came to the shelter knowing how to sit before dinner and have gentle souls. They are 3 months old now and will be large when full-grown.

Our mastiff/black Lab, Lizzie, thinks she is a lap dog. She is extra-large and supersweet. She stands 25 inches at the shoulder at 1 year old. If you have room indoors for a gentle giant, Liz is the dog for you.

Arnell Memorial Humane Society, 185 Griffin St. East, Amery, 715-268-7387 or online: Arnellhumane.org.

Borderline news

At Cloverton, Pine County Commissioner Steve Chaffee made his annual sojourn to a meeting of the East Pine County Wanderers. Topics discussed included ambulance service, broadband access, county-based purchasing and the Northern Lights Rail Line. Other guests included Sharon and Ron Proffit, and Gladys Nelson. Patrice Winfield brought the birthday cake and door prize - a handmade diamond willow penholder, letter opener, and vase with flowers, which was won by Frank Schaaf. February birthdays were Don Mishler, Rosie Yackel and Marge Wolfe. President Fran Levings announced that she’ll be a candidate for president of the Seven County Senior Federation at their annual convention in April in Aitkin County. Patrice Winfield will be running for second vice president. Fran Levings and her daughter, Elizabeth, enjoyed lunch at the Grand Grill the other day after some errands. Deloris Schirmer is feeling better now but finds it a bit of a challenge to get out and about due to the number of trucks hauling from the north end of Hay Creek Road. She says there will be trees left in Pine County because hers are not being cut.

A reminder: Ruby’s Pantry has a food distribution on the first Saturday of each month from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Danbury Highway Department Garage.

For a donation of $15, you get about $100 of food items. Ruby’s has no income guidelines and no needs assessment. If you need help with this already stressful economy, then you should participate in this program. Volunteers are happy to get your basket filled, and help you load your car. Other activities in Cozy were that Steve and Bonnie Holter enjoyed their daughter, Dr. Paula Randy, and grandchildren, Doyle and Sydney, of Grand Rapids, Minn., over the weekend. They wandered the wilderness on four-wheelers. On Feb. 17, Pat Kinbloom hosted a valentine party at the senior center. Pat is the chief cook and bottle washer for the senior meals. This year’s king and queen were Dave Baker and Fran Levings. After lunch, Pat organized games and prizes. We were grateful to Pat for all the extras.

Despite the cold weather the people of Dairyland have been busy as usual. On Tuesday the ladies of

Lewis

Happy Tails

Bob Brewster

the Woodland Church had their monthly Ladies Day Out at the Log Cabin Store in Danbury. Eight ladies attended this event. On Tuesday night Karl and Tammy Baer, Mary Picton and Matt Picton attended the Webster versus Hayward basketball game at Webster High School. Josh Baer plays for Webster.

The team managed to win 59 to 54. This was the last game of the regular season. On Tuesday, March 1, the regional playoff games start with Webster hosting Boyceville at 7 p.m. Good luck, Webster! On Wednesday, nine ladies of the Cookie Brigade gathered at the Northland Community Center to bake cookies for the troops. They baked a 168 dozen cookies. The Dairyland Homemakers made a quilt to raffle off. Tickets are $1, or six for $5. If you want more information on where to purchase tickets contact Dorothy Visger at 715-244-3371, Dianna Wolf at 715-244-3653, or any other homemaker member.

Mary and Frank Schaaf of Markville spent Thursday in Duluth shopping. After also shopping in Duluth, Gene and Cheryl Wickham drove out to the end of the point for a sight-seeing trip. They ate at the Barker’s Inn and had one of their ten daily specials for under $10. They said the food was great and the atmosphere was delightful. Peggy and Clint Coveau’s nephew, Larry Kern and his wife, Amber, brought their 6-month-old child to visit them. They all had a great time.

Minnesota township elections will be held this Tuesday. Remember, in a democracy all your votes count, but in feudalism, only your count votes. In anticipation of the snowmelt and possible spring flooding, the Borderline Highway Department was putting up road signs this week at strategic locations. The signs warn: When the water rises above this sign, this road is impassible. Trivia question No. 3 (level of difficulty: 1): Name the last full-time resident of Kingsdale, and the year in which he/she left. Answer to last week’s question: Cozy Corner was named for a dance hall that used to be located between Kinbloom’s store and the Northland Community Center.

Respondent to the first week’s question: Ed Smythe, of Buffalo, Minn.

Webster Senior Center

Winter is really beginning to get a little long, isn’t it? However, we are Wisconsinites and it can’t keep us down.

Wii bowling is one good example. There was a lot of fun and excitement on Wednesday as the competition heated up. Abby Brand had high game with a 212 and The Sleepers had high team game with a 799. We also enjoyed the coffee cake furnished by Nancy O’Brien. For those who haven’t played on the Wii or are wondering why it gets so much attention in this column, it is a great way to get people up and moving, so it is good exercise. It also gives us a good excuse to get together and have some fun.

There were 27 who came to play Dime Bingo and we want everyone to know we do appreciate them being there. Everyone enjoyed the goodies furnished

by Abby Brand.

There will be an evening meal on Wednesday, March 9, at 5 p.m. Nikki will be serving her roast beef with all of the trimmings. Be sure to call in your reservation.

March is National Nutrition Month and there will be a drawing every Friday for food goodies, so come in, pick up a menu and sign up for your favorite lunch.

The tax preparers will still be at the center through March. If you would like some assistance with your taxes you must come in and sign up, no phone calls please.

Another reminder that the center is for rent on weekends for birthday, anniversary or whatever parties. Call Earl Boelter at 715-656-3583 for more information.

Bernie Boelter

Kudos to all who took part in the potluck on Saturday. There was lots of great food and fun and games after lunch. Some played on the Wii, some played pool and there were even a couple of Cribbage games. Our next potluck will be Saturday, March 26, however it will not be the traditional potluck. We are going to have hors d’oeuvres and sweet things instead of hot dishes and salads. It sounds like fun.

Hope to see you there.

We still play cards and pool on Thursday nights from 7 to 9 p.m. Come on in and join us.

Keep in mind we will be having a yard and bake sale in May. We will be accepting donations of gently used or new items to sell (no clothing, please).

Anyone who would like to volunteer their help is more than welcome.

We want to thank the young men of Northwest Passage for shoveling the snow by our doors after the last couple of snowstorms. Their help was sincerely appreciated.

There is a group of people who would like to start playing Euchre on Thursday afternoons. They are going to have a meeting for all who are interested and/or would like to learn the game on Thursday, March 10, at 1 p.m.

Our next senior meeting will be Tuesday, March 15, 1 p.m. Nick Milroy, our state representative for northern Burnett County, will come in after the meeting to meet and visit with anyone who would like to meet with him.

Live your life and forget your age.

See you at the center.

Bernice Abrahamzon

A fellowship supper at the Lewis Church was enjoyed last Wednesday at 6 p.m. with soup on the menu including chicken noodle, pea soup, taco soup, etc. The regular monthly administrative board meeting followed at 7 p.m.

Pastor Tom’s message at Sunday’s service was, “Don’t worry.” Assisting him with the service were Kara Alden, LaVonne Boyer, pianist Starr Warndahl and organist Gloria Chell.

Get-well wishes to Judy Mrdutt and Dave of Danbury; Starr Warndahl; Dave Goranson with a broken collarbone, etc.

Ray Gackle has been ill but is improving, and he and LouAnn were in church on Sunday.

Margaret and Vernon Ulick were in church and both recently celebrated birthdays. Open house was held last Sunday at Golden Oaks to celebrate their birthdays.

Coffee and goodies were served after the Sunday service by Mickey Lenz and John Glockzin. Nice to linger.

Isn’t it about time for someone to pick the first pussywillows of the season? Always a harbinger of spring.

The March newsletter for church is in the works.

Bernice A. writes it for the Lewis church but is always happy to have others contribute news, announcements, thank-you notes, etc. Deadline is usually around the 20th of the month.

Members and friends of the NW Regional Writers will meet at 1 p.m. on Friday, March 11, in the community room, Sunrise Apartments, Frederic. The assignment is to write on “Honest, the Check is in the Mail.” An article in the paper recently listed that is one of the great American lies.

Study books are being ordered for anticipated

Lenten services being scheduled. If you want to buy a book at a nominal fee, please remember to sign up at church.

Lewis Church Women are going in with women of Pilgrim Lutheran Church to sponsor World Day of Prayer at Pilgrim, at 2 p.m., Friday, March 4.

Men and women of the Lewis church signed up to go bowling at Hacker’s Lanes Sunday afternoon with 14 bowling plus spectators who came to cheer them on and enjoy pizza with them. This has become a yearly activity now.

An extra Mission Sunday project at the Lewis church went toward milk coupons for the school backpacks; the February collection went toward gas for winter snowplowing, a much-appreciated project; the March Mission Sunday (third Sunday of the month) is earmarked for the Frederic Food Shelf.

The jam session will be held Saturday night at the Lewis church from 6-9 p.m. Welcome!

At one time there was a big discussion between Jule Zinn and Peg Orgeman whether or not a wedding anniversary is observed if one of the couple is deceased. Perhaps observed is not the correct word, but the lone survivor can’t help but remember.

Ken and Bernice Abrahamzon were married in the Methodist Church in Oconomowoc in an afternoon ceremony and several hours later they caught a train to Milwaukee and then another to Logansport, Ind., as Ken’s air base was at Kokomo, Ind. That was March 4, 1945. Their wedding day was a beautiful sunshiny day, almost springlike.

Mr. and Mrs. Darrell Imhoff and Nolan hosted a fourth birthday party for Sarah on Saturday. Darrell’s family from Wausau, Suzanne’s family from the Twin Cities, the Brian Webster family, Sheila Staples, Rick Abrahamzon and Erica Olson were the guests.

Born at Burnett Medical Center:

A daughter, Seraphim May Meeds, born Feb. 2, 2011, to Jessica and Kevin Meeds, Frederic.

Seraphim weighed 8 lbs., 13 oz.

••• A daughter, Mabel Ann Walsh, born Feb. 4, 2011, to Heide and Jonathan Walsh, Deer Park. Mabel weighed 7 lbs., 5 oz.

••• Twin daughters, Kaylie Rebecca and Kiley Ann Streich, born Feb. 6, 2011, to Jessica Nick and Lucas Streich, Amery. Kaylie weighed 5 lbs., 12 oz. and Kiley weighed 5 lbs., 8 oz.

••• A son, Coleton Matthew Young, born Feb. 7, 2011, to Cheryl and Matthew Young, New Richmond. Co-

leton weighed 7 lbs., 5 oz.

••• A son, Easton Michael McNamara, born Feb. 9, 2011, to Rhonda and Michael McNamara, Glenwood City. Easton weighed 8 lbs., 9 oz.

••• A son, Ian Elliott Bursik, born Feb. 10, 2011, to Jessica Graham and Robert Bursik, Amery. Ian weighed 6 lbs., 13.5 oz.

••• A daughter, Maddyline Kay Ziemer, born Feb. 11, 2011, to Pamela Gibson and Joshua Ziemer, Clear Lake. Maddyline weighed 6 lbs., 11.5 oz.

••• A son, Zackary Steven Greenberg, born Feb. 11, 2011, to Brandy and Jacob Greenberg, Amery. Zackary weighed 7 lbs., 1.6 oz.

••• A son, Jorde Raw Picknell, born Feb. 16, 2011, to Nikki and Joshua Picknell, Luck. Jorde weighed 8 lbs., 9 oz.

••• A daughter, Piper Gemma Brown, born Feb. 18, 2011, to Brianne and Todd Brown, Centuria. Piper weighed 7 lbs., 6.5 oz.

•••

Ann Agerback shared this ditty with us at lunch one day this week and I thought it was worth passing along to all of you seniors.

The horse and mule live 30 years And know nothing about wines and beers.

The goat and sheep at 20 die And never taste scotch or rye.

The cow drinks water by the ton, And at 18 is mostly done.

The dog at 15 cashes in, Without the aid of rum or gin.

The cat, in milk and water soaks, And then in 12 short years it croaks.

The modest, sober, bone-dry hen Lays eggs for nogs, then dies at 10.

In fact all animals are strictly dry, and Do sinlessly and swiftly die; But sinful, ginful, rum-soaked men Live on for three-score years and 10, And some of us though mighty few, Stay pickled till we’re 92.

Started out the week with another snowstorm, but Lori and Carol and all of the drivers for home delivery meals managed to come to work and fed the home diners living in or near town. Which I might add everyone appreciated, thank you guys.

Also gratitude to Don Brand who braved the weather and shoveled the center’s sidewalk.

Dining at five will be celebrating St. Pat’s day on Thursday, March 3. CeCe will be serving a corned beef and cabbage dinner with chocolate mint pie for dessert. Last call for making reservations at 715349-2845.

The foot lady will be trimming tootsies on Monday,

March 14, the appointment sheet is out and you must make a reservation. There are still some openings available but you must call or stop in to snag one.

Lots of new items for the gift shop, thanks to CeCe Andrewson who raided her sister’s house while on vacation and brought them back for us. We have also been spring cleaning and have a lot of favorite games, which have been sleeping in the cupboards, for sale.

By the time you read this, our decorating team will have all of the green trimmings on the tables and walls. We thank Jill Jacobs for the box of green-andwhite table streamer decorations that she shipped up from Texas for us. Our decorating angels have apparently traveled far and wide and have spread the word on what we need or want. As I have said many times, you people have been so generous to us and we do appreciate it.

In spite of the weather we had good attendance at our Dime Bingo, 500 and Spade games this week.

Winners at 500 were Sue Newberger, Sandy Wohletz, Anke Olesen, Ralph Groves and Barb Munger. Spade winners were Anke Olesen, Dwaine Bentley, Marge Nyberg, Arvid Pearson and Duane Lockhart. Anke Olesen, Candace Doriott, CeCe Andrewson, Marge Nyberg and Barb Munger furnished treats for the players.

The center is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and all of our activities begin promptly at 1 p.m. for Dime Bingo, 500 and Spades. Everyone is welcome to come and play or just stop in for coffee and conversation.

Stay warm and healthy.

Births

A boy, Emett Rylan Tober, born Feb. 22, 2011, to Jesse and Janet Tober, Webster. Emett weighed 7 lbs., 8 oz. and was 20 inches long. Emett’s siblings are Tyler, Alexa and Ethan. Grandparents are Rhonda Benedickt of Siren; Orval Simon of Grantsburg; and Roxanne and Carl Olberding of Trade Lake. Emett’s great-grandmother is Janet Johnson of Barnes.

•••

Born at Amery Regional Medical Center:

Siren Senior Center

Barb Munger

TOWN TALK/COUNTRY CHATTER

MARCH 2, 2011 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 39

St. Croix Senior Center

I didn’t get the news down to the paper last week due to the snowstorm. But before the storm started on Sunday, Feb. 20, we had our chili feed cooked by Charlie. It was a great day with games played after and just finished up when the snow started.

Tuesday started with the exercise session followed by Skip-Bo. In the afternoon, there was a good turnout for games. Winners in Hand and Foot were Marian Edler and Russ Adams. Winners in Dominos were Martha Lundstrom, Gladis Weikert and Don Anderson. The 500 card winners were Marlys Borchert, Charlie Mevissen, Elaine Edlund, Ray Nelson and Pat Jensen.

715-349-2964

Marian Edler

Thursday we had exercises, then played Skip-Bo. In the evening, 500 cards were played. The winners were Chuck Magnison, Don Benson and Izzy Magnison.

Friday Bridge was played in the morning.

The AARP tax preparers will be back on Wednesday, March 16, at 9 a.m. Be sure to call for an appointment at 715-483-1901. On Feb. 16, 29 seniors had help with their taxes.

On Friday, March 4, at 1 p.m. Bingo will be played.

Elaine and Ron Edlund will make corned beef and cabbage on Thursday, March 17. It will be served at 5 p.m. Reservations must be made in advance.

Siren

Bev Beckmark

There has been a regular love triangle going on in the tree rat hollow these days. Seems a pretty little thing, at least in the turkey world, found out there is corn available in tree rat hollow so she has decided to come and enjoy the feast scattered on the ground.

Now both Tom and Little Jake have been attempting to get her attention. She, at the moment however, prefers to ignore them both and just enjoy the corn.

Now Tom, being the older and probably more experienced at the courting of young ladies, sees no reason why that young punk should be in the running for her affections and has decided to try and run him out. Little Jake has been persistent and keeps charging back into the bird yard, which leads to a quick fight plus an episode of strutting and tail fanning, all of which she just ignores.

The tree rats are really upset because now they have three of those big, ugly, bossy birds to contend with if they want any corn. It takes a pretty smart tree rat to be able to come down the tree, avoid those turkeys, grab a few kernels of corn and head for the trees before they lose any part of their tails.

Sympathy to the family of Esther Anderson who passed away Feb. 14.

Sympathy to the family of Dennis Chapman who

passed away last week.

The World Day of Prayer will be held at the Siren Methodist Church with Siren Bethany Lutheran, Siren Covenant and the Siren Assembly of God churches joining them. Coffee will be served at 9:30 a.m. and service at 10 a.m. The offering will go to the community fund. Service is open to the public.

Don’t forget, March is the month for all the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. There will be a 5K (Sham)walk/run in Siren on Saturday, March 12. For more info call 715-349-2155. Also coming up on March 12 is the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade in Webb Lake. Cash prizes will be given for the best floats. For more info call Joan at 715-259-3522.

More events next week.

Come join the Cub Scouts at their Blue and Gold Awards banquet at the Siren School on Saturday, March 5. Lunch at 11 a.m. and the awards will be presented at noon. Come, these boys are so proud of their achievements.

Congratulations to elementary student Elizabeth Carroll and high schooler Carley Emery for being chosen Siren Schools students of the week. What a great job girls, keep it up.

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Army Pvt. Erik W. Bethell has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C. During the nine weeks of training, the soldier studied the Army mission, history, tradition and core values, physical fitness, and received instruction and practice in basic combat skills, military weapons, chemical warfare and bayonet training,

drill and ceremony, marching, rifle marksmanship, armed and unarmed combat, map reading, field tactics, military courtesy, military justice system, basic first aid, foot marches, and field training exercises.

He is the son of Renae E. Bethell of Amery. The private is a 2009 graduate of St. Croix Falls High School. - submitted

Hank and Karen Mangelsen visited Marlene and Bruce Swearingen Wednesday.

Donna and Gerry Hines and Lida and Don Nordquist went to Menomonie Thursday and attended the play, “The Sound of Music,” at the Mabel Tainter Theater there. They returned home Friday.

Dylan Longhenry was an overnight guest of Maynard and Ronda Mangelsen Friday.

Nina and Lawrence Hines have returned home after having been in Arizona for a number of weeks.

On Saturday, they visited Don and Lida Nordquist.

Karen and Hank Mangelsen called on Lawrence and

Nina Sunday morning.

Ken and Tyann Otis were Saturday afternoon visitors of Maynard and Ronda Mangelsen. Later Ronda and Maynard went to the home of Mike and Nancy Longhenry to attend a surprise birthday party for Nancy.

Joleen, Richard, Robb and Randi Funk, and Jan, Caleb and Hannah Schott visited Lida and Don Nordquist.

Duane Otis called on Ronda and Maynard Mangelsen Sunday afternoon.

RICE LAKE — Lisa Egbert, Shell Lake, was recently named the 2011 WITC Student Ambassador. The ambassador program recognizes exceptional technical college students throughout the state. Egbert is double majoring in the medical administrative specialist and administrative professional programs at the Rice Lake campus and will represent the whole WITC district, including Ashland, New Richmond and Superior campuses.

Only in her second semester, Egbert has already impressed the Rice Lake staff. In nominating Egbert, medical administrative instructor Deborah Miller described her as, “a dedicated student, receiving 100 percent of points that could be earned. She has a calm and caring attitude that is an extremely good influence on other students.

Lisa is a student with a bright future ahead that everyone at WITC would be proud to have represent us as a student ambassador.”

The selection committee found that Egbert’s confidence, good humor and positive view of WITC would make her a perfect representative of the college. In deciding to attend WITC, Egbert says, “I really liked the idea that I would be learning

the job skills required to do my job well. I recently heard a saying, ‘Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit, wisdom is knowing not to put it in a fruit salad!’ To me, that is the kind of education WITC provides above and beyond what a fouryear college can. I believe knowledge is a gift, but knowing how to apply that knowledge is equally important.”

Egbert has been busy presenting herself to the WITC Foundation Board and District Board, as well as the Rice Lake campus all-staff monthly meeting. A major responsibility coming up will be to accompany WITC President Bob Meyers and foundation representatives to Madison for the Wisconsin State Student Ambassador Conference in April.

WITC serves the educational and career needs of 25,000 to 30,000 residents of northwestern Wisconsin each year. WITC offers career-focused associate degree programs, technical diplomas, short-term certificates, customized training and a wide variety of courses for personal or career enrichment. For more information, call 800243-WITC or visit the Web site www.witc.edu. — from WITC

News from the service

Dewey - LaFollette

Hello to all of you, Sadie here to tell you what’s new and who’s who at the shelter! I’m sure looking forward to some warm weather and the snow going away. Seems like winter is hanging around forever although I have to say it was a little funny to hear about the snow in California.

Haven’t been doing much around the old homestead but looking forward to lots of walks as the weather improves. Eli and I love going through the woods and dabbling in the stream getting muddy paws. Mom keeps towels by the door for such occasions, although I don’t much like getting my feet cleaned - kind of tickles. Eli just lies on his back and lets Mom do all the work.

Gibbs, the orange-and-white kitty at the shelter, is sure stressed with all that dog barking going on.

He likes to be petted and talked to so hopefully some nice person will adopt him soon. Scrappy, with his frostbitten ears, and Smores, the kitty thrown from the car, are now up front on the adoption floor with Hutch, Goldie and Gibbs and all waiting for their new forever home. Check out the pic of Smores.

Great news - remember I told you my friend Sparky was back at the shelter because he didn’t like cats? Well, he was adopted again and this time he doesn’t have to share with any cats. Another adoption to report, Lady the Pomeranian mix was also adopted and went to a wonderful home.

Hopefully we’ll get some more applications in soon for my other friends.

Let me tell you about the beautiful Snowden.

She is a Great Pyrenees mix, around the age of 11 months. You can tell how beautiful she is by her picture. She is lots of fun and loves people so hopefully someone will see how great she is.

Smores

Snowden

Shelter

YAPpenings Sadie

Dutchess, Skipper and Gilligan would love to go home with some kind person and what about those adorable puppies - they should be ready to go home in about another week!

Jenny tells me that the shelter really needs laundry soap, garbage bags and kitty litter (unscented). Did you know that kitties can be fussy about their litter? I didn’t until Spunky, one of my cats, wouldn’t use the litter box because it was scented. Mom did a lot of research on it and found that wasn’t too uncommon. There are a number of reasons why cats won’t use a litter box, some don’t like the lids, too close to where they feed or haven’t been scooped. Good things we dogs aren’t that fussy.

We’re still receiving items for the silent auction, thankfully, and hope to receive some more. This in conjunction with the spaghetti dinner and raffle, which is the one big fundraiser for the shelter and helps to keep the doors open for my four-footed friends in need. The shelter survives on the kind donations of our human friends as well as fundraising and volunteers, so can’t say it enough, all of us, both four-footed and humans, really appreciate all that you do.

If you are interested in helping out and volunteering, please stop by and fill out a volunteer application. There are any numbers of things for volunteers to do, from office work, helping in the kennels, dog walking, animal socializing and the list goes on. Mom says it is a very worthwhile thing to do and she loves all the animals, it just feels great.

See you all next week and sending you licks and tailwags.

The Humane Society of Burnett County is saving lives, one at a time. www.hsburnettcty.org.

715-866-4096. We’re on Facebook too!

Karen Mangelsen

Egbert chosen 2011WITC Student Ambassador

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PAGE 40 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - MARCH 2, 2011

Interfaith Cares & Barb rambles on Barb Blodgett

here and thought it was a joke. Now I know people really “make wood.” I thought only a tree could “make wood.”) We do ask questions and try to determine if there is a real need or if there is just greed.

Denny took wood to someone one year and they sold it for drugs. We investigate more carefully now. (I had another word there, but spell check would not let me use it and could not find another I could use. I guess I just made it up).

Which reminds me, my daughter and I have a contest going. Each of us tries to make up a word that actually means something. For example, a “weatherer” is someone who weathers the weather. Today is my turn and I can’t get one yet. Something will come to me, I hope, or it will cost me a quarter. Wait! I have one. “Matterly,” something that matters very much is matterly. I think that is a poor example, but it will keep me from having to pay a quarter and I like it better if she pays. Once again I am talking nonsense. I am typing with my eyes shut because I am so tired.

Time for bed, it is almost 4 a.m., and the dog will want to get up around 7:30 a.m. They have internal clocks that say, “wake Mom up around 7:30 a.m.” I get licked or a head pushed under my hand to be scratched. The head to be scratched, not my hand.

See, I am far too tired to be writing. Time for beddybye. Thanks for putting up with all of this nonsense and ramblings. Actually if you read it carefully, some of it makes sense.

Until next time, think spring!

At least, think thaw! I want to see green so much.

Blessings, Barb

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she didn’t shed so much, our black cat doesn’t, but I practically have one of those sticky things that picks up cat hair with me all of the time. She sleeps on Ben’s bed and I have a special blanket for her to sleep on. She and I have this thing when I want to wash the blanket. She will be walking around the house, and I go to get the blanket and she is right there, on the bed.

I win and the blanket goes into the washing machine.

She will wait next to the bed until the blanket is in place. She also has to eat out of her own dish and will not share with our other cat.

In case you did not see the flyer for our Heat a Home project in last week’s paper, you can still donate to the fund. We give so much wood away each year that we can’t keep up and we never have enough wood. This year we are still getting calls and are giving away wood that is only partially dried and was meant for next year. We want to be ready for another cold winter next year and there is going to be an even greater need with the economy the way it is. So far, our fund raising has left us still $3,000 short. So many have been very generous, but some have not had the time to write their check yet. It can be sent to Interfaith Caregivers, 7596 Hayden Lake Road, Danbury, WI 54830. Make sure to designate it for Heat a Home project.

Someone called and asked how and to whom we distribute wood. Denny and his little trailer takes the wood after it is cut, split and dried and delivers it.

Thank heaven for the men from Restorative Justice and the boys from Northwest Passage. Without them there would be no wood. Denny and Ben, my 90-yearold father-in-law, could not do it alone. Next question.

How do we determine who gets the wood? We first ask if the family or person has applied for energy assistance. If they have and have used up that money, (propane and wood aren’t inexpensive) and still need wood to keep warm, then we choose to deliver to them. Older people who cannot make their own wood, can also get some from us. People in situations that are unavoidable (losing one’s job, etc.) can apply for wood.

(I heard about “making wood” when we moved

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For some reason I could not sleep tonight. Got up at 11:30 p.m. to take one of the dogs out and here I am, still working. I like the night hours though. I can really get things done without having to put out fires.

No distractions, except for the cat grinding her teeth, no phones, it is so quiet.

I didn’t know cats would grind their teeth. The strangest thing. Of course our cats have very strange mannerisms anyway. If you walk toward the bathroom one streaks by you and by the time you get there she is on her back for a tummy rub. Every time, it works that way, every single time. Then she wants the water running in one of the sinks so she can get a drink and take a bath. If I wanted to give her a bath it would be impossible, but she will sit in the sink and let the water run on her. She is the cat we rescued.

For those of you who don’t know the story I will tell it and for those of you who do, skip the following paragraph.

Maze, (Amazing) was found in one of our woodpiles. She seemed to be there every day. That was the year we had wolves and we thought maybe she crawled into that space to be safe from them. We took her water and food and after a while began to wonder why she was always in the same spot. She was frozen to the ground. With warm water we tried to get her loose but when we did we tore a bit of skin from her tummy and broke her leg. She never complained and when I wrapped her in a blanket she just purred and purred. We put blankets and a box out on the gazebo for her to stay in until we could get her to the vet. I did not know if she had mites or was sick or something, and with our animals, I did not want to take a chance they might catch something. We took her to the vet who fixed her tummy, set her leg and removed her ears which had been frostbitten and could not be saved. She also lost about 3 inches of her tail. Everyone was amazed she survived at all. She is a beautiful calico and was a spayed, domestic cat. I don’t know if she was left (that happens a lot around here) or had run away, but she is the most beautiful cat and loves to be cuddled. Our amazing cat is now part of the family. I can’t imagine her not being here. I could wish

11 West 5th Ave. Shell Lake, Wis.

715 -468-2314

A "corny" idea to keep roads safe in winter

MADISON — Leaving corn rows adjacent to highways may provide a safer, more inexpensive way to keep roads safe in winter.

In years past, blowing snow often resulted in drifts covering Wisconsin’s roadways, especially adjacent to open, plowed farm fields. One way highway departments attempted to reduce the chance of that happening was to put up snow fences. But that takes time, manpower, hundreds of posts, miles of snow fence and lots of money. And that’s just to put the fencing up. The fencing also had to be taken down in the spring resulting in county highway crews spending even more time and money.

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation, in an effort to find a better way, observed the success of a program in Iowa that used corn rows to serve as a living snow fence throughout the winter. By leaving eight to 16 rows of corn standing in fields parallel to highways at the end of the growing season, significant drift control was achieved along those highways during the winter.

Farmers are encouraged to contact their regional WisDOT office to determine whether they have fields in locations where drifting is a known problem. If so, farmers can sign up for the program now so they can plan to plant corn rows parallel to state highways. Farmers are paid 50 cents per bushel over the price they were paid for the crop in the year the agreement is made. Yield is determined using the previous year’s average for the highest yield per acre, per bushel by county, from Wisconsin Department of Agriculture statistical data.

Farmers can harvest the stalks and replant in the spring. Interested farmers can contact their regional WisDOT office for more information and to sign up for the program.

Office locations and phone numbers include the Northwest regional office – Eau Claire, 718 W. Clairemont Avenue, Eau Claire, 715-836-2891, or the Northwest regional office – Superior, 1701 N. 4th Street, Superior, 715-392-7925. - submitted

DRESSER - Polk County Democrats met for their regular monthly meeting at the Village Pizzeria in Dresser on Thursday, Feb. 17. The main item of business was the adoption of resolutions to be sent for consideration to the Seventh Congressional District Democratic convention.

The first resolution, titled Support for Wind Siting Council’s Recommendations, puts local Democrats on record as supporting a 1,250-foot setback for large wind turbines rather than the 1,800-foot setback favored by Gov. Walker.

The second resolution, titled DNR Collaboration with Land Trusts, urges the Wisconsin DNR to work more closely with organizations such as the West Wisconsin Land Trust “whenever possible to preserve natural habitats without removing land from the tax rolls.”

The third resolution, titled Renewable Energy Standards, supports the goal of achieving 25-percent of Wisconsin’s energy from renewable sources by 2025.

The fourth resolution, titled Funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, notes that the U.S. House of Representatives wants to cut the Corporation for Public Broadcasting’s entire budget of $430 million. Since the House spends $860 million per year on bottled water, the Democrats propose that the House “keep funding for the CPB at current levels and instead reduce their intake of bottled water by one half.”

These resolutions will be taken up at the district convention in Merrill on Saturday, April 30. If approved there, they will be considered at the state Democratic Party convention in June. - submitted

by Mike Simonson Wisconsin Public Radio CABLE - The fate of Telemark Lodge in far northern Wisconsin will probably be decided this week. In the meantime, it did not close March 1 as scheduled. Owner Dick Short says he is in negotiations with a potential buyer, drawing up legal papers for the purchase of the 900-acre resort near Cable in Bayfield County.

Short says they should have an announcement by Fri-

day, March 4,but would not comment any further.

It was announced in January that Telemark Lodge would reopen until March 1, but Short says they’re still taking reservations and the resort will remain open for the time being.

Telemark had been closed since last May, until Short reopened it in late January.

The lodge is part of the American Birkebeiner crosscountry ski race which was held last Saturday.

RICE LAKE — Over $33,000 in scholarship monies is being offered to first-year, continuing and transferring UW-BC students who participate in the UW-Barron County Foundation Scholarship Program.

New freshmen who have been admitted for the fall 2011 semester by Monday, April 4, are eligible and encouraged to apply for the 17 available scholarships totaling over $9,000. Award amounts range from $250 to $1,000. The deadline for new freshmen, first-year students, to apply for admission and submit completed application forms is April 4.

There are 43 scholarships available for UW-BC continuing students totaling over $21,000, and three scholarships totaling $2,450 for students transferring from UW-Barron

County. The deadline for continuing and transfer students to apply for scholarships is Friday, April 8.

It should be noted that half of the total scholarship award amount is paid at the beginning of each semester in the 2011-2012 academic year. For a scholarship listing, criteria and application form go to barron.uwc.edu, look under the Action Links listing on the homepage and click on Apply online for 2011-2012 Scholarships.

The UW-BC Foundation’s scholarship program is funded through the generous support of area businesses, individuals, civic organizations, and UW-Barron County faculty and staff. For more information contact the foundation office at 715-234-8176, Ext. 5445 or uwbcfoundation@uwc.edu. — from UW-BC

MARCH 2, 2011 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A -

County Dems adopt resolutions

Northern Wisconsin resort to stay open for now

Scholarships available for UW-BC students

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A birthday party for a home

PAGE 42 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - MARCH 2, 2011

by Jackie Thorwick Special to the Leader WEBSTER - Four-year-old Kyla Tracey sat with her sister Ava and her cousin Amanda Preston at a folding table Sunday afternoon, Feb. 27, in a new Habitat for Humanity home in Webster, eating ice-cream cake. The home had been built by her parents and volunteers with the Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity program. Ava took a bite of ice cream and asked, “Whose birthday is it?” Grandma Mary answered, “It’s your house’s birthday, honey.” Ava thought about that and asked, “When are we going home?” Her grandmother said, “You are home, honey, this is your new home.” Ava thought about that, and before long, her lower lip began to quiver. “I want to go home, to my own room,” she said, as tears began to fall. She was hugged and comforted.

Soon Kyla will come to know this new house as the safe place she thinks of as home. Perhaps the child thought her family would be sharing their new home with all of the people crowding it that afternoon, there to celebrate its completion and dedicate the home for the Traceys’ use.

The Traceys’ moving van sat in front of the home at the dedication of their Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity home on Sunday, Feb. 27.

The Tracey family gathered in the kitchen of their new Habitat home on Sunday at its dedication service. They are (L to R) Ava, Jenny, Kyla, Haven, and Hyatt.

Eric Kube, executive director of Habitat for Humanity, led the program. Kube thanked Thrivent Financial, which provided a substantial amount of the funding on this project. He explained that the Thrivent Builds with Habitat produced 1,500 homes within the United States in the last five years, and nearly 1,000 more abroad.

The Rev. Roger Pittman, of Lakeside Community Lutheran Church, offered prayers, read Scripture and spoke. He also presented three quilts made by the quilters at Lakeside as well as two embroidered pillowcases.

Haven and Jenny Tracey received quilts from the Rev. Roger Pittman of Lakeside Community Lutheran Church, made by the women at the church.

Thank You Thank you to everyone who had me and my family in their thoughts & prayers during my recent illness.

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The quilts were done in the favorite colors of the children. Matthew Bobick was there, representing Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. Kube thanked Thrivent and Bobick.

“Matt not only worked in the office, but he volunteered at the build site, putting in the soffit and fascia,” said Kube. Other volunteers who helped build the home were there as well as a number of extended family members.

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Haven and Jenny Tracey, proud new homeowners, expressed their gratitude. “We never expected this,” Haven said. “Thank you to Habitat and thank you to the volunteers who helped us build our home.”

Kyla Tracey, 4, member of the new Habitat family, ate ice-cream cake donated by Dairy Queen in honor of her new Habitat home’s “birthday” at its dedication on Sunday. - Photos

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Eric Kube, executive director of Wild Rivers Habitat for Humanity, presented their sweat equity certificate to the Traceys at the dedication of their home on Sunday. Each Habitat family helps to build their home, along with volunteers, which keeps costs down and makes their home more affordable.

Habitat office moves into ReStore building in St. Croix Falls

ST. CROIX FALLS - Wild Rivers Habitat for Humanity has moved its office from Luck to St. Croix Falls.

The office is now in the same building as its new ReStore, opening for sales late this month. The ReStore is now open Wednesdays and Saturdays to accept donations. Announcements will go out about the grand opening soon for this retail store, open to the general public, which will sell donated new and used furniture, appliances, and building materials. Funds raised help build homes for families who need them in Polk and Burnett counties. The ReStore and the Habitat office are located in the former Fleet Farm building at 2201 Hwy. 8. The phone for both is 715-483-2700. - submitted

They all returned

Reunited are Jesse Bentley, his wife, Joan, 2-year-old Brayden and 5-month-old Collin. The year they lost not being together, while serving his country, protecting our freedoms, was worth the sacrifices that this Webster couple made. Jesse was on leave for the birth of Collin and returning to Iraq two weeks later was the hardest thing he has ever had to do.

In a rare opportunity to show their support, students of Spooner Elementary School recite the Pledge of Allegiance before the guardsmen.

by Larry Samson SPOONER — The returning Spooner Army National Guard 950th Clearance Company was given a heroes welcome as they entered the city limits of Spooner on Thursday, Feb. 24. The three coach buses of National Guardsmen were escorted by the Wisconsin State Patrol, Spooner police and the fire department. The caravan traveled down Hwy. 63 and ended at the Spooner High School where a Welcome Home Rally was held. Community members took time out of their busy day to line the street to say thanks.

The students in the Spooner School District, family members and community members crowded into the gym for a short program. When the returning soldiers marched into the gym, the crowd stood and gave them a heroes welcome.

Music was provided by the Spooner High band School under the direction of Mark Aderman and by the Spooner High select School choir and choir under the direcSpooner Mayor Gary tion of Destiny Cuskey, on behalf of the Schultz.

High community, welcomed the school Principal returning National Guard Robert Kindermembers back, they were man welcomed the last engineering battal- the troops back ion to leave Iraq. “I am and led the audihappy to report that all ence in the have returned,” he said.

Pledge of Allegiance. Mayor Gary Cuskey had been the guest speaker at their send-off back in April of 2010 and was the guest speaker for their return. “I am happy to report that all members of the 950th Clearance Company have returned safely from Iraq.” He commended them as an incredible group of men and women for being responsible for keeping 124,000 miles clear and safe from improvised explosive devices. As the United States draws down the number of troops in Iraq, they helped with the removal of $90 million of equipment from the country.

After the ceremony, a reception was held as family members and friends got the opportunity to spend some time with the returning guardsmen. Lots of hugs and kisses were the orders of the day. The day will be remembered by the guardsmen, their families and the students. The cost of freedom is a lesson they will take home with them. Among those community members on hand to greet the soldiers were Vietnam veterans. They had come to participate in a ceremony that they had not received on their return home so many years ago. They live with the resolve today to never let that happen again, and that is a lesson for everyone.

Paul Rightman of Siren is proud of his father as he stands tall at the rally held at the Spooner Schools on Thursday, Feb. 24, for the returning Spooner Army National Guard 950th Clearance Company.

- Photos by Larry Samson

It was a happy reunion for the guard members, their family and friends after the rally.

The simple joy of holding a child is not lost to Staff Sgt. Aaron Hanson as he holds his 2-year-old niece, Madison, on his lap.

Vintage Snowmobile Show

PAGE 44 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - MARCH 2, 2011

WEBSTER - An estimated 300 to 400 people turned out for the third-annual Vintage Snowmobile Show on Saturday, Feb. 26, sponsored by the Wonderland Snow Trails Club and hosted by Whitetail Wilderness.

“The president of our club, Glen Pumper, encouraged me a few years ago to get it (show) going, and it’s worked out well,” said Ron Hall, a club member who has overseen the event since its beginning.

“We’re planning on doing it next year, too,” Hall said, giving credit to Mike Waltzing, owner of Whitetail Wilderness, for working with the club to make the event possible.

There were more than 75 registered snowmobiles in this year’s event, representing nine different classes. Four awards were given out in each class - first and second place for original sleds and first and second place for restored sleds.

There was also a Best of Show and a Barn Fresh award, the latter given to “the ugliest, dirtiest, running sled in the bunch that’s still close to being all there.”

A total of 32 awards were ready to be presented this year, although not all classes were filled.

The event was free to spectators.

Following is a list of winners: Best of Show: Tori Lloyd Barn Fresh: Shelly Matthy First-place awards: Marri Bathmanner, Jeanette Eisenchenk, Kelly Schweitzer, Paul Yorks, Roger Larson, Lelly Baumgartner, Pat Dudley, Chad Alberg, Lee Helene and Derik Helene.

Second-place awards: Joe Eisenschenk, Craig Moore, Scott Johnson, Jim Labaar, Steve Wussler, Tom Dudley, Roger Larson, Greg Bathmanner, Richard Adlolphson and Dale Nater.

Some contestants won more than once in each class and had more than one sled entered in different classes.

Whitetail Wilderness held a medallion search ($500 firstplace prize) and chicken feed to coincide with the show.

The event was free to spectators. - Gary King

Tim Lloyd’s 1974 Aktiv-Grizzly was among the entries. Made in Sweden, it’s powered by a 440 Polaris Star engine, with a twin track (15-inch) and a three-speed forward transmission, with one speed backward.

Webster

Tori Lloyd’s 1963 Fox Trac snowmobile won Best of Show at the third-annual Vintage Snowmobile Show, Saturday, Feb. 26, sponsored by the Wonderland Snow Trails Club and hosted by Whitetails Wilderness north of Webster.

Photos by Gary King

Bundled up against the cold weather, this youngster was excited to see the wide variety of snowmobiles at Whitetail Wilderness on Saturday.

Herb Howe of Siren still has vivid memories of being the first to cross the finish line of the first International 500 Winnipeg to St. Paul snowmobile race in 1966 as part of the St. Paul Winter Carnival. He’s shown here on the Polaris he drove to victory.

LEFT: A 1962 Hus-Ski, with sled, was one of the more interesting snowmobiles on display at Saturday’s Vintage Snowmobile Show north of Webster.

This 1925 Ford Model T - although not technically a snowmobile and therefore ineligible for the contest - was built by Snowmobile Corp. of West Ossipee, N.H. It was used by a doctor from St. Croix Falls. It’s currently owned by Ken Schindeldecker of Rosemount, Minn.

The machines that excited many snowmobile enthusiasts in the ‘60s and ‘70s (photo at right) are now considered classics or even a bit antiquated when compared to today’s snowmobiles (shown in photo at left) which are engineered for more safety, less noise and more power. There were 75 vintage machines registered at Saturday’s show at Whitetail Wilderness.

Siren Lions Ice-Fishing Contest

MARCH 2, 2011 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 45

Clam Lake Narrows

SIREN - A small village sprouted up at the Clam Lake Narrows northeast of Siren last Saturday, Feb. 26, as hundreds of hardy souls braved icy winds and snow to take part in the popular Siren Lions Ice-Fishing Contest.

Following is a list of results as provided by Lions Club President Lyle Nelson.

Siren Lions Ice-Fishing Contest Feb. 26 - Winners list Northern 1st place, power auger - Jack Freeze 2nd place, hand auger - Tony Barzall 3rd place, tip-up - I. Wagner Walleye 1st place, ice shack - Mark McClear

Lions member Zeke Saugstad prepares to weigh a fish as fellow Lion Joe Durand looks on.

BELOW: Dani Olson and Bob Campbell paused briefly for a photo during Saturdayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s event.

Les Lindquist, a member of the Siren Lions Club since 1972, has been selling tickets and volunteering at the ice-fishing contest for as long as itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been held. He met ice anglers as they drove out onto the ice on Saturday.

Crappie 1st place, power auger - Gary Haag 2nd place, hand auger - Mike Q. 3rd place, rod/reel - Mike Q.

Sunfish 1st place, ice shack - Aaron Sears 2nd place, hand auger - Doug Ketch 3rd place, rod/reel - Chad Coleman

Raffle tickets were checked at the Lions registration station on Lower Clam Lake.

Wes from Rosemount, Minn., caught this northern at the Siren Lions Club Ice-Fishing Contest last Saturday, Feb. 26, and was enjoying the experience despite blowing snow and icy temperatures.

LEFT: Lions Club volunteer Jenny Campbell (R) gives directions to one of the contestants at the ice-fishing contest on Saturday. Hundreds ventured out onto the ice of Lower Clam Lake.

- Photos by Gary King

Parks and recreation workers with big league talent

PAGE 46 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - MARCH 2, 2011

Nothing minor league about the baseball fields at Fort Myers’ Lee County Sports Complex

by Garth Olson Special to the Leader FORT MYERS, Fla. - The cluster of baseball fields at the Lee County Sports Complex in Fort Myers, Fla., resembles country club golf fairways with base paths.

The spring training home to the Minnesota Twins, the complex features seven baseball fields and four softball fields. Some 1,800 baseball and softball games (including minor league, college baseball/softball games and adult amateur tournaments) are played at the complex every the year – yet the fields look as pristine as any major league park.

The grounds crew’s secret must be annual resodding?

Wrong. As Lee County Sports Complex Supervisor Terry Slawson explains, “The turf hasn’t been resodded in 20 years,” unlike many professional sports stadiums where fields are resodded every year.

Slawson stated that a dedicated crew of county workers, not professional turf-management experts, maintains the major league quality fields with a focus on all the little things and attention to detail.

“We don’t have a lot of turnover and the guys care about their jobs and what they do,” Slawson said. “At this level, it’s got to be right.”

Chad Yoder works for Lee County in Fort Myers but he and his co-workers maintain some of the best baseball fields in the state of Florida. Yoder is pictured above as the Minnesota Twins hit the field for their first official workout of the spring. – Photos by Garth Olson

George Toma, a turf consultant who’s worked preparing the field for every Super Bowl and for the World Series, said, “Many major league grounds crews couldn’t hold a candle to the work these guys (county workers) do.”

Major league quality fields The grass at the sports complex fields is cut every day to three-quarters of an inch. Sunflower-seed shells are hand vacuumed. Base paths are edged every other week.

Infield dirt is hand swept out of the outfield grass. And don’t even think about spitting out bubble gum in the outfield grass.

Chad Yoder, an 18-year veteran of the county parks and recreation crew, isn’t afraid of telling big leaguers where to dispose of bubble gum.

“Bubble gum goes over there in the trash,” and not spit out in the field where it makes a mess in the blades of a lawn mower, Yoder said. “You have to love baseball to work here.”

Yoder added that each of the 13 workers assigned to the sports complex have certain fields that they are in charge of maintaining. Yoder stated that workers have a greater sense of pride when they focus and take ownership of one or two fields.

County worker John Mele has worked on the baseball fields for the last six years. His theory on making the perfect baseball field, “You gotta love it and be willing to give the extra effort like anything in life,” Mele said.

“Don’t take shortcuts.” Mele’s prior work experience included landscaping at a golf course. “It’s true, maintaining a baseball field is harder than a golf course,” Mele added.

Twins banner at the Lee County Sports Complex

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Award season The baseball diamonds at the Lee County Sports Complex have won multiple awards in the state of Florida for grounds-crew excellence. Supervisor Slawson added that even though he works for Lee County, he could talk to anyone in the Twins organization.

“The Twins have the best organization, since I can talk to anyone from the top to the bottom, and it’s not like that with other teams,” Slawson said.

Slawson’s three tips for folks maintaining high school fields: Broom the edges of the dirt (so the dirt doesn’t collect on the grass), water the grass more often, and cut the

Joe Mauer warms up prior to entering the batting cage for his first round of batting practice in Fort Myers, Fla. amount of fertilizer in half but fertilize twice as often.

Twins ready Chad Yoder and some of his co-workers explained that other professional sports teams have inquired about their services, but thus far, the life as a parks and recreation employee in Fort Myers seems difficult to replace. Interestingly, the same dirt and clay mixture used in Fort Myers was used in the construction of the newly opened Target Field in Minneapolis.

Recently, during the first official day of spring training, Twins pitchers and catchers started practice on a field which Yoder maintains. After about a 2-1/2-hour practice, the Twins exited the field.

“Hearing no complaints (about the field) is always a good thing,” Yoder said.

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John Mele touches up the mound in between pitching drills during the Twins spring training.

Winter Advisory Week at SCF

The first place for a gingerbread sculpture went to Mrs. Olson’s advisory group, the Lavender Pickles. The St. Croix Falls Middle School students held Winter Advisory Week, and one of the competitions was to make a gingerbread house and a marshmallow snowman. Olson’s group won first place with their school and school bus made of graham crackers, frosting and all edible materials. They win a pizza party. – Photos by Tammi Milberg

MARCH 2, 2011 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 47

Pennies for Patients Campaign a success for the SCF Elementary School

St. Croix Falls Elementary School closed out their Leukemia and Lymphoma Society fundraiser, Pennies for Patients, with amazing success. The final check, even greater than pictured above, totaled $2,613.67. Gratitude is extended to everyone that donated and supported their youth in this campaign. Throughout this special event, the students not only learned more about cancer, they were able to learn more about compassion and helping others that are in need. Shown (L to R): Anna Parsons, first-grade teacher; Sal Bonneville, second-grade teacher; Maria Gjovig, school counselor, Dan Clark, fourth-grade teacher; and top-class student representativ, Briza King; Jeff Benoy, principal; and Tamara Campbell, representative for The RiverBank.

– Photo submitted

Lexen awarded $5,000 scholarship

As part of Winter Advisory Week, an activity of dancing to all kinds of music in the gym took place Wednesday, Feb. 23. Pictured are fifth- and sixth-graders doing the Macarena.

Kyle Drinkin, Carl Mevissen, Kaleb Paugel and Michael Breault, all sixth-graders at St. Croix Falls Middle School, had an opportunity to ask a musher from Michigan questions about sled-dog racing on Friday, Feb. 25. St. Croix Falls was one of three schools that participated in the virtual musher interview hosted by the university in Marquette, Mich., through interactive TV.

News from the Pews

FREDERIC – This past Sunday was the eighth Sunday after Epiphany. The church year will soon begin the transition from Epiphany (a season of light) to Lent (a season of reflection and repentance).

The Lenten season begins March 9, with Ash Wednesday communion service at 7 p.m. led by Pastor Andrew. This year Pilgrim will be participating in the roundrobin Wednesday services with other Lutheran churches in the area. Everyone is invited to join them to hear area pastors deliver their special Lenten message.

World Day of Prayer will be celebrated at Pilgrim on Friday, March 4, at 2 p.m.

The women of Chile have written the service around the theme “How Many Loaves Have You?” Invite your friends, family and communities of faith to come to this memorable service. Bring items to be donated to the local food shelf and plan on staying for refreshments that will be served in the fellowship hall.

Spring will soon be in the air and it will be time to refurbish and update your family’s spring wardrobe as well as furnishings for your home. There is a committee working very hard on the churchwide garage sale that will be held on Saturday,

April 2. Everything from soup to nuts will be on display and for sale – no electronics.

If you would like to donate items, they have to be in good, clean useable/working condition and you can drop them off at the church on Saturdays, March 12, 19 and 26, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Drop them off using the lower back entrance of the basement of the church. If you have large items that you would like to have picked up, call Rae Lyn Neumann at 715-327-8484 and discuss it with her.

There will be a freewill donation for most items, although some items will have a price on them. To make your shopping experience a pleasure, coffee, homemade bars and hot dogs will be available. Recycling is a good thing!

Pilgrim invites everyone to join them for Sunday morning worship, which begins at 10 a.m. At 9:15 a.m. there is playgroup that meets for toddlers and parents. The children and parents sing songs as well as learn children’s Bible stories. For more information please call the church office at 715-327-8012 or go to their web site www.pilgrimlutheranfrederic.org. - submitted

Isabelle Lexen of Frederic is one of five high school students planning to attend University of Wisconsin-Stout who have been awarded $5,000 scholarships. The Stout Scholarship is renewable for up to four years, or a maximum of $20,000 for each student. Lexen is the daughter of Kyle and Kathy Lexen of Frederic. Other recipients, who have been accepted at UW-Stout and will be freshmen next fall, are: Amanda Davis of Humbird, Joshua Miller of New Richmond, Danielle Roberts of Maple Grove, Minn. and Hannah Smithson of Milton. They were among 48 top high school students who visited UW-Stout recently as part of Stout Scholars Day. “We are pleased to offer the scholarships to these talented students. These are the kinds of scholars and leaders who can take greatest advantage of our strong programs,” said David Williams, vice chancellor for university advancement and marketing. - Photo submitted

Raptor Center presentation

On Sunday, Feb. 27, Milltown Cub Scout Pack 563 celebrated the 101st birthday of the Boy Scouts with a Blue and Gold Banquet and a presentation by the Raptor Center of Minnesota.

Advancing to Boy Scouts were Dawson Flaherty, Dylan Kern, Daniel Ebensberger and Gavin Olson, with Dylan, Daniel and Gavin earning their Arrow of Light which is the highest award a Cub Scout can earn. - Photos submitted

Luck students learn the Virginia Reel

PAGE 48 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - MARCH 2, 2011

The Luck School fourth grade has been reading “Little House in the Big Woods,” by Laura Ingalls Wilder, which takes place in Wisconsin. After reading the chapter called “Dance at Grandpa’s,” the fourth grade had a square dance in the gym and learned how to do the Virginia Reel. – Photo submitted

Coaches vs. cancer

The Luck basketball teams hosted a Coaches versus Cancer Fundraiser. The teams raised $1,238.55 for the American Cancer Society. Marty Messar presented the check to Jamie Nelson, from the American Cancer Society.

- Photo submitted

Frederic Class of 1945 holds reunions

The Frederic Class of 1945 held their class reunions on Sept. 11, 2009 and Sept. 10, 2010.

Class members present for the 2010 reunion are shown, back row (L to R): LaVerne Daeffler Class members present for the 2009 reunion are shown, back row (L to R): Doris Mack Olson, Olson, Earl Hansen, Eunice Laursen Swenson, Valoris Grummons Strenge and Frances PeterLaVone Carlson Svoboda, Harlan Ackland, Frances Peterson Thomson, Wayne Lundquist, Eu- son Thomson. Front row: Wayne Lundquist, Richard Olson, Elizabeth Konvalin Ruhn and nice Laursen Swenson, Earl Hansen and Elizabeth Konvalin Ruhn. Front row: LaVerne Daeffler LaVone Carlson Svoboda.

Olson and Earl Christiansen. – Photos submitted

WHAT’S FOR LUNCH???

Menu LOCATION

MARCH 7 - MARCH 11

MONDAY

TUESDAY

BREAKFAST Breakfast burrito.

LUNCH Chicken patty, smile fries, raw veggies, dip OR tuna salad.

BREAKFAST

LUNCH Chili cheese wrap, corn, applesauce cake OR turkey salad.

LUNCH Meatball sub with fixings, buttered noodles, mixed vegetables, apple and orange slices, bread basket.

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

BREAKFAST Cinnamon roll.

LUNCH Pizza dippers, raw veggies, dip OR ham salad.

EARLY RELEASE

BREAKFAST Breakfast pizza.

LUNCH Chicken fajita, assorted toppings, carrots OR chicken-strip salad.

LUNCH Fish square on a bun, coleslaw, Sun Chips OR chicken taco salad, 7-12.

LUNCH Chicken nuggets, mashed potatoes, gravy, corn, mandarin oranges, apples, oranges, bread basket.

LUNCH Brunch: Egg patty, French toast, baked ham, orange juice, banana, apples, oranges, bread basket.

LUNCH Chicken fajitas with fixings, baked rice, peas, sliced pears, apples, oranges, bread basket.

LUNCH Ham & cheese stacker, potato salad, fresh veggies, dip, sliced peaches, apples, oranges, bread basket.

LUCK

BREAKFAST Cereal/waffles.

LUNCH Chicken nuggets, macaroni & cheese, carrots, fruit sauce. Alt.: Hamburger, 7-12.

BREAKFAST Cereal/donut holes.

LUNCH Taco Tuesday, hard/soft/bag, green beans, fruit sauce. Alt.: Chicken patty, 7-12.

BREAKFAST Cereal/pancake stick.

LUNCH Cheese or sausage pizza, rice, peas, fruit sauce. Alt.: Mini corn dogs, 712.

BREAKFAST Cereal/muffin.

LUNCH Nacho supreme, tortilla chips, corn, fruit sauce. Alt.: Chicken nuggets, 712.

BREAKFAST Cereal/cinnamon roll.

LUNCH Fish sticks, potato smiles, winter mix, fresh fruit. Alt.: Hot dog, 7-12.

SIREN

BREAKFAST Assorted cereal and toast served with peanut butter, juice and milk.

LUNCH Quesadilla, Tostitos, black beans & brown rice, carrots, celery sticks, beans, apples, oranges. Alt.: Pork with gravy over rice.

BREAKFAST Cheese omelet and toast served with peanut butter, juice and milk.

LUNCH Soup and sandwich, crackers, shredded lettuce, peas, peaches.

Alt.: Mini corn dog.

BREAKFAST Assorted cereal and toast served with peanut butter, juice and milk.

LUNCH Fish sticks, Tostitos, shredded lettuce, corn, apricots. Alt.: Cheeseburger.

BREAKFAST Pancake and sausage on a stick, juice and milk.

LUNCH Chicken patty, rice, coleslaw, steamed peas, strawberries. Alt.: Soup and sandwich.

BREAKFAST Assorted cereal cerealand andtoast, toastjuice served and with milk. peanut butter, juice and milk.

LUNCH Hamburger garlic Pizza dippers,rice rice,hotdish, corn, carrots, bread, applesauce. celery, lettuce, pineapplecorn, tidbits, banana.

Alt.: Cook’s choice.

BREAKFAST Breakfast pizza.

LUNCH Chicken patty, spicy potato wedge, peas, applesauce. Alt.: Hamburger, baked potato soup.

BREAKFAST Waffles with fruit.

LUNCH Mini corn dogs, tater tots, baked beans, pineapple, orange. Alt.: Beef stew.

BREAKFAST Pretzel with cheese.

LUNCH Spaghetti, meat sauce, garlic toast, broccoli with cheese, pears. Alt.: Chicken Alfredo.

BREAKFAST Cheese omelet, breakfast potato, toast.

LUNCH Hot turkey sandwich, mashed potatoes, green beans, peaches. Alt.: Ham & cheese.

BREAKFAST Cinnamon roll, yogurt cup.

LUNCH Cheese pizza, lettuce salad, steamed corn, spicy apples. Alt.: Burritos.

BREAKFAST

BREAKFAST Breakfast pocket.

LUNCH Tomato soup with crackers and grilled cheese.

BREAKFAST Yogurt parfait.

LUNCH Hamburger and fries.

BREAKFAST Cinnamon rolls.

LUNCH Cheese pizza, corn and tuna salad.

LUNCH Cook’s choice OR tomato soup with cheese topping, grilled cheese, coleslaw, applesauce.

LUNCH Cheeseburger, bun, fresh veggies, fresh fruit.

LUNCH French bread pizza, fresh veggies, fresh fruit, Shape-up.

FREDERIC GRANTSBURG Each building will have their own breakfast menu.

ST. CROIX FALLS UNITY WEBSTER

Waffles.

BREAKFAST

Combo bar.

Omelets.

LUNCH Chicken nuggets and rice.

LUNCH Spaghetti, green beans and bread sticks.

LUNCH Spaghetti with meat sauce, bread stick, garden salad, pears.

LUNCH Beef and cheddar sub, Monacoblend beans OR Swedish meatballs, rice, California-blend veggies, peaches.

Muffin.

BREAKFAST

Perspectives Sally Bair

Icicles

I’m like a little kid when I see small icicles along the edge of my roof. My fingers itch to knock them down or pull one off to suck on. Some, of course, are too big to consider breaking off. Then the danger of hurting someone or damaging the roof is reason enough to leave well enough alone.

Icicles are beautiful in the glow of sunlight. Their interiors vary from one to the next, showing fine cracks and lines and other flaws. Their exterior growth comes from the relentless drip of water. They can be removed only by a child or homeowner, or through exposure to sunshine or warm temperatures.

Some people could be compared to icicles – cold, unmoving, outwardly beautiful. Their “cold as an icicle” demeanor may have come from some harmful incident that started the process. Perhaps a child died, leaving the parent afraid loving another would mean loss of that one, too. Perhaps a divorce or separation brought layers of anger to the heart. Perhaps the experience of being abused triggered fear and distrust.

There’s hope for those who have formed icicles around their hearts. Change can come by removing the memory of the relentless dripping that caused it. Removal can come from chipping away at the cause, sort of like shoveling the snow and ice off a roof. The only way to truly melt the icicle heart is by exposing it to warmth. Studies show that many people, especially children, have been emotionally healed through the warm, loving touch of a foster parent, a friend, or even an animal.

None of us are immune to heartbreaks. But we don’t want them to harden our hearts into ice. We don’t want leftover ice chips to harden our hearts. Rather, we should seek to destroy the effects of our past grudges, relentless hurts and crippling fears.

The Bible talks about the danger of having a heart of stone. An icicle can be likened to a stone, hard, immovable and unyielding until the sun, that is, the Son of God, melts it. Embracing God’s love through Christ can free our hearts of icicles. Often, love shown by Christians melts hard hearts. So does reading and meditating on God’s Word. In fact, the Holy Spirit uses many ways to bring about the softening necessary to melt the icicles around our hearts.

However it comes, his love will change our icy hearts.

Lord, remove our stony heart and “…give (us) a heart of flesh, that (we) may walk in (your) statutes and keep (your) judgments and do them.” (Ezekiel 11:19) In Jesus’ name, amen.

Mrs. Bair may be reached at sallybair@gmail.com

Local Lenten services

Yellow Lake Lutheran Church, Webster, will have Ash Wednesday service on Wednesday, March 9, 4 p.m.

••• West Denmark Lutheran Church Lent services will be starting Wednesday, March 9 and continuing until April 13. Each Wednesday evening supper will be served at 6 p.m., with worship beginning at 7 p.m.

••• Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Webster, invites the community to a soup and sandwich supper at 6 p.m., followed by Lenten worship service at 7 p.m. A supper and service will be held each Wednesday during Lent, which begins March 9, and ends April 13.

••• Grace Lutheran Church of West Sweden and Zion Lutheran Church of Trade Lake have announced “The Seven Wonders of the Word” as the theme for this year’s Lenten season. Lenten services will alternate between Grace and Zion, with the Ash Wednesday service held at Zion. Services begin at 7 p.m. Beginning March 16, a soup supper will be served at 6 p.m. followed by worship.

••• Bethany Lutheran Church of Grantsburg will be holding an Ash Wednesday communion service with imposition of ashes at 7 p.m., Wednesday, March 9. During the Lenten season there will be Wednesday evening services beginning at 6 p.m. with a soup supper, followed by worship at 7 p.m.

New member welcomed at New Hope

Another new member joined the joyful congregation at New Hope Lutheran in Grantsburg last Sunday, Feb. 27. Little Madeline Cecilia Grass, 2 months old and daughter of Jake and Lindsey Grass of Pine City, Minn., was baptized and presented a lit candle representing the light of God by Dr. Emory Johnson, pastor. In attendance (R) are her sponsors, Matt and Connie Takala, of Pine City. Some 19 family members braved extreme weather in various cities in Minnesota to attend. - Photo by Wayne Anderson

Virgil I. Olson

Virgil Iver Olson, 85, Grantsburg, died peacefully at home on Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2011.

Virgil was born Jan. 30, 1926, in Minneapolis, Minn., the son of Ernest and Mildred Olson. In 1932, the family moved to Grantsburg. Virgil attended Grantsburg Schools and graduated in May of 1943.

After graduating from high school, Virgil worked at the Burnett County Journal until June of 1944. At that time, he entered the U.S. Navy and was sent to boot camp in Great Lakes, Ill., then to the University of Illinois for diesel training. Next, he was sent to Galveston, Texas, where he joined the crew of the USS LSM327. Virgil and his crewmates were sent to the Pacific Theatre during World War II and took part in the invasion of Iwo Jima. Virgil proudly served his country and was honorably discharged from the Navy in May of 1946.

After being discharged from the Navy, Virgil worked for the Wisconsin Department of Transportation as a gravel checker on Hwy. 8 and also for Shoholm Produce.

On Sept. 27, 1946, Virgil married the love of his life, Doris Mack. Their marriage would be blessed with two children, Gary (Carol) Olson and Carol (Bill) Schommer.

On Jan.1, 1952, Virgil started work for McNally Brothers of Grantsburg. During his time with McNally’s, Virgil held many positions and retired from the company on Jan. 31, 1986.

In his retirement years, Virgil enjoyed a rich life that was full of many pursuits. He enjoyed woodworking out in his shop, making many items for family and friends.

Virgil and Doris enjoyed traveling together. Virgil enjoyed snowmobiling in his spare time. He was always ready and willing to help at the Central United Methodist Church in Grantsburg. He served as a flagbearer at military funerals through the local American Legion.

Virgil is survived by his wife of 64 years, Doris; his son, Gary (Carol) of Coon Rapids, Minn.; and daughter, Carol (Bill) Schommer of Frederic; brother, Emmons (Joyce); sisters, Marlys (Donald) Chell and Janice Lee; four grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; one great-greatgranddaughter; three step-great-grandchildren; one stepgreat-great-grandchild.

Funeral services were held Saturday, Feb. 26, at Central United Methodist Church in Grantsburg.

The Edling Funeral Home, Grantsburg, was entrusted

World Day of Prayer 2011

FREDERIC – Women, men and children in more than 170 countries and regions will celebrate World Day of Prayer, Friday, March 4. The women of Chile have written the service around the theme How Many Loaves Have You? They ask us to enter a process that draws us into the Bible, into the context of Chile and into the real situations of our lives and communities. Together, we are asked to respond to what we have and how we can share it with others. In this past year, Chile has been challenged by a devastating earthquake and the collapse of a mine in which many miners were trapped. Again we are reminded to share our bread and to receive the bread that is shared with us. On March 4, people in the Frederic area are invited to reach out their hands and hearts to touch the lives of sisters and brothers in Chile and around the world.

This year’s service will be held on Friday, March 4, at 2 p.m. at Pilgrim Lutheran Church in Frederic. Please consider sharing what you have with others by bringing items for the local food shelf, Family Pathways. Refreshments will be served after the service in the fellowship hall. If you need more information, call Karen Swanberg at 715-327-8150.

Invite your friends, family and communities of faith to join the women of Chile in prayer and song to support women’s ecumenical ministries toward justice, peace, healing and wholeness. The annual offering will support the work of WDP USA and help meet the needs of families who are victims of many forms of poverty, violence and human trafficking.

WDP is a worldwide ecumenical movement of Christian women of many traditions who come together to observe a common day of prayer each year on the first Friday in March. Services begin at sunrise in the Pacific and follow the sun across the globe on the day of celebration. Each year a different country serves as the writer of the WDP worship service. WDP was founded on the idea that prayer and action are inseparable in the service of God’s kingdom. - submitted

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CHURCH NEWS

MARCH 2, 2011 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 49

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THANK YOU

The family of Catherine Frances (Jorgensen) Olson would like to extend a heartfelt thank-you for all the support and caring shown to the family during the loss of our mother, grandmother and sister.

A special thank-you to all for the flowers, cards, money, memorials and for those who supported the family in words, food and prayers.

A special thank-you to Pastor Gary Rokenbrodt for the wonderful service and celebration of life for Catherine Frances (Jorgensen) Olson and for special readings given by former students, Sheila Staples and Rick Abrahamzon, along with brother Clayton Jorgensen. Thank you to soloists Terrie Stoner and Milton Johnson and organist Katie Salzman, granddaughter, for the wonderful vocal tributes. To Rowe Funeral Home, Frederic, for assisting the family with arrangements and funeral services. To the women of the Clam Falls Lutheran Church for the great lunch following the service, the special surprise music, “God Bless America” sung by Catherine’s former students. To pallbearers and honorary pallbearers for laying her to rest. She loved you all.

531143 28Lp May God bless you all and keep you in his care.

Scott Olson and family, Robin Hallanger and family, Carol Mossey and family, Carlton Jorgensen and family, Neal Jorgensen and family, Clayton Jorgensen and family.

OBITUARIES

PAGE 50 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - MARCH 2, 2011

Trent Lee Stellrecht, 12, Grantsburg, died Feb. 18, 2011.

Trent was born March 10, 1998. Trent was a child that lived his life fully, with somewhat reckless abandon.

He found great joy in hunting, fishing, building, playing football and sliding down mud hills. But overall his joy was found in his King and Savior, Jesus Christ, of whom he would confidently proclaim.

He is survived by his parents, Rob and Terri Stellrecht; siblings, Alexis, Cole, Grace and Micah; his grandparents, Janice Lee and Duane and Nancy Stellrecht; many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

He is preceded in death by his grandfather, Donald Lee. A Celebration of God’s Grace was held Thursday, Feb. 24, at the First Baptist Church, Webster, with Pastor Doug McConnel and Pastor Jerry Scheumann officiating. Music was provided by Jen Haraldson and the First Baptist Worship Band.

Online condolences can be made at www.swedbergtaylor.com.

The Swedberg-Taylor Family Funeral Home, Webster, was entrusted with arrangements.

“Everybody dies, but not everybody lives”

On Friday, Feb. 18, 2011, God did the unthinkable in our life~ He chose to take our 12-year-old son, Trent Lee Stellrecht, home in a skiing accident. It is only considered the unthinkable because our plans are not God’s plans, and our ways are not God’s ways. Before Trent was born we entrusted the Lord with his life and have asked Him above all else to bring salvation to our son, to use him in a mighty way for God’s glory, and to let him dwell in heaven for eternity. God only answered our prayers last Friday in a mightier way than we could have imagined, and we have been rejoicing in His good works and His mercies ever since.

Trent was a boy who truly lived. From the very beginning he did what he loved and enjoyed the gifts and skills that God gave him to the full. In his short life he saw much of this world, traveling as far as India, the Bahamas, and Missouri to his favorite destination of Bass Pro Shop for his golden birthday, as well as many camping trips. God instilled a love of hunting and fishing into Trent and a joy of the great outdoors. Since he was little all he wanted was to turn 12 to be able to go hunting. During his 12th year God allowed him to shoot two deer. Trent loved to cook, to pick on his siblings Alexis, Cole, Grace and Micah, to protect his mother, to snuggle with his father, to be with his friends, especially his best friends Thomas and Samuel. Everything he was interested in he tried, even carving his own longbow and succeeding in taxidermy. In his short years he truly lived.

But as we are all destined to, Trent also died. On Friday, Feb. 18, 2011, we said goodbye to our son as he left for a skiing trip with his friends. God says he knows the number of our days, that He has created each one, and that He will do what He pleases. Trent struggled with his own sinfulness before God for most of his life. He knew that he was not right before God, and nothing he could do would ever make up for the sins he committed to make him worthy to enter heaven. In the summer of 2010 God graciously chose to bring salvation to Trent through repentence and the saving grace of Christ Jesus. Trent’s life was transformed and we enjoyed the young fruit in his life as we watched God work.

It was with great peace and much rejoicing that we as his family have sent him off before us and accepted God’s perfect plan for Trent’s life. Our longing is that God would be glorified in what He has done to wake up many to the realization that we are not guaranteed any number of years in this world. On Friday morning we had our son; on Friday afternoon he was gone. God’s standards to enter his kingdom are high; He expects perfection. Trent was not perfect, not even close. God graciously provided His perfect son, Jesus Christ, as an atonement for our sinfulness and requires that we simply believe and acknowledge Him for it. God does the rest.

What we have asked nearly every person we have seen since Friday is “What if it had been you? Where would you be right now?” We diligently raised Trent up to know his sinful state and taught him what the word of God says because we know the implications of denying Christ now, and God was gracious to answer our prayers and to save him. Scripture says that the gospel will go forth with much sorrow and heartache. Please let Trent’s short life be a wake-up call to you. We are rejoicing in the sorrow because we know where our son is and that we will one day be with him again for eternity because of our own salvation.

God’s mercies are new every day, and His peace does surpass all understanding. God has been so gracious to us in these few days by blessing us first of all with His peace. The family and friends that have surrounded us and have lifted us up in prayer are amazing and another testimony to God’s goodness. It is with great rejoicing that we release our son, Trent Lee Stellrecht, age 12, to our 531278 28Lp Heavenly Father. Dance before your King my son.

Follow the Leader. www.the-leader.net

Joseph David Cysewski

Joseph David Cysewski, 87, Amery, died peacefully at home on Feb. 16, 2011, from complications of Pakinson’s disease.

He was born on April 27, 1923, in Seattle, Wash., to Leon (Larry) and Alice (Flynn) Cysewski. He graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1941 and then attended the Merchant Marine Academy. He served as a deck officer, mostly in the Pacific, until 1946. David was united in marriage to Jean Walker and they had a son, Stephen David Cysewski.

He later married Faye Honner, and they had two daughters, Nancy Cysewski Hanneman and Leesa Cysewski.

David also had three stepdaughters, Kathy, Kit and Rebecca Hinrichs. In 1971 he married Janette Cochrane.

As a young man, David worked in many jobs. He worked in the shipyards of Seattle, as a logger, even selling vacuum cleaners. His main career was in heavy construction, building dams and powerhouses first as paymaster, then as a field office manager. His construction jobs took him to many states. He finally settled in Wisconsin and in 1978 went to work at Motorbooks in Osceola, then for TEW Automotive Books in Marine, Minn.

After retirement David stayed busy. At the age of 80 he published his first book, “Silent Conversations.” Five years later he published “A Bridge Across.” He was named poet laureate of Amery.

David was preceded in death by his parents, Larry and Alice Cysewski; his sister, Marion (Don) Magnuson; brother, Leon Cysewski; daughter, Leesa Cysewski; and stepdaughters, Kathy Heath and Kit Colbert.

He is survived by his wife, Janette Cysewski; son, Stephen Cysewski; daughter, Nancy (William) Hanneman; stepdaughter, Rebecca Robles-Ortega; and granddaughters, Elizabeth Hancock, Margaret Cysewski, Sara Hanneman, Michelle Hanneman, Elsie Mathews and Jessica Zabrowski.

A celebration of life service was held Saturday, Feb. 26, at the Williamson-White Funeral Home in Amery.

Speaker was Dale Snyder and a eulogy was given by Thomas Warth. Special music was provided by Eric Aleckson, Jane Aleckson, Sarah MacDougall and Neil Fagerstrom.

To sign an online guest book and view a video tribute, please visit www.williamsonwhite.com.

The Williamson-White Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Amery, was entrusted with arrangements.

Agneta Wickstrom

Agneta Wickstrom, 95, Grantsburg, died Feb. 23, 2011, at the Grantsburg Continuing Care Center.

She was born on Oct. 25, 1915, in Arthur, Iowa. She was the third of five children that were born to Louis and Helen Knudson. The family moved to a farm near Hartington, Neb., where she grew up.

On Sept. 10, 1938, she married Andrew Strom. Four children were born to this union, Rita, Richard, Dianne and Duane.

The family moved to South Dakota, where Andrew passed away on June 3, 1950.

On June 28, 1951, Agneta married Philip Wickstrom. Two children were born to this union, Patty and Gary. The family moved to a farm near Grantsburg in December of 1953. Philip passed away on Jan. 1, 1993, and Agneta continued to live on the farm until she became a resident of the Continuing Care Center in Grantsburg in July 2008.

Agneta loved the farm and everything living.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters; brothers; and husbands, Andrew and Philip.

She is survived by her six children, Rita (Robert) Glenna, Richard (Diane) Strom, Dianne (Richard) Hoffman, Duane (Geraldine) Strom, Pat Wickstrom and Gary (Norma) Wickstrom; 13 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

Funeral services were held Monday, Feb. 28, at the Faith Lutheran Church in Grantsburg with Pastor Victor St. George officiating. Music was provided by Linda Dahl. Casket bearers with her grandchildren. Interment was at the Riverside Cemetery.

The Edling Funeral Home, Grantsburg, was entrusted with arrangements.

EDLING FUNERAL HOME Serving our community since 1903.

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Leonard O. Erickson

Leonard Erickson, 91, Siren, died Friday, Feb. 25, 2011.

He was born in the town of Frederic on Aug. 11, 1919, son of Olof and Amanda Erickson.

He lived his early years on the family farm situated on the hilly terrain just outside of town.

He joined the Army in 1942, during which he attended three Boeing aeronautic schools, earned the rank of sergeant and spent the war years as an Army aerial flight engineer.

He raised his family in a suburb of Minneapolis, and upon retiring, returned to Siren, where he built his own home. When they weren’t gardening, cutting wood or volunteering, he and Esther traveled. They visited his ancestral home of Sweden twice during their retirement years. Leonard had a profound love of baseball, which caused him to be fixed on the television for every Twins game. He played golf often and exceedingly well, much to the gratitude of his teammates. After nine holes became too strenuous for him, he continued to dominate his juniors at Moose Mulligan’s Mini Golf.

Leonard was married to Esther (Solness) Erickson, who preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his five siblings; three brothers; Emil, Manual and Alvin Erickson and two sisters; Violet Egge and Annie Reiter.

He is survived by son, Gary Erickson; daughters, Lynette (Steve) Erickson-Sikora and Lily Carlson; five grandchildren, Stafford Norris III, Joshua Norris Sr., Mark Erickson, Andre Carlson and Aleah Carlson; and three great-grandchildren, Paige Norris, Joshua Norris Jr. and Nia Erickson.

Visitation will be held Friday, March 4, from 5-8 p.m., at Edling Funeral Home, Grantsburg. Funeral service will be held Saturday, March 5, noon, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Falun. A light lunch will follow the service.

The Edling Funeral Home, Grantsburg, was entrusted with arrangements.

Gene Edward McKenzie

Gene Edward McKenzie, 66, died Feb. 26, 2011, at United Hospital in St. Paul, Minn., with family members at his bedside.

He was born to Edward and Helen McKenzie on Oct. 12, 1944, in St. Croix Falls. He graduated from St. Croix Falls High School in 1962.

He graduated from UW-River Falls in 1966 with a Bachelor of Science degree. His teaching career started at Buffalo Lake, Minn., High School in the fall of 1966. He met and married Dona Erickson on Dec. 21, 1968.

In 1970, he began teaching biology at Grantsburg High School. From 1970-1979, he coached the high school wrestling program. While teaching and coaching, he obtained a master’s degree in biology from UW-Superior in 1975. He was a gunsmith, which turned into the business of Highway 70 Sports and Bait in 1981. Due to personal health concerns, Highway 70 Sports and Bait was a dream that sadly ended in 1991. He remained teaching until he retired in 2000.

Retirement allowed him and his wife great fishing memories with vacationing friends and family at a cabin they owned in Canada for 11 years. Between summer stays in Canada and the winters in Wisconsin, Gene enjoyed spending his time following sporting events of all five granddaughters in basketball, volleyball, hockey and fast-pitch softball. Gene loved the outdoors, hunting and fishing.

He is survived by his wife, Dona; children, Jim (Julie) McKenzie and Roxanne (Duke) Tucker; and grandchildren Nicole, Stacey, Hope, Olivia and Jordyn and two precious cats.

Memorial services will be held at Faith Lutheran Church in Grantsburg on Friday, March 4, at 11 a.m.

Edward Alan Rothbauer

Edward Alan Rothbauer, “PeeWee,” 57, Luck, died Monday, Feb. 21, 2011, in St. Paul, Minn.

He was born on Dec. 17, 1953.

Edward is survived by his mother, Rosemary Rothbauer; brothers, Dan and Jim; sisters, Cheryl Schwartz, Linda Martin and Tania Rothbauer; son, Zachariah.

A gathering will be held at the Rowe Funeral Home in Luck on Saturday, March 5, from 2-4 p.m.

Online condolences may be left at www.rowefh.com.

Refer to the Web site for updated information or call Bruce Rowe at 715-472-2444.

Rowe Funeral Home of Luck assisted with arrangements.

OBITUARIES

MARCH 2, 2011 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 51

Dennis Chapman

Dennis Merlin Chapman, 69, Siren, died Feb. 23, 2011, at St. John’s Hospital in Maplewood, Minn, surrounded by his family.

He was born in Minneapolis on July 22, 1941. He was a resident of the east side of St. Paul for 30 years, and retired to a lake home in Siren. Dennis was a Navy veteran, truck driver and teamster. He was a fan of NASCAR and a crossword puzzle extraordinaire.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Joan (nee Grosz); children, Michael (Debra), Carmen (Bob), Julie (Mark) Mark (Kari) and Daryl (Katie); 12 grandchildren, Angela (Christopher), Christopher (Christina), Jennifer (Stephen), Andrea (Steven), Katie, Gabriella, Fiona, Gavin, Ty, Ava, Sydney and Kailey; and eight great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held in Siren at a later date.

Check the Web site for more information www.oconnellfuneralhomes.com.

The O’Connell Funeral Home and Countryside Crematory were entrusted with arrangements.

Diane J. Block

Diane J. Block, 68, Spooner, and Lakeland, Fla., died Feb. 22, 2011, at Spooner Health System Nursing Home.

Diane was born March 15, 1942, to Norman and Hilda (Frisch) Fronek in Antigo. She was a 1960 graduate from Antigo High School. She attended the University of WisconsinMadison and graduated with her Bachelor of Science in nursing in 1964. She continued her education at the University of California receiving her Master of Science in nursing in 1966. Diane devoted her life to nursing and sharing her knowledge by teaching others. She was a nursing instructor at UW-Madison from 1966-1970 and was the lead instructor of obstetrics at NCTI in Wausau from 1970-1975. Her career included working as a clinical nurse specialist at Wausau Hospital from 1976-1981; clinical nurse specialist at Mayo-Methodist Hospital, Rochester, Minn., from 1981-1986; pediatrics nurse manager at Mayo – St. Mary’s Hospital from 1986-1994; director of women’s and children’s health at Luther-Midelfort in Eau Claire from 1994-1995; and a senior nurse consultant for Cardinal Health, Nationwide from 1995-2009.

After over 43 years of dedicated service to the nursing profession, Diane retired in January 2009.

Diane married James Block on Sept. 5, 1964, in Antigo.

Together they raised two sons. Throughout their life together, they resided in various cities in Wisconsin and Minnesota. The couple built a cabin at Trego Lake in 1990 and then built their lake home at Big McKenzie in 2000.

Diane enjoyed many hobbies, but among her favorites were baking and fishing. While living in Rochester, she participated in the Olmstead County Fair. She took the only blue ribbon awarded in 10 out of the 11 categories she entered. Diane absolutely loved fishing in both the summer and the winter. In the winter, Jim would drive her out on the ice with the ATV and drill holes for her, she would spend the next several hours out on the ice fishing by herself.

Diane was preceded in death by her parents Norman and Hilda Fronek.

She is survived by her husband, Jim, Spooner; sons Curtis Block, Wykoff, Minn., and Allan Block, Minneapolis, Minn.; grandchildren Alexander and Rowen, Minneapolis, Minn.; siblings David (Karlyn) Fronek, Edina, Minn., Thomas (Patricia) Fronek, Wenona, Ill., Janice (Merrit) Fronek Schmidt, Gresham, and Daniel (Kirsten) Fronek, Woodbury, Minn.

Funeral services were Feb. 26 at Lakeside Community Lutheran Church, Webster, with Pastor Roger Pittman officiating. Music was provided by organist Sue Olson and flutist Carolyn Pittman. Casket bearers were Steven Fronek, Will Fronek, Pat Fronek, Andy Fronek, Todd Fronek and Scott Fronek. In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to the family.

The Scalzo-Taylor Family Funeral Home, Spooner, assisted the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.scalzo-taylor.com.

Arvid W. Christiansen

Arvid W. Christiansen, 68, resident of Luck, died Saturday, Feb. 26, 2011, at St. Croix Regional Medical Center.

He is survived by his wife, JoAnne; son, Darrin (Karla) Christiansen; daughter, Sarah (Chad) Neely; grandchildren, Paige and Ethan Christiansen and Alexis Neely; brother, James (Selma) Christiansen, nieces and nephews.

Memorial services will be held at Luck Lutheran Church, Luck, on Monday, March 7, with visitation at 10 a.m. and the service at 11 a.m. Pastor Paul Baardseth will be officiating.

A complete obituary will be posted as soon as it is available. Refer to the following Web sites for updated information or call Bruce Rowe at 715-472-2444.

Rowe Funeral Home of Luck, www.rowefh.com and the Northwest Wisconsin Cremation Center in Milltown, www.wicremationcenter.com have been entrusted with funeral arrangements.

Martin A. Hahn

Martin A. Hahn, World War II and Korean War veteran, 94, resident of Milltown, formerly of Highland Park, St. Paul, Minn., died Saturday, Feb. 26, 2011, at the Frederic Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

Martin was a graduate of Cretin High School and retired from the Highland Bank, St. Paul, Minn.

Martin was preceded in death by wife, Edna; and wife, Lucille Clausen of Frederic.

He is survived by wife, Mary; son, Robert (Jan) of Shoreview, Minn.; daughter, Kathryn (Robert Roland) of St. Paul, Minn.; grandchildren, James Fruechtl (Brooke), Kristina Fruechtl, Natalie (Ryan) Hetland, Lindsay Hahn; great-grandchild, Audrey Hetland; stepchildren, Emily (Dale) Wittenberg, Lori Hansen (Ross), Ronald (Kelly) Steen.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, March 3, at St. Dominic Catholic Church in Frederic. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. prior to the service at the church. Burial will take place at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, Minn.

Memorials preferred to Wounded Warrior Project (support.woundedwarriorproject.org) or Minnesota Military Family Foundation (www.minnesotamilitaryfamilyfoundation.org) Online condolences may be left at www.rowefh.com or www.wicremationcenter.com. Please continue to check the Web sites for updated information or call Bruce Rowe at 715-327-4475.

Rowe Funeral Home of Frederic and the Northwest Wisconsin Cremation Center in Milltown have been entrusted with arrangements.

CARMEN TERESE YUNKER

MARKESAN - Our dearest, Carmen Terese Yunker, age 80, was granted rest by our Creator Yahweh on Feb. 23, 2011, and is awaiting the resurrection when our soon-coming Savior and Redeemer Yahshua the Messiah returns to gather his people to his Kingdom here on earth.

Carmen was born in South Elgin, Ill., on Aug. 1, 1930, the youngest of three sisters and one brother. She was a hard worker from childhood and delivered the Elgin daily newspaper in her neighborhood during the 1930s and ‘40s. She attended Elgin High School, graduating in 1948, then went on to Sherman Hospital’s School of Nursing, graduating in 1951 as a registered nurse.

On Feb. 1, 1952, Carmen married her high school sweetheart William Bernard Yunker at Elgin Bible Church. The couple made their first home together in New Orleans, La., where Bill completed his military service in the U.S. Navy. Carmen was an amazing multitasker, continuing her nursing career while raising a family of three challenging children. In the ensuing years she worked at various hospitals and nursing homes in the Madison area, the Dane County Home, Sunnyside Nursing Home and Four Winds Nursing Home. In the late 1970s she worked as a private nurse in the Madison area caring for terminally ill patients in their homes and later providing home care for her husband until his death. She officially retired from nursing in 1990.

Carmen has been a baptized member and missionary of the Assemblies of Yahweh of Bethel, Pa., since 1969. She had a variety of interests and took courses in Hebrew, sign language and braille. She supported the interests and endeavors of her children throughout their lives and enjoyed sharing her experiences with them.

In recent years Carmen made her home at the Markesan Resident Home in Markesan, and it was there that she quietly passed to her rest under the care of the wonderful staff that she grew to know and love. Her family would like to extend their thanks to everyone at the Markesan Resident Home for their kindness and attention to her needs in the autumn of her years and end of life. There will always be a special place in our hearts for all of you.

Carmen is preceded in death by her husband Bill; mother Theresa Young; and her father and stepfathers, Carl Vege, James T. Young and Pilar N. Flores; her sister Edna Hulsberg of S. Elgin, Ill.; and her brother James C. Young.

Carmen is survived by her three children Jon H. Yunker of Plover, Karl F. Yunker (Susan) of Madison, and Joy A. Waterbury (Parkis) of Dalton; a sister Florence Heath of Plankinton, N.D.; her grandchildren, Christopher E. Schott, Joshua B. Schott, Angela J. Yunker, Suzee M. Waterbury, Parkis Timothy Waterbury (Leslie) and Daniel W. Daugherty (Jody) all of Madison, and Robert W. Jaquet of Milwaukee, as well as six beautiful great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews and her special adopted son Kenneth “Fish” Fisher.

Services for Carmen Yunker will be held on Sunday, March 6, 2011, at 3 p.m. at Smith Vangen Funeral Home in Rio. Elder Jonathan Meyer and Deacon Nathaniel Meyer will preside. Visitation will be on Sunday afternoon from 1 p.m. until time of service.

531304 28Lp

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Harold Owens

Harold Owens, 92, Indian Creek, died Feb. 27, 2011.

He was born to Grace and Wilfred Owens at the Cumberland Hospital on May 1, 1918. He lived his life on the family farm at Indian Creek. As a young boy, he worked alongside his father on the farm training draft horses and milking cows. Harold attended the Roosevelt and Indian Creek Schools, and graduated from Frederic High School in 1937. He was a lifelong member of the Lorain Methodist Church.

Harold married Agnes Smith on Oct. 30, 1941. They were married for nearly 64 years when Agnes died in 2005. Their family included nine children: Harlin (Elaine), Wealthy Marschall, Doris, Margaret McAbee, Wilfred (Linda), Marion (Bill) Barlass, Opal (Bill) Haase, Walter (Joyce) and Roger (Kim); 26 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren.

He was active with the Wisconsin, National and World Jersey Associations. He was honored with the Distinguished Service Award from the American Jersey Cattle Association in 1997. In addition to visiting all 50 states, Harold and Agnes traveled to 13 countries with World Jersey Tours.

His retirement project was to build a new home in 1974; he started with cutting the trees from the farm. When the house was finished, he set to work building tables, cabinets and other items that he loved to share with family and friends. In addition to his passion for farming and family, he enjoyed dancing, hunting, playing cards and picking berries.

Harold served many years for the Lorain Cemetery Association and several farm industry organizations.

Harold and Agnes were leaders of the Indian Creek 4-H Club for over 20 years. Harold was the dairy project leader, softball coach and even a 4-H dance chaperone influencing many youth in the community. He was active in the community helping others in times of need.

Harold and Agnes were honored as Frederic Citizens of the Year in 1998.

As Harold’s health declined, he participated in a clinical trial at Mayo Clinic for heart valve replacement. The study was successful, and the new procedure has recently been approved.

Harold is survived by, his children; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, Allen (Jan) Smith; sister-in-law, LaVonne Smith; cousin, Lloyd Owens; nieces, nephews and many friends.

Harold was preceded in death by his wife, Agnes; his sister, Leila Ruhn; infant daughter, Doris; grandchildren, Katie Barlass and William McAbee; sons-in-law, Bill McAbee and Ronald Marschall.

Funeral services will be held Friday, March 4, 11 a.m., at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in Frederic, with Pastor Freddie Kirk officiating. Visitation will be Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Rowe Funeral Home in Frederic and at the church on Friday beginning at 10 a.m.

Burial will take place at the Lorain Cemetery in Lorain Township.

Online condolences may be left at www.rowefh.com.

Please continue to check the Web sites for updated information or call Bruce Rowe at 715-327-4475.

Rowe Funeral Home of Frederic has been entrusted with arrangements.

Robert L. Baier

Robert L. Baier, 85, New Richmond, formerly of Osceola, died Sunday, Feb. 27, 2011, at the St. Croix Health Center.

Robert was born July 25, 1925, in Durand. He worked as a heavy equipment operator for Shafer Construction and was a member of the 49ers Union. In his free time he enjoyed hunting fox, deer, raccoon, fishing trout and icefishing panfish. He also tended bar in the St. Croix Falls area.

Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Helen; parents, Anne and Cassie Baier; brothers-in-law, Byron Holmquist, Charlie Ruck and Fred Ruck; grandson, Joshua Baier; and granddaughter, Kaylie Baier.

He is survived by his children, Jean (Sherm) Boucher of New Richmond, Carol Baier of Balsam Lake, Lynda (Phil) Johnson of Hudson, Nancy (Ted) Schonebaum of Clear Lake, Sharon (Ford) Friday of Danbury and Steven (Lisa) Baier of Webster; 11 grandchildren; seven greatgrandchildren; sisters, Donna Green of California, Dolly Holmquist of Dresser, Marion (Rodney) Nelson of Cloquet, Minn., and Patty (Roland) Holmquist of Spokane, Wash.; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral service will be held Friday, March 4, 11 a.m., at Peace Lutheran Church. Visitation one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be at the Balsam Lake Cemetery.

Condolences may be left at www.grandstrandfh.com.

The Grandstrand Funeral Home, Osceola, was entrusted with arrangements.

CHURCH NEWS

PAGE 52 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - MARCH 2, 2011

Bullies making school difficult for child

QUESTION: Our son is in third grade, and we suspect that some of the older kids at school are taunting him.

He doesn’t want to talk about it, though, and keeps assuring us everything is fine. What should we do?

JIM: If the older kids are bothering him, he probably feels very alone right now. I know what that’s like. When I was a kid, I fell victim to the neighborhood bully. My parents weren’t around, so it eventually fell to my older sister to come to my defense. Long story short: She decked him, and he never bothered me again. That’s obviously not the best way to deal with this issue!

Bullying is a rising problem in schools.

Kids in this situation need to know that Mom and Dad are on their side. Author Brad Lewis has identified four ways parents can support their kids when they’re being bullied: 1. Don’t wait for your child to talk about it. If you sense there’s a problem, say, “Is someone picking on you at school?” Some bullies will threaten to harm a child if he tells. Keeping the lines

Jim Daly

Focus on the Family

Juli Slattery

of communication open will assure your child that he’s not alone.

2. Watch for nonverbal signs of bullying. Does your child want to stay home?

Does he keep “losing” his lunch money?

Is he hungry right after school even though he took a big lunch? These could be warning signs.

3. Encourage your child to make friends. Being with one other buddy might deter a bully. While peer support does not replace adult intervention, it does provide an emotional safety net and can help restore lost hope.

4. Let the school know what’s going on – but in a discreet manner. Your child may fear that if you make a fuss, it will make things worse. Keep the same thing in mind if you know the parents of the bullies and decide to contact them.

••• QUESTION: I have a 12-year-old boy who never gets his chores or homework

done because he’s obsessed with video games. I’ve tried telling him he can’t play until he gets his work done, but then he rushes through his work and does a sloppy job because he’s so anxious to play. I’m at my wit’s end!

JULI: As the mom of three boys, I know your frustration. Boys can become obsessed and even addicted to video games. Unfortunately, the problem does not always disappear with time. College students are failing classes and husbands are ignoring their wives because of gaming.

Here’s what I recommend. Your son needs to be reminded that video games are a privilege to be earned, not a right.

While he is at school one day, remove the game console from the family room and hide it. When your son discovers that the video games are gone, very calmly state that they have become a distraction. Explain that the video games will be put away for a while until he learns to focus on his grades and chores. If you see him being disciplined with his work for several weeks in a row, you may consider reintroducing video games. Then, allow him to play only for a short period of time on the weekends, as long as he continues to complete his homework and

chores. Eventually, give him the goal of monitoring his own video game time and schoolwork.

After all, before you know it, he will be a young man, needing the muscles of self-discipline and balance. As the saying goes, “It’s easier to raise a boy than fix a man!”

••• Jim Daly is president of Focus on the Family, host of the Focus on the Family radio program, and a husband and father of two. Dr. Juli Slattery is a licensed psychologist, cohost of Focus on the Family, author of several books, and a wife and mother of three. Submit your questions to: FocusOnTheFamily.com.

Copyright 2010 Focus on the Family, Colorado Springs, CO 80995. International copyright secured. All rights reserved. Distributed by Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St. Kansas City, MO 64106; 816-581-7500.

This feature may not by reproduced or distributed electronically, in print or otherwise, without written permission of Focus on the Family.

Brought to you by:

Siren Assembly of God Siren

Feeling stretched caring for a loved one? Attend Powerful Tools for Caregivers class

POLK COUNTY – Learn how to bring balance into your life as you care for someone you love, whether they are elderly or an adult with disabilities. Powerful Tools for Caregivers is an educational series designed to provide you with the tools you need to take care of yourself.

This program will help family caregivers reduce stress, improve self-confidence, bet-

ter communicate their feelings, balance their lives, increase ability to make tough decisions and locate helpful resources.

Classes consist of six 2-1/2-hour sessions, held once a week. Two class leaders, Karen Krupa from Interfaith Caregivers and Nancy Reeves from the Polk County Aging Department, will conduct each session. Interactive lessons, discussions and

brainstorming will help you take the “tools” you choose and put them into action for your life.

There is a nominal fee of $15 for program materials. Each participant will receive a free $25 book, “The Caregiver Helpbook,” provided by a grant from the St. Croix Falls and Taylors Falls Rotary.

Classes will be held from 1 – 3:30 p.m. at

the Government Center in Balsam Lake, in Conference Rooms A and B. Sessions will be held Thursdays, March 24 and 31, April 7, 14, 21 and 28. For more information or to register by the Friday, March 18, deadline, contact Polk County Aging Programs at 715-485-8599. - submitted

MILLTOWN – Ladies are invited to Milltown Lutheran Church on Saturday, March 12, for a morning set aside for them. The morning will begin with coffee and calories at 8:30 a.m., while everyone registers. The program begins at 9 a.m., with some great praise music.

The speaker for the morning is Sue Saarem. Prayer will be taken from passive to active in two sessions. Saarem is the wife

of a Lutheran pastor, a retired postmaster, a musician and a seamstress. Their house is in a horse pasture between Amery and Balsam Lake, while her husband’s church is in a cornfield around the corner. The comment after that is, “We’re outstanding in our field.”

Other scheduled events include a women’s quartet, “Sounds from the Balcony” and a liturgical dance, plus more

praise singing.

The finale to the morning is a unique pantomime Communion service set to music led by Pastor Richard Noeldner from Bethel-Dovre Lutheran Parish in New Auburn. Women from Milltown Lutheran Church attended this service last spring in Eau Claire at the WELCA Synod Convention and found it very moving, and wanted to share this experience. All believers of

any denomination will be welcome to participate.

Last, but not least, the men of the church will provide a special noon luncheon.

Please register with Sandy Christensen at 715-825-3596. The fee is $8 and may be paid upon arrival at the registration table.

– submitted

Milltown Lutheran Church ladies event set for March 12

Church listings sponsored by the following area businesses: BREMER BANK, N.A. Full-Service Banking Member FDIC Frederic - Danbury - Siren

DAEFFLER’S QUALITY MEATS, INC. Wholesale & Retail Meats Custom Butchering & Processing Phone 715-327-4456

INTER-COUNTY CO-OP PUBLISHING ASSOCIATION Printers & Publishers Office Supplies Frederic, Wis. - 715-327-4236 Shell Lake, Wis. - 715-468-2314 Siren, Wis. - 715-349-2560 St. Croix Falls, Wis. - 715-483-9008

STATE FARM INSURANCE COMPANIES Corey T. Arnold, Agent Frederic, Wis. Phone 715-327-8076

BEAN’S COUNTRY GRIDDLE Hwys. 35 & 48 Downtown Frederic Phone 715-327-5513

NORTHWESTERN WISCONSIN ELECTRIC CO. “Your Electric Servant” Serving Polk & Burnett Counties “Use Energy Wisely”

CARLSON-ROWE FUNERAL HOME Frederic, Wis. 715-327-4475 Duane Lindh

HAULING • Gravel • Sand • Rock • Top Soil • Trackhoe 715-472-2717 Mobile 715-491-1861 1065 290th Ave. Frederic, Wis.

LUCK VAN METER’S MEATS Government Inspected Slaughtering and Processing, Sausage making • Ham & Bacon Cured & Smoked Sides and Quarters of Beef and Pork Available Old-fashioned Fresh Meat Counter Tim Van Meter and Ross Anderson, Owners Luck, WI 54853 Plant 715-472-2141

WEBSTER

ALPHA

CUSHING

CASHCO BUILDING SUPPLIES

BASS LAKE LUMBER

CUSHING COOPERATIVE SOCIETY

Complete Lumber & Building Supplies Phone 715-866-4238 Hwy. 35 N. Webster, Wis. Tom & Becky O’Brien, Owners

HOPKINS SAND & GRAVEL, INC. Sand, Gravel, Ready-Mix, Concrete, Black Dirt, Dozer Work, Landscaping & Septic Tanks Installed Hwy. 35 North Webster, Wis. Phone 715-866-4157 M.P.R.S. #03059

SWEDBERG-TAYLOR FUNERAL HOME Webster, Wis. Phone 715-866-7131

BRUCE’S AUTO REPAIR & TOWING

• Complete Line of Building Supplies & Lumber • Cabot’s Stains Grantsburg, Wis. 715-488-2471 or 715-327-8766

BURNETT DAIRY CO-OP

Feed Mill - Grain Dept.

Cushing, Wis. 715-648-5215

WILD RIVER FLAGS

1988 World Champion Cheesemaker Earl Wilson, Cheese Plant Mgr. Clif Gipp, Ag. Supply Mgr. for Feed, Propane & Fertilizer Alpha, Wis. 715-689-2468 • 715-689-2467

Jerry & Pat Willits 2815 285th Ave. Sterling Township St. Croix Falls, WI 54024 715-488-2729

SIREN OLSEN & SON Your Full-Service Drugstore Siren, Wis. Phone 715-349-2221

D & L FINANCIAL SERVICES 10022 Elbow Lake Road Siren, Wis. 54872 715-689-2539

Wrecker - Flatbed Air Conditioning & Computerized Car Service - Cold Weather Starts Webster, Wis. 715-866-4100 Days 715-866-8364 Eves.

Any area business wishing to help sponsor the church listings should contact the Leader at 715-327-4236.

Churches 1/11

FREDERIC

CHURCH ChurchDIRECTORY Directory

MARCH 2, 2011 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 53

ADVENTIST

SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST - FREDERIC 609 Benson Road; Pastor Curtis Denney Sat. Worship 11 a.m.; Sabbath Schl. 9:30 a.m.

ALLIANCE

ALLIANCE

ALLIANCE CHURCH OF THE VALLEY Senior Pastor Bob Morton 1259 Hwy. 35 S., St. Croix Falls Sunday Worship: 9 & 11 a.m.

BIBLE FELLOWSHIP

BIBLE FELLOWSHIP

WORD OF LIFE CHURCH

Meeting in homes. Elders: Cliff Bjork, Jon Zens, 715-483-1357 and 715-755-3048 Sun. Fellowship - 10 a.m.; Wed. 7 p.m.

LUTHERAN

LUTHERAN

BALSAM LUTHERAN CHURCH 1115 Mains Crossing, 1/2 Mile South Hwy. 8 On 110th St.; Sun. Worship 9 a.m.; Sun. School 10:15 a.m.

Wed. Bible Study 8:30 a.m.; Wed. LOGOS 3:20 p.m.

BEAUTIFUL SAVIOR LUTHERAN (WELS) Gene E. Jahnke, Pastor, 715-635-7672, Hm. 715-354-7787, Hwy. 70 at 53, Spooner Sun. Wor. - 9:30 a.m.; Sun. School & Bible Classes For All - 10:45 a.m.

BETHANY LUTHERAN - BRANSTAD Pastor Jay Ticknor, 715-463-5746 3 miles So. of Grantsburg on Hwy. 87 Sun. Schl. - 9:30 a.m.; Worship - 11 a.m.

BETHANY LUTHERAN - SIREN Hwy. 35, 1/2 blk. N. Main St. Interim Pastor Keith Radiske Pastoral Serv. 715-349-5280 Sun. School 8:15 a.m.; Sun. Worship - 9:30 a.m.

BETHESDA LUTHERAN - DRESSER (LCMC) www.bethesdalutheran.ws Pastor Roger Kastelle 715-755-2562 1947 110th Ave., Dresser Contemporary Serv. 8:30 a.m.; Adult Ed & Sunday School 9:30 a.m.; Sunday Traditional Service 10:45 a.m.;

BONE LAKE LUTHERAN bllc@lakeland.ws Pastor Mary Ann Bowman, 5 mi. E. of Luck on Hwy. 48, 1/2 mi. S. on I; Office - 715-472-2535 Pastor - 715-472-8153, Exploring Prayer 8:45 a.m.; Sun. Schl. 3 - adult 9 a.m.; Wor. 10:30 a.m.; Fellowship 11:30 a.m.

Holy Communion 1st & 3rd Sundays

CHRIST LUTHERAN (LCMS) Pipe Lake CTH G & T, 715-822-3096 Pastor Steve Miller Sun. Serv. 10:45 a.m.; Sun. Schl. 9:15 a.m. during schl. yr.; Holy Communion 1st & 3rd Sun. www.christlutheranpipelake.com

CLAM FALLS LUTHERAN (AALC) Pastor Gary Rokenbrodt - 715-653-2630 Communion 1st Sun.; Wor. 9 a.m.; Sun. School 9 a.m.

FAITH LUTHERAN - BALSAM LAKE faithlutheran@lakeland.ws Pastor Diane Norstad 715-485-3800; CTH I & Mill Street Worship 9:30 a.m.; Sun. Schl. 10:40 a.m.; Holy Communion 1st & last Sundays

MILLTOWN LUTHERAN

113 W. Main St.. W., Phone 715-825-2453 Pastor Danny G. Wheeler 9:15 a.m. Worship ; 10 a.m. Sunday School

NEW HOPE LUTHERAN CHURCH Pastor Emory Johnson, 715-463-5700 685 W. State Road 70, Grantsburg Sun. Wor. Serv. 9:30 a.m.; Sun. Schl. 11 a.m.

NORTH VALLEY LUTHERAN

IMMANUEL LUTHERAN - FREDERIC (Missouri Synod) Pastor Jody R. Walter, 715-327-8608 Sun. Schl. - 8:45 a.m.; Service - 10:30 a.m.

Communion - 1st, 3rd & 5th Sun.

LAKESIDE COMMUNITY LUTH. - ELCA CTH H, 1/2 mi. N. of CTH A & H on H Church Off. 715-635-7791 Roger Pittman, Pastor Worship Serv. 10 a.m.; Sun. School. 9 a.m.

LAKETOWN LUTHERAN - CUSHING Pastor Dorothy Sandahl Sun. Wor. 10:30 a.m.; Sun. Schl. 10:30 a.m.

LUCK LUTHERAN 510 Foster Ave. E. Office 715-472-2605; Home 715-472-8424 Sun. Wor. Serv. 10:30 a.m.; Mon. Wor. Serv. 6:30 p.m.

ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC

ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC

Holytrinity@wisconsinumc.org 1606 165th Ave., CTH I, Centuria Pastor Freddie Kirk, 715-485-3363 Sunday Worship - 8:30 a.m.

Rev. Thomas E. Thompson, 715-294-2243 255 E. 10th Ave., Osceola Masses: Sun. 10:30 a.m., Tues. 5 p.m.

Thurs. at 10 a.m. at Osc. Nursing Home

PEACE LUTHERAN - DRESSER (ELCA)

GRACE UNITED - WEBSTER

2355 Clark Road, Dresser, WI, 715-755-2515 Web site: plcdresser.org Pastor Wayne Deloach, Intern Courtney Young Sun. Wor. 8:30 & 11 a.m., Sun. Schl. 9:35 a.m.

LAKEVIEW UNITED - HERTEL

PILGRIM LUTHERAN - FREDERIC (ELCA)

Tom Cook, Pastor Worship 8:45 a.m.; Sunday Schl. 10 a.m.

Interim Pastor Andrew Hinwood 507 Wisconsin Ave. N., 715-327-8012 Sun. Parents & Toddlers 9:15 a.m.; Sun. Worship - 10 a.m.

Holy Communion 1st & 2nd Sundays www.pilgrimlutheranfrederic.org

REDEEMER EV. LUTHERAN (Wisconsin Synod) Pastor Gene DeVries 200 N. Adams St., St. Croix Falls Sun. Wor. - 9:30 a.m.; Sun. Schl. - 8:30 a.m.

ST. JOHN’S EV. LUTHERAN (Wis. Synod) 350 Michigan Ave., Centuria Sun. Worship - 10:45 a.m.; Sun. School - 10 a.m.

ST. PETER’S LUTHERAN - LCMC 1614 CTH B, North Luck, Pastor Rob Lubben Sunday Worship - 9 a.m.

Contact Leslie Valentine, 715-646-2390; E-mail: leslie56@centurytel.net

SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN (Missouri Synod) 140 Madison St. South, St. Croix Falls Pastor Mark K. Schoen Sun. Service - 9 a.m.; Sun.School - 10:30 a.m.

TRINITY LUTHERAN - ELCA 10 mi. W. of Cumberland on Hwy. 48 (McKinley) - Pastor Neal Weltzin GT Office 715-857-5580, Parsonage 715-822-3001, TR Office - 715-822-3001 Wor. Serv. - 9 a.m.; Sun. Schl. - 10:15 a.m.

Holy Communion - 1st Sunday

TRINITY LUTHERAN LCMS, DANBURY Pastor Gerald Heinecke Home 715-327-8608; Church 715-866-7191 Sunday Worship Service - 8 a.m.

Holy Communion 1st & 3rd Sundays

TRINITY LUTHERAN - FALUN Hwy. 70 East, 715-689-2271, Pastor: Carl Heidel Worship 9 a.m.; Sunday School 10:15 a.m.

Communion -Every Sunday

TRINITY EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN OSCEOLA

Rev. Rexford D. Brandt 447 180th St., Osceola, 715-294-2936 Sunday Worship 9 a.m.

Communion 1st & 3rd Sunday of the month

Phone 715-327-4340, 715-327-8384, 715-327-8090 Interim Pastor Julie Brenden Worship 9:15 a.m.; Sun. School 10:30 a.m.

Communion - 1st & 2nd Sundays

DANBURY UNITED METHODIST

HOLY TRINITY UNITED METHODIST

FIRST LUTHERAN - CUSHING

GRACE LUTHERAN - WEST SWEDEN

Pastor Carolyn Saunders, 715-463-2624 Worship - 9 a.m.; Sunday School - 10:30 a.m.

Pastor Gerald Heinecke Church Phone 715-866-7191 Sun. Schl. - 9:30 a.m.; Sun. Wor. - 10:30 a.m.

Communion 1st & 3rd Sundays

Pastors Mike & Linda Rozumalski 1 mi. west of Luck on N, 2478 170th St., Luck Sunday Wor. 10 a.m.; Sunday Schl. 9 a.m.

Fellowship 11 a.m.

Rt. 1, Balsam Lake, WI (Fox Creek) Pastor Neal Weltzen; GT Office - 715-857-5580, Parsonage - 715-822-3001, TR Office - 715-822-3001 Wors. Serv. 10:30 a.m.; Sun. Schl. 9:15 a.m.; Holy Communion - 1st Sun. of each month

ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST Pastor Father Michael J. Tupa, 715-866-7321 Cedar & Muskey Ave. - Webster Mass Sun 10 a.m., Wed. 5:30 p.m. (Sept-May), Fri. 9 a.m. (Summer)

CENTRAL UNITED METHODIST GRANTSBURG

Cindy Glocke, Pastor, 715-866-8646 Sunday Worship - 10:30 a.m.

WEST DENMARK LUTHERAN

GEORGETOWN LUTHERAN - ELCA

Pastor Doug McConnell Youth Pastor Chris Radtke At Grantsburg High School, 715-463-5794 Sun. Serv. 9:30 a.m.; Sun. Schl. 11 a.m.

OUR REDEEMER LUTHERAN, (LCMS) WEBSTER

5561 Chestnut St., Taylors Falls, MN 651-465-5265 Traditional Worship 8:30 a.m.; Sunday School & Youth 9:45 a.m.; Adult Learning 10 a.m.; Contemp. Wor. 11 a.m.

ELCA - 501 Hwy. 35, 715-646-2357, Mel Rau, Pastor Sun. Wor. & Holy Communion - 9:30 a.m.; Sun. Schl. - 10:40 a.m.

Pastor Carolyn Saunders, 715-463-2624 Sunday School - 11 a.m.; Worship - 11 a.m.

LIVING HOPE CHURCH

Pastor Father Daniel Bodin, 651-465-7345 25293 Redwing Ave., Shafer, MN Sunday 9 a.m.

404 Wis. Ave., Amery, 715-268-7717 Father John Drummy, Pastor Sat. Mass 4 p.m., Sun. Mass 8 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. Sacrament of Reconciliation Sat., 3:30 p.m. or by appt.

FIRST EVAN. LUTHERAN

FRISTAD LUTHERAN - CENTURIA

ATLAS UNITED METHODIST

ST. FRANCIS XAVIER

Cindy Glocke, Pastor, 715-866-8646 Sunday Worship - 9 a.m.

Pastor Victor St. George, 715-463-5388 Worship 9:30 a.m.; Sun. School 10:45 a.m.

Pastor Dorothy Sandahl, 715-648-5323 or 715-648-5324 Sun. Wor. 9 a.m.; Sun. Schl. 9 a.m.

METHODIST

Pastor Maggie Isaacson, 715-825-3559 3 mi. W. of Milltown on “G” Sunday Worship - 9:15 a.m.

Holy Communion 1st & 3rd Sundays

300 Seminole Ave. (CTH M) Mark Kock, Pastor, 715-294-2828 Sunday Worship 8 a.m. & 10:30 a.m.; Summer, 9 a.m.

FAITH LUTHERAN - GRANTSBURG

METHODIST

WEST IMMANUEL LUTHERAN - ELCA

YELLOW LAKE LUTHERAN 1/2 mi. W. of Hwy. 35 on U, 715-866-8281, Pastors Douglas Olson, Roger Kampstra and Myron Carlson Services begin at 9:30 a.m.; Communion 1st & 3rd Sunday

ZION LUTHERAN - BONE LAKE (AALC) Pastor Gary Rokenbrodt - 715-653-2630 5 mi. E. of Frederic on W, 2 mi. south on I; Sun. School 9:30 a.m.; Worship 10:30 a.m.

Communion - 1st Sunday

ASSEMBLY

LEWIS MEMORIAL UNITED METHODIST

CENTURIA ASSEMBLY OF GOD

McKINLEY UNITED METHODIST Pastor Annie Tricker Sun. Worship 11 a.m.; Sun. School 11 a.m.

Potluck dinner 1st Sunday

OSCEOLA UNITED METHODIST oumc@centurytel.net 306 River Street, Osceola, 715-755-2275 Pastor Mark Gilbert Adult Class - 8:30 a.m.; Sunday School 10 a.m.

Sunday Worship - 10 a.m.; Holy Communion 1st Sunday

ST. CROIX FALLS UNITED METHODIST Rev. Mike Weaver Sunday Worship Service - 10 a.m.

Sunday School is at 9 a.m., Nursery available

ST. LUKE UNITED - FREDERIC Pastor Arveda “Freddie” Kirk, 715-327-4436 Sunday Worship 10:30 a.m.

Souper service Wed. 5:15 p.m.

SIREN UNITED METHODIST Tom Cook, Pastor Sunday School 9 a.m.

Worship - 10:15 a.m. (Nursery available)

TAYLORS FALLS UNITED METHODIST 290 W. Government Street, 715-294-4436 Reverend Dr. Rolland Robinson Sunday Service - 10 a.m. with nursery Sunday School - Sept. - May at 10 a.m.

WOLF CREEK UNITED METHODIST Rev. Mike Weaver Sunday Worship - 8:15 a.m.

COVENANT

COVENANT

CALVARY COVENANT - ALPHA Pastor Scott Sagle, 715-689-2541 Sun. School 9:30 a.m.; Sun. Worship 10:30 p.m.; Elevator provided, welcome

SIREN COVENANT Pastor Dave Guertin 7686 Lofty Pines Drive, Siren, 715-349-5601 Worship 10 a.m.; Sunday School 9 a.m.

UNITED COVENANT - CLEAR LAKE Pastor Gary Tonn Sunday School 9:00 a.m.; Worship 10:30 a.m.

CATHOLIC

ZION LUTHERAN - TRADE LAKE Interim Pastor Julie Brenden 715-327-8384, 715-327-8090 Fellowship - 10:30 a.m., Sun. Schl. 9:45 a.m.; Worship 11 a.m., Communion - 1st & 2nd Sundays

PRESBYTERIAN

PRESBYTERIAN

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN

Rev. Bruce Brooks - 715-483-3550 719 Nevada St. , (between Simonson & Tower Roads) , St. Croix Falls Worship - 10 a.m. (Nursery provided) Sun. Schl. - Child.- 9 a.m.; Sun. Schl. - Adults 8:45 a.m.; Communion 1st Sunday

SIREN ASSEMBLY OF GOD

Dairyland - Rev. Andrea Wittwer 715-244-3649 Sunday School - 10 a.m.; Worship - 11 a.m.

FULL GOSPEL

Pastor Dan Slaikeu 4 mi. SE of Grantsburg on Williams Rd. Worship 9:30 a.m.

Sunday School 10:30 a.m.

CHRISTIAN CENTER

EVANGELICAL

APPLE RIVER COMMUNITY (EFCA) Pastor Bruce Tanner, 715-268-2176 942 U.S. Hwy. 8, Amery Sun. Schl. 9:30 a.m.; Worship 10:30 a.m.

Wednesday Bible study 7 p.m.

CROSSWALK COMMUNITY CHURCH

HOPE FELLOWSHIP OF SOMERSET

CHRISTIAN CENTER

EL SALEM/TWIN FALLS CHRISTIAN CENTER

1751 100th Ave., Dresser Sunday School 9:30 a.m.; Morning Worship 10:30 a.m.

Evening Services Sun. 6 p.m.; Wed. 7 p.m.

Call Pastor Darryl Olson at 715-755-3133 for information and directions

Pastor Greg Lund, 715-327-8767 700 Churchwood Lane; 505 Old CTH W, Frederic Sun. Schl. - 9 a.m.; Morn. Worship - 10:15 a.m.; Nursery provided for all services Sat. Worship - 6 p.m., Luck Senior Center

CHRISTIAN ORTHODOX

TRADE RIVER EVAN. FREE

HOLY TRINITY ORTHODOX

Pastor Dale VanDeusen, 715-488-2296 or 715-488-2653 20296 Hwy. 87, Grantsburg Morning Wor. - 9:30 a.m.; Sun. Schl. - 10:45 a.m.; Nursery provided for all services

523 1st St., Clayton, 715-948-2493 Fr. Christopher Wojcik, Pastor Saturday Vespers - 5 p.m.; Sunday Liturgy - 9:30 a.m.

BAPTIST

BAPTIST

EAST BALSAM BAPTIST - BALSAM LK. 715-857-5411 Worship Service - 9 a.m.; Sunday School-10:15 a.m.

EUREKA BAPTIST 2393 210th Ave., St. Croix Falls Pastor Willis Christenson, 715-483-9464 Sunday School - 10 a.m.; Worship Service - 11 a.m.

FAITH FELLOWSHIP Hwy. 35 and CTH N., Luck Bill McEachern Pastor, 715-485-3973 Sun. Bible study - 9 a.m.; Sun. Wor. - 10 a.m.

FIRST BAPTIST - AMERY

Danbury - 7586 St. Rd. 77, 715-866-7321 Pastor - Father Michael J. Tupa Mass - Sat. 4 p.m., Fri. 9 a.m. (Sept.-May).

Reconciliation as per bulletin & by appt.

Pastor Marlon Mielke, 715-825-3186 Sunday Schl. 9:45 a.m.; Worship 11 a.m., 7 p.m.

OUR LADY OF THE LAKES

Located across from elemen. school on West St., Pastor, Dr. Kevin Schumann; 651-465-7171 Sun. Morn. - Sun. School for all ages - 9 a.m.

Morn. Worship - 10:15 a.m.; Nursery provided.

Rev. Thomas E. Thompson, 715-247-3310 139 Church Hill Rd., Somerset Mass Sun. 8:30 a.m.; Wed. 9 a.m.

Sacrament of Penance Sun. 8 a.m.

WOODLAND WESLEYAN

EVANGELICAL

OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP

ST. ANNE PARISH

WESLEYAN

231 Bluff Drive, 715-247-2435 Services are Sundays at 10:30 a.m.

FIRST BAPTIST - MILLTOWN

Pastor: Rev. Dennis M. Mullen, 715-327-8119 St. Dominic: Sat. 4:30 p.m.; Sun. 10:30 a.m.

Immaculate Conception: Sat. 6:30 p.m.; Sun. 8:30 a.m. Call the office for daily & holy day Mass times

WESLEYAN

Pastor Andrew Bollant Sun. Schl. - 9:15 a.m.; Morn. Serv. - 10:15 a.m.; Supervised Nursery; Wed. Evening - Worship Serv. 6:30 p.m.

Pastor Kevin Miller Associate Pastor Steve Ward Sunday School - (all ages) - 9:30 a.m.

Church Serv. - 10:45 a.m.

ST. DOMINIC - FREDERIC & IMMACULATE CONCEPTION - GRANTSBURG CATHOLIC MASS SCHEDULE

Minister Garret Derouin, 715-866-7157 Musky & Birch St., Avail. in office 9 a.m. - noon, Tues.-Fri.; Sun. Bible Study 9:30 a.m.

Worship 10:30 a.m.

WOOD RIVER CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

FIRST BAPTIST - FALUN

Pastor Father Michael J. Tupa CTHs A & H - 715-866-7321 Crescent Lake Voyager Village area.

Mass Sun. 8 a.m., Thurs. 9:30 a.m.

Reconciliation as per bulletin and by appt.

CHURCH OF CHRIST - WEBSTER

FULL GOSPEL

Pastor - Father Daniel Bodin 490 Bench St., Taylors Falls, 651-465-7345 Sat. Vigil 5:30 p.m.; Sun. 7:30 & 10:30 a.m.

Tues. - Thurs. 7:30 a.m.

SACRED HEARTS OF JESUS & MARY

CHURCH OF CHRIST

CHURCH OF CHRIST

Pastor Larry Mederich, 715-294-4332 www.occconnect.org Mtg. @ St. Croix Art Barn; Sun. Serv. - 9 a.m.

Nursery and children church

CHURCH OF ST. JOSEPH

ZION LUTHERAN - MARKVILLE

Pastor Andy McDaniel, 715-327-8402 Sun. Schl. - 9:15 a.m.; Wor. Serv. - 10:15 a.m.; Nursery provided.; www.tradelakebaptistchurch.org

OSCEOLA COMMUNITY CHURCH

Rev. Thomas E. Thompson, 715-247-3310 255 St. Hwy. 35, East Farmington Mass Friday 9 a.m.; Sacrament of Penance Sat. 3:30 p.m.

ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

Pastor Martin Weigand - 715-294-3489 Sun. Schl. 9 a.m.; Adult Bible Class 9:30 a.m.; Worship 10:30 a.m.

Pastor Tim Faust Worship - 11 a.m.; Sun. School - 10 a.m.

Holy Communion - 1st & 3rd Sunday

Pastor Don Wiltshire, 715-640-6400 Centuria - Phone 715-646-2172 Sunday Service: 10 a.m.

131 Broadway St., 715-268-2223; www.fbcamery.org; E-mail: churchoffice@fbcamery.org Pastor Charlie Butt, Lead Pastor; Nick Buda, Assoc. Pastor of Family Ministries Sunday Service: 9 a.m.; All ages Sunday School 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.

Nursery available

CATHOLIC

Balsam Lake - Rev. John A. Drummy, Pastor - 405-2253 Mass: Sat. eves. 6 p.m.; Sun. 8:30 a.m.; Tues. 5:30 p.m.; Fri. 9 a.m.Sacrament of Reconciliation 7:30 a.m. Sun. or by appt.

ZION LUTHERAN - EAST FARMINGTON (WELS )

ASSEMBLY

Pastor Jack Starr Wor. - 9 a.m.; Sun. Schl. - during worship hour

TRADE LAKE BAPTIST

FIRST BAPTIST - TAYLORS FALLS, MN

FIRST BAPTIST - WEBSTER Church Phone 715-866-4111; Interim Pastor Ken Hyatt; Youth Pastor Jerry Scheumann Sun. School - 9:30 a.m.; Wor. - 10:45 a.m (Nursery Provided)

GRACE CHURCH OF OSCEOLA “The Cure for the Common Church”

ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN

HOLY CROSS ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN Meeting at Zion Lutheran Church, 28005 Old Towne Rd., Chisago Lakes, MN hcomm.org Sunday Worship Service 9:30 a.m.

NAZARENE

NAZARENE

CALVARY CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE 510 S. Vincent, St. Croix Falls Pastor Tom Reaume, 715-483-3696 Sunday School 9:30 a.m.; Worship 10:45 a.m. & Wed. 6:30 p.m.

FAITH COMMUNITY 7535 Peet St., Danbury, 715-656-4010 Adult Bible Service 9 a.m.; Services: Sun. 10 a.m.; Sunday School during church service.

NONDENOMINATIONAL

NONDENOMINATIONAL

CENTERPOINT CHURCH “Come as you are”

Pastor Dick Enerson, www.centerpointstcroix.com, 715-294-1833, Meeting at SCF High Schl. - Main entrance 740 Maple Drive, St. Croix Falls Sunday Worship 10 - 11:15 a.m.

NEW LIFE COMMUNITY - AMERY Interim Pastor Craig Jorgenson Sunday Worship 10 a.m.; Children’s Church: K to 6th Grade

NEW LIFE CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY Meets at Dresser Elem. School, Dresser Pastor Michael Brand, 715-417-2468 Adult Class 9 a.m.; Sunday School 9:45 a.m.; Worship Service 9:45 a.m.; Nursery available

NEW WINE CHURCH - CENTURIA 309 5th Street, , 715-338-2751 Pastors Randy and Pam Stone Sunday 10 a.m.; Wednesday 7 p.m.

NORTHERN PINES FRIENDS WORSHIP GROUP 715-733-0481 or 715-733-0480 for time of meeting.

INTERDENOMINATIONAL

INTERDENOMINATIONAL

RIVER VALLEY CHRISTIAN

722 Seminole Ave., Osceola Pastor Dr. Kent Haralson; 715-294-4222 or 715-755-3454; info@gracechurchosceola.com Sun.: Praise & Worship Serv. 9 am., Adult Bible Study 10:45 a.m., Children’s Sun. School 10:45 a.m.

1289 160th St. (Hwy. 65), St. Croix Falls, 715-483-5378 Senior Pastors Paul and Sonja Hanson Sunday Adult Bible Class 9 a.m.

(No child care available) Worship and Children’s Sunday Schl. 10 a.m.

GRACE BAPTIST - GRANTSBURG

ST. PETER’S COMMUNITY CHURCH

716 S. Robert St., Grantsburg, 715-463-5699 Sr. Pastor Brad Moore David Ahlquist, Assoc. Pastor Sun. Worship 9:30 a.m.; Sun. School 11 a.m.

“Faith on Purpose” (Love God, Love People...period) faithonpurpose.org CTH F, Dresser, 715-483-2911 Pastor’s res./office Sunday Worship 10 a.m.

church directory

ADVENTIST

HELP WANTED MISCELLANEOUS

HELP WANTED- MISCELLANEOUS Seasonal Kitchen Jobs: Fun Northern Wisconsin camp. Food prep, cleaning, dishwashing. Kitchen experience is helpful. Good salary, free room & board, travel expense. (800) 480-1188.

HELP WANTED TRUCK DRIVER

Seeking 10 year or newer 3/4-ton and larger trucks to deliver RVs across the U.S. and Canada! No Force Dispatch! Washes, tolls and permits reimbursed. Ability to gross over $77,000/year.

Apply now! 1-866-764-1601 or www.qualitydriveaway. com.

MISCELLANEOUS

Place a 25 word classified ad in over 180 newspapers in Wisconsin for only $300.

Find out more by calling 800227-7636 or this newspaper. www.cnaads.com (CNOW)

HEALTH AND BEAUTY

HIP REPLACEMENT SURGERY: If you had hip replacement surgery between 2005 -present and suffered problems requiring a second revision surgery you may be entitled to compensation. Attorney Charles Johnson 1800-535-5727 (CNOW) IF YOU USED THE ANTIBIOTIC DRUG LEVAQUIN AND SUFFERED A TENDON RUPTURE, you may be entitled to compensation. Call Attorney Charles Johnson 1-800-535-5727 (CNOW)

Dr. Daniel C. Satterlund Hours: Tues., Thurs., Fri. 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Phone (715) 472-2121

715-866-4700 SEE US FOR ALL YOUR VISION CARE NEEDS. Exams, Glasses & Contacts, Foreign Body Removal, Treatment of Eye Disease

Robert L. Nelson New York Life Insurance Company Box 313 Luck, Wis. 54853 Phone

715-472-2502

www.stcroixeye.com Mon.-Fri. • 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home Webster, Wisconsin

“Distinctive Funeral Service”

Thanks for all your kind thoughts & prayers.

Family of Vadah Orr

2-20-11 Black Schipperke female, by Lundeen Road, Hwy. 48, Frederic Small breed about 20 lbs., beloved family pet.

Microchipped.

REWARD

651-295-8580 651-777-1461

C & J MINI STORAGE Milltown, WI

25.00 35.00 40.00 45.00 50.00 90.00

$ 5x10................ $ 10x10.............. $ 10x16.............. $ 10x20.............. $ 10x24.............. $ 10x40..............

Call 1-800-919-1195 or 715-825-2335 & 715-646-2777 445914 eves.

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NEW YORK LIFE

AUSTIN LAKE GREENHOUSE & FLOWER SHOP • WEDDING BOUQUETS • FUNERAL DESIGNS • CUT FLOWERS • GIFTS • BALLOONS • BEDDING PLANTS • POTTED PLANTS • TUXEDO RENTAL BY SAVVI • ANTLER KING PRODUCTS Hwy. 35 & “FF,” Webster Flowers Phoned Anywhere

Call 715-866-7261

See us for all your printing needs.

INTER-COUNTY COOPERATIVE PUBLISHING ASSOCIATION • Shell Lake, 715-468-2314 • St. Croix Falls 715-483-9008

Visit The Leader’s Web Site:

www.the-leader.net

Cris A. Moore, FICF, FIC Senior Financial Consultant

Joel L. Morgan, FIC Assistant Financial Associate

Matt P. Bobick Financial Associate 201 Main St. S. • Luck, WI 54853

715-472-8107 office 800-500-2936 toll-free 22854A N1-07

200700115 12/09

MUD HUT COUNTRY GIFTS & RUBBER STAMPS

Stamp & Scrapbook Supplies IT’S MAGIC SAVE GAS! Free Classes!

Largest Rubber Stamp & Memory TRY U S Book Store in NW Wisconsin FI RST! GIFTS • CARDS

OPEN: Tues. - Fri. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

114 West Oak Street, Frederic, WI • 715-327-8903

FREDERIC DESIGN & PROMOTION Betty Knutson, Proprietor

Machine Embroidery • Screen Printing Heat Transfers • Promotional Items Trophies • Plaques • Engraving Hand-Knit Sweaters, Mittens, Hats, Baby Apparel

101 Oak St. W. P.O. Box 99 Frederic, WI 54837 Hours: Tues. - Fri. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Phone: 715-327-4807 Sat. 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

E-mail: tincup06@centurytel.net or by appointment.

(formerly Woodlands Grill) in Grantsburg, WI

Proudly Announces: From TV’s Comedy Central and Winner of “Last Comic Standing”:

Comedian Josh Blue Appearing Fri., April 15, 2011, at 8 p.m.

Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door.

DON’T WAIT!!! Tickets are going fast.

For more info on tickets and directions call: 715-463-6888

AT THE LODGE 24226 1st Ave. No. Siren, WI Local Movie Line 715-349-8888 Timbers1@starwire.net

RANGO

SHOW TIMES FOR FRI., MARCH 4 THRU THURS., MARCH 10 Rated PG, 107 Minutes.

Fri.-Sat.: 1:00, 3:00, 5:00, 7:00 & 9:00 p.m.

Sun.: 1:00, 3:00, 5:00 & 7:00 p.m.

Mon.-Thurs.: 5:00 & 7:00 p.m.

HALL PASS

Rated R - ID required, children under 6 not allowed. 108 Minutes.

Fri.-Sat.: 1:00, 3:00, 5:00, 7:00 & 9:00 p.m.

Sun.: 1:00, 3:00, 5:00 & 7:00 p.m.

Mon.-Thurs.: 5:00 & 7:00 p.m.

UNKNOWN

Rated PG-13, 113 Minutes.

Fri.-Sat.: 1:00, 3:30, 6:00 & 8:30 p.m.

Sun.: 1:00, 3:30 & 6:00 p.m.

Mon.-Thurs.: 5:00 & 7:15 p.m.

Let’s Thrive.®

Frances Kurkowski

A Joe Roberts Production Tickets also available at Siren Drug Store & The Copy Shop in St. Croix Falls.

Daily: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

• Commercial Printing • Office Supplies • Daily UPS Pickup • Fax & Copy Service

• Frederic, 715-327-4236 • Siren, 715-349-2560

LOST

Phone 715-268-2004

Eye health exams, glaucoma checks, foreign body removal, full line of street wear, safety and sport wear, contact lenses

WEBSTER EYE ASSOCIATES

THANK YOU

OPTOMETRIST 119 Arlington Drive Amery, Wis.

304 1st St. So., Luck, Wis.

715-463-2370

Never used 3 bedroom 14 wides at used prices. Includes kitchen appliances and furniture. Perfect cottages and farm hand homes at Town & Country Housing, Bus. Hwy 53 between Eau Claire & Chippewa Falls 834-1279 (715) www.manufacturedhomeswi. com

Dr. T.L. Christopherson

Family Eye Clinic

GRANTSBURG EYE ASSOCIATES

MANUFACTURED HOMES

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Central Boiler Outdoor Wood Furnace. Twin Waters Energy Wisconsin’s premier stocking Dealer. In stock Classic, E-Classic and Maxim. Cash and carry, call for sale prices. 715-542-3432

THANK YOU

I am so thankful for all the cards and prayers during my stay at the St. Croix Hospital last week. Thanks for the wonderful care I got there. Especially my family that rallied around me and my God that gave me peace and courage to face the future.

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FOR SALE HEATERS, FIREPLACES AND FURNACES

• Family Resource Center St. Croix Valley, 715-684-4440, www.frcscv.org.

• Farm Crisis, information, 800-9422472.

• Gam-Anon, 715-268-6829, Joan.

• Gamblers Anonymous, Amery - 715268-6829, Mark; Cameron - 715-2343301.

• MOPS for moms and their preschoolers, www.mops.org, 715-5541220, • Multiple Sclerosis support group, Amery area, 715-268-9126 or 715-282361.

• Parent-to-Parent Coalition, parents of children with disabilities or special needs, 715-472-2002.

• Pregnant? Free help. Osceola Life Care Center, 715-755-2229.

• Student Assistance Program, Amery School District, personal or family problems, 715-268-0303, 715-268-0214.

• TEENCARE help line, 800-491-8336 or 715-235-8882.

• Basic Education for Adults, job center, Balsam Lake, 715-485-3115.

GNOMEO & JULIET

Rated G, 84 Minutes.

Fri.-Sat.: 1:00, 3:00, 5:00 & 7:00 p.m.

Sun.: 1:00, 3:00 & 5:00 p.m.

Mon.-Thurs.: 5:00 p.m.

I AM NUMBER FOUR

to seek justice, legal representation and compensation ATTORNEY

JAMES ERIC LINDELL Certified Trial Lawyer

LINDELL & LAVOIE, LLP Minneapolis and Webb Lake, Wisconsin

We’re here to help you.

HELD OVER ONE MORE WEEK! Rated PG-13, 110 Minutes.

Fri.-Sat.: 8:40 p.m. Sun.: 7:00 p.m.

Mon.-Thurs.: 7:00 p.m.

It’s your right...

“If you or a family member has been injured in an accident or on the job, important rights may be lost without the counsel of an experienced professional. I am happy to explain your rights at no cost or obligation to you. Visit me in downtown Minneapolis or in Webb Lake. I can also arrange to meet with you in your home.”

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DONATE VEHICLE Receive $1000 GROCERY COUPON. NOAH’S ARC Support NO KILL Shelters, Research To Advance Veterinary Treatments. Free Towing, TAX DEDUCTIBLE, Non-Runners Accepted 1-866-912-GIVE.

Driver - Daily or weekly pay.

Single source dispatch. No tractor older than 3 years.

Safety bonuses paid quarterly. CDL-A, 3 months recent OTR experience.

8 0 0 - 4 1 4 - 9 5 6 9 . www.driveknight.com Drivers Owner Operators & Company. Flats/Vans. Excellent pay/opportunity. Class A CDL w/at least 2yrs. current exp. Blackhawk Transportation 888-364-9755.

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800-937-0880 (CNOW)

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AUTOMOBILE DONATION

WE HAVE PARTS for tractors, combines, machinery, hay equipment and more.

Used, new, rebuilt, aftermarket. Downing Tractor Parts, Downing, Wis., www. asapagparts.com 877-5301010. 32Ltfc PUBLIC AUCTION, Monday, March 14, 2011, Luck Mini Storage, Luck, WI, 800-2363072, 10:30 a.m. Personal effects, household goods and misc. items belonging to the following: Jeff Swanson, No. 44. 28-29Lc PUBLIC AUCTION, Monday, March 14, 2011, Siren Mini Storage, Siren, WI, 800-2363072, 12:15 p.m. Personal effects, household goods and misc. items belonging to the following: Katie Clifford, No. 14. 28-29Lc

SUPPORT SUPPORT AND GROUPS AND GROUPS RESOURCES RESOURCES

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WANT ADS

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PAGE 54 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - MARCH 2, 2011

All shows and show times before 6 p.m. $5.00.

Shows and show times subject to change.

Visit us on our Web site: www.timberstheatres.com

CALL TOLL-FREE 888-339-8811 www.lindellandlavoie.com

Over 32 years of practice in personal injury and workers’ compensation in the Twin Cities and 530891 28L Northwestern Wisconsin.

MARCH 2, 2011 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 55

Students of the Week GRANTSBURG

FREDERIC

Aaron Nelson has been chosen Frederic Elementary School’s student of the week. He is in kindergarten and the son of Tim and Stephanie Nelson. Aaron is wonderful to have in class, very respectful and participates actively every day. One of his favorite school activities is arts and crafts. In his free time, Aaron loves to play Wii and go bowling.

When he grows up he would like to be a police officer.

Nicole Nelson has been chosen Frederic Middle School’s student of the week. She is in seventh grade and the daughter of Scott and Marlene Nelson. Nicole has very conscientious work ethics, a positive attitude and a pleasant personality. She is involved in archery league, band, confirmation, basketball, track and softball. Nicole enjoys watching TV and being with people. In the future she plans to go to college.

Chase Dodds has been chosen Frederic High School’s student of the week. He is a senior and the son of Ben and Angel Dodds.

Chase is a very polite and hardworking individual who is cooperative, respectful and a pleasure to have in school. He is involved in FFA, football, wrestling and works on the farm. Chase enjoys hanging out with friends. The greatest influence in his life has been his parents.

Kaycee LaPierre has been chosen Grantsburg Elementary School’s student of the week. She is in first grade and the daughter of Brent and Jessica LaPierre. Kaycee is a creative, bright girl who works very hard in school. She never complains and has a great attitude about learning.

Kaycee’s kind temperament makes her a good role model for the other students. Her favorite subjects are math and reading. Kaycee loves playing with her dogs and playing hide-and-seek with her sisters.

LUCK

Travis Lane has been chosen Luck Elementary School’s student of the week. He is in fifth grade and the son of Clarion and Shirley Lane. Travis works very hard at school and is willing to help others in class. He has a great sense of humor and is a real treat to have in class. Travis loves to be outside and he is a good role model.

Shayna Vendela has been chosen Grantsburg Middle School’s student of the week. She is in sixth grade and the daughter of Tracie and Donal Vendela.

Shayna is a very hardworking student. She is also always willing to help and is ready with a kind smile. Shayna’s favorite class is reading. After school she enjoys more reading and is active in soccer.

Paige Johnson has been chosen Grantsburg High School’s student of the week. She is a sophomore and the daughter of Kim and Craig Johnson. Paige is a leader in the band room, a member of hand bells and an after-school helper for keyboarding. She is involved in handbells, hockey, swing choir, teaching keyboarding, school play, band, choir and 4-H. Paige enjoys playing hockey, riding horse, scrapbooking, reading and hanging with family and friends. She plans to go to college.

ST. CROIX FALLS

Gabbie Groh has been chosen Luck Middle School’s student of the week. She is in eighth grade and the daughter of Chris and Beth Groh. Gabbie is very cooperative, volunteers for many activities, is not afraid to try new things and is very studious. She is involved in FFA, choir and band. Gabbie enjoys horseback riding and riding bike. The greatest influence in her life has been her mom.

Noah Musial has been chosen Luck High School’s student of the week. He is a freshman and the son of Bonnie and Mike Musial.

Noah is always willing to help as needed, very mechanically inclined and knowledgeable about repairing things. Noah is involved in FFA, FCCLA, baseball and golf. He enjoys hunting, snowmobiling, playing hockey, golfing, four-wheeling and dirt biking. In the future he wants to become a pilot.

Deven Dowd has been chosen St. Croix Falls Elementary School’s student of the week. He is in second grade. Deven loves to do math, especially geometry.

He enjoys reading and his favorite books are Mr. Putter and Tabby stories. Deven likes to play with his brother and go hunting with his dad. When he grows up he wants to be a police officer or be in the Navy because then he can help people.

Alyssa Brown has been chosen St. Croix Falls Middle School’s student of the week. She is in sixth grade and the daughter of Penny and Brian Brown. Alyssa is an enthusiastic learner who enjoys working with others. Her favorite subject is social studies because she learns about the world. Alyssa enjoys golfing with her dad. She has two brothers, Garrett and Cameron, and a cat named Tommy.

Jacqueline (Pebbles) Manoppo has been chosen St. Croix Falls High School’s student of the week. She is a sophomore and the daughter of Paul and Jacqueline Manoppo. Pebbles is interested in art, music and hanging out with friends. She is involved in yearbook. Pebbles has one brother, Paul.

WEBSTER

SIREN

Congratulations students on a job well done!

Ashley Guevara has been chosen Siren High School’s student of the week. She is a senior who is a wonderful young lady with a promising future. Ashley volunteers her time as a TA and has been very active with the elementary students who adore her. Her current plans are to attend UWLa Crosse where she hopes to contribute to the women’s track and field program, throwing the discus and whatever else she can do to help the team.

Danny Ingalls has been chosen Webster Elementary School’s student of the week. He is the son of Dave and Lori Ingalls. Danny is a hardworking student who has a real zest for learning. He adds a great deal to his classroom by sharing his knowledge. Danny enjoys reading and math. Outside of school he plays basketball and participates in CCD. Danny likes to play Legos during his free time.

He is always respectful to teachers and his fellow students.

Raelyn Tretsven has been chosen Webster Middle School’s student of the week. She is in eighth grade and the daughter of Karen Langer and Mark Tretsven. Raelyn is an excellent student who is a class and team leader. She plays in multiple sports and is tough as nails.

Raelyn has a determined attitude and competitive spirit. She is involved in church group, basketball, volleyball and softball. Raelyn enjoys horseback riding and shopping.

Savana Arcand has been chosen Webster High School’s student of the week. She is a sophomore and the daughter of Sharmin Carlson and Brian Arcand. Savana works in the kitchen at school, is very dedicated to her job and never complains. She is very helpful and is not afraid to get her hands dirty.

Savana is a jokester and smiles a lot. She is involved in basketball and soccer.

UNITY

Proudly Supporting Our Students Stop In or Call Us Today

Electricity • Propane 1-800-421-0283 www.polkburnett.com

Supporting our area students and their accomplishments.

INTER-COUNTY

Serving Northwest Wisconsin

2547 State Road 35, Luck, Wis. (in the Evergreen Plaza) 715-472-4088

www.sterlingbank.ws

If You Would Like To Be A Sponsor Of

STUDENT OF THE WEEK Please Call 715-327-4236

Rayna Bates has been chosen Unity Elementary School’s student of the week. She is in third grade and the daughter of Lisa and Jason Bates. Rayna is a responsible student who works to do a good job in all subjects. She thinks carefully about new ideas.

Rayna is a patient friend to her classmates and has a wonderful sense of humor.

Dylan Kern has been chosen Unity Middle School’s student of the week. He is in fifth grade and the son of Nora and Richard Kern. Dylan is very kind and he asks good questions. He has a positive attitude and is a great kid. Dylan tries his best all the time and helps others.

Stephanie Stivers has been chosen Unity High School’s student of the week. She is a sophomore and the daughter of Cindy and Chris White. Stephanie participations in class and her positive, feisty attitude truly adds to class discussions. She baby-sits and in her spare time can be found taking pictures, hanging out with her friends and listening to music. Stephanie plans to attend college in the future.

Coming events

PAGE 56 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - MARCH 2, 2011

Happenings in the Upper St. Croix Valley communities

Every Day, AA &/or AlAnon, Polk & Burnett counties,

Balsam Lake

715-931-8262 for time/location. Amery area, 715-268-8431.

• Adult, child, infant CPR/AED and standard first aid classes at Red Cross office, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., 715-485-3025.

Every Monday

Frederic

• Indianhead Barbershop Chorus meets at the Balsam Lake Government Center, 7:30 p.m., 715-4839202.

• Divorce care support group at Apple River Community Church, 7 p.m., 715-268-8360, 715-268-2176.

• Baby and Me class at Amery Medical Center, 1-2 p.m.

• Grief Share support group at Centennial Hall, Amery, 715-268-2176 or 715-268-8360.

• Tax aide at the senior center, 9 a.m.-noon.

St. Croix Falls • Expectant parents three-week class starts at the medical center, 6-8:30 p.m., 715-483-0431.

FRI. & SAT./11 & 12 Frederic

• “Alice in Wonderland” at the elementary school, 7:30 p.m., 715-327-4868.

FRI.-SUN./11-13

Every Tuesday • Bingo at the Burnett County Moose Lodge, Siren, 6 • •

p.m.

Survivors of domestic violence & sexual assault support group, Polk County, 800-261-7233 for location, 6-7:30 p.m.

Anger management group at Amery Regional Medical Center, 6:30-8:30 p.m., 715-268-4094.

Balsam Lake

• The musical “Kilroy Was Here,” in the Unity High School Auditorium, Fri. & Sat. 7 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m.

Webster

FRIDAY/11

• Tax aides at the senior center, 1 p.m.

Every Thursday • Breastfeeding support group at the St. Croix Re•

gional Medical Center, 2-3:30 p.m., 715-483-0431.

Narcotics Anonymous meets at the Serenity House (old jail), Balsam Lake, 7 p.m., 612-205-2321.

Centuria

• Red Cross no-tap fundraiser at McKenzie Lanes, 715485-3025.

Every Friday, Moms In Touch International, First

Siren

Baptist, Amery, 8:15 a.m., 715-268-5408.

MARCH

THURSDAY/3 Balsam Lake

• Tax aides at the Polk County Aging office, 9 a.m.-noon, 715-268-7884.

St. Croix Falls • Chronic pain support group at the medical center, 5-6:30 p.m., 715-483-0431.

• Friends of the Library meeting, 4:30-5:30 p.m., 715483-1777, scflibrary@stcroixfallslibrary.org.

• Year One: Bringing Up Baby class at the medical center, 6-7 p.m., 715-483-0431.

FRI. & SAT./4 & 5 Amery

• Friends of the Library garage/book sale at the library.

Fri. 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.-1 p.m., 715-268-9340.

FRIDAY/4 Balsam Lake

• 2011 World Day of Prayer at Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic Church, 1:30 p.m.

Frederic • World Day of Prayer service at Pilgrim Lutheran Church, 2 p.m., 715-327-8150.

Siren • World Day of Prayer at Siren United Methodist Church, 9:30 a.m. coffee, 10 a.m. service.

• Fish fry at Burnett County Moose Lodge, 5:30-7:30 p.m., 715-349-5923.

St. Croix Falls • “The Little Prince” at Festival Theatre, 6:30 p.m., 715483-3387.

Webster

SATURDAY/5

• Tax aides at the senior center, 1 p.m.

Danbury

• Ruby’s Pantry at the town maintenance shop, $15 donation. Open 9:30 a.m., distribution 10-11:30 a.m.

For snowmobilers, this winter has been one of the best in terms of snow cover in several years. These snowmobilers raced across Lower Clam Lake during the annual Siren Lions Club Ice Fishing Contest held Saturday, Feb. 26. - Photo by Gary King • Cozy Corner Trails, Inc. 36th-Annual Booya at Hillside Inn, noon-5 p.m.

MONDAY/7 Amery

Grantsburg • Feed My Sheep at Grace Church in Grantsburg. Doors open 8 a.m., 715-463-5699.

• Adoptive parents support group at First Lutheran, 6:30 p.m.

Clear Lake

Lewis • Lewis Jam - Bluegrass, gospel & country music at Lewis United Methodist Church, 6-9 p.m.

Luck • Jefferson, Jackson and Dueholm Dinner at Hog Wild.

Register by Feb. 28, 715-485-9343.

• Bryce Hacker scholarship fund ice-fishing contest on Big Butternut, 8 a.m.-3 p.m.

• Youth wrestling tournament at the school. Weigh-ins 89 a.m., starts 10:30 a.m., 715-648-2681, 715-220-8170.

• Compassionate Friends, Tri-County Chapter, grief support in death of a child, at First Lutheran, 7 p.m., 715263-2739.

Frederic • Grades 2-12 auditions for “Alice in Wonderland” at the elementary school, 3:30 p.m., 715-327-4868.

• American Cancer Society Walk/Run committee meeting at the Pilgrim Lutheran Church, 4 p.m., 715-653-2684.

Siren

• Fish fry at Burnett County Moose Lodge, 5:30-7:30 p.m., 715-349-5923.

St. Croix Falls • “Fizz Kizer’s Honky Tonk Café” with Carrie Elkin at Festival Theatre, 7:30 p.m., festivaltheatre.org.

• Fish fry at the American Legion, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

SAT. & SUN./12 & 13 St. Croix Falls

• “Heroes” at Festival Theatre. Sat. 7:30 p.m. Sun. 2 p.m., 715-483-3387, www.festivaltheatre.org.

SATURDAY/12 Amery

• Ruby’s Pantry at Congregational Church. Register 7-9:15 a.m. Distribution 9 a.m., 715-268-7390.

• Red Cross no-tap fundraiser at Club 53, 715-485-3025.

Dresser • Spring Expo at the village hall, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., 715-4835456, 715-557-2252/2253.

Milltown

TUESDAY/8

• Women’s program at Milltown Lutheran Church, 8:30 a.m.-noon. Register at 715-825-3596.

• 500 card party at VFW Post 6856, cancer fundraiser, 2 p.m.

• The Barley Jacks at Festival Theatre, 7:30 p.m., 715485-3387, www.festivaltheatre.org.

• Friends of the Library meeting, 9-10 a.m., 715-4831777, scflibrary@stcroixfallslibrary.org.

• Tax aides at the senior center, 9 a.m.-noon, 715-2687884.

• Cancer support group at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 7 p.m., 715-268-6722 or 715-268-7290.

• 5K Shamwalk/run. 8 a.m. registration, 10 a.m. start, 715349-2155.

Webster

Dresser

• Tax aides at the senior center, 715-349-7810.

Siren • Sit & Stitch at Bethany Lutheran Church, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., 715-349-5280.

Amery

St. Croix Falls

SUNDAY/6

• Chronic Illness/Disability Support Group will meet at Peace Lutheran Church, 6:30 p.m., 715-755-2515.

• Burnett County 4-H Project Day at the school, 1:30-4 p.m., burnett.uwex.edu/4-h-youth-development.

• Wisconsin Job Center - Local Veterans Employment Representative at the Indianhead Thrift Shop, 9-11:30 a.m.

• Library food and fun fundraiser at the school cafetorium, 1-5 p.m.

WEDNESDAY/9 Webster

Siren

St. Croix Falls • “The Little Prince” at Festival Theatre, 4 p.m., 715-4853387, www.festivaltheatre.org.

Wolf Creek • Todd Wright benefit at Wolf Creek Bar, 2-6 p.m.

THURSDAY/10 Amery

• NARFE dinner meeting at Village Pizzeria, noon, 715268-8618.

Siren St. Croix Falls • Hingepoint meeting for men battling sexual addictions, at River Valley Christian Church, 9 a.m.-noon, 715483-5378.

Webb Lake

SUNDAY/13

• St. Patrick’s parade, 1 p.m., 715-259-3522.

Siren

• Head injury support group at Siren Covenant Church, 1-2:30 p.m., 715-349-8985.

MONDAY/14 Amery

• Weight-loss surgery education and support at the medical center, 5-6 p.m., 715-268-0597.

Water theme continues at Frederic Elementary

There was much excitement this week surrounding Frederic Elementary’s water theme. Part of the kickoff was a reading incentive titled, “Dive into Reading.” The students and staff were entertained by magician Curtis Hed. The students also enjoyed Beach Day with a picnic lunch, and lots of quarters are coming in as a part of a challenging quarter drop. All the classrooms are busy learning while the school mall area is becoming a giant aquarium filled with water animals. Photos show Andre Tuynman putting the finishing touches on the fourth-grade water-theme puzzle, Derek Steele attempting the quarter drop with classmate Anthony Luehring looking on and students creating water-theme works of art. - Photos submitted