n r u b h s Wa unty Co
Register
Wednesday, May 4, 2011 Vol. 121, No. 36 • Shell Lake, Wisconsin
www.wcregister.net
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Lost in time See page 14
Weather helped create mild wildfire season
BURNETT/POLK/WASHBURN COUNTIES - The cold, snow and rain this spring has created problems for many farmers and impatience among those of us longing for warm, sunny days, but it’s helped keep down the number of wildfires usually occurring this time of year. “It’s (weather) been a blessing in that respect,” noted DNR Fire Warden Renae Paulson at Webster. “The fire season has been very mild, thankfully.” Paulson said the Cumberland area, which includes Burnett, Washburn and parts of Barron and Polk counties, has seen about 20 fires so far this spring. “Normally, we’d have two or three times that many at this point in the season,” she said. “I don’t think any of them have been larger than 10 acres.” The serious portion of the wildfire season here usually winds down in May, when things begin to green up. Persons are asked to check the DNR’s Web site for daily reports on burning permit requirements. A link to the site can be found at the Leader’s Web site at www.theleader.net. - Gary King
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Cold crops
The snowfall of 1.4 inches on Thursday, April 28, was a little more than a nuisance for the area farmers working their ground for the spring planting. The weather forecast does not give much relief for the below-normal temperatures and wet conditions. With flurries the first few days of May, the area has seen snow for the past eight months. — Photo by Larry Samson
Congressional members react to bin Laden killing
DWI simulator See page 2
by Maureen McCollum and Mike Simonson, Wisconsin Public Radio STATEWIDE - U.S. Congressman Ron Kind says he predicts very little change in the course of combat in the Middle East, despite the death of Osama bin Laden. The La Crosse Democrat says his death sends a signal to other al-Qaida members that they will also be brought to justice. Kind says in a way, it’s better that the U.S. acted alone in the operation, without the help of Pakistan. “It would have been difficult, I think, for Pakistani military to cooperate on a mission within their own border, for fear of
their own reprisals in their country,” says Kind. “But they are a crucial ally. They haven’t been the most dependable ally in this fight against al-Qaida and terrorists in the region. We need to continue to work on that relationship.” Kind says the world is a better place without bin Laden and thanks the forces involved in “bringing him to justice.” Meanwhile, Republican Congressman Sean Duffy of Ashland says getting bin Laden is “a great day for America.” “It underscores the point that you attack us, you come after us, we might not get you right away but we will not relent,” says Duffy. “We will look at every corner of the Earth and we will find you.”
Watch for cycles
SPORTS Pages 12 & 13 Members of the local Chapter 7A of ABATE were getting out the word that motorcycles share the road and to be aware of them. The death toll in motorcycle accidents increased from 84 in 2009 to 104 in 2010, which is attributed to the price of gas and the increased use of motorcycles. With the current price of gas we can expect even more motorcycles on the road this coming year. — Photo by Larry Samson
Just arriving back from a two-day tour of Afghanistan that ended Saturday, Duffy says Pakistan has to step up if the war in Afghanistan is to be won. “It’s telling that Americans went in by themselves and didn't include the Pakistanis in their mission,” says Duffy. “I don't know that they're an honest partner of ours.” Duffy adds that he’s heard many people say that that if the Pakistanis don't engage with the U.S. to fight the Taliban in Afghanistan, it will be hard to be successful there.
Vietnam Memorial Moving Wall here in July by Jessica Beecroft WASHBURN COUNTY - Brian Sengbusch spoke at the Washburn County Veterans and Military Affairs Committee on Thursday, April 28, in regard to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Moving Wall. The opening ceremony will be Thursday, July 28, at 7 p.m. at the Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery. The speakers will be Gary Wetzel and Jim Young. Music will be provided by the Shell Lake High School Band.
See Memorial, page 3
“ O n th e s h o re s o f be a uti f ul S he l l L a k e” • wcregister.net