OCTOBER 5, 2011 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 11
Trooper honored for courageous action and exceptional service Trooper Patrick Kaetke of Shell Lake honored in Madison ceremony MADISON — Thirteen members of the Wisconsin State Patrol received special awards for saving lives and other exemplary service at a ceremony on Wednesday, Sept. 28, at the state Capitol in Madison. Trooper Patrick Kraetke, Shell Lake, for his dedication and outstanding work, received the Commendable Service Award based on the incident when he received information that a vehicle at a residence in Minnesota was being used to transport drugs on Jan. 7, 2008. Kraetke drove to an area close to the state border to detect the vehicle if it traveled into Wisconsin. After observing the vehicle in Wisconsin and based on information previously received, he initiated a traffic stop. He obtained information from the driver that resulted in a lengthy and extensive drug investigation. Kraetke took the initiative to locate the
Trooper Patrick Kraetke (left) received the Commendable Service Award from state patrol Superintendent Stephen Fitzgerald. — Photo submitted vehicle and then assisted the Wisconsin Department of Justice’s Division of
Criminal Investigation in a two-yearlong investigation. By digging deeper
into the investigation and working cooperatively with numerous law enforcement agencies, Kraetke set in motion the largest federal and state drug conspiracy case in the history of Burnett County. The investigation concluded with more than 40 individual arrests. Many of those convicted received lengthy sentences of more than 10 years in federal prison. Kraetke’s traffic stop and ensuing actions helped law enforcement agencies to remove gangs and drugs that had been destroying lives and communities for many years. State Patrol Superintendent Stephen Fitzgerald said, “All members of the state patrol make our highways and communities safer through their professional and tireless dedication to traffic and public safety. But the members of the state patrol who received special awards have demonstrated exceptional expertise and courage under extremely stressful conditions. Their achievements go well above and beyond their normal duties.” — from WSP
Barron Electric celebrates 75th anniversary with a special guest by Diane Dryden Special to the Leader SPOONER - Gov. Scott Walker was the special guest invited to address the crowd as the pubic gathered for the traditional boxed lunch and dividend check dispersal Tuesday, Oct. 4, at the Barron Electric Cooperative’s facility in Spooner on Paulson Road. “Every year we’ve invited the sitting governor, dignitaries and legislators,” said board President Selmer Nelson, “and 25 years ago Dave Obey showed up in Spooner and Dave Gunderson attended the same Capital Credit Day in Barron, so we were hoping that this year, seeing it’s our 75th year in business, Gov. Walker would attend, and he did.” Walker’s visit was a surprise to the 750 Spooner co-op people who picked up checks totaling over $750,000 this year that was paid out between the two locations. Many were surprised when Walker came through the doors near the beginning of the event at 11 a.m. and after officially speaking a few words about how important it is to have an abundance of cost-effect supply of
electricity for Wisconsin’s growing economy, he presented a plaque to Dallas Sloan, Barron Electric’s general manager, proclaiming it Public Power Week. Walker did not rush off but after his short presentation but met with the crowds for almost an hour that asked questions of him and got answers. Walker was quoted as saying that 40,000 new jobs were created in the private sector during the first six months of this year and defended his Budget Repair Bill citing the losing battle neighboring states are having with their current budgets. “This bill creates stability for employees and it was the best alternative for Wisconsin.” He also said that he was also going to have a $10,000 cut in his own paycheck, so Wisconsin residents were not alone. He also said that “Being unemployed is worse than paying more and having a job.”
Artist at work
Artist Jackie Flaten was among artists showing their works at the St. Croix Falls Autumnfest held this past weekend in St. Croix Falls. - Photo by Rob Harrison
Gov. Walker and Barron Electric’s general manager, Dallas Sloan, looked like two farmers discussing crops instead of businessmen talking shop. - Photo by Diane Dryden
Groups strategizing for possible Walker recall by Rich Kremer Wisconsin Public Radio EAU CLAIRE - Planning sessions are being held across the state to coordinate the recall of Gov. Scott Walker. A group called the Wisconsin Recall Task Force is strategizing the most opportune timing for a recall erffort. A handful of Democratic activists met at the University of Eau Claire Tuesday night, Sept. 27, to brainstorm the most effective way to launch a recall against the governor. Though press was not allowed in the meeting, the group shared documents that outlined pros and cons for beginning the recall process on Nov. 5, the soonest possible date, or holding off. One reason listed for starting early is keeping up momentum from this summer’s recall elections. One of the reasons for waiting is having extra time to raise money and organize. Nan Lambert of River Falls was heavily involved in the failed recall effort against Republican state Sen. Sheila Harsdorf. She says no matter when a recall committee is filed or when the election happens, there will be plenty of support for ousting the governor, “The biggest question about a Walker recall is timing, when? When do we pull the trigger? Do we go with the soonest date possible? Do we wait and coordinate with other political election efforts? That’s what I’m here to find out.” Nathan Timm is a representative of the Wisconsin Recall Task Force, which is holding eight of these recall planning meetings across the state over the next week and a half. He says they’ve learned from the past and there’ll be a whole new approach to the Walker recall, “Sometimes on the left we have been more impulsive than we have been thoughtful, and this is an effort to try to balance that with maybe some more strategic thinking, some more thoughtful elements.” Timm says meeting-goers are also making suggestions for candidates to run against the governor if an election is called.