June 20, 2012

Judged as Wisconsin’s Wisconsin Newspaper Association 2012 Large Weekly Division

Section A

VILAS COUNTY

NEWS-REVIEW EAGLE RIVER, WI 54521 • (715) 479-4421 • vcnewsreview.com

VOL. 127, NO. 14

$1.25

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 2012

Evenson files appeal, wants Vilas job back ___________

BY KEN ANDERSON NEWS CORRESPONDENT

___________

Former Vilas County Jail administrator Tim Evenson has filed an appeal to his recent termination and is requesting reinstatement of his employment, charging the real reason for his firing was retaliation.

In a document obtained through an open-records request, Evenson, who was fired by Sheriff Frank Tomlanovich April 24, 2012, alleges the county grievance procedure is “overly burdensome, oppressive, fundamentally unfair and unreasonable, and vague.”

Tomlanovich alleged Evenson violated seven areas of work rules including: untruthfulness in a verbal communication; providing untruthful and misleading information in a written communication; failure to seek an affirmative way to cooper-

ate with the sheriff; insubordination; failure to obey verbal directives of the sheriff; disabling equipment; and unacceptable use of a countyowned computer.

Evenson responds that he believes his termination was unjust, without cause and retaliatory in nature.

“I did not violate the rules alleged by Sheriff Tomlanovich and certainly should not be terminated for any of my actions,” Evenson writes in his appeal. “I was not untruthful to the sheriff, Chief Deputy (Joe) Fath, Ms. Milanowski (corporation counsel Martha Milanowski) or Mr. Egan (reference to Bob Egan, who at the time was chairman of the county Law Enforcement Committee.)”

Evenson was referring to a letter he wrote Feb. 10, 2012, to Fath, Milanowski and Egan to clarify allegations made Jan. 13 by Tomlanovich on violating department policy.

As way of background, Evenson writes he was “told that employee George Crabtree (a corrections officer) was upset about a background investigation I assigned him to complete on a prospective employee, Chad Rosinski.”

Rosinski is the stepson of Tomlanovich.

Evenson continues, indicating he “was asked (by the sheriff) if I had a problem with Chad Rosinski and the sheriff had information indicating that I did not want Rosinski hired, but instead wanted another person hired instead of Rosinski.”

Evenson’s Feb. 10 letter also makes the claim by the sheriff that Evenson was speeding in excess of 90 mph Dec. 5, 2011, and was told he did not complete daily workload entries, all of which he denies.

Evenson said that the letTo EVENSON, Pg. 2A

RIVER RIDE — Nearly 400 bicyclists took to the back roads of Vilas and Oneida counties Sunday for the start of the GReat Annual Bicy-

cle Adventure Along the Wisconsin River. The 427-mile ride will end in Prairie du Chein June 23. —Staff Photo By GARY RIDDERBUSCH

Invasives work earns Ted Ritter Crusader award ___________

BY GARY RIDDERBUSCH NEWS-REVIEW EDITOR

___________

FUTURE PILOTS — The 22nd annual Eagle River Union Airport Fly-in and Air Show last Saturday attracted hundreds of aviation

Woman, 20, charged in St. Germain burglaries A 20-yearold St. Germain woman has been charged with two counts of felony burglary for her a l l e g e d involvement in a string of ADAMS burglaries in Vilas and Oneida counties.

Vilas County Sheriff Frank Tomlanovich said an investigation connected suspect Lindsey Alexis Adams and a juvenile, also from St. Germain, to 45 separate incidents in Vilas County alone, according to a press release.

On May 11, in connection with an ongoing investigation of multiple burglaries, thefts and criminal damage

complaints, the Vilas County Sheriff’s Department executed a search warrant at a residence in the town of St. Germain.

Evidence collected during the execution of the search warrant led to the arrest of the two suspects May 11.

Tomlanovich said the incidents being investigated occurred between August 2011 and April 2012 in Vilas County and northern Oneida County. He said the investigation was conducted with the assistance of the Woodruff Police Department.

Adams is charged in Vilas County with two felony counts of burglary and nine misdemeanor counts of theft, criminal damage to property and possession of drug paraTo ADAMS, Pg. 2A

INSIDE THIS ISSUE PMTT slated on Eagle Chain n Professional muskie anglers will fish the Eagle River Chain this weekend.

Pg. 9A

buffs for a day featuring aircraft exhibits, fly-bys and airplane rides for all ages.

—Staff Photo By GARY RIDDERBUSCH

The Vilas County invasive species coordinator was among those honored this spring as Invader Crusaders for their work to prevent the introduction and spread of invasive non-native plants and animals in Wisconsin.

Ted Ritter, invasive species coordinator for the Vilas County Land and Water Conservation Department, won in the professional individual-government category for his work to seek partners and funding sources to build a multiagency effort to address invasive species.

The Invader Crusaders received their awards last week from the Wisconsin Council on Invasive Species in a ceremony at Madison’s Olbrich Botanical Gardens.

“Ted Ritter has a passion for protecting natural

TED RITTER

resources in the North Woods and has been relentless in seeking partners and pursuing funding sources,” said the To RITTER, Pg. 2A

Shoot-Out, Fly-In set June 22-23 ___________

BY NEWS-REVIEW STAFF

___________

Two days of actionpacked events are on tap for the whole family as the fifth annual Three Lakes ShootOut Radar Run and Fly-In will take place Friday and Saturday, June 22-23.

The shoot-out, which began in 2008 as a fundraiser aimed specifically at construction of a second fire station to serve the east side of town, takes on even more significance this year as ground breaking and construction of Fire Station No. 2 has just begun on the site at Highway 32 and Colonel Himes Road.

Shoot-out organizers have promised another round of free activities for spectators, while as many as 70 high-powered hydroplanes, jet and tunnel boats will reach top speeds of more than 100 mph.

Top-gun honors are at stake for the fastest time run on the 1,000-foot course, located on the south shore of Big Stone Lake near Sunset Grill on Highway 32, east of Three Lakes. Saturday’s events will run from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The water-cross snowmobilers will be back this year, and some will attempt to pull barefoot skiers.

Thousands of spectactors are expected to attend the fifth annual Three Lakes Shootout Radar Run and Fly-In on Big Stone Lake this

Spectators can anchor boats adjacent to the racecourse or visit the new 40- by 60-foot beer garden tent with seating for 200 located near the Harbor Campground beach.

Bleacher seating also will be available. Free shuttles will run all day Saturday between boats and nearby parking lots to the shoot-out grounds.

A full array of vintage air-

Friday and Saturday. High-powered boats will be put to the test on a 1,000-foot course.

—STAFF PHOTO

planes, biplanes, ultralights and war birds will be on display at Three Lakes Airport.

Sightseeing airplane rides will be offered, for a cost, over the Three Lakes Chain of Lakes.

A wide variety of food items and refreshments will be available on the grounds, along with hourly 50-50 raffles and shoot-out clothing for purchase. A motorcycle corral will be provided cour-

tesy of nearby Briggs Bar. Friday’s events will begin at Kirby’s Pine Isle Sports Bar & Grill on Highway X at 2 p.m., as racers will gather to tour the Three Lakes Chain of Lakes.

Race fans can visit Bonnie’s Lakeside restaurant, located on Highway 32, from 5 to 8 p.m. that evening to view a static display of all To SHOOT-OUT, Pg. 2A

2A

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 2012

VILAS COUNTY NEWS-REVIEW/THE THREE LAKES NEWS

NEWS

WEATHER CORNER Note: Precipitation amounts are recorded at 8 a.m. for the previous 24 hours.

LAST SEVEN DAYS Hi Wed., June 13 ...........74 Thurs., June 14 .........62 Fri., June 15 ..............79 Sat., June 16.............83 Sun., June 17............75 Mon., June 18 ...........80 Tues., June 19...........86

Lo 39 50 58 60 52 56 62

Prec.

None None .72R None .56R .63R .23R

ONE YEAR AGO Hi Mon., June 13 ...........77 Tues., June 14...........76 Wed., June 15 ...........72 Thurs., June 16 .........68 Fri., June 17 ..............76 Sat., June 18.............71 Sun., June 19............60

Lo 43 52 51 52 52 54 54

Prec.

None None None .16R .21R None .47R

LAST YEAR

The average daily high at this time last year for the next seven days was 70, while the average overnight low was 52. There was rain on three days totaling 2.13 inches.

COMPARISON

Days precipitation recorded since April 1, 2012, 36 days; 2011, 40 days.

Average high of past 30 days, 2012, 74; 2011, 73. Average low of past 30 days, 2012, 50; 2011, 48.

FOREST CONDITIONS

White-tailed deer are wearing their red summer coats and bucks are developing velvet-covered antlers. Wild turkey and ruffed grouse broods are being seen in the North.

STREAMS AND LAKES

Snapping turtles are being seen all over right now, depositing their eggs in the gravel and sand, most often near a roadway that is adjacent to water.

OUTLOOK

Wednesday there will be scattered afternoon storms, some strong, with a high of 82 an a low of 70. Thursday will be sunnier, much less humid, with a high of 72 and a low of 54. Friday expect morning storms, then sunshine, with a high of 75 and a low of 55. Saturday look for on-andoff thunderstorms, with a high of 72 and a low of 53. Sunday should be sunny, with a high of 75 and a low of 52.

(PORTIONS OF THE WEATHER CORNER ARE THROUGH THE COURTESY OF KEVIN BREWSTER, EAGLE RIVER and NEWSWATCH 12 METEOROLOGIST.)

Exhibit to feature Penokee Range The public is welcome to explore a new exhibit titled “Penokee: Explore the Iron Hills” from June 23 to Feb. 1, 2013, at the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center, located 2 miles west of Ashland on U.S. Highway 2.

A recent proposal to mine iron ore in the Penokee Range of northern Wisconsin brought statewide attention to this area.

Twenty visual artists, musicians and writers from northern Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan explored their relationship with the Penokee Range and inspired the works each artist

created. The exhibit highlights the area’s metallic mining history, natural history, geology, and cultural and Native American perspectives.

The public is invited to an opening reception this Saturday, June 23, from 1 to 3 p.m.

After the opening program, the public will be invited to explore the exhibit, visit with the artists and share light refreshments.

For more information, phone the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center (715) 685-9983 or visit northerngreatlakescenter.org or the exhibit website: penokeearts.wordpress.com.

Evenson: ter of Feb. 10 was neither insubordination nor being uncooperative. He also clarified issues of disabling equipment and inappropriate use of county-owned computer.

“I was unclear on where things were relative to the sheriff’s investigation,” wrote Evenson. “I did not drive 90 mph in my squad and do not remember speeding. I deactivated my cell phone because it was linked to my personal gmail account and contained personal information relating to my finances. The sheriff has access to my county e-mails.”

Evenson indicated he downloaded Google Chrome due to problems with Internet Explorer and there was no breach of security in doing so.

Evenson, who has never been disciplined, charges his termination by Tomlanovich was really related to the hiring of the sheriff’s stepson.

“Sheriff Tomlanovich’s decision to terminate me is nothing more than retaliation related to his stepson Chad Rosinski,” wrote Evenson.

Rosinski was hired as a county jailer and completed the required training upon graduation from Nicolet Area Technical College Jail Academy last February. He was one of 11 in the class with Evenson as an instructor. Online court records indicate Rosinski has had a number of criminal convictions.

Evenson concluded his appeal with an objection to who has the burden of proof.

“As a matter of law, I object that I have the burden to prove by clear, convincing and satisfactory evidence that Sheriff Tomlanovich abused his discretion in terminating my employment with Vilas County,” wrote Evenson. “The burden of proof is on Vilas County.”

Finally, Evenson is requesting he be “made whole” with “reinstatement and removal of any reference of termination” in his personnel file.

Evenson also is requesting back pay, plus 12% interest, restoration of all benefits, reimbursement of benefits including health insurance, attorney fees, costs and punitive damages.

FROM PAGE 1A

Grievance policy Under the new county grievance policy, the first step is to have the appeal heard by the county’s Personnel Committee to determine if the appeal response is sufficient, according to Vilas County Human Resources Director Janna Kahl.

If not resolved, the case would be assigned to an Impartial Hearing Officer (IHO), who would conduct a prehearing conference and attempt to mediate the dispute. Should that fail, a date will be selected for a hearing.

Evenson will bear the burden of proof to persuade the IHO by “clear and convincing” evidence the county abused its discretion in terminating him. The policy states the hearing “shall be closed to the public.” It will be within the authority of the IHO to order reinstatement, a lesser adverse employment action other than termination, such as a reduction in base pay, an oral or written reprimand, or that no adverse action be taken.

Evenson also has the right to appeal any decision by the IHO to the full county board.

Evenson has retained the services of attorney Christopher MacGillis of Milwaukee.

Shoot-out FROM PAGE 1A the race boats.

The fire department also will have some of its equipment on display, including its new water rescue boat.

Refreshments, raffles and race clothing sales also will be available at Bonnie’s.

After a day of racing action and the presentation of trophies, racers and fans can visit the nearby Mai Tiki Bar at Harbor Campground from 6 to 10 p.m. to hear a disc jockey and music under the beer tent.

Registration forms, maps and clips from past races are available at the shoot-out website at threelakesshoot out.com. For more information, email info@threelakes shootout.com.

Lakes group helps fund Chain buoys The Eagle River Chain of Lakes Association (ERCLA) has offered to help fund maintenance of the Eagle River Chain buoys by contributing $1,000 for the purchase of new buoys and lights to replace those in disrepair.

There are 89 marked buoys on the Eagle River Chain of Lakes. The towns of Washington and Lincoln and the city of Eagle River each contribute $1,400 annually toward this program, which is managed and implemented by the town of Washington.

Most damage to the buoys occurs when they are struck by boats, according to Carole Linn of the ERCLA. While the buoys cost $140 each, solar lights are present on the slow, no-wake buoys and are purchased at an additional cost.

Intentional damage to these buoys is a violation of the U.S. Coast Guard and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) regulations and can result in sizeable fines. People can report violations to DNR wardens or the Vilas County Sheriff’s Department.

“Most of the expense of maintaining the buoy system is borne by town of Washington, town of Lincoln and city of Eagle River taxpayers, but the revenue allocated through municipal budgets is not adequate to fund replacement and repair of buoys,” said Linn.

Taking part in the check presentation for the Eagle River Chain buoy project were, from left, Paul Hennes, vice president of the Eagle River

The donation from the ERCLA will allow buoys to be maintained and replaced on a regular basis, according to Jim Spring, chairman of the

Chain of Lakes Association; Jim Spring, town of Washington chairman; and Jim Moon, treasurer of the association.

—Contributed Photo

town of Washington.

In addition to the ERCLA donation, there has been an additional $1,950 in private donations to the buoy pro-

gram. Fifteen new buoys have already been purchased as a result of these donations and will be placed on the Chain this summer.

Ritter: spearheaded WHIP partnership FROM PAGE 1A person who nominated Ritter.

Ritter, as a private landowner, first worked with a local lake association in 2006 to get funding from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to control a major infestation of curly-leaf pondweed on Little St. Germain Lake.

“Because of Ted’s involvement with his lake association and his passion for resource protection, he applied for a newly created position with Vilas County in 2008, the invasive species coordinator,” wrote the nominating person.

Ritter’s position as the Vilas County invasive species coordinator provided him with the opportunity to take the lead in creating a multi-

Adams FROM PAGE 1A phernalia.

Adams made her initial appearance, and a preliminary hearing was waived.

She will have an arraignment hearing July 6 at 11:30 a.m. She also has requested a substitute judge. Oneida County Judge John O’Melia will now hear the case, replacing Vilas County Circuit Judge Neal A. Nielsen III. The male juvenile has been referred to juvenile authorities.

Correction The preliminary investigation of the accident that took the life of Robert Rutkowski, 23, of Eagle River June 6 in Sauk County, revealed that a vehicle driven by Kelly Shaw of Reedsburg was stopped in the eastbound lane of Highway 33 to turn left (north) onto Coonbluff Road when she was rear-ended by another eastbound vehicle driven by Jason Gerike of Reedsburg.

This collision caused the vehicle to cross over the centerline into the westbound lane of traffic and strike a westbound vehicle head-on driven by Rutkowski, who was pronounced dead at the scene. A story in the June 13 issue of this newspaper indicated Rutkowski was stopped in the eastbound lane and pushed into the westbound lane. We apologize for the error. See Rutkowksi’s complete obituary on Page 4A.

agency, two-county (Vilas and Oneida) cooperative invasive species management area (CISMA) known as the Wisconsin Headwaters Invasives Partnership (WHIP).

Ritter spearheaded the formation of this cooperative invasive species management area to bring about public awareness of terrestrial invasives and bring together federal, tribal, state, county, nonprofit and private land managers, as well as natural resources education schools to work cooperatively on invasives issues across all jurisdictions.

In 2010, Ritter mailed more than 2,000 informational garlic mustard flyers to private landowners in the town of Presque Isle and asked them to report any infestations of garlic mustard on their property.

In 2011, Ritter worked with WHIP partners to survey more than 3,500 acres of privately owned forestlands within Vilas County for the presence of high-priority terrestrial invasive plants. Federal, state and private lands and waters in both counties are positively affected by his work.

Also in the summer of 2011, nearly 3,000 hours of volunteer inspection time were logged at area boat landings to stop the spread of aquatic invasive species. Paid inspectors provided more than 1,600 additional hours.

Ritter was responsible for coordinating these efforts with the paid staff, lake associations and other volunteers.

It was Ritter’s tireless effort that got him the award.

“It’s important that we recognize and encourage all of the different individuals and organizations that are working tirelessly to keep Wisconsin’s special places free of invasive species that choke out native plants and animals — both on land and water,” said Paul Schumacher, chairman of the council and a member of the Wisconsin Lakes board of directors.

“The fight to reduce invasive species’ impact and keep them out of Wisconsin will be a long and hard battle for many years to come,” he said.

“We would not be able to do it without these and many other Invader Crusaders, and the poster contest winners who represent our next generation of crusaders.”

Invasive species are nonnative plants, animals and pathogens that can damage habitats and outcompete native species in Wisconsin’s forests, lakes, rivers, wetlands and grasslands. Garlic mustard, honeysuckle, zebra mussels, Eurasian water milfoil and rusty crayfish are all examples of invasive species in Wisconsin.

Since 2005, June has been designated in Wisconsin as Invasive Species Awareness Month and the Wisconsin Council on Invasive Species has honored people and organizations for their work to address invasive species. It has promoted events in which hundreds of people help remove invasive species and participate in educational events at botanical gardens, natural areas, lakes, rivers, agricultural fields, parks, schools and more.

Invader Crusader awards have honored Wisconsin citizens and organizations — both volunteer and professional — for their significant contributions to the prevention, management, education or research of invasive species that harm Wisconsin’s land and waters.

VILAS COUNTY NEWS-REVIEW/THE THREE LAKES NEWS

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 2012

3A

NEWS Hoye joins Ministry emergency staffs Aubrey Hoye, DO, has joined the emergency department staffs located at Ministry Eagle River Memorial Hospital and Howard Young Medical Center in Woodruff.

Prior to joining Ministry Health Care, Hoye was the chief emergency medicine resident for the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria/OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria, Ill. Hoye’s interests include international medicine, aeromedical rescue and transport, wilderness medicine and airway management. She received her medical degree from the Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine in East Lansing, Mich., and her bachelor’s degree in biology/physiology from Northern Michigan University.

She is certified in advanced trauma life support, pediatric advanced life support, neonatal resuscitation and advanced cardiovascular life support.

Hoye is a member of the American College of Emergency Physicians, Emergency Medicine Resident’s Association, Wilderness Medical Society and DOCARE International. Hoye said she values the opportunity to provide emergency care for patients in

AVIATION BUFFS — Hundreds of people turned out Saturday for the 22nd annual Eagle River Union Airport Fly-in and Air Show. Some of the scenes included: above, walking past the T-28 U.S. Air Force training planes from the 1950s; right, getting a close view of the engine on a vintage biplane; and below, Derek Shadick, doing a little polishing on a Yak-52. The fly-in also featured a performance by the 82nd Airborne All-American Freefall Team, airplane rides, fly-bys and remotecontrol airplane demonstrations. The event kicked off with a fish boil and dance Friday night and a pancake breakfast Saturday morning.

—Staff Photos By GARY RIDDERUBSCH

AUBREY HOYE Eagle River and Woodruff.

“I believe I’m at my best when every second counts in an emergency situation,” she said. “I can remain calm and focused under the most adverse situations.”

In her spare time, Hoye enjoys cross-country and downhill skiing, kayaking, snowshoeing, mountain biking, swimming, pheasant hunting and spending time with her husband and pets.

Ministry operations generate nearly $2.3 billion in annual revenue and include 15 hospitals, 47 clinics and nearly 12,000 employees, including nearly 650 physicians and clinicians.

Northwoods Patriots announces public rally The Northwoods Patriots announced a community rally featuring speakers from The Heritage Foundation and Family Research Council Friday, June 22, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.

The rally will take place at the Cranberry Products Inc. parking lot, located at 703 W. Pine St. in Eagle River.

According to organizers, the event aims to garner insights from local leaders, while free materials will be provided to attendees. There also will be an opportunity to register to vote.

For more information on the Your Money, Your Values, Your Vote 2012 tour in Wisconsin, visit valuesbus.com.

SAME GUYS…GREAT SERVICE… SAME QUALITY WORKMANSHIP

Housing market rebound continues in May: report Vilas, Oneida see sales jump ___________

BY GARY RIDDERBUSCH NEWS-REVIEW EDITOR

___________

Wisconsin home sales recorded strong growth again in May — including an 8% in the North region — continuing the trend that began last summer.

Sales of existing homes were up 18.9% in May 2012 compared to May 2011, according to the most recent monthly report by the Wisconsin REALTORS® Association (WRA).

In addition, median home prices in the state rose 1.5% to $138,000 relative to the same month last year.

“It’s good to see Wisconsin’s housing market continuing a robust rebound from the depressed levels of the recession,” said Rob Keefe, Chairman of the WRA board of directors.

Keefe noted that the monthly growth rates have been in the double digits since July 2011, and that year-to-date home sales are up over 20% in the state.

In Vilas County, sales increased 50%, from 30 in May of 2011 to 45 in May of 2012. Oneida County sales increased from 18.2% from 44 last May to 52 in May of 2012.

The median price of homes sold increased 8.8% in Vilas County, from $176,500 last year to $192,000 in May of 2012. In Oneida County, the median price stayed the same at $150,000.

Sales by region Within the state, May home sales were strongest in the Central region, up 31.8%, followed by the Northeast and Southeast regions, both of which grew in the neighborhood of 21%. Also strong was the South Central region, which was up 18.5% over the 12-month period, followed by the West region, which grew 14.5%. Finally, sales in the North region were up a solid 8.1% over the period.

“The supply of housing remains high with over a year’s worth of inventory on the market, but this is well below the levels of last May when there was a 17-month supply of unsold homes,” said Keefe.

An improving job market is helping the housing sector in Wisconsin. Between January and April, the last month for which employment estimates are available, Wisconsin added just over 19,000 jobs on a seasonally adjusted basis, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This employment growth actually outpaces the growth in the labor force, which increased by more than 14,000 over the period.

“We’ve always maintained that job growth is the key to sustained growth in the housing market, and the steady reduction in the state unemployment rate is one indication of an improving job market,” said WRA President and CEO, Michael Theo.

Wisconsin’s unemployment rate stood at 6.7% in April, which is well below the national rate of 8.1% that same month.

“With mortgage rates at

3.8% on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage and an improving labor market, the ongoing growth of home sales is not surprising,” said Theo.

Prices on rise The statewide median price increased 1.5% in May compared to May 2011. This is now the third straight month of modest upward movement in statewide median prices, although the regional picture is more mixed with three regions either up slightly or flat in May, which were the Southeast, West and South Central regions; and other regions down by modest margins, which were the North, Central and Northeast regions.

Even though statewide prices have increased, the reduction in mortgage rates has combined with slight improvements in the projected statewide median family VILAS COUNTY

NEWS-REVIEW

income to increase affordability compared to last year.

The Wisconsin Housing Affordability Index, which measures the percentage of a median-priced home that a buyer with the median family income can afford, stood at 241 in May. This is up from a revised 221 in May 2011.

Assuming the state job market follows the trends of the last 11 months, inventories should shrink, which will eventually increase prices.

“But right now, low prices and low mortgage rates combine to make conditions ideal for those households ready to get into housing. Now is the time to contact a Realtor to identify the best bargains in this market,” said Theo.

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Located at 5105 Highway 70 West, Eagle River

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POSTMASTER: Send address changes, form 3579, to Vilas County News-Review, P.O. Box 1929, Eagle River, WI 54521, phone (715) 479-4421, fax (715) 479-6242.

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Entered as periodical mail matter at the post office, Eagle River, WI 54521, under an act of March 3, 1879. Published every Wednesday. Subscription price for a year: Vilas and Oneida counties only, $50; rest of Wisconsin, $57; out of state, $68.

Mail subscription to Vilas County NewsReview, P.O. Box 1929, Eagle River, WI 54521. Payable in advance.

LA RRY FA VO RITE – O W NER

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(715) 479-5995

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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 2012

VILAS COUNTY NEWS-REVIEW/THE THREE LAKES NEWS

OBITUARIES

NEWS

Patricia ‘Pat’ M. Garbus

Blue Heron Shoreline awards presented to area landowners

Patricia “Pat” M. Garbus, age 85, a resident of Eagle River, Wis., since 1995, and formerly of Merrillville, Ind., died on S a t u r d a y, GARBUS June 16, 2012, at Lillian Kerr Nursing Home in Phelps, Wis. Pat was born on Nov. 9, 1926, in Gary, Ind., to Nickolas and Drieka Jovanovich.

She married her husband, George, on Aug. 31, 1946.

Pat was a member of the Merrillville Optimist Club and the Eagle River VFW

Auxiliary.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Stephen.

She is survived by her husband, George Garbus, of Eagle River; son, Anton “Tony” (Linda) Garbus of Eagle River; grandchildren, Dr. Lori (Matt) Small and Lisa (Mike) Watts; greatgrandchildren, Kylee Watts and Owen Matthew Small.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, June 20, 2012, at 11 a.m. at GaffneyBusha Funeral Home in Eagle River. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services at the funeral home.

PAID OBITUARY

2372

Dennis R. Krusick Dennis R. Krusick, 69, 2949 Pine Rd., Kronenwetter, formerly of Eagle River, died with his family by his side on Friday, June 15, 2012, at his home, after a six-year battle with cancer.

He was born Aug. 15, 1942, in Milwaukee, the son of the late Benon and Delores (Luell) Krusick.

On Aug. 23, 1991, he married Janice Carey, in Wausau.

She survives.

Dennis spent 42 years working in the flooring business, eight years as a real estate broker and 10 years with Brew Right coffee service.

He was active in the Rotary Club, Sno-Eagles Snowmobile Club and a Cub Scoutmaster.

Dennis was a camping enthusiast and avid fisherman, enjoyed riding ATVs, snowmobiling, woodworking, hunting and waterskiing.

He was also a die-hard Green Bay Packers fan, a shopping expert(!) and had a colorful sense of humor!

Survivors besides his wife, Janice, include two sons, Scott

(JoAnn) Krusick, Watersmeet, Mich., and Brian (Denelle), Sugar Camp; a daughter, Sutten Stephan, Eagle River; two stepdaughters, Kerri (Dave) Stiller, Baldwin, and Kandi Krusick, Omaha, Neb.; eight grandchildren, Ashley Krusick, Tiffany, Tyler and Kloey Krusick, Jacob Stephan, Johnathon, Benjamin and Rebecca Stiller; a brother, Todd Krusick, Watertown; a sister, Sandra (Leroy) Sellnow, Watertown; and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 23, 2012, at Mosinee United Methodist Church, 607 13th St., Mosinee, WI 54455. The Rev. Dale Obermeier will officiate. Visitation will be from noon until time of services at the church.

Beste Funeral Home, Mosinee, is in charge of the arrangements.

A special thank-you to the Ministry Hospice team and all those involved in his care during his heroic battle with cancer.

PAID OBITUARY

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Vilas County Lakes and Rivers Association (VCLRA) announced its 2011 Blue Heron Shoreline Stewardship Award winners at the recent joint countywide Lakes Association Workshop at Nicolet College in Rhinelander.

The winners were Ralph and Vera Kerler, nominated

by Little Crawling Stone Lake Association in Lac du Flambeau; Joe and Joyce Walta, nominated by Finger Lake Association in the town of Washington; and Peggy and Steve Arnold, nominated by Armour Lake Association in Presque Isle.

The purpose of the Blue Heron award is to emphasize the importance of the shoreline and littoral zone to lake health, according to the VCLRA. All of the winners offer an example of how it is possible to live on riparian property with minimal human impact.

The VCLRA is seeking nominations from lakes associations and districts for the 2012 Blue Heron award. For nomination forms, visit vclra.us or contact Sue Drum at adrum@centurytel.net or (715) 686-2655.

Once a property is nominated, a team of lake specialists examine the property with the property owner and

___________

BY KEN ANDERSON

___________

PAID OBITUARY

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Thorwald ‘Tory’ Sigmund Esbensen Thorwald “Tory” Sigmund Esbensen of Yuma, Ariz., and formerly of Eagle River, died Monday, June 4, 2012. He was 88.

He was born Sept. 15, 1923, in Eagle River, the son of George and Edith Esbensen.

Mr. Esbensen majored in philosophy at UW-Madison.

In 1951, he was hired by the U.S. military to be an English teacher in the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands.

Returning to Wisconsin in 1953, he married Barbara Juster. They then moved to Herbster, where he was principal, history teacher and school bus driver.

In 1956, the family returned to the South Pacific where he worked as the district administrator of education. For the next 20 years, he was a superintendent of schools in California and Minnesota, and served as professor of education at the University of Tallahassee in Florida and dean of instruction at

the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, Minn. He eventually co-founded Micro-Ed, an educational software company, with his wife in 1979.

Education Magazine named him as one of the top 100 educational administrators in North America.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife in 1996; one son, Peter Neil; and two brothers, Duane and Victor.

Survivors include his children, Julie Sedore of Colorado, Daniel of Nevada, Jane (Mats) Karlsson of Sweden, and George (Jean) and Kai, both of Minnesota; two sisters, Phyllis Kaplan and Nancy (Craig) Johnson; eight grandchildren; and four greatgrandchildren.

A memorial service will be Friday, Aug. 3, at 4 p.m. at the College of St. Scholastica in the Somers Lounge, 1200 Kenwood Ave. in Duluth. Interment will be at a later date.

Memorials may be given to the American Cancer Society.

K

held for two hours prior to the service at the church on Saturday. Father Robert Koszarek will preside.

A memorial will be established in Rob’s name.

Don’t think of Rob as gone away, his journey’s just begun, life holds so many facets, this Earth is only one. Just think of Rob as resting from the sorrows and the tears, in a place of warmth and comfort where there are no days and years.

Think how he must be wishing that we could know today how nothing but our sadness can really pass away. And think of him as living in the hearts of those he touched, for nothing loved is ever lost and he was loved so much.

A golden heart stopped beating, hardworking hands to rest, God broke our hearts to prove to us He only takes the best.

Gaffney-Busha Funeral Home in Eagle River is serving the family.

The Eagle River City Council identified last week several obstacles concerning the development of 18 acres at the intersection of highways 45 and G. The city recently bought the property from Business Bank of Green Bay for $150,000.

“I don’t think we’re ready for anything until three things get cleared up,” Alderman Jerry Burkett told the council. “First, we need to have the house removed, probably through a training exercise with area fire departments. It is a hazard with vermin present.

“Second, the existing barn is solid and should be sold for its wood and, third, we need to get access (to the property) from Highway 45 for those going north,” said Burkett.

The access issue will need to be addressed by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (DOT) because there is a concrete meridian prior to the turn lane at the intersection. At present, accessing the parcel going north could only be accomplished by first turning onto Highway G. “We don’t need an exit onto Highway 45, but we need to have access off Highway 45 going north,” Burkett insisted.

Burkett went on to suggest an access road through

US O

UT ON TH E

CHEC

Robert “Rob” John Rutkowski, age 23, of Eagle River, Wis., died on Wednesday, June 6, 2012.

He was born on Aug. 5, 1988, in Rhinelander, Wis., the son of John and Judith (De Lange) Rutkowski.

Rob was a graduate of St. Peter the Fisherman Elementary School, Northland Pines High School in 2006, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison, with a degree in Pre-Med, in 2011.

Rob is survived by his parents, John and Judy Rutkowski of Eagle River; paternal grandparents, Dan and Doris Rutkowski of Eagle River; brothers, Tony (Laurie) of Rhinelander and Dan (Jenny) of Madison; nieces and nephews, Will, Sam, Nora and Lucy; and many other relatives.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 14, 2012, at St. Peter the Fisherman Catholic Church in Eagle River. Visitation will be

members of the lake association or district.

The VCLRA team grades the lake property according to five key areas: driveway and parking area; runoff from structures and health of septic system; yard and recreation area, excluding the buffer zone; buffer zone extending 35 feet inland from

awards were crafted from Lake Superior rocks hand-painted by a local artist.

—Contributed Photo

the water; and the entire lot for degree of human impact.

The Kerler property on Little Crawling Stone Lake was evaluated by Susan Knight, Gretchen Watkins, Norm Wetzel and Roberta Gast. The Walta property on Finger Lake was evaluated

by Carolyn Scholl, Sandy Gillum, Tom Ewing and Rol-

For your ONLINE SUBSCRIPTION go to vcnewsreview.com

the property with a Highway G exit that could allow for creation of up to five distinct parcels. He challenged city administrator Joe Laux to meet with DOT on obtaining access for north-bound traffic.

This would require removal of part of the meridian for construction of a turn lane.

Burkett said original plans called for a shorter meridian, but when Highway 45 was reconstructed, it was extended north near the Ranger Station/Highway Department driveway.

It also was noted the existing sign on the property does not comply with current city code. The sign owner has been identified, and there have been some private businesses that have expressed an interest in acquiring it.

Mural parking The recommendation from the city Parking Committee to not eliminate six parking spaces in front of the $12,000 mural on the west side of the Collins building was accepted; however, another possible solution was offered.

Burkett, chairman of the city’s Parking Committee, told the council a survey of business owners showed support for keeping the parking slots.

But other suggestions included making it “cars only” in front of the mural with no vans or trucks, limit parking to 30 minutes, remove the old parking meter posts and have concrete

bumpers to keep vehicles away from the wall at least a little bit.

Council woman Kim Schaffer, whose district includes the mural, said it was wrong to keep the parking spaces in front of the mural, which blocks the view for passersby and photographers.

Council woman Carol Hendricks suggested raising the mural.

“It was made so it can be removed and moved,” Hendricks noted, “so why not raise it up some?”

Schaffer moved to keep the parking spaces but, if possible, raise the mural. That motion was adopted unanimously.

Other action In other action, the council: — denied a request from Artarama to close Willow Street during their event, but did approve waiving the direct sellers permit for Artarama; — approved vacating a street at Ministry Eagle River Memorial Hospital, since part of the new addition was

built over the street, but the city reserved an easement for sewer and water lines under the street and approved a quitclaim deed from the hospital for 139 square feet of land that was found to be part of the golf course fairway; — approved an interestfree loan of $46,000 from the First National Bank for the Unified Lower Chain of Lakes Commission, with a guarantee of repayment for the city portion of $11,500; — received a report from Ken Smith, golf course superintendent/manager, showing May revenue of $51,096 compared to $35,584 for May, 2011; — objected, via a letter from Laux, to a proposed increase in the ambulance subsidy that would go from the present $12,986 to $45,000 based on equalized value, with council members suggesting a subsidy based on number of calls within the municipal jurisdictions served; and — approved the compliance report of the city wastewater treatment plant that is sent to the state.

Gaffney-Busha Funeral Home Alpha Crematory & Chapel Tom & Joe Busha, Barry Wallis, Funeral Directors www.gaffney-busha.com 715-479-4777 Locally owned and operated since 1908

VILAS COUNTY’S ONLY CREMATORY Traditional Services • Prearrangements • Cremation • Monuments

ANTIQUES WANTED PAYING CASH FOR THE FOLLOWING: Crocks, jugs, earthenware bowls & pitchers; art pottery, Roseville, Hull, etc.; cookie jars; hand-decorated china; glassware before WWII; patchwork quilts & fancywork; Oriental rugs; picture frames; clocks, watches & fobs; jewelry; oil lamps; elec. lamps w/glass shades; old advertising items, signs, posters, containers, boxes, mixing bowls, etc., especially from Eagle River; coin-operated machines, slots, peanut, etc.; shotguns, rifles & handguns; hunting knives; wooden duck & fish decoys; old tackle boxes & lures; rods, reels & creels; glass minnow traps; old tools; toys of all kinds, trains, trucks, tractors, tin wind-ups, games, dolls, etc.; enamelware, especially bright colors; old photos of interiors & outdoor activities; all magazines before WWII; postcards (pre-1920); coin & stamp collections; old wood carvings of animals, etc. Check with me before you sell.

Leaf Casting Class Saturday, June 23 at 10 a.m.

Create a leaf casting, birdbath or other concrete item for your home or garden. Make it a fun event to do with friends! Stop by, call or email if you plan to attend. There is a small fee to cover the cost of the materials.

Matt Benz, Chief Meteorologist at WJFW TV-12 will be onsite July 3 starting at 11 a.m.

He will provide information about everything you always wanted to know about weather but were afraid to ask!

Call Jim at (715) 479-1459 4946

Text PLANT to 55678 and enter to win a chain-saw carving.

SCAN FOR SPECIALS Mon.-Sat. 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Sun. 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

NOTICE: Obituary policy Death notices that appear in this space weekly are written and/or edited for content and consistency by assistant editors of the Vilas County News-Review and The Three Lakes News. Obituaries written in the paper’s standard format are printed at no charge. Unedited obituaries written by the family may be printed for a fee, either in the obituary column or in smaller type with a border. For more information, call (715) 479-4421.

lie Alger. The Arnold property was evaluated by Susan Knight, Sue and Alan Drum and Jim Brzezinski.

Each property owner was presented with their overall point scores in all five categories. They were given praise for outstanding features and suggestions for improvements.

Eagle River faces three obstacles before developing 18-acre parcel NEWS CORRESPONDENT

Robert ‘Rob’ John Rutkowski

The Blue Heron Shoreline Award winners included, from left, Joe and Joyce Walta; Peggy and Steve Arnold; and Ralph Kerler. The

1144 Hwy. 45 South

Eagle River, WI

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VILAS COUNTY NEWS-REVIEW/THE THREE LAKES NEWS

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 2012

NEWS

VIETNAM WALL DONATION — The Eagle River Light & Water Utility and the city of Eagle River teamed up to donate $1,000 to help bring the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall to Eagle River June 30 to July 4. Taking part in the check presentation were,

POLICE REPORT

from left, Bob Collins of Wisconsin Public Power, Gary Fawcett of the Light and Water Commission, Al Pittelko of the wall commiittee, Mayor Jeff Hyslop and utility manager Pat Weber. The utility donated $250 and the city $750.

—STAFF PHOTO

Vilas County Court report

Two men charged in cashing stolen checks from Beloit home A 19-year-old St. Germain man, charged with three counts of uttering a forgery, had a preliminary hearing set for June 27 at 10:30 a.m. in Vilas County Circuit Court last week.

James D. Mackay also is charged with receiving stolen property, possession of marijuana and misdemeanor bail jumping.

According to the complaint, the checks were stolen from a residence in Beloit where Mackay was staying.

The checks were the property of the ex-husband of his mother’s friend. He allegedly was involved in cashing four of the checks totaling $454.44 at Eagle River businesses in February. Investigators said one missing check is still unaccounted for.

The possession of marijuana and misdemeanor bail jumping charges were made at the time of his arrest May 17 in Eagle River.

Also charged in the case is Lucas A. Johnston-Burnett, 19, of Eagle River. He is charged with four counts of uttering a forgery, party to a crime.

Circuit Judge Neal A. Nielsen III found probable cause that Johnston-Burnett was involved in cashing the four checks at the Holiday gas station Feb. 16 for $56.89 and at Trig’s Feb. 17 for $104, Feb. 21 for $54.25 and $63.55. Johnston-Burnett entered a not-guilty plea and a pretrial conference was set for June 16 at 10 a.m.

Johnston-Burnett also forfeited his bond from another case involving the alleged burglary of the Eagle River Recreation Association Sports Arena March 3-4 in the town of Lincoln. He had to forfeit his bond because he allegedly committed a new crime and had contact with Victory Perotto, who also is charged in the Sports Arena burglary.

In other felony cases, Nicholas L. Zortman, 19, of Lac du Flambeau, charged with two counts of uttering a forgery and one count of misdemeanor theft, entered a plea of not guilty and a pretrial conference was set for July 31 at 9 a.m. Zortman is accused of altering scale slips at Don Scharf Automotive & Recycling in the town of Lincoln July 18 and 19, 2011. He also has been charged with felony bail jumping, misdemeanor bail jumping and operating without a license, third offense, all May 3 in Lac du Flambeau. All matters are tracking together.

Joseph W. Negani III, 22, of Lac du Flambeau, had a deferred entry of judgment (DEJ) revoked and he was found guilty of second-degree reckless endangerment stemming from an incident March 28, 2010, in Lac du Flambeau. Judge Nielsen ordered a presentence investigation and sentencing was set for Aug. 6 at 3 p.m.

Negani had accepted the DEJ July 26, 2010. The court was told Negani did not meet the conditions of the DEJ, which included probation for 36 months, no intoxicants, no taverns, no crimes and alcohol and other drug abuse treatment. When the DEJ was initially approved, two charges of misdemeanor bail jumping and one charge of disorderly conduct were dismissed.

Ramon L. Schriner, 63, of Arbor Vitae, pleaded not guilty to a charge of possession of a firearm by a felon and a pretrial conference was set for July 24 at 9:45 a.m.

It’s alleged that Schriner was in possession of a 10-gauge single-shot shotgun in an airgun box under a bed at his residence in Arbor Vitae April 2.

Edward J. LaBarge Jr., 59, of Lac du Flambeau, charged with manufacturing or delivery of a prescription drug, pleaded not guilty and a pretrial conference was set for July 24 at 11:30 a.m. He is alleged to have sold two to three Vicodin tablets to another person on two occasions. The Vicodin was prescribed to LaBarge for about 12 years due to neuropathy and foot pain. He told investigators he sold the prescription drug July 5, 2011, because he needed gas money to travel to Madison for a doctor’s appointment. He also told investigators he has not sold any since that time.

Patricia L. Roche, 42, of Lac du Flambeau, saw a

charge of delivery of a schedule III substance in August of 2011 dismissed at a preliminary hearing following the testimony of witness Garet Mendez. Following a motion to dismiss by the defense, the court found no probable cause to charge Roche. Her bond was revoked.

Melvin F. Buchholtz III, 29, of Lac du Flambeau, charged with fifth-offense operating while intoxicated, had a jury trial canceled June 13. A plea and sentencing hearing has been scheduled for July 30 at 11:30 a.m.

Buchholtz was traveling northbound on Highway 47 May 14, 2011, in Lac du Flambeau when he allegedly swerved on the roadway and went into the ditch. He was then arrested for operating while intoxicated.

Tonya St. Germain, 29, of Lac du Flambeau, was found guilty of disorderly conduct in a plea agreement reached last week and she was fined $505. A charge of substantial battery, party to a crime, was dismissed. She must pay $100 per month commencing July 15. St. Germain was involved in an incident at Blue Waters Bar & Grill in Lac du Flambeau Jan. 1 at which time a 38-year-old Crandon man was beat up.

John D. Johnson Jr., 21, of Lac du Flambeau, charged with substantial battery, domestic abuse and disorderly conduct, domestic abuse, pleaded not guilty and a pretrial conference was set for July 17 at 11:45 p.m. He allegedly grabbed the arm of a 29-year-old Lac du Flambeau woman during an altercation and it was later discovered she fractured her right forearm.

Clarence W. Graveen Jr., 29, of Lac du Flambeau, charged with operating a motor vehicle without the owner’s consent, battery of a peace officer, resisting an

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officer, obstructing an officer and misdemeanor bail jumping, had a preliminary hearing set for June 28 at 2:30 p.m. His $5,000 cash bail was continued.

Graveen is accused of taking an all-terrain vehicle from another person and, during his arrest, he allegedly punched an officer with a closed fist. He then fled on foot and was later apprehended by another officer, following a foot chase.

Darrell G. Cross Sr., 50, of Lac du Flambeau, charged with manufacturing or delivery of a prescription drug Feb. 1 in Lac du Flambeau, appeared for a pretrial conference. His attorney, Anne M. Kattee, was allowed to withdraw from representing Cross.

Page R. Poupart, 23, of Lac du Flambeau, charged with substantial battery, party to a crime March 29, and physical abuse of a child and misdemeanor battery April 3, was not present for a pretrial conference and preliminary hearing June 11. An arrest warrant was issued.

Vilas County Sheriff A total of 338 complaints were entered by Vilas County Sheriff ’s Department dispatchers last week.

In addition to those with sufficient detail to report below, a review shows at least 21 vehicle accidents, seven requests for agency assistance, four ambulance requests, seven animal problems, one attempt to locate, two reports of battery, 11 burglar alarms, eight requests for citizen assistance, one report of criminal damage to property, six disturbances, one report of domestic violence, three fires, four reports of found property, one report of fraud, three reports of harassment, 22 reports of hazardous conditions, two hit-andruns, one juvenile problem/ runaway, one report of loitering, one missing person, four reports of lost property, eight reports of suspicious circumstances, three thefts, nine traffic violations, one report of trespassing, seven vacation checks, four welfare checks, 12 911 hang-ups, three drug problems, three drive-offs, one lifeline alarm, two parking problems, one report of shoplifting and one ATV problem.

At least 20 calls were referred to the Eagle River Police Department and there were at least 16 informational or procedural entries.

In the past week, at least 19 people were booked at the Vilas County Jail, including one for burglary, two for operating while intoxicated, two on party to a crime, four for disorderly conduct, one for failure to appear, three for probation violation, one for heroin possession, one for THC possession, one for battery, one for theft, one for obstructing justice and one for operating after revocation.

During the week, the inmate population ranged from 53 to 60. As of June 18, there were 60 inmates.

Friday, June 15 - 7:22 a.m. - A car/deer collision was reported in Arbor Vitae on Highway 51 near Highway N involving Herbert R. Ramme of Ironwood, Mich.

Thursday, June 14 - 7:52 p.m. - A one-vehicle

accident was reported in Conover on Hansen Road near Chicago Avenue involving Michael R. Grmick of Conover.

Tuesday, June 12 - 11:01 a.m. - A one-vehicle accident was reported in Arbor Vitae on Big Arbor Vitae Drive near Highway 70 involving Sarah E. York of Moline, Ill. - 12:30 p.m. - A car/deer collision was reported in the town of Cloverland at Highway G and Musky Road involving Jennifer K. Laporte of Eagle River.

- 1:30 p.m. - A car-deer collision was reported in Phelps on Highway 17 near Pederson Trail involving Paul A. Riihimaki of Phelps.

Eagle River Police Among the calls received

by Vilas County dispatchers were at least 27 calls for the Eagle River Police. These included one 911 hang-up, one hit-and-run, four accidents with propert damage, two requests for an ambulance, one report of animal neglect, one report of battery, one request for citizen assistance, one report of criminal damage to property, one disturbance, one domestic violence complaint, one fire, one drive-off, two harassment complaints, one report of an intoxicated person, one lifeline alarm, one juvenile problem, one report of loitering, one request for officer assistance, one report of suspicious circumstances, one report of hazardous conditions and one welfare check.

Three Lakes Police This police department reported six 911 hang-ups, one alarm, two requests for an ambulace, two animal problems, two reports of animals at large, four requests for motorist assistance, one request for agency assistance, one boat violation, one domestic violence complaint, one fire, one K-9 dispatch, two reports of operating while intoxicated, two reports of reckless driving, three reports of suspicious circumstances, one telephone complaint, two thefts and five traffic stops.

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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 2012

VILAS COUNTY NEWS-REVIEW/THE THREE LAKES NEWS

NEWS Walker approves project at Eagle River Airport Gov. Scott Walker recently announced a $222,264 environmental assessment project at the Eagle River Union Airport in Vilas County.

Matt Malicki, airport development engineer with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (DOT), said the project will evaluate the possible environmental impacts of shifting the airport’s primary runway, along with the potential construction of a parallel taxiway.

In addition, the project will update the airport’s layout plan, which includes the facility’s current and desired

BOAT LANDING PROJECT — Work continues on the Townline boat landing on the Three Lakes Chain of Lakes, with crews installing a new ramp, expanding the parking area, placing new piers and completing rest room improvements. The project is a

joint effort of the Three Lakes Fish & Wildlife Improvement Association, Department of Natural Resources, Wisconsin Valley Improvement Co. and town of Three Lakes. The landing is expected to open by July 4. —Staff Photo By KURT KRUEGER

City may allow apartment tenants to use public parking lot in winter ___________

BY KEN ANDERSON NEWS CORRESPONDENT

___________

Use of a municipal parking lot on Second Street for overnight parking during winter months to provide apartment dwellers a parking location and to aid the city with snow removal from other municipal lots was suggested during a meeting of the Eagle River Parking Committee last week.

Committee members recognized they would be providing parking for tenants to “solve a problem that really isn’t our business” and, if accepted by the City Council, would need a modification of the present city parking ordi-

nance.

Police Chief Mark Vander Bloomen indicated there is a no overnight parking restriction that isn’t enforced due to the last officer going off duty at 3 a.m. During winter snow events, city crews have to clear the four city parking lots that often have vehicles parked in them.

“The least-used lot on Second Street is the one behind Eagle Baking Co. and could be used for winter parking by apartment persons,” committee Chairman Jerry Burkett pointed out. “They could park on odd-even days on the north-south side during winter. It would require walking a couple of blocks. Our other lots are customer based and

for winter time tenants who have no parking space could park there.”

Making tenants walk a few extra blocks may encourage them to contact and make arrangements with property owners closer to the downtown apartments, it was suggested.

Leasing or selling a winter parking permit for specific persons to use a lot space was not well received with the notion of first-come, firstserved being favored.

Committee member Brian Crist said it wasn’t the city’s problem to find parking for apartment renters.

“We have to put the onus on the landlord,” Crist said.

The committee decided the

Workshop slated in Three Lakes aims to assist small-town leaders The town of Three Lakes will host a regional workshop called Small Town Downtown Forums Thursday, Aug. 16, from 12:30 to 5 p.m., presented by Wisconsin Rural Partners, the UW-Extension, Wisconsin Downtown Action Council, Wisconsin Economic Development Corp., and U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development.

The event is one of three such workshops planned in the state and will take place at the Three Lakes town office located at 6965 W.

School St. The public is welcome to attend. The forum is developed to create a dialogue among small-town leaders with populations of 1,500 or fewer to give them a chance to learn from each other through case studies, roundtables and discussion groups.

The workshop aims to get attendees to share ideas; and community leaders, elected officials, business leaders and volunteers should take along samples of their pro-

jects.

The workshop aims for participants to take away new business-development ideas, find people and contacts who have similar issues, learn how to make small size an advantage, identify a project to rally around and learn to tap into new volunteer pools.

There is a $10 per-person charge to attend the workshop. Participants should register by Wednesday, Aug. 1, and can register online at wisconsindowntown.org.

Newer cellphones to get weather warnings Some cellphone users will begin receiving tornado warnings and other weather emergency notifications on their cellphones next week as part of a national program to expand public warning capabilities, according to Wisconsin Emergency Management.

Under the Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) system, the National Weather Services will send warnings for tornadoes, blizzards, ice storms and flash flooding to cellphone towers. These emergency alerts will be sent to the newer version of cellphones in affected areas.

Alerts will continue to be issued or available on other

sources, including radio and television stations, NOAA weather radios and local sirens.

“The Wireless Emergency Alert system is the first part of a national program to alert the public by text messaging,” said Wisconsin Emergency Management Administrator Brian Satula. “Later this year, state, tribal and local emergency officials will be able to issue other types of alerts on cellphones, such as Amber Alerts for child abduction or evacuation orders during local emergencies.”

The alerts will include a unique ring tone and vibration. They will not interrupt

any phone calls or downloads in progress. In addition, cellphone users will not be charged for the emergency messaging.

The WEA system is part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Integrated Public Alert and Warning System known as IPAWS. The warnings will go automatically to any newer-model cellphones within range of the cellphone towers.

The wireless industry estimates that by 2014, most cellphones on the market will be WEA-capable.

For more information on the WEA system, visit ready.wi.gov.

PUBLIC MEETINGS Vilas County Personnel Committee — Wednesday, June 20, 9 a.m., courthouse.

Agenda: Juvenile in-take staffing/structure and sheriff department-human resources department interaction.

Oneida County Public Safety Committee — Wednesday, June 20, 9:30 a.m., Oneida County Courthouse.

Agenda: Schedule committee meetings and address department items including permit for Heritage Festival in Three Lakes.

Oneida County Plan-

ning & Development — Wednesday, June 20, 1 p.m., Oneida County Courthouse.

Agenda: Review amendments to Section 9.78 sign ordinance and enforcement for real estate for-sale signs.

Vilas County Snowmobile Trail Safety Committee — Thursday, June 21, 10 a.m., courthouse. Agenda: Alliance and Department of Natural Resources reports.

Eagle River Municipal Golf Course — Thursday, June 21, 6:30 p.m., city hall.

Agenda: Restaurant business and update redecorating of

the clubhouse.

Unified Lower Eagle River Chain of Lakes Commission — Thursday, June 21, 7 p.m., Lincoln Town Hall. Agenda: Bridge loan resolution, phase 5 of 2012 project and AIS concerns.

Vilas County Veterans Service Commission — Friday, June 22, 9:45 a.m., courthouse. Agenda: Veterans Service Office grant application and reappointment of three-year terms for Kriehn and Else as commission members.

Public Works Department should come up with suggested ordinance language to allow winter overnight parking only in the Second Street lot and to restrict it in all other municipal lots during winter months.

future configurations.

The project is scheduled to be completed by June 2013.

The funding breakdown is as follows: state, $9,724; city of Eagle River, town of Lincoln and town of Washington, $9,725; Federal Aviation Administration, $202,815.

Eagle River Union Airport has a 5,000-foot paved primary runway, along with a 3,400-foot crosswind runway.

VILAS COUNTY NEWS-REVIEW/THE THREE LAKES NEWS

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 2012

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NEWS Area bank provides $46,000 bridge loan for AIS treatment Forty acres of milfoil treated this spring ___________

BY NEWS-REVIEW STAFF

___________

CAR SHOW — The ninth annual Three Lakes Car Show was held this past Saturday at the Northwoods Petroleum Museum, drawing approximately 1,700 classic-car enthusiasts from all over the area to view 113 cars on display. There were 32 trophies awarded, with the Best of Show award going to Bill Melchi of St. Germain (above) and his 1948 Chevy pickup truck. A light rain didn’t stop attendees from examining and admiring the various vehicles on display (right), which were arranged neatly on the Petroleum Museum grounds (below).

Event coordinator Ed Jacobsen said he was happy more vehicles entered for this year’s event than in 2011, a sign the Three Lakes Car Show is growing in popularity.

—Photos By Jan Hintz

County fields complaints over pulling election signs ___________

BY KEN ANDERSON NEWS CORRESPONDENT

___________

The removal by county workers of political signs, real estate signs and signs advertising yard sales and events from all state and federal highway rights of ways just prior to the June 5 recall election was addressed by the Vilas County Highway Committee last week.

“This is controversial, and I don’t know who told us to take them all down,” said Committee Chairman Charles Rayala Jr. “People are irate about this.

Thanks to teachers’ (protests), this adds fuel to the fire of giving public employees a bad public image.”

The “who told” the county to remove the signs was the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (DOT), according to Supervisor Chris Mayer.

“This boils down to following the directive from the state,” Mayer pointed out.

“This is not a personal issue, but a procedure should be developed with the commissioner and Highway Committee. If we take signs down, it should be all 365 days of the year and according to statutes.”

Brent Matthews of the Wisconsin Rapids DOT office sent out the email to all North Central Region county highway commissioners and patrol superintendents regarding signs on the state right of way.

“This is a reminder that unauthorized illegal signs within the State R/W shall be removed. Please remind your

staff to address these illegal signs whenever performing other maintenance operations,” the email noted.

The memo continued that unauthorized illegal signs should be removed whenever a county receives a complaint about a specific sign.

Although Matthews says removal of signs is not a “high priority,” it “is critical that these illegal signs are removed each time surveillance is performed.” He added, “This applies to all unauthorized illegal signs whether political, real estate, garage sale or other nonofficial signs.”

Finally, Matthews directs how highway departments should proceed when removing illegal signs, including charging for the cost of removal.

“It is expected that all removed unauthorized illegal signs shall be kept for 30 days prior to being destroyed.

If the sign owners want to retrieve their sign(s) before they are destroyed, you are encouraged to bill them directly for the costs of the removal,” Matthews indicated. “If the owner retrieves his/her sign at no cost to them, it is possible that they may reinstall them on the R/W illegally.”

Rayala said he asked other county highway commissioners about their procedures, and only one had removed signs similar to what the Vilas County Highway Department did before the election.

County board Chairman Steve Favorite said he had received citizen complaints

about retrieving signs.

“Highway employees removed campaign signs around the recall, and when they came to pick them up, they were not at the highway shop,” said Favorite. He said there were no grounds for a complaint against highway employees since “our employees were doing their job.”

Highway staff member Louise Krus said if DOT employees pick signs up, they usually go to the DOT Rhinelander office and their signs wouldn’t be at a county facility.

“The Republican Party did come and recover some signs,” said Vilas County Highway Commissioner Jarred Maney.

“The day highway picks them up; they belong to Vilas County for 30 days. If a citizen comes to retrieve it and the county has not housed it properly, we have no policy.”

Vilas County Corporation Counsel Martha Milanowski confirmed state administrative code directs the county to house them for 30 days. She suggested the county take

the suggestion of Maney to develop a policy.

While any policy would have to follow state rules on state highways, there is no current policy of any kind on county highway rights of way.

Maney was concerned about fairness and especially safety.

“We legally have to pick up the illegal signs; it’s in our DOT contract,” Maney told the committee. “It’s not fair for those who do have a sign permit from DOT. We have buried telephone lines, electrical lines, cable lines (in the rights of way).”

Maney said the county needs a procedure after removal on how and where to store the signs.

“It’s suggested we store them indoors, and we could set a specific time frame when they could be picked up,” he indicated. “Could a fee be imposed?”

The committee agreed to keep highway signs on the next meeting agenda and to have Maney and Milanowski draft policy guidelines for consideration.

DW features bird program “Discover Wisconsin” will feature a program on the locations of bird species throughout the state to be televised Saturday, June 23, and Sunday, June 24, on the Discover Wisconsin broadcast network. Times will be shown in local television program listings.

The episodes will air locally on Fox Sports Wisconsin.

“From eagles and great blue herons to songbirds and even all 15 crane species, Wisconsin has it all,” said show host Emmy Fink.

“Discover Wisconsin,” the nation’s longest-running tourism program, is celebrating its 25th anniversary throughout 2012. To learn more, visit discoverwiscon sin.com.

For the fourth consecutive year, First National Bank of Eagle River has offered a financial bridge loan to the Unified Lower Eagle River Chain of Lakes Commission (ULERCLC) to assist in the management of aquatic invasive species (AIS) on the lower Eagle River Chain of Lakes.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) grant obtained by the commission to treat Eurasian water milfoil on the Chain is a reimbursement grant, which means all project costs must be paid in full before reimbursement can be made.

The ULERCLC, in partnership with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), treated 40 acres of Eurasian water milfoil on the lower Eagle River Chain of Lakes this spring. The commission received a 50% cost-share grant from the DNR, according to commission spokesperson Carole Linn.

“The remaining funding was obtained from the towns of Washington, Lincoln, Cloverland, the city of Eagle River, and the private sector (property owners),” said Linn.

The ULERCLC has no source of revenue to fund the grant share of the project.

Bill Lochte, town of Lincoln delegate and public/private sector coordinator to the commission, presented the situation to Tom Ellis, president of First National Bank of Eagle River, requesting a bridge loan in the amount of $46,000 to fund the project.

First National Bank once again offered to provide the financial bridge loan on very favorable terms.

“First National Bank of Eagle River believes the containment, and hopefully the eventual elimination, of Eurasian water milfoil and other invasive aquatic species, is critical to strengthening the long-term economies of the city and townships participating in the Unified Lower Eagle River Chain of Lakes Commission,” said Ellis. “We are proud to give back to the communities we serve by supporting this important endeavor.”

The loan will enable the commission to pay its contractors while applying for reimbursement from the state, according to Linn.

“The management of AIS is a long-term project, and the commission is grateful for First National Bank’s support the past three years,” said Linn.

Making progress It was reported earlier this year that four straight years of aggressive Eurasian water milfoil (EWM) treatment on the Eagle River Chain of Lakes has reduced the invasive weed substantially, officials announced.

Aquatic ecologists with Onterra LLC said in April that after applying herbicide to another 93 acres of milfoil during the spring of 2011, the ULERCLC has greatly reduced milfoil densities chainwide.

Over the course of annual treatments from 2008 to ’11, EWM colonial acreage has been reduced from 278 acres in 2007 to 23 acres in 2011.

EWM density also decreased markedly over this period, from EWM mainly comprised of dominant and surfacematted areas in 2007 to scattered and highly scattered areas in 2011, ecologists said.

Vital partnership The ULERCLC is a partnership between public and private sectors incorporating representation from the four local municipalities and a delegate from each of the 10 water bodies comprising the Eagle River Chain of Lakes, according to Linn.

“The commission is fortunate to have First National Bank of Eagle River as a partner in this organization and is thankful for its continued support and monetary commitment,” said Linn.

The assistance from First National Bank ensures treatment occurs and payment can be made to vendors in a timely manner. Without the generosity of First National Bank, the AIS project would not be possible, reminded Linn.

“It is through this partnership with First National Bank that AIS will continue to be managed, and the waters of the Eagle River Chain will be preserved and protected as a public recreational facility for current and future generations,” said Linn.

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8A

VILAS COUNTY NEWS-REVIEW/THE THREE LAKES NEWS

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 2012

OUTDOORS Loons: symbols of the state’s wildest country one of the key reasons for being THE SCRIBBLER’S concenhere. tration was on floating bobbers Loons are a good subject when the loon surfaced within this week because the fulltwo feet of the outboard, a fledged summer vacation seastartling yet stunning sight with son will arrive its black-andat a time white body when loons gleaming in the are caring for sunlight as their newly water ran from hatched its well-oiled By young — a feathers. vulnerable It’s hard to Kurt Krueger time. appreciate the Mid- to late impressive size June marks the of the common end of city schools and has loon — 2 feet in length with a 58become the true start of the weekinch wingspan — until they are to-week vacation season, a time swimming so close that you can see the multicolored neck feathers when recreational boat traffic swings into full gear. And with a change from green to blue and late spring, we’re headed for conback again, depending on the flict between a late hatch of angle of view. chicks and one of the busiest As it swam by the boat, it subboating periods of the year. merged its bill and part of its Eagles, muskies and snapping head to look beneath the surface, turtles aren’t the only detriment presumably to locate its mate or to these birds, not when humans whatever school of fish might are at play in high-powered have led the two of them into the watercraft. Without some caution narrow lake channel. on the part of boaters and anglers The eye on our side was just on busy lakes in the weeks ahead, above the water’s surface, and I’m guessing the eye on the other side a young loon could very well be killed. of the tilted head was just below And it might be that the bird the waterline. isn’t hit by a boat, but that the It was one of those moments adult birds are distracted enough when you know why you’ve that a predator gets an advanpicked Wisconsin’s North Woods tage. for fishing adventures. This is the The vast majority of wildlife home of the loon and other enthusiasts agree that the yodels endangered wildlife species, the and calls made by loons are part eagle, osprey and blue heron of what makes the lakes of Vilas included. It is some of the state’s and Oneida counties a special wildest country.

You cannot fish here, or boat or place to spend time.

Annual population surveys ski or just sit on the beach, without developing an appreciation for done by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) show there the scenery of this blessed land of is no other two-county area in lakes. If you are not in awe over Wisconsin that harbors more sparkling reflections, brilliant nesting pairs of loons. sunsets and the beauty of wild You can call the loon an indicabirds and animals, you’re missing

In the Outdoors

Loon chicks hatched out on many lakes the past week, something boaters and anglers should keep in mind as

tor species for the health of our lakes. Their presence means we haven’t so badly screwed up the natural habitat or ruined the tranquility they need to co-exist.

A pair of loons can be found on most decent-sized lakes here — two or three pairs on some of the larger, clearer lakes.

As someone who loves to photograph wildlife, I would defend anyone’s right to attempt to sneak within photo distance with a large zoom lens. But if the birds are disturbed by your presence, repeatedly diving to avoid your canoe or boat, then use good judg-

the full-fledged summer vacation season kicks off this weekend.

—Photo By The Author

ment and leave that bird or birds alone.

Some loons are very tolerant of people, so it’s important that people not push the subject with an intolerant bird. In fact, this year I had a pair of loons swim right up to my boat as if they were trying to make the front page. I’ve been told there are lakes where loons actually search out anglers looking for minnows, as if they’ve taken food from anglers or boaters before.

I would hope no one would purposely harass a loon by buzzing it with a boat and forcing

it to dive. But if you witness such an event, don’t look the other way.

Call a conservation warden or go talk to the perpetrators if possible.

Keep in mind that loons you see in the open water over the holiday weekend may have chicks with them, possibly riding on their backs. Avoiding them with your boat, if possible, is the conservation-minded thing to do.

The more people we educate, the more chance that these symbols of the truly wild places will be around forever.

Fishing with the Guides

By George Langley

Mayfly hatch slows walleye fishing here

GAME FEED — The Three Lakes Fish & Wildlife Improvement Association staged its annual Wild Game Feed earlier this month, raising thousands of dollars for projects that range from boat landing improvements and fish stocking to education, hunter’s safety and other youth-related activities. The event attracted 130 supporters to the Reiter Center, where venison, pheasant, elk, salmon, quail and other wild dishes were served.

Above: Members of the Three Lakes Fish & Wildlife board of directors served their favorite wild game dishes along with some domestic foods such as fish and ham.

Right: Bill Martineau, emcee of the event and a longtime Fish & Wildlife backer, picks tickets for a gun raffle. One of the night’s top prizes was a kayak donated by the Headwaters Chapter of Muskies Inc. —Staff Photos

By KURT KRUEGER

The North Woods had some good amounts of rain lately, which hasn’t really helped the water levels on area lakes, but certainly has made things a lot greener out there.

Weed growth on the lakes is getting much better, and is now right to the surface in shallower water.

That type of weed growth is perfect for largemouth bass. Lake flies are now abundant, so remember to take repellent along when fishing. Water temperatures are now in the high 60s to the 70s; they dropped during that cold front and are just now recovering.

Summer fishing conditions, with heavier boat traffic on the water, are here. If you have had trouble finding weeds on the Chain, it is because of the milfoil abatement efforts there. Weed growth has been changing out on that water significantly. Look harder; they are there.

Walleye fishing has been affected by the recent mayfly hatch on all area waters. They are everywhere by the 10s of thousands. During this hatch, you will find that the fish are much more likely to hit crawlers or small leeches than they are minnows. Also, you have to fish the soft-bottom areas. Walleyes are just tougher to catch during this hatch because they have such abundant natural feed out there. This hatch usually lasts for about two weeks on the area lakes.

Bass fishing is changing greatly as the smallmouths have now finished their spawn and are moving deeper. There are a few lakes with the smaller males still guarding the beds, but for the most part they are now feeding on crayfish in deeper water and on the rock bars. Crankbaits work very well as a pattern now, with red or orange lipless cranks working well. Largemouths are finishing spawning also, and are adopting summer locations in cover and weeds.

Anglers are finding that surface baits are now working well, especially in the evenings.

Northern action continues to be very good, with most of these fish in weeds. If you want to target these fish, try some larger chubs on the weed edges. Artificials such as Johnson Silver Minnows and Mepps spinners work very effectively.

Muskie action is good with some larger fish being caught throughout the area. This means that the females have recovered from their spawn and are now feeding. All bait types are working now.

Panfish action is good, especially in the weeds.

Bluegills are still on the beds in the colder water lakes and are hanging in shallow cover on the rest of the lakes. Worms will work for them any day. Crappies are now a little harder to find as they have moved deeper and are hanging in the weeds and cribs. Minnows or small tube jigs work best for them. Perch are in the deeper weeds.

It’ll be a good week for getting all types of fish but the walleye.

Good luck and good fishin’.

SERVICE OF:

EAGLE SPORTS

/

EAGLE RIVER GUIDES ASSOCIATION

VILAS COUNTY NEWS-REVIEW/THE THREE LAKES NEWS

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 2012

9A

OUTDOORS

Turkey harvest up 6%

YOUTH FISHING DONATION — Headwaters Chapter of Muskies Inc. recently donated $500 to Guides/Kids Day. Participating in the presen-

tation were, from left, Muskies Inc. President Bill Jacobs and Bill Hassey of the Guides/Kids program. —Staff Photo By ANTHONY DREW

PMTT muskie tournament set on Eagle Chain this weekend The Professional Musky Tournament Trail (PMTT) will return to Eagle River this Saturday and Sunday, June 23-24, with tournament headquaters stationed at Eagle River Inn and Resort.

Many of the best muskie anglers from North America will compete in the PMTT event, hosted by the Eagle River Area Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center.

“Water levels have been high this summer in the area, so the patterns that anglers used in the past may be a little different this year,” said PMTT contact Duane Landmeier.

Based on a full field of competitors, the first-place prize package could be more than $20,000, according to event organizers. There also will be other prizes, ranging

from $5,000 for second place down to $900 for 15th place.

Other awards in the tournament include the Big Fish Award ($500 each day for the largest fish caught) and a free entry into the next PMTT qualifying event.

The Eagle River Chain of Lakes set the record of any PMTT event in 2010, registering 71 muskies, each measuring more than 34 inches.

The tournament schedule will kick off Friday, June 22, with a mandatory registration and rules meeting at Eagle River Inn from 5 to 7 p.m.

Tournament fishing and a social gathering will take place all day Saturday. Sunday will feature event fishing followed by a 3 p.m. awards ceremony at the Eagle River Inn & Resort conference room.

Nonparticipants can still view the standings and photos of fish Saturday at 6 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m.

The PMTT tournament is going to provide increased exposure to the Eagle River area,” said Kim Emerson, events coordinator for the chamber. “Many anglers are booking four- to six-night stays in our hotels and resorts so they can pre-fish the tournament.”

Emerson added that another benefit of hosting the PMTT is the exposure of Eagle River to millions of viewers on the FoxSports Network for a 30-minute television program featuring the Eagle River tournament.

The event is open to the public. To enter, visit promusky.com or call (815) 4784351.

Ubl, Piechowski claim win at Three Lakes WMT event The World Muskie Tournament (WMT) Series hosted the first Professional Muskie Angler Circuit qualifying tournament of the 2012 season on the Three Lakes Chain last weekend with the Guerdon Open Championship™.

The weather conditions were nearly perfect all day Saturday, resulting in 22 muskies longer than 34 inches registered. A cold front rolled in Sunday, changing conditions drastically and creating a tougher bite for the anglers. Nine muskies were registered Sunday.

The first muskie to be registered Saturday came from the team of Ryan Bock and Tim Rutzen at 6:05 a.m. with a 41½-inch fish. The duo also scored on a 40½-inch muskie at 7:45 a.m., giving the team an early lead that would last throughout the first day.

The next team to double up for the day was the eventual winning team of Sam Ubl and Mark Piechowski, who caught the first two legal muskies of his fishing career casting tight into shore with smaller spinner baits.

Ubl and Piechowski’s Saturday muskies were 36½ inches at 8:53 a.m. and 38¼ inches at 11:33 a.m.

The largest muskie of the competition was registered Sunday by Dan and Mike Wojtusik. It measured 45¼inches and added to their previous day’s catch of a 34¼incher at 9:50 a.m.

Bock and Rutzen regained the lead after tallying their third of the competition at 9:19 a.m. The fish measured 34¼ inches.

Ubl and Piechowski both

landed fish during the day and finished fishing at 11:06 a.m. The first came at 7:58 a.m. and measured 39½ inches, and the fourth and final muskie was 35 inches for the quadruple.

Results First, Sam Ubl and Mark Piechowski; second, Ryan Bock and Tim Rutzen; third, Chas Martin and Mike Richardson; fourth, Dan and Mike Wojtusik; fifth, Gene Erickson; and sixth, Ron and Ryan Meyer.

Specializing in Fish Reproductions

Rick Lax Taxidermist

LAX TAXIDERMY

Turkey hunters took advantage of comfortable hunting conditions this spring, judging by the preliminary registration total of 42,612 turkeys, a 6% increase over the spring 2011 turkey season.

A total of 201,984 permits were issued for this year’s hunt, down slightly from the 2011 total of 210,384.

“It really was an amazing contrast, weather-wise, from last year’s hunt,” said Scott Walter, upland wildlife ecologist for the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

“Last year, there was snow on the ground, below-freezing temperatures and high winds during the first time period.

This year, spring was at the other extreme, probably two or three weeks ahead of normal, and the green-up was already quite advanced by the first week of May. Those who hunted later in the season definitely had denser vegetation and more mosquitoes to deal with than they likely expected.”

Zone 1 again produced the highest overall turkey harvest at 12,075 birds, followed

by Zones 2 and 3, where hunters registered 10,486 and 10,283 turkeys, respectively.

The highest hunter success was in Zone 2 with a preliminary success rate of 26%, followed by Zone 3 at 21% and Zone 1 at 20%. Success rates were between 16% and 19% for Zones 4 through 7.

Overall, the statewide success rate was 21.1%, up from 19.1% last year.

The very different weather conditions during the 2011 and 2012 seasons may also have influenced how hunter effort was distributed throughout the season. Harvest during the first time period was 29% higher in 2012 than in 2011, but tapered off more steeply throughout the season. There also was a 16% jump in the number of turkeys registered in the two-day youth hunt.

“After the first time period, I was expecting a big jump in overall harvest,” Walter noted. “We did end up

Largest Selection of Tackle and Equipment for all fish from perch to muskie

THREE LAKES WEDNESDAY NIGHT MUSKY LEAGUE Results as of 6/13/12 STANDINGS Oneida Village Inn .....................12 Jake’s...........................................12 Sunset Grill ................................12 Loon Saloon ................................12 Bonnie’s Lakeside.......................12 Harbor Campground 1 ...............12 Tiki Bar.......................................12 Pine Isle ......................................12 Caught and released: Terry Ritter 39", Jason Elchorn 35.5" and 34", Greg Kliss 34", Mark Miller 34", Carl Tenner 34".

and harsh winters can slow population growth from one year to the next.”

McGinley said hunters should expect to see an annual variation in turkey numbers and annual harvests, now that turkeys have saturated the available habitat.

This season was the first spring turkey hunt in which hunters didn’t have to transport their turkey to a registration station to get it registered due to phone-in and online registration systems, first introduced with the fall 2011 turkey hunt. Hunters seem to have transitioned to the new systems well.

“The majority of hunters have expressed satisfaction with the new systems, frequently citing their convenience. Quite a few stated that they were able to register their turkey via cellphone right in the field,” McGinley said.

The fall 2012 wild turkey season will run from Sept. 15 through Nov. 15, with an extended season in turkey management Zones 1-5 only from Nov. 26 through Dec. 31.

The deadline for applying for a fall permit through the lottery process is Aug. 1.

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MONDAY NIGHT MUSKY LEAGUE Results as of 6/12/12 STANDINGS Bonnie’s Lakeside ......................90 Sportsmen’s Chalet II ................66 Club DeNoyer Destroyers..........55 Lumpy’s ......................................40 Holiday Lodge ............................31 Bucktale......................................28 Black Forest................................26 Club DeNoyer II.........................24 Sportsmen’s Chalet I .................10 Oneida Village ............................10 Caught: Scott Samuels 43.5", Fred Brogle 40.25", Lindsey Adamovich 38.5" and 35.5", Ron Jackson 37", John Wroblewski 34.5", Jared Adamovich 34.25".

6% higher than last year, but we actually harvested fewer turkeys during the last two periods than we did in 2011.”

Turkeys spread quickly from the initial 1976 stocking in Vernon County, and today are found statewide in areas with suitable habitat. As the number of both turkeys and turkey hunters increased in the state, so have annual harvests.

Turkey populations have now stabilized across the state, and Walter says hunters should expect to see annual harvest levels nudge upward and downward from year to year, in response to factors that tend to regulate turkey populations. He said weather is one such influence.

“Successful reproduction by turkeys is dependent upon suitable conditions during the May nesting and June brood-rearing periods, and turkeys in the northern part of the state can be impacted by severe winter weather,” said Krista McGinley, assistant DNR upland wildlife ecologist. “Given dry spring weather and mild winters, turkeys can increase quickly in number, but wet springs

EAGLE RIVER, WIS., EVENT P.O. BOX 2200, EAGLE RIVER, WI 54521 (715) 479-9309 — wbc1@newnorth.net

From the Entire Staff of the 2012 FHNB Event, We Gratefully Say

☞

With Your Support, This Great Event Was Possible. We are already looking forward to next year’s event!

The 2012 Nineteenth Annual Eagle River Fishing Has No Boundaries event was a great success. This year, eighty-nine (89) disabled anglers were able to enjoy three fun-filled days on the beautiful waters of the Eagle River Chain of Lakes.

The weather was very good for all three days of the event, and each day brought lots of smiles from all involved. The oldest was 80 and the youngest was 15. Eleven of those attending were in wheelchairs and of all attending, 67 were males and 22 were females. There were 45 Care Attendants with the participants and approximately 60 volunteers who were guides, boat drivers, assistants, EMTs and miscellaneous helpers, both on and off site, which made this event possible. There were more than 500 fish caught for the entire weekend. We used a total of 25 pontoons and 4 boats in order to successfully run this great event. During opening ceremonies the Eagle River VFW Color Guard Post 8637 performed the raising of the flag while J.J. Pruni, winner of the Northwoods Idol competition, sang the national anthem. Connie Heeg, Executive Director of the Eagle River Chamber of Commerce, gave a great send-off on Friday. Every participant received a Fishing Has No Boundaries hat, an “Certificate of Achievement” in a silver foil-embossed jacket and a 19th anniversary gold medallion. We thank Wild Eagle Lodge for the use of their facility to host the Fishing Has No Boundaries event, and the great help and coordination from their staff. Everyone had a great time and is looking forward to coming back to the Wild Eagle Lodge in 2013.

WE ALL EXPRESS OUR THANKS FOR ALL THE HELP EVERYONE WAS ABLE TO PROVIDE. Together with your help, this program has really come together. Without the support of everyone in many individual areas, this event would not be possible. This truly shows what can happen when people pull together for the success of such a great program that Fishing Has No Boundaries is able to offer. We hope to work with you again next year. Thanks go to the Eagle River Lions Club, Eagle River Jaycees, Headwaters Chapter of Muskies Inc. and the Masonic Lodge 248 Northwoods Shrine Club for their help with this year’s event. We would also like to thank Lake of the Torches Resort and Casino for their contribution to help our event this year; R.J. Hilger & Sons of Antigo for their continued support (minnows and night crawlers); and the Vilas County News-Review for publicizing the event.

Thank You All Again!

2178

2013 Event ~ May 31, June 1 & 2

10A

VILAS COUNTY NEWS-REVIEW/THE THREE LAKES NEWS

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 2012

SPORTS

Phelps sets 3-on-3 event for youths

Sports Sidelines

By Gary Ridderbusch

The inaugural Phelps 3on-3 basketball tournament will take place at Phelps School Friday through Sunday, July 6-8, and will feature nine divisions for both boys and girls.

The cost will be $80 per team and will include a Tshirt. Each team will be guaranteed three games, and a three-point contest is planned throughout the weekend for all ages.

Admission will cost $3 for adults and $1 for students.

For more information, contact Kregg Mueller via email at phelpsboysbasketball@g mail.com. Registration forms and flyers are available online at sites.google.com/a/ phelps.k12.wi.us/athletics/ and are due by noon June 30.

To sponsor the tournament, contact the school at (715) 545-2724.

Hodag Run to benefit Strong Kids campaign

Volleyball camp set June 25-28 at Tomahawk Youth volleyball camps, led by experienced Tomahawk volleyball coaching staff and former players, are slated to take place June 2528 in Tomahawk.

The three- and four-day camps are open to pre-kindergarten through ninth-grade participants.

The camps are designed to meet various volleyball goals at each level. Parents should select the appropriate camp for their child based upon these goals and the experience level of the player.

The three-day camps take place from June 25-27 and cost $30, which includes a souvenir. The four-day camps will be $40 with a souvenir.

There also will be an advanced high school camp, led by head coach at Augustana College and former college player Jamie Walters.

The camp will be held Aug. 6-9 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Tomahawk School Complex field house. The cost for the camp is $100 and includes a T-shirt and daily lunch.

For more information or to register, call coach Jen Pfannerstill at (715) 493-0374.

BASKETBALL CAMP — The Northland Pines Basketball Association held its annual basketball camp at the high school last week, teaching kindergarten through eighthgrade students the fundamentals of the game. The youths participated in numerous drills, including dribbling around cones (above and left) and shooting (below).

—Staff Photos By ANTHONY DREW

___________ NEWS-REVIEW ASST. EDITOR

___________

team included senior goalkeeper Cassie Brennecke of Antigo; senior L y n d s e y Jonas and juniors Kate Herzog and McKenna PUSATERI McClintock, all of Lakeland; seniors Janelle Vircks and Leslie Bychinski, both of Wausau Newman; and freshman Gabbrielle Millot, sophomore Elizabeth Krug, and juniors Hillary Wall, Claire Tracy and Katelyn Krug, all of Rhinelander.

Millot was named the GNC offensive player of the year. She had 12 goals and 13 assists for a total of 37 points to lead the league.

Other players named to the second team were sophomore Natalie Jonas of Lakeland; senior Grace Kennedy and sophomore Maddie Tubbs, both of Wausau Newman; senior Helen Jones and junior Melissa Sheth, both of

HEALY

LENZ

Rhinelander; sophomore Steph Hanke of Antigo; and junior Claire Peterson of Mosinee.

Players receiving honorable mention included senior Nicole Leiterman and sophomore Mikayla Nelson, both of Antigo; senior Brienna Schroeder, freshman Clara Schroeder and junior Kaitee Dumask, all of Lakeland; sophomores Anna McCarty and Abby Connoly, both of Wausau Newman; and sophomores Stephanie Kuski and Morgan Voigt and freshman Jessica Lucas, all of Rhinelander.

Co-coaches of the year were Dan Millot of Rhinelander and Doug Ross

RILEY

RIDDERBUSCH

of Wausau Newman.

Rhinelander won the league with an 11-1 record, while Newman was second at 8-2-2. Lakeland was third at 7-4-1, followed by Medford at 6-5-1, Pines at 4-6-2, Antigo at 2-8-2 and Mosinee at 0-12.

Northland Pines finished the season with an overall record of 6-10-5 and reached the WIAA Division 2 Regional, losing to top-seeded Seymour. Notre Dame beat Seymour 1-0 in the Sectional semifinal and then beat Ashland 3-2 in one overtime to advance to the Girls State Soccer Tournament at Uihlein Soccer Park in Milwaukee this Thursday through Saturday, June 14-16.

Zingler, 14, selected for USA Hockey camp Michaela Zingler, an eighth-grade student at Northland Pines Middle School, has been selected for the USA Hockey Girls’ Select 14 Player Development Camp.

Zingler, who was the only girl to play on the Eagle River Recreation Association Bantam team this past season, was first selected to par-

Liebscher, Wales named first team All-Conference

BY ANTHONY DREW

Five soccer players from Pines receive all-conference honors Five players from the Northland Pines girls soccer team were named to the Great Northern Conference 2012 all-conference team.

Pines senior midfielder Sammy Pusateri, junior midfielder Paige Healy, sophomore forward Lauren Lenz and sophomore forward Caitlin Riley were named to the second team. Sophomore midfielder Carly Ridderbusch received honorable mention.

Pusateri and Healy controlled the center of the field for the Eagles. Healy finished the season with two goals and five assists, while Pusateri had one goal and one assist.

Lenz and Riley used their speed to lead the Eagles in scoring in GNC games, with Lenz getting seven goals and Riley getting six goals and one assist.

Ridderbusch was the third-leading scorer on the team, converting four goals and one assist from her left outside midfield position.

Players named to the first

Prior to the Moonshine run July 7 in downtown Eagle River, the streets of Rhinelander will come alive with running shoes Saturday, June 30, as the YMCA of the Northwoods will host the Hodag Run For Your Life 5K Run/Walk and 10K Run. Now in its sixth year, the race attracts hundreds of area residents and summer visitors. The race benefits the YMCA’s Strong Kids campaign, which ensures that no one is turned away from the YMCA due to lack of ability to pay.

The race will begin at 9 a.m. at Stevensport Square in downtown Rhinelander and will conclude at the same location.

Spectators can cheer on the participants throughout the course, and the Rhinelander Chamber of Commerce will hold a block party immediately after.

All preregistered participants will receive an official Hodag Run T-shirt. The awards ceremony at 10:30 a.m. will award custom Hodag medals to the top three male and female finishers in each age bracket. The top overall male and female finishers in each race will receive the coveted Hodag Award.

All registered runners will be entered in a drawing that will see one winner go home with a Trek bicycle donated by Mel’s Sporting Goods.

The 5K race is open to all ages, while the 10K race is open to individuals ages 12 and older.

A free youth race, Chase the Hodag, will take place at 10:15 a.m., with more than 100 youths ages 12 and younger chasing Rhinelander’s Hodag around the Oneida County Courthouse. The first 100 youth participants will receive a free Hodag Run For Your Life Tshirt, along with a souvenir-numbered race bib.

The early registration fee of $25 is due before June 20. Registration will cost $35 after that date. A group rate is available for $20 per entry in groups of 10 or more runners.

For more information or to register, call the YMCA of the Northwoods at (715) 362-9622 or visit ymcaofthenorthwoods and search Hodag Run.

ticipate in the girls hockey festival in Fond du Lac in April.

The 14-year-old Eagle River skater then represented Wisconsin at the Central District tryouts in Milwaukee this past May, which included the best girl hockey players in the Midwest. At the tryouts, she competed against girls from Missouri, Iowa,

Ohio, Minnesota, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Nebraska, Kentucky and Wisconsin.

At the Central District tryouts, the coaches selected five defensemen and eight forwards to attend the USA Hockey Development Camp being held in St. Cloud, Minn., this July.

Zingler is the daughter of Mark and Maria Zingler of

Eagle River.

“It is quite an honor for her to be selected, as many college coaches and recruiters will be in attendance,” said Mark Zingler.

ZINGLER

Three Lakes Bluejays Riley Liebscher and Ben Wales were recently named to the first team All-Conference in the Northern Lakes Conference (NLC) for baseball.

Earning honorable mention for the Jays were juniors Brent LaDuke and Matt Wilkowski, along with freshman Hunter Mathison.

Liebscher has the secondbest batting average in the conference at .545. He racked up 24 hits, including 21 RBIs. In 30 at bats, Wales had 12 hits and a batting average of .400. As a pitcher, Wales had 15 strikeouts this season.

The Player of the Year in the NLC for 2012 was junior Hayden Krueger of the champion Crandon Cardinals.

Joining Liebscher and Wales on the first team were Krueger; Crandon junior Jesse Cline and senior Taylor Schallock; Elcho sophomore B.J. McKinney; Florence seniors Dusty Neuens and Bryce Kerscher; GoodmanPembine senior Brody Millan; and White Lake junior Kris Gallagher.

Those making the second team All-Conference included Crandon juniors Kollin Champine and Adam Flannery; Elcho sophomore Jaeger Adams, junior Cory Ruhland and senior Kyle Fischer; Florence senior Jackson Baumgart and Kyle Abbas; Goodman-Pembine junior Roman Grebin; and LaonaWabeno junior Jake Ambro-

LIEBSCHER

WALES

LADUKE

WILKOWSKI

sius.

Earning honorable mention with L a D u k e, Wilkowski and Mathison were LaonaW a b e n o junior Ty Saunders; White Lake MATHISON junior Luke Wickersheim, sophomore Joe Kubacki and sophomore Garret Lehner; and GoodmanPembine senior Dillon Church.

The Jays were 7-7 on the season in the NLC and finished with an overall record of 7-13.

Community track meet set at Northland Pines Northland Pines High School will host an outdoor community All-Comers track meet Saturday, June 23, with registration and warm-up begining at 10 a.m.

The registration cost will be $5 per athlete in the youth division (kindergarten through eighth grade) and $10 per athlete for the men’s and women’s divisions (ninth grade and older). The events will kick off at 11 a.m. for both

running and field.

For more information or to register, visit npsd.k12.wi.us or call Josh Rhode at (715) 891-5184 or John Hayes at 891-4930.

Registration forms and payment can be mailed to Rhode or Hayes at Northland Pines High School, 1800 Pleasure Island Road, Eagle River, WI 54521. Checks can be made payable to Northland Pines High School.

VILAS COUNTY NEWS-REVIEW/THE THREE LAKES NEWS

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 2012

SPORTS

GOLF EAGLE RIVER MONDAY MEN’S GOLF LEAGUE

EAGLE RIVER WEDNESDAY MEN’S GOLF LEAGUE

Results of 6/11/12 Early division First: VanBree/Lewis 107.

Second: Erickson/Lochte 102.

Third:Heimerl/Carlton 100.

Fourth: Behm/Zirzow 98.

Fifth: Hughes/Hughes 94

Results of 6/14/12

Mid division First: Nickolaou/Pateris 104.

Second: Meyer/Alger 103.

Third: Groth/Fox 99 Fourth: White/Paez 98.

Fifth (tie): Biegel/Okonek and Siedner/McEvoy 88.

Late division First: Missling/Holtzmann 114.

Second: Kauzlaric/Smith 99.

Third (tie): Sabrowsky/DeRuiter and Stephenson/Anderson 95.

Fifth (tie): Curtiss/Belcher and Liermann/Neddo 92.

Eagle River American Legion Post 114 recently donated $200 to the Northern Lakes American Legion Baseball team. Participating in the pre-

sentation were, from left, Commander Donn Proven, coach Bob Harsla and First Vice Commander Mike Vinovich. —Contributed Photos

Eagle River, Three Lakes form co-op Legion team The American Legion baseball season will start this week for both Eagle River and Three Lakes, who have formed a co-op team called the Northern Lakes Eagles.

The team is comprised of 14 players from Northland Pines and Three Lakes high schools. They’re still adding players to the roster and seek players 15 to 19 years old.

Coaches include Brad Bisnette from Three Lakes and Bob Harsla from Eagle River.

Assisting the pair will be hitting coach Larry Jankowski and pitching coach Brian Jankowski.

The team will practice Sundays from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Northland Pines High School field.

“This wouldn’t be possible without the donations from both the Eagle River and Three Lakes American Legion posts,” said Harsla.

“Their generous donations went to pay for the insurance and national Legion registra-

Three Lakes American Legion Post 431 recently donated $300 to the Northern Lakes American Legion Baseball team.

Participating in the presentation were, from left, Commander Mike Silber, club manager, Past Commander George Kveck and coach Bob Harsla.

— July 9, doubleheader at Eagle River versus Lakeland, 5:30 p.m.; — July 19 at Three Lakes versus Tomahawk, 6 p.m.; and — July 26-28, regional tournament play.

To register to play, contact Harsla at (715) 891-5414.

when the tire rim grabbed the clay, sending Stefan into the wall coming out of the tight 3-4 corner.

Also shaken up with a seriously damaged car was Randy Jean Houle, who lost control of her car going into the third corner during the Midwest Mod feature.

Then, in the final lap of

the Street Stock feature, Chad Lederer and Jason Melton collided in the final corner during a heated battle for third place.

Lederer’s car never made it past the finish line, while Melton’s did. Eagle River’s Jason Jenson held off Tomahawk’s Ron Van Dusen for the Street Stock feature win.

THANK YOU THE NORTHWOODS GIRLS GOLF, INC. GRATEFULLY ACKNOWLEDGES THE FOLLOWING BUSINESSES AND INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE HELPED TO MAKE THEIR JUNE 12, 2012, FUNDRAISER GOLF SCRAMBLE HOSTED BY THE EAGLE RIVER LADIES GOLF LEAGUE A SUCCESS. THIS SUMMER WE ARE WORKING WITH 25 YOUNG LADIES USING THE LPGA-USGA GIRLS GOLF 12-WEEK PROGRAM.

DONORS Brewers Baseball Club Avon – MaryAnn Lambrecht Club 45 Eagle River Golf Course Energy Mart Pat & Janet Fischer Golden Pines Restaurant Island Resort & Casino Lake of the Torches Casino Michael’s Italian Restaurant Red Man Supper Club St. Germain Golf Course Timber Ridge Golf Course WalkAbout Mike & Michele Vinovich Eagle River Country Club Ron & Judie Okonek Walgreens – David Peterson

Results of 6/12/12 Event: Regular golf.

Event winners: Group 1, JoAnn Sprague, 35; group 2, Diane VanMieghem, 40; group 3, Leigh Travis, 30; group 4, Karen Cottingham, 30.

Flag events: No. 2, closest to creek without going in, Trudy Klauk; No. 7, longest putt, Gail Smith.

Low putts: Jan Lederhaus and Sylvia Volk, 13.

Results of 6/13/12 Event: Poker Flight A: First (tie), Jane Ellet and Barbara Lindsay.

Flight B: First, Sharon Gifford; second, Sherrie Mondus.

Flight C: First, Joe Koeper; second, Jeanine Mathieu.

No. 2, closest to pin: Jane Ellett.

No. 6, Closest chip: Barbara Lindsay.

No. 9, longest putt: Mary Lincoln.

Low putts: Barbara Lindsay.

Chip ins: Marge Greb and Barbara Lindsay.

Crashes highlight speedway action Crashes were the dominating feature during the races at Eagle River Speedway last Tuesday night, as wrecks were reported in nearly every division.

D.J. Stefan of Babcock lowered the tire pressure of his Micro Sprint, looking for more traction. However, the pressure was a little too low

THREE LAKES WOMEN’S TUESDAY MORNING GOLF LEAGUE

LAKE FOREST MORNING LADIES’ GOLF

tion which is mandatory for Legion baseball play.”

The 2012 schedule is as follows: — June 19, doubleheader at Lakeland, 6 p.m.; — June 23, doubleheader at Three Lakes versus Ashland, 1 p.m.;

Alice’s Italian Restaurant Black Bear Lodge Coontail Sports Eagle Lighting Joan McKeever Gateway Golf Course Hahn Printing Lac Vieux Desert Golf Course Lanny’s Fireside Green Bay Packers Association Riverstone Restaurant The Beauty Resort Trig’s – Eagle River The Waters of Minocqua Bill & Toni – Log Cabin Gateway Restaurant Plum Lake Golf Course Anderson Insurance –

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Tripp Anderson Brad Missling – Eagle River Golf Course Pro Shop Coontail Clothing Tom & Terry Ellis Anita Fritz George Young Center Katy Hall Lake Forest Golf Course Margo Rogers-Anderson Dr. Neil Potrykus Kathy Simac Northwoods Golf Course Trout Lake Golf Course Wild Eagle Lodge Braywood Restaurant/Resort Bev Kopecko Stephen’s Barber Shop

Course Sponsors

Hole Sponsors

Hole Sponsors

Tom & Terry Ellis Pat & Janet Fischer Leisure City Joe Keenen Parsons of Eagle River Rhinelander Honda Rhinelander Toyota Rhinelander GM Auto Center Rhinelander Chrysler

Braywood Restaurant/Resort Bob & Michele Richardson Jerry Burkett – Century 21 Country Pump – Todd Stanek Eagle Waters Resort Energy Mart Leif’s Cafe Gina Molgaard Michael’s Italian Restaurant Mike & Michele Vinovoch Walgreens – David Peterson Ron & Judie Okonek

Anderson Insurance – Tripp Anderson Boat Sport Marina Club 45 Carter’s Furniture & Flooring Jodi Meisenburg – The Beehive Hair Salon First National Bank – Eagle River Headwaters State Bank – Tom Reed Jensen-Akins Hardware/ Appliance Lakeland Motor Sales 12 Pines Restaurant Potrykus Family Dentistry

Scramble Event Committee: Marsha Lewis, Joan McKeever, Judie Okonek, MaryAnn Lambrecht, Janet Fischer, Terry Ellis, Michele Vinovoch, Dorothy Barmann and Bev Kopecko.

Program/Event Info: Call Janet at715-479-4247 or Marsha at 906-358-4670

3502

LAKE FOREST MONDAY NIGHT MEN’S GOLF Results of 6/11/12 Low gross: Bob Richardson 39, John Gabriel and Gary Simac 41, Todd Stanek 42.

Low net: Gary Simac 31; John Gabriel and Todd Powell 32; Rod Montezon, Cliff Evans and John Uhrine 22.

Fewest putts: Pat Bickler, Mike Springer and Rod Montezon 13.

Flag event winners: No. 1 and No. 6 Rod Montezon, No. 2 Gary Simac, No. 3 and No. 4 Bob Richardson, No. 5 John Koch, No. 7 Mike Springer, No. 8 Pat Bickler, No. 9 Tom Boettcher.

Early division First: Brassel/Mittel 139.

Second: Crall/Siegmeier 122.

Third: McNamara/Hjemvick 119.

Fourth: Kobach/Stephenson 115.

Fifth: Kauzlaric/Holtzman 111.

Mid division First: Gilster/Wilkinson 124.

Second (tie): VanBree/Ketschi and Gremban/Stadler 113.

Fourth: Biegel/Belcher 112.

Fifth (tie): Stevens/Fischer and Riedel/Meyer 111.

Late division First: Whitney/Rubo 127.

Second: DeRuiter/Marion 126.

Third: Nickel/Nickel 121.

Fourth: Will/Will 120 Fifth: Dunphy/White 112.

LAKE FOREST TUESDAY SENIOR MEN’S GOLF Results of 6/12, 2012 Low gross: Paul Berta 34, Paul Noel and Jim Bragiel 41, Mike Maas and Kim Watt 42.

Low net: Jim Bragiel 28, Paul Berta 30, Jerry Baerenwald 31.

Fewest putts: Don Kinsey, Jim Ellenberger and Paul Noel 13.

Flag event winners: Jim Will 1, Don Kinsey 2, Morrie Steller 3, Bruce Maney 4, Jim Moon 5, Jim Kortes 6, John Klein 7 and 8, Dan Zernia 9.

LAKE FOREST EVENING LADIES’ GOLF Results of 6/6/12 Event: Low putts Flight A: First, Joan McKeever; second, Bev Kopecko; third, Rochelle Stoffel.

Flight B: First, Mary Ann Lambrecht; second (tie) Susie Erickson and Lisa Darton; fourth, Kathy Simac.

Flight C: First, Deb Boone; second, Kathy Fanning; third, Linda Springer.

Flight D: First, Sue Hannam; second, Donna Risch.

Shootout: Rochelle Stoffel.

Event: Best ball with handicap First, Teresa Clear and Mary Ann Lambrecht; second (tie), Michele Richardson and Sue Ridderbusch, Tiffany Krueger and Kathy Fanning; third, Susie Erickson and Joan McKeever.

Shootout: Kathy Fanning.

Softball tourney set June 22-24 The 32nd annual Three Lakes Softball Classic will be this Friday through Sunday, June 22-24, with $600 going to the first-place team.

The men’s double-elimination tournament has a $125 entry fee. Other payouts will be $400 for second, $300 for third and $200 for fourth.

The tournament will feature 20 teams from across Wisconsin, Illinois and Michigan.

For more information, contact Rich at (715) 546-8106

STANDINGS HEADWATERS HORSESHOE LEAGUE Results as of 5/3/12 Team results: Bucktale Inn II 7, Gordo’s 2; Kathan Inn I 8, Uncle Kent’s II 1; Bucktale Inn I 5, Club 45 4; Sweetwater II 7, Uncle Kent’s I 2; Sportsmen’s Chalet 7, Kathan Inn II 2.

Top ringers: Suskie Erickson 17, Jerry Seideman 14, Mike Benzing Jr. 14.

Six-packs: Susie Erickson 4, Mike Benzing Jr. 3, Jim Verstoppen 2.

STANDINGS A Division W L Kathan Inn I........................8 1 Sweetwater II ......................7 2 Sportsmens Chalet ..............7 2 Bucktale Inn II ....................7 2 Bucktale Inn I......................5 4 Sweetwater I........................0 0 B Division Club 45 .................................4 5 Uncle Kent’s I.......................2 7 Kathan Inn II.......................2 7 Gordo’s ..................................2 7 Uncle Kent’s II .....................1 8

EAGLE RIVER SAND VOLLEYBALL STANDINGS W Brigg’s Bar...........................23 Pitlik’s..................................22 Kathan Inn 2.......................19 WP Service ..........................18 Kathan Inn 1.......................16 MR Land..............................16 Club DeNoyer......................15 Pine Isle 2............................12 Holiday Lodge 1 ..................10 Holiday Lodge 2 ..................10 Schneider’s ..........................10 Pine Isle 1............................ 9 Sweetwater.......................... 5 Leinie’s................................. 4 Hi Pines ............................... 2 Brigg’s Bar 2 ....................... 1

Stop the Spread of Invasive Aquatic Plants Become a volunteer lake monitor.

(715) 365-8984

L 1 2 5 6 8 8 9 12 14 14 14 15 19 20 22 23

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VILAS COUNTY NEWS-REVIEW/THE THREE LAKES NEWS

MEMBER

EDITORIAL

VILAS COUNTY

NEWS-REVIEW

Eagle River Vindicator Established 1886 Eagle River Review 1890 ~ Vilas County News 1892 Publisher Editor Asst. Editor Lifestyle Editor Production Manager Asst. Production Manager Photo Technician Production Technician Proofreader Circulation Manager Accounting Manager Advertising Consultants

KURT KRUEGER GARY RIDDERBUSCH ANTHONY DREW PATTI BLACK JEAN DREW ELIZABETH BLEICHER SHARINA ADAMS CARLY RATLIFF JEAN FITZPATRICK ELIZABETH SCHMIDT TERRY POSTO MARY JO ADAMOVICH MARCIA HEYER MADELINE MATHISEN

FIRST PLACE NATIONALLY COMMUNITY SERVICE

Published weekly by Eagle River Publications, Inc., P.O. Box 1929, 425 W. Mill St. at Eagle River, Wisconsin 54521 erpub@nnex.net vcnewsreview.com Member of the Wisconsin Newspaper Association and the National Newspaper Association

Our View Ritter, Vilas have shown huge conservation ethic One of the first and most effective invasive species coordinators in the state, St. Germain resident Ted Ritter, was recently honored as an Invader Crusader by the Wisconsin Council on Invasive Species.

Though we are grateful that the council chose to recognize Ritter for this outstanding work, we are quite frankly surprised that it didn’t happen years ago. Few people in Wisconsin have had as great an impact on resource protection and invasive species public awareness as Ritter.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 2012

OPINION/COMMENTARY

Election 2012 warning: Buyers beware!

CREATIVE marketing 101. Our national political candidates are simply “packaged products” manufactured by party power brokers and sold to a gullible electorate by a finely tuned team of clever hucksters often using false, deceptive and misleading advertising.

The products to be sold to the voters this year are Barack Obama for the Democrats and Mitt Romney for the Republicans. Everything about them from now until November will be carefully orchestrated, including the shameless party conventions. Every appearance will be planned and scripted to sell the product.

The research and development phases are nearly complete. The products are now being tested and sampled. It doesn’t really matter what the products can do, it only matters what the consumers/voters think they can do for them. Enter the slick hucksters who think they are smarter than you.

At this point, the candidates are told to forget everything they once believed. The party power brokers and pollsters are writing the planks to build a platform that will appeal to the party faithful. If they are successful, they will build a demographic that will squeak out a slim victory at the polls.

From what we’ve experienced in the past, candidates for high national office rarely actually believe or support

People Make the Difference

By Byron McNutt the planks in the party’s platform. After all, who will remember what the platform was, or if the promises are kept once the winner is in office? Who doesn’t want to believe the snake-oil salesman? “Just trust me,” they implore.

In testing product Romney, we learned he has flaws.

He told a crowd that he likes to fire people, that he understands the common people.

He mingles with millionaires and billionaires who are friends of his and he can flipflop with the best of them. He recently said the country has too many teachers, firemen and police officers. Oops!

Product Obama has a dismal track record to defend.

He blames his failures on former President Bush, Greece and Spain. At a White House press conference two weeks ago, he said, “The private sector is doing fine,” which drew a response from product Romney: “Is he really that out of touch?” He then urged states and cities to help a key demographic of his by hiring thousands more teachers, firefighters and police officers.

Expect a lot more “we gotcha” moments in the com-

ing months from both parties.

A lot of effort will be made by the product marketers to discredit the opponent while shifting the focus from their own product’s defects. After all, our product might not be perfect, but it’s better than theirs.

Even experienced product surrogates slip up. Former President Bill Clinton, shilling for Obama, got into trouble recently when he suggested it might be a good idea to extend the Bush tax cuts and to delay the spending cuts past the January 2013 deadline. His words contradicted the position of Obama and created front-page news.

Now’s when the product marketers start to earn their money. Unlike the magic makers in Hollywood, political campaign managers can’t reshoot stump speeches, can’t edit bloopers and awkward scenes and can’t stop embarrassing events from going viral.

When on the trail, stump speeches are carefully written by professional wordsmiths and are meant to be read word for word. Candidates are ordered to “stick to the script” and to never, ever go off the message. Any attempt

Thanks goes to Melissa Simpson of the U.S. Forest Service office in Florence, who sits with Ritter on the Wisconsin Headwaters Invasive Partnership. She nominated Ritter for the honor, and many other town, county and state officials penned letters of support regarding his nomination.

In the early years, he encouraged most municipalities in Vilas County to establish town lakes committees that would eventually pursue individual lake vegetation surveys and management plans — the precursor to applying for state management grants for prevention, education and control efforts.

In recent years, Ritter spearheaded the formation of a two-county cooperative invasive species management area to bring more attention to terrestrial invasives and to bring together federal, tribal, state, county, nonprofit and private land managers. Just last year, he worked with partners to survey more than 3,500 acres of privately owned forest lands within Vilas County for the presence of highpriority terrestrial invasive plants.

Our hats are off to Ritter and all the volunteers who fight the battle against invasives.

Behind the editorial ‘we’ Members of the Vilas County NewsReview editorial board include Publisher Kurt Krueger, Editor Gary Ridderbusch and Assistant Editor Anthony Drew.

To McNUTT, Pg. 13A

Hard to label real extremists

County looking for some fish to eat.

With Father’s Day staring me in the face 24 hours hence and still no present in mind for my dad, I figured a batch of bluegills would be a good start.

I seldom keep more than a half-dozen, but Saturday the fishing was good and I wound up keeping four for my dad, four for Uncle Neal and eight for my wife and I. And that led me into what was quite simply one of the best little fishing outings I’ve been on in a long, long time Sunday morning.

I haven’t fished Plum Creek in upward of five years — which is shame on me — but I made up for my absence with three hours of absolute bliss.

You’ll note that for a change I am naming the actual creek I fished, partly because it is not really a secret stream, but more importantly because it simply is not a stream anyone will fish who wants to catch

DON’T YOU FIND it odd that the word extremism seems to apply only to conservative Republicans? Terminology often drives political discourse and those who control the terms often determine the outcome.

Establishment Republicans have too often been uncomfortable in their own skin. When they win elections, they sometimes seem unsure of what to do next.

Democrats never seem to have this problem. They operate according to their core convictions and are never considered extreme.

Instead, they are moderate, even normal. When Republicans stick to their convictions, they are branded with a scarlet “E.” Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush raised the extremist issue last Monday in New York at a breakfast for reporters sponsored by Bloomberg View.

As reported by Jim Rutenberg in The New York Times, Bush said Ronald Reagan and Bush’s father, the former president, would have a “hard time” fitting in with a GOP led by the tea party movement. Bush said George H.W. Bush and Reagan would struggle with “an orthodoxy that doesn’t allow for disagreement.” Bush’s father agreed with Democrats on raising taxes, breaking his pledge not to, and was defeated for re-election. Is this the path Jeb Bush recommends for Republicans: agree with Democrats and lose elections?

Why does this approach appear to apply only to Republicans and not Democrats? Congressional Democrats recently had an opportunity to prove their moderation by voting in favor of a bill that would have outlawed sex-selection abortions. Most Democrats (and a few Republicans) refused to vote for the measure.

President Obama favors a legal right to abortion. As a member of the Illinois Legislature, Obama refused to support the “Born-alive Infants Protection Act,”

To MAINES, Pg. 13A

To THOMAS Pg. 13A

Ritter was first hired by Vilas County under a three-year state grant program that sought to help counties establish invasive species programs. The eventual loss of those state funds didn’t keep Vilas supervisors from doing the right thing for the sake of their resource-blessed county, and Ritter’s duties were expanded to include all invasives — aquatic and terrestrial.

Ritter’s gifts include his passion for protecting natural resources, a never-ending work ethic in pursuit of partners and funding sources, and his ability to create public awareness on key issues. His vision for what many thought couldn’t be done, has been a key to his success.

to ad-lib in front of a crowd or a video camera will probably result in a lead story on the six o’clock news.

Campaigns have damage control experts. The speechwriters work closely with the pollsters and they know just how to craft deceptive and generic messages. If the polls show a negative feedback from a key demographic, the speech is changed instantly and tried on the next crowd.

If lucky, they will find a clever hook or phrase that will help sell the product.

For them, the beauty of a political campaign is that the product doesn’t have to actually work! They just have to get a slight majority of voters to buy it. There’s no penalty for misleading or deceptive advertising. It’s buyer beware!

After an election, whether it is on the national, state or local level, half the people will be happy, half will be disappointed and all will be duped. The ones elected will have a case of amnesia and won’t remember the promises they made in the heat of the battle.

The 2012 election promises to be the most expensive ever. Chances are, the results will be very close, leaving the country divided. Partisanship and gridlock will remain the standard and acrimony and animosity will rule. The consumers will be dissatisfied with either product Obama or product Romney as they

Cal Thomas

Invasive species are non-native plants and animals that can damage habitats and outcompete native species in Wisconsin’s forests, lakes, river, wetlands and grasslands.

Garlic mustard, honeysuckle, zebra mussels, Eurasian water milfoil, curly-lead pondweed, rainbow smelt and rusty crayfish are all examples of invasives species here.

Vilas County stepped up to the plate at a time when the Department of Natural Resources hadn’t yet determined invasives to be a priority item, despite the fact that the state’s navigable lakes are a state responsibility under the Public Trust Doctrine. The county, and individual groups such as the Unified Lower Eagle River Chain of Lakes Commission and the Three Lakes Waterfront Association (and many more here), showed more conservation ethic than the agency entrusted to care for our resources.

PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER SINCE 1985

Time on water best at sunset

Most anglers, and boaters, say there is no better time to be on the water then as the sun is setting on the western horizon — when the sky is filled with shades of orange, yellow and red. This angler made one last cast on a North Woods lake before heading back to the landing.

—Staff Photo By GARY RIDDERBUSCH

Life is a smorgasbord of fishing LIFE IS A smorgasbord of fishing. If a fisherman spent his entire life looking, I do not believe he could find a place offering more variety and better quality of fishing and fishing lakes than what we have right here in the north country of Wisconsin.

As Exhibit A I present last weekend, a weekend I enjoyed to the fullest with expeditions on three different bodies of water fishing for three different species of fish.

I began my weekend of fishing with an outing Friday afternoon on a small lake somewhere up in the Manitowish Waters country looking for largemouth bass.

I slid the Old Town into breeze-rippled water several miles from the middle of nowhere and spent the next two hours serenely drifting from one end to the other of a small lake mostly surrounded by pines.

After spending an hour catching four fish at the outer edge of lily pad beds, I discovered the bass in that lake were congregated tight

Trails & Tales

By Will Maines to shore.

In my final hour or so on the lake I caught probably 40 bass, five of them less than 10 inches, five in the 17-inch neighborhood and the rest all between 12 and 15.

I caught them all in water from six inches to two feet deep, as tight to shore as you could get. So much for everyone saying bass are back in deeper water.

My only companions the entire time were two adult Canada geese and their four goslings.

You’d think my arm would have been worn out catching and releasing that many bass, but Saturday morning found me out on another small lake somewhere in the middle of Vilas

VILAS COUNTY NEWS-REVIEW/THE THREE LAKES NEWS

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 2012

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OP-ED/READER OPINION

Veteran teachers good for schools Letter to the Editor: My husband and I were very upset by one of the comments expressed in the “Our View” editorial in the June 13 News-Review.

In the editorial, you stated, “The idea of giving teachers seniority has often led to paying the most to the least productive teachers — the ones riding out the last year of a career.” We are retired teachers, from the Fox Valley area of Wisconsin, with 63 years of experience between us.

As beginning teachers in the 1970s, we looked up to the veteran teachers for guidance and appreciated their knowledge of the workings of the educational system. There were many times that we learned more from them than we did in all of our years in college.

Veteran teachers are vital to the quality of public schools. As veteran teachers, we used our knowledge and years of experience to not only provide a quality education for our students but to mentor and guide new teachers.

Tom, a high school band director, did three Packers half-time shows, one close to his retirement. The work involved with marching and preparing his Class A band for

concerts was not one of “riding out” the last year or years of his career.

I was a lead teacher for our team of five first-grade teachers, where my years of experience allowed me to provide valuable materials and techniques to our team. My leadership, energy and love of teaching continued right up to my last day of teaching. I did not ride out the last year or years of my career.

Tom and I did not go into education to become rich in money, but we did become rich in the knowledge that we helped educate many young people who grew to become productive adults because we cared. Two of these students became teachers and are currently employed in Three Lakes and Rhinelander.

Teaching was never just a job for us, it was our career.

Therefore, it is very difficult to have the public look down on us because of our chosen career.

Maybe it is time for the editors of this paper to sit back and think about all of the veteran educators who made an impact on their lives and helped them to get to where they are today.

Kathy Mackin Sugar Camp

Maines FROM PAGE 12A tons of big trout.

Truth is, on any given day, but especially on a sundrenched morning like Sunday, you will be hard-pressed to catch more than a trout or two, and most likely none will exceed what the honorable president of the Old Duck Hunter’s Association Inc. often referred to as dandiprats.

If you don’t know what a dandiprat is, I can tell you it is very similar to what the mayor of Frenchman’s Pond, Robert Traver, referred to as wizened fryers in his wonderful book, “Trout Madness.”

And if you still haven’t gotten my drift, dandiprats and wizened fryers are

native brook trout less than 10 inches in size, most of them under eight. Plum Creek has its share of trout that size, though they do not come easily to net.

Plum Creek thankfully is a small rill choked with alder brush, balsam and cedar, and that is just fine with me. It’s tough to fish and, with its gin-clear water, isn’t likely to appeal to the fish hogs of society.

Instead, those of us who love to fish this “crick,” fish it for everything else it is — beautiful, secluded in many stretches which lets one avoid the short stretches where cabins dot its banks, and, on most days, totally devoid of other fishermen.

It is good that few do fish it, because at least for me, if I encounter one other fishermen along its twisted course that is one fisherman too

many.

I saw no others on Sunday as I leisurely fished my way upstream, clambering over and around downed trees here and there, admiring wildflowers growing in profusion along the banks in places and trying my best to keep my casts out of the clutches of overhanging brush and branches.

As I worked my way along, I thought about all those hundreds of times I fished Plum Creek as a kid, sometimes floating a gob of worms through deep holes to take a good fish, sometimes trying my best to become a fly fisherman of some proficiency; never quite achieving the latter.

One time Sunday I stopped and sat on a fallen log, reaching up to twist off a small sprig of fresh cedar.

Have you ever taken the

time to experience what a wonderful thing it is to crush a little cedar in your hand and then inhale deeply of its exquisite aroma.

I did, and it was worth all of the time I took to sit in quiet contemplation while doing it.

All too soon the point at which I was to leave the stream was at hand and, with the morning fairly gone, I bid adieu to my old friend. It had taken me too many years to give my favorite creek its due, and along the way it gave back to me; gave back much more than the two orange-bellied dandiprats I took home to eat.

It gave me peace of mind, a wonderful experience to remember and a reminder of why three hours of time spent on a wild trout stream are hours never squandered.

VFW post seeking younger members Letter to the Editor: An open invitation to veterans: All veterans groups are looking for younger members.

Maintaining membership is what helps us remain powerful in representing the interests of all veterans to our governmental representatives.

This is important to help maintain our benefits and the understanding of the importance of the service veterans have given.

Members of the veterans groups help their local communities as well as by maintaining and placing many of the American flags you see — especially on special dates and holidays.

In addition to other community service, we provide scholarships, participate in education programs in schools, represent in parades and provide the Honor Guard for special events and memorial services for veterans upon their passing. We would also welcome your ideas on how we can improve the experience

McNutt FROM PAGE 12A assume this impossible job.

These products come with a no-return policy. * * * WE LEARN from our

for all veterans — especially those for more recent generations.

We older members realize that your families come first, and we respectfully recognize your service to your country.

We ask you to join us in continued duty to your country and your community by joining any veterans group for which you qualify.

Membership dues are inexpensive, and your decision to join will be greatly appreciated. Whether you choose to participate in current activities, social events or facilities use, or decide to wait to join your fellow veterans personally, your membership will be counted and greatly valued.

Thank you and we hope to hear from you soon!

For questions or additional information, please contact: Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3143, Rhinelander.

Ralph Larson, Quartermaster, (715) 369-1451 Ken Williams, Post Commander, (715) 362-7857

mistakes — and most of us never lack for study materials.

Be grateful for weekends.

Without them, what would you do with all the money you have left over?

Some people go through life just standing at the complaint counter.

Teacher strike wouldn’t be good for education Dear Editor: Just a few words to give voice to the “let them strike” school of thought you referred to in your editorial last week.

I’m pretty sure I’d be expressing the sentiments of many of my fellow Wisconsin citizens when I refer to the queasiness that comes over me at the sight of a raised fist and the slogan “This is what democracy looks like.”

It reminds me of something I’d expect to see on a newsreel from Latin America or the 1920s here in America.

The idea of our teachers — the people we trust to care for our little children — attempting to flex their collective union muscle like some teamster thugs is not sitting well with the vast majority of taxpayers.

We want to continue thinking of our teachers and other public-sector workers as public servants, people who feel a special calling for helping and serving their fellow citizens, not a restless

WHAT OTHERS SAY State weighs wolf hunting proposal ___________

BY CATHY STEPP SECRETARY, WISCONSIN DNR

___________

As Wisconsin weighs the Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) proposal for a wolf hunting season, here’s some important background to keep in mind: A wolf hunting season was directed by the Wisconsin Legislature to start this year; it is the law of the land.

The DNR’s task is to develop — before fall — an interim hunting season framework that considers the needs and desires of diverse interest groups.

Our proposal must satisfy the legislative directive; must be conservative enough to protect wolves — which only this year were removed from the federal Endangered Species List in

Wisconsin and our neighboring states; must respect the reverence Native American tribes have for wolves; must meet the expectations of hunters and the needs of farmers who have been suffering from long-unchecked wolf depredation on their livestock; and the season must be logical and balanced for the general population which often sees wolves as symbolic of the wild and healthy ecosystems they value.

It’s a narrow path to walk.

Our proposed first season harvest goal is admittedly conservative. Why? We manage natural resources based on science and data. We have no experience yet in Wisconsin with a wolf hunting season.

Other states also have limited experience and there-

fore limited counsel. We can estimate hunter success and wolf numbers, but additional data from the first few seasons will help assure we achieve a balance of hunting with maintaining wolves as part of our ecosystems.

The 2012 wolf hunting season proposal is a temporary framework, known as an emergency rule. Over the next two years, the DNR will be working with the many groups that have an interest in the season to develop a more permanent hunting framework. What we learn from early seasons — and more importantly, what we learn from you, the public, about your expectations for that season — will inform our decisions.

You can learn more To STEPP, Pg. 14A

and angry group of workers who need to be continually negotiated and bargained with in order to avert a strike or some other threat.

It would be one thing if this movement underpinned an effort to address some huge social or economic injustice, but the way things sit right now, teachers and most other public employees are better paid and have more security and benefits than their private-sector counterparts.

Contrast the way things are economically right now with the rest of us in the private sector and that attitude is not garnering a lot of sympathy. The election last week pretty much established that.

Look, most of us have family and/or acquaintances who teach or are in service to the public in some way. I count teachers among my most beloved and respected friends (you know who you are). In many respects my heart goes out to them.

In choosing teaching as a time-honored profession, they’ve been co-opted into a flawed system, one that has pitted their own individual liberty and that of their fellow citizens against group rights and state-sponsored

Thomas FROM PAGE 12A which extends legal protection to an infant born alive after a failed induced abortion, even if the child could not survive. Sen. Obama saw the bill as a roundabout attack on a woman’s abortion rights and voted against it. Extremism?

Can anyone name a top aide to President Obama who is pro-life or who favors less spending, smaller government and lower taxes?

Where are the “moderates” in his administration?

In Maine, former Republican Gov. Angus King is running for the U.S. Senate. A Washington Post story headlined: “Angus King makes a last stand for moderation in Maine Senate race.” The story quotes King: “My desire is to be as independent as I can be, as long as I can be, sub-

collectivism. Make no mistake, these are not parallel political philosophies. They will collide.

Free individuals living in a free and open society should always have the right to associate and form groups to help foster their causes, but compulsory collectivism, particularly in the public sector, is in direct conflict with our precious individual rights and liberties guaranteed us by our Founding Fathers, and now after 50 years we find ourselves at this point.

So if they’re bound to

strike, let ’em strike. I don’t think a teachers strike would sit very well with the public right now. Hortonville was a lifetime ago, politically speaking. But most importantly, let’s be very clear about one thing more. If a decision to strike is made, the disruption to the children’s education will not be the responsibility of the citizens and taxpayers. The responsibility and the blame will rest squarely on the shoulders of those who choose to strike.

Respectfully, Jerry Zimpelmann Eagle River

Letters policy The Vilas County News-Review/The Three Lakes News welcomes letters from its readers.

Letters should be written legibly, or typed, and must include the name, address and telephone number of the writer.

No letters will be published without the writer’s name. Initials and/or pseudonyms will not be used. Unsigned letters will be disregarded.

While the maximum limit is 600 words, writers should note that shorter letters will receive top priority. No political letters will appear in the last issue prior to an election. They should be mailed to us at P.O. Box 1929, Eagle River, WI 54521; e-mail address: erpub@nnex.net.

ject to being effective.”

What does “effective” mean? If Democrats want to raise taxes and spending, would King go along just to maintain his “moderate” and “effective” image? Does “getting things done” mean not caring what things are done?

The tea party exists because its members are weary of the games played

by Washington politicians.

When they vote for Republicans, they don’t expect them to go to Washington and cut deals that allow the liberal agenda to advance. They want to see real reform, including a reversal of the cultural decline that offends their beliefs. Why aren’t liberals who are attacking the economic and moral foundations of the country the real extremists?

In his breakfast meeting with reporters, Jeb Bush mentioned the need for immigration reform and a change in tone about how

illegal immigrants are dealt with. He is right, but that doesn’t make people who want to control our borders and enforce our laws extremists. It isn’t either-or, it’s both, but a nation that cannot, or will not, control its borders will not continue to be the nation it has been or the one most people love and want to preserve.

Is that extreme, or are the real extremists people who favor open borders and amnesty for illegal aliens?

Many Republicans, it seems, would sooner be called anything but an extremist. Too many of them abandon their convictions at the sound of the word, eagerly desiring the approval of the liberal establishment.

Such people are only making a stopover on the way to a destination called liberal extremism.

Readers may email Cal Thomas at tmseditors@tribune.com.

14A

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 2012

VILAS COUNTY NEWS-REVIEW/THE THREE LAKES NEWS

READER OPINION Underhanded proposal aimed at gun rights Letter to the Editor: An open letter to all hunters and firearms owners: The early part of July, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will appear before the United Nations (UN) to discuss the Arms Trade Treaty, which is a maze of restrictions on the firearms industry and civilian fire arms that would affect not only the industry, but firearms that you and I own.

This meeting is what I would call what Obama stated to Brady when she questioned him about the lack of gun control “We are working under the radar.” So much for “transparent government” that President Obama stated to American citizens when he took the oath of President.

After that meeting, there will be another meeting on Aug. 27, and the discussion will be on the UN program of action on small arms and light weapons — consider it the overarching UN print for guns and gun control. This information was printed in the National Rifle Association Magazine date June 2012, page 12.

I do not know about you, but this is nothing more than another way Obama could

attempt to ban our weapons.

This is an America, right? So why would our government join a treaty with the UN that is made up of presidents and dictators the likes of China, Russia and rogue countries who have banned fire arms in their countries?

I suggest that you contact your senators and congressmen to object to this underhanded method to bypass our Second Amendment.

Remember the millions of men and women who fought and died for our freedoms and the Constitution which contains the Second Amendment that gives us the right to own firearms and share the outdoors with our family.

President Obama, with his administration aimed (little joke) at taking our firearms, does not care if you are a Democrat, Republican or Independent, and when his wishes are fulfilled it will be too late.

Samuel Adams said, “Let the Constitution never be construed to authorize Congress to prevent the people of the United States, who are peaceable citizens, from keeping their own arms.”

Larry Hausner Janesville

U.S. needs better process for making aliens legal Letter to the Editor: For decades, our excuse for not deporting illegal aliens was “They do jobs no citizen wants to do, such as pick fruit, clean your home, or clean a toilet.”

I have always felt that if they did away with welfare, we would suddenly have a whole lot of citizens willing to pick fruit, clean your home or clean a toilet.

Now the president has changed all that. Now we suddenly have a policy that will instantly make over 800,000 illegal aliens legal. And somehow, he thinks this is good for the American economy. Somehow this will create jobs? He states that some of them have served in the military. Is the military exempt from checking the status of inductees?

Time magazine has a cover story in its June 25, 2012, issue called “Not Legal, Not Leaving.” I quote illegal alien Jose Antonio Vargas: “I went to college and became a journalist, earning a staff job at the Washington Post.”

Doesn’t sound like cleaning toilets to me. How could he get a job at the Washington Post?

Are they exempt from checking for documentation when hiring a new employee? Isn’t that a job that an unemployed citizen or legal alien could have filled?

Throughout the article, Mr. Vargas always puts parentheses around illegal as if he were not really illegal. I realize that it has become politically incorrect to call someone an illegal.

But they really are illegal.

One of the selling points Mr. Vargas and the president

use is that some illegals were brought into the United States by their family “when they were too young to understand what it means to be illegal.” So it wasn’t their fault that they are illegal.

What happened when they turned 18? Didn’t they by then understand what it means to be illegal? Didn’t they then decide for themselves that they would illegally stay in this country instead of doing the legal thing — return to their country of origin?

In the article, Mr. Vargas says, “I haven’t become legal because there’s no way for me to become legal.” What does an illegal alien have to do to become a legal alien? Simple: Go back home (Yes, it is still home; you were not born in the United States.) and apply for a legal visa. If they are of such value to the U.S. economy, I am sure the visa will be approved by the United States.

I live in Mexico about six months each year. I have done this for the last 12 years.

Before I first moved down there, I applied for an FM-3 (a visa). After five years, I applied for an FM-2 (the next step toward citizenship). After another five years, I applied for immigrant status. When I return this winter, I plan to apply for citizenship.

It may be a long process, but it is the process. That is how it is done in Mexico; that is how it is done in the United States. Mr. Vargas and President Obama want it done overnight.

Erich Zorr Three Lakes

Stepp FROM PAGE 13A about the DNR’s 2012 wolf hunting season proposal by going to our website at

dnr.wi.gov and searching for “wolf.” There you will also find a survey in which you can share your views.

The department will present final recommendations for Wisconsin’s first modern wolf season for Natural

Resources Board approval July 17. If the board approves the proposal, license applications will probably be available around Aug. 1.

There are many, often passionate, interests in setting a wolf hunting season in

Wisconsin. We ask that you work with us and consider those diverse interests and expectations to help us arrive at a season we can all be comfortable with. We want to get this right. We have to.