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WED., DECEMBER 26, 2012 VOL. 80 • NO. 19 • 2 SECTIONS • $1

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Burnett supervisors have another option on the table in ongoing search for best way to handle emergency dispatch PAGE 5

Chemical spill

Toxic cloud mixture at Sanmina in Turtle Lake leads to local evacuation and injuries PAGE 3

Caucuses set

Most villages hold caucuses in January; all village presidents elected next April PAGE 3

Grinch strikes

HFH’s tool trailer stolen from build site in Grantsburg PAGE 2

Restructuring?

Plan for Polk County committee restructuring goes before county board in January PAGE 6

Blizz girls go big over Chippewa Falls INSIDE THIS SECTION

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20 12 moments

One more look

A review of the bigger stories and trends of the past year

by Greg Marsten Leader staff writer LEADER LAND — The first half of 2012 saw lots of unexpected happenings locally, as well as some interesting and unusual trends, from elections to law enforcement changes to the drama and heartbreaking tragedy of fires. The year 2012 sadly proved to be one to remember when it came to blazes.

Flames of change

2012

Notables

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Part I: January to June See Currents for 2012 Moments; a summary in words and photos and her mother, Shelli Maier, a returning Iraq military veteran. The tragedy drew a wellspring of sympathy and was among the most covered stories in the region, for good reason.

The elements and Mother Nature were no match for several dramatic blazes and fires, especially the Siren School District, which not only ended the school year early, it Police chiefs, postmaster shuffles forced dramatic rehab and cleaning efforts There was a literal changing of the guard to allow the school to open in time this fall. in many local comAlthough reconstrucmunities, both in the tion continues still on post offices and in the old gymnasium, quite a few police forcing some sports stations. to play at Webster. The past year saw In February, firenew police chiefs in fighters from several Frederic, Luck, Cendepartments fought a turia, Balsam Lake large fire at the Docks and soon in St. Croix Unlimited building Falls, with the recent on Hwy. 70 in Siren. retirement of Jack Another notable Rydeen. blaze was a June fire In a pleasant trend in downtown St. that also proves how Croix Falls, where a well-managed even vintage, gingerbreadthe smallest of deladen Victorian home partments can be, alwas dramatically lost most all of the new in a midday fire chiefs were proacross the street from moted from within: a hospital and EMT Dale Johnson, Fredoffice. The blaze eric; Monty Tretsven, brought attention to Luck; and John an exceedingly comDuBois, Centuria. mon issue in rural Balsam Lake’s new Wisconsin: firefight- No fires in 2012 were more tragic than the chief, Tommy ers who commute March house fire between Dresser and Osceola Thompson, was the during the day, leav- that claimed the lives of Osceola High School lone exception but ing some fire corps sophomore Makayla Corbin and her mother, has a caveat, as he with just a handful of Shelli Maier, a returning Iraq military veteran. was hired late last daytime members. year. He was the first Mutual aid from sev- Capt. Steve Smith of the Polk County Sheriff’s hire in a department eral local depart- Department is shown answering questions of a that had been comTwin Cities TV reporter at the scene. Photo by ments helped keep pletely dismantled in Greg Marsten the fire from spreadthe months prior, ing to other homes, due to a pile of conbut the reality of emergencies occurring troversies and infighting. during work hours became a recruiting Red ink at the U.S. Postal Service and a drive for the city of St. Croix Falls. growing appetite for e-mail, texting and onThe blaze indirectly led to the city adline activity meant the agency gave use-itdressing their growing fleet of vehicles or-lose-it early retirement incentives to without drivers or firefighters, and the high-ranking local postmasters, but the blaze led to a restructuring of long-range agency created a drop-dead date this sumplans for the department, with a long-term mer that meant there was a flurry of retirevision of a multifunction primary fire truck ments over a several-week period. The that requires less manpower. story drew little attention, compared to the Several fundraising efforts were held by overall deficit and restructuring of the valley organizations for the family, but the USPS, which required congressional attenhome remains a vacant lot still. tion several times. But no blazes were more tragic than the While the postmasters may have March house fire between Dresser and changed, several small local post offices Osceola that claimed the lives of Osceola High School sophomore Makayla Corbin See Notables of 2012, page 4

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Free classic movies at Luck LUCK - To lighten up the winter season, the Luck Public Library and Historical Museum will again show free classic movies in the museum. Films will be shown on the first Friday of each month beginning at 7 p.m. To enhance the old-time movie experience, real theater popcorn (sans coconut oil) will be served. Movies will be closed-captioned, or subtitled in the case of foreign films. The January opening movie will be the 1944 film “National Velvet” starring Elizabeth Taylor and Mickey Rooney. Taylor enters the Irish Grand National Steeplechase back when women (especially girls) were not eligible. Filmed in Technicolor, Rooney and Taylor don’t seem to have aged a day since the film was made. Other films in the lineup are: “Babette’s Feast” (in Danish with English subtitles) to be shown Feb. 1; “Fly Away Home” on March 1; and “An American in Paris” slated for April 5. Films may be added depending on demand, and the library’s always open to suggestions from their customers. Film reminders will be sent to those on the e-mail list, listed in the Leader and advertised at the library and museum. - submitted

Christmas cardinal

A Christmas cardinal was spotted at a rural Luck home. - Photo submitted

Fueling for hunger As part of Burnett Dairy Co-op’s Fueling for Hunger Initiative, over $200 was donated to Frederic’s Family Pathways Food Shelf. Nicki Peterson, marketing coordinator at Burnett Dairy, presented Dianne Schwitzer from Family Pathways with the donation check. - Photo submitted

Grinch strikes in Grantsburg Habitat for Humanity tool trailer stolen from build site by Jackie Thorwick Special to the Leader GRANTSBURG - A 24-foot trailer containing tools and building materials owned by Wild Rivers Habitat for Humanity of St. Croix Falls was stolen from a work site in Grantsburg on Saturday, Dec. 15, at about 10 p.m. An eyewitness saw the trailer being moved but didn’t realize a theft was in progress. Two people in a white Dodge pickup took the trailer. Habitat for Humanity, a well-known Christian nonprofit organization, builds homes with volunteers who work together with families who need homes. Everything that was stolen was purchased with donated funds. “All of the materials in that trailer were gifts from the community,” said Eric Kube, executive director of Wild Rivers Habitat for Humanity. “The thief took the tools out of the hands of volunteers, and now they need to be replaced. It’s discouraging that someone would do this, especially right before Christmas.” The trailer had been locked up, with a chain looped through holes in the rims of the tires and then around a tree. The chain was cut. Grantsburg police are investigating. The close-knit community of volunteers is spreading the word quickly to keep an eye out for the trailer. It is distinctive in that lettering had been removed from its side, but a shadow of the text is still visible. The license number is Wisconsin CA48770.

“This will slow us down a bit,” said Kube. “It will delay the completion of Jessica’s home, and probably delay the home in Luck we’re just getting ready to start. But we know our families and our volunteers will understand and help all they can. We’ve got a great community here, and we’ll get through this.” The trailer and its contents were insured, Kube said, but the deductible is $5,500. The nonprofit organization relies completely on donations of money and labor to build homes for families who need them. Those interested in helping them recover from the loss may call 715-483-2700. Contributions may be sent to WRHFH, 2201 U.S. Hwy. 8, St. Croix Falls, WI 54024.

This trailer was stolen from a Habitat for Humanity build site on Saturday, Dec. 15. Anyone with information about the trailer should contact the Grantsburg Police Department at 715-4635103. – Photo submitted

Heller in color

Birthday #10 5 Eunice Kanne celebrated her 105th birthday on Saturday, Dec. 15, at a party held in her honor at Burnett Medical’s Continuing Care Center in Grantsburg. Photo submitted

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Woman attempts theft at hospital by Greg Marsten Leader staff writer ST. CROIX FALLS – A 37year-old Frederic woman is facing criminal theft charges after she is alleged to have attempted to steal several items from the St. Croix Regional Medical Center and Stephanie Larson an employee, including instruments and clothing, while hiding out in vacant offices. According to the probable cause report filed with the Polk County Sheriff’s Department, Stephanie L. Larson was taken into custody outside the medical center shortly after midnight on Tuesday, Dec. 18, after she reportedly stole a winter coat and a bag of digital hospital instruments. Hospital employees had called the police late in the evening on Monday, Dec. 17, after the report of a woman wandering the halls and hiding in rooms and offices that are not open to the public. The woman had been found earlier in the day attempting to steal an employee’s winter coat, as well as other items, such as electronic medical devices. Police discovered Larson a short time later outside the hospital, and she reportedly admitted to taking the coat and the items. She had apparently been involved in a Frederic domestic incident earlier that day and was at the medical center for a medical evaluation. She had been discharged and was waiting for a ride when she is alleged to have stolen the items. She appeared before Judge Molly GaleWyrick on Dec. 18, where she pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of theft. The judge set a $500 bond with several conditions. Her next court appearance is set for Feb. 1, 2013.

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DECEMBER 26, 2012 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 3

Chemical spill in Turtle Lake Toxic cloud mixture at Sanmina leads to local evacuation and injuries by Greg Marsten Leader staff writer TURTLE LAKE – A chemical spill at a Turtle Lake injection molding and aluminum die-cast facility occurred on Thursday, Dec. 20 at Sanmina, a firm that does custom injection molding and aluminum die casting. According to the Barron County Sheriff’s Department and local officials, police received a call at 10:51 a.m. of a possible chemical spill at the firm’s facility at 300 Industrial Ave. in Turtle Lake. While details of the spill remain unclear at press time, the Barron County Sheriff’s Department released a statement that three different chemicals were inadvertently mixed together, creating a cloud of hydrochloric acid. That toxic cloud led to immediate closure of the facility and the evacuation of the large complex, as well as the evacuation of two neighboring buildings, which included a senior living facility and an office building owned by the St. Croix Chippewa Tribe. BCSD officials stated that five people were initially transported to an area medical center for treatment of respiratory issues from the gas cloud. Sixty Sanmina employees were evacuated to the Turtle Lake Elementary School gymnasium while haz-

According to the Barron County Sheriff’s Department and local officials, police received a call at 10:51 a.m. of a possible chemical spill at the firm’s facility at 300 Industrial Ave. in Turtle Lake. - Photos by Greg Marsten mat teams from St. Croix Falls and Eau Claire assisted with containment, control and cleanup. Reportedly, four of the evacuated employees also showed signs of respiratory symptoms and were also transported to the hospital for treatment. Numerous local agencies assisted the Turtle Lake Police and Fire Departments and the BCSD, including the Wisconsin State Patrol, Cumberland Police, Polk County Sheriff’s Department and multiple medical agencies, including first responders, ambulance agencies and medical specialists from Amery, Clear Lake, Rice Lake, Almena Fire, Chetek and Lakeview Medical Center. It took several hours for the scene to be cleared of dangerous fumes, and seven firefighters were also reportedly checked out and treated for possible decontamination but were released a short time later.

Sanmina officials refused any comment on the scene during or after the event and instead referred all queries to a company official, who has yet to respond. Village officials were notified of the incident but had few details, as well. “They evacuated the buildings, but they did get it under control and worked to clean it up,” stated Turtle Lake Village Clerk Patti Gilkey. Sanmina employees and neighboring evacuees were allowed back into the plant shortly after 2 p.m., as hazmat and fire units cleared the scene by 3 p.m. The extent of any injuries or conditions of those affected remains unclear at press time. In a joint news release from Barron County Sheriff Chris Fitzgerald and Turtle Lake Police Chief Al Gabe, they said the incident remains under investigation by the Turtle Lake Police and Fire Departments. They also

thanked the residents for their cooperation and calm in the response that followed. Sanmina was established in California’s Silicon Valley in 1980, and later acquired SCI Systems in 2001. They then became known as Sanmina - SCI, but recently returned to their previous moniker of Sanmina just last month. They are based in San Jose, Calif., with approximately 44,000 employees on six continents in 25 countries and have worldwide revenues of over $6 billion. The Turtle Lake facility is known as Plant 1466, and according to the company’s background information, the 1466 facility is touted as having at least 50 injection molding machines, as well as full-service assembly and numerous engineering support for multiple processes in manufacturing.

by Gregg Westigard Leader staff writer BURNETT/POLK – All village council presidents and half of the members of the village boards will be elected next April. In most of the area villages, the candidates for those positions will be chosen in caucuses held in January. All village residents of voting age can attend these caucuses and take part in the nomination process. Historically, few people get involved. Villages nominating caucuses are usually held on the same date as the monthly village board meeting. Most of the caucuses are held in the evening, with the Siren daytime meeting the exception.

A few villages, Clear Lake, Dresser, Osceola and Turtle Lake, plus the area cities, nominate candidates for the April election using nomination papers. That process is going on now with the closing date of Jan. 2 the last date for submitting the nomination forms. Here are the dates for the area village nominating caucuses and the names of the incumbents whose seats are up in April. Call the village office for the times and locations of the caucuses.

Centuria – Jan. 7 – President Dave Markert, Trustees Rod Peterson, Stan Swiontek and Kevin Kamish. Clayton – Jan. 7 – President Jennifer Gabe, Trustees Marlin Klatt, Dennis Heiken and Corey Berghammer. Frederic – Jan. 14 – President William Johnson IV, Trustees Maria Ammend, John Boyer and Phil Knuf. Luck – Jan. 9 – President Peter Demydowich, Trustees Kristine King, Bob Determan and Craig Lundeen. Milltown – Jan. 14 – President LuAnn White, Trustees Robert Jones, Jason McKenzie and Erling Voss. (Robert Jones has said he is not running again.)

Burnett County Grantsburg – Jan. 14 – President Roger Panek, Trustees Glenn Rolloff, Dean Josephson, and Tasha Burlini-Olson. (Panek is retiring, Rolloff is running for village president, and Josephson is retiring, so there will be two open seats.) Siren – Jan. 10 (daytime) – President Janet Hunter, Trustees Dave Alden, Tom Anderson and Peggy Moore. Webster – Jan. 9 – President Jeff Roberts, Trustees Kelly Gunderson, Timothy Maloney and Charles Weis.

dents decide who will make the decisions on their town boards, the basic level of local government. Very few people show up for these meetings. The common message heard during calls to get the caucus dates was that there is little involvement and little interest in serving on town boards. Incumbents sometimes run for new terms because no one else is willing to serve. Every town in the two-county area, except Osceola which uses

nominating papers, will hold a caucus between Jan. 7 and Jan. 26. Many of the caucuses are held on Saturdays to encourage attendance. Up for election are all town chairs and two supervisors (the towns of Alden, Clayton, and St. Croix Falls have fivemembers boards with two supervisors elected each year). In cases where the clerk and treasurer are not appointed, those offices are also up in April. Here are the dates for the caucuses. Call the town clerk for the

Most villages hold caucuses in January

Polk County Balsam Lake – Jan. 8 – President Guy Williams, Trustees Mike Voltz, Eugene D’Agostino and Josh Hallberg.

Towns hold nominating caucuses in January Few voters take part in candidate selection process by Gregg Westigard Leader staff writer POLK/BURNETT – Local residents get a chance to gather with their neighbors in January and decide who will be on the April ballot for positions on the town boards. Nominating caucuses are a grassroots process where resi-

time and location of the caucus.

Polk County Alden Jan. 10, Apple River Jan. 14, Balsam Lake Jan. 21, Beaver Jan. 15, Black Brook Jan. 17, Bone Lake Jan. 10, Clam Falls Jan. 9, Clayton Jan. 10, Clear Lake Jan. 8, Eureka Jan. 10, Farmington Jan. 22, Garfield Jan. 8, Georgetown Jan. 26, Johnstown Jan. 15, Laketown Jan. 22, Lincoln Jan. 10, Lorain NA, Luck Jan. 10, McKinley Jan. 8, Milltown Jan. 7, Osceola uses nominating papers,

St. Croix Falls Jan. 21, Sterling Jan. 21 and West Sweden Jan. 15.

Burnett County Anderson Jan. 8, Blaine Jan. 15, Daniels Jan. 8, Dewey Jan. 26, Grantsburg Jan. 14, Jackson Jan. 14, LaFollette Jan. 12, Lincoln Jan. 15, Meenon Jan. 7, Oakland Jan. 10, Roosevelt Jan. 8, Rusk Jan. 15, Sand Lake Jan. 12, Scott Jan. 12, Siren Jan. 10, Swiss Jan. 8, Trade Lake Jan. 26, Union Jan. 16, Webb Lake Jan. 15, West Marshland Jan. 10 and Wood River Jan. 12.

A Citizens Guide to nominating caucuses by Gregg Westigard Leader staff writer BURNETT AND POLK COUNTIES – Residents in most villages and all the towns will soon get to decide who will run for their boards in the April election. Candidates for half of the six trustee seats on each village council and for village president will be nominated by caucuses during January. In addition, the towns nominate candidates for town chairs and two supervisor seats. (See stories above for the cau-

cus date for the villages and towns.) Caucuses are grassroots democracy. Every voter living in a village or town can take part in the caucus, but many caucuses have a low turnout. In some cases, less than a full slate of candidates is nominated. Caucuses must be held between the first and last Tuesday in January. In 2013, caucuses will be held between Jan. 7 and Jan. 26. Citizens gather at a designated time, choose a chairperson for the meeting and nominate

persons to be placed on the April ballot. Nominations take place in two ways. A common method is to use paper ballots to place a name in nomination. An alternate method is spoken nominations. Nominees present can remove their names from consideration. A person does not need to be present to be nominated. Two candidates can be nominated for each position. If the nomination process produces the number of candidates allowed for the ballot, for exam-

ple six names for three trustee seats, a motion can be made to accept the nomination list as the final list. When more than the maximum number of candidates are nominated, a vote is held to narrow the list to the allowed number. In villages, three seats are open, so six candidates can be nominated by the caucus. If more than six people are nominated, a ballot is taken. Each person present votes for three nominees, and the six people with the most votes win a place on the April 2

spring election ballot. People do not need to be present to be nominated, but all nominees must accept the nomination within five days of notification of the caucus results. If a candidate declines the nomination, the ballot spot remains empty. Cities and some villages use nomination papers to select candidates. Candidates in those places have been filling for office in December. A list of those nominees will be reported in early January.

PAGE 4 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - DECEMBER 26, 2012

Notables of 2012/from page 1 were saved from closer scrutiny and closures so far.

Fifteen, not 23

In January, it was determined that Polk County residents would get to vote April 3 on a referendum that would make a major change in the reduction of the county board from its longtime 23 members down to 15 members. The measure passed easily in an April ballot, and while the measure required months to implement and created several giant, superdistricts seemingly the size of a New England state, it also led to serious discussions and decisions on the role of the board, role of the administrator and how it can overcome micromanagement.

Frac party

A frac sand mine leak in Burnett County was discovered in May and stopped a short time later, but the timing was notable and curious. Ironically, the issue was front and center in several county and municipal boardrooms in the weeks prior to the spill, including in February, when the Burnett County Board of Supervisors officially expressed concern over the practice, which harvests local sand in use for oil and gas mining in other parts of the nation and world. The size and quality of local “fractured” sand is just right for the process, holding open well veins in all directions to more easily capture BTUs. The exploding frac mining industry was also part of an extensive, three-hour presentation at Unity School last winter, where numerous elected state, county and towns officials took part in an all-sides hearing on the practice. Issues that came to light illustrated the friction points of job creation, road damage, multiple-decade land use permits,

noise, groundwater infiltration, light pollution, nearly microscopic dust health concerns and how the state, county and towns collide on nonmetallic mining. The issue remains a controversial one, and has also put the spotlight on the challenge of not only how to mine it with less impact, but also how to haul it with less impact. The mining also had the unforeseen impact of a renewed interest in previously abandoned rail lines, some of which had been converted to trails. The railroads’ century-long easement rights mean they can buy those old rail lines back with a minimal penalty, to reopen the lines for cheap sand transport.

Duplication issues

The fate of the always controversial Polk County Library in Balsam Lake came before the Polk County Board in May, where the debate over costs, shared duties, jail inmate options, books by mail and service duplication were at the forefront. After numerous meetings, several studies and even more debate at June’s board meeting, supervisors voted to close the county library at the end of 2012. Some of the tasks and services of the soon-to-close library are being outsourced to municipal libraries and the regional library system, the Indianhead Federated Library System. But the library’s closure was also an example of succinct prioritization within county and local government, after numerous attempts to close it in the past.

From dump site to nature preserve?

A proposed all-terrain vehicle park on the north side of the village of Luck drew lots of attention and large crowds to normally mundane and nearly empty local meeting rooms. The proposal would lead to joint discussions on local control, extraterritorial con-

Carole and Todd Wondra of Frederic donated eight acres in Frederic to Habitat for Humanity in February. - Photo submitted trol, standards for noise, fairness to riders, residents and neighbors and the value of tourism across the board. It led to a bevy of meetings and even an on-site example afternoon of local ATV riders running machines on the village-owned former dumpsite, with visits to the homes with the highest perceived impacts. The issue became a divisive topic in the area. While a combined extraterritorial citizens committee showed a lukewarm interest, the location was considered too high an impact for several nearby homes, but supporters were confident that final trail plans and use of berming and sound breaks could minimize those impacts. Regardless, the idea was shot down after the village went before the state DNR for possible funding, which the state declined, leading the village to back off their efforts. The land remains undeveloped, with no plans in the pipeline.

Land donations aplenty

Carole and Todd Wondra’s donation of eight acres of undeveloped land in the northeast edge of Frederic to Habitat for Humanity was a turning point for the organization. In the coming years, the semiwooded parcel will see eventual construction of a literal subdivision of affordable, energy-efficient homes for lowincome families. The effort was a high point in numerous recent success stories with the HFH group. They have grown into one of the largest home builders in the region, and their impact is hard to ignore. Their St. Croix Falls ReStore is always busy, and has become a vehicle for keeping thousands of tons of product from landfills, ditches and garage sales, while also providing low-income households with options for furniture, housewares and more. The HFH A Brush With Kindness program over the summer drew hundreds of teens and adults to assist with local paint and upkeep projects, while the Unity School housed the teams in a summer camp atmosphere that brought thousands of man-hours of free labor to the region. A frac sand mine leak in Burnett County was discovered in May and stopped a short time later. The HFH group has become one of the - Special photo international organization’s true success stories. They have procured dozens of acres of land donations, completed several

homes and turned previously blighted properties into taxpaying, quality housing for people who otherwise were slaves to rent. Sadly, the theft of one of the their construction trailers from a home job site in Grantsburg recently proved that bad things still happen to really good people and organizations. Regardless, their efforts for the coming year are expected to exceed 2012’s and, as their success grows, so does their leverage to build even more, making HFH one of the truly exceptional local efforts and among the best stories of 2012.

Politics’ ugly face

While the past two years have seen a marked surge in political divisions, the issue can be traced in part, at least, to issues within Wisconsin state government, which once again was at the forefront of political change. Or maybe not. After the controversial Act 10 action led to some of the most unusual and bizarre governmental stories of recent times in 2011, the fallout was real, as volunteers were able to force a recall on Gov. Scott Walker, as well as a number of state representatives including District 10 Sen. Sheila Harsdorf of River Falls and several other people behind the anti-union collective bargaining decision last year. Voters were sent to the polls as advertisements flooded the airwaves, glossy fliers filled postal boxes and outside political action committee millions flowed into the Badger State, and even into the Twin Cities TV market. But in the end, it proved to not make much of a difference. Harsdorf survived with an even larger percentage of votes as in her previous re-election, as did Walker. While the election again showed that Wisconsin is truly a “purple” state when it comes to voting, as President Obama easily garnered all the state’s electoral votes, in spite of Walker’s dominance several months earlier. Harsdorf survived her recall to defeat St. Croix Falls High School teacher and combat vet Dan Olson in the November election as well.

Snowmobilers getting the bug after winter storms by Mike Simonson Wisconsin Public Radio STATEWIDE - A couple of winter storms this month are giving snowmobilers an itch they haven’t been able to scratch for a few years. After several bad snow years, this winter holds a lot of promise. Dale Beissell runs Big Boyz Toyz snowmobile repair shop in Winter. He says his area thrives when the snow falls … and this year it’s falling. “We kind of have snow a little bit all over,” he says. “Everybody’s starting to get the bug this year to get going. I talked to some of the dealers on sales. It sounds real good, a lot of used machines going, a lot of new ones.” At Lakewoods Resort near Cable in Bayfield County, Marketing Director Heidi Overman says reservations are up this year. “Anytime there’s snow in the forecast our phones are ringing off the hook,” she says. “In the past years when there is no

snow, not as many people are willing to make those reservations.” DNR Snowmobile Trails Grants Manager Diane Conklin says it’s about time Wisconsin gets a real winter. “When I looked out the window and saw that lovely white stuff coming down, it was very gratifying to see that because I know so many people who rely on the business it brings in and it’s a great recreational sport,” she says. Conklin says the last few winters have been more mud than snow. “We’re doing a lot better than we did last year when we had some counties that only opened up for two or three days. I’m in Barron County and they were open one weekend.” People can go online to the Department of Tourism for a listing of open snowmobile trails. Conklin says many snowmobile clubs are already grooming trails.

After several bad snow years, this winter holds a lot of promise for snowmobilers. - Photo courtesy DNR

DECEMBER 26, 2012 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 5

Amery, St. Croix make bid for athletic services at Luck by Mary Stirrat Leader staff writer LUCK — Schools around the nation are forming partnerships to provide athletic training services for their athletes, and both St. Croix Regional Medical Center and Amery Regional Medical Center are looking to add Luck School District as a client. Representatives from the two medical centers spoke to the Luck School Board Wednesday, Dec. 19, to present an outline of their services. ARMC has had an ongoing relationship with the school for the past couple of years, said high school principal and athletic director Mark Gobler. Tony Gould, director of rehabilitation services and the fitness center at ARMC, explained the new athletic training outreach program, saying that hospital administration feels strongly about continuing its relationship with the school district. St. Croix Regional Medical Center/Sports Medicine was represented by CEO Dave Dobosenski, athletic training services supervisor Deanna Nelson, and physical rehabilitation director Frank Johnson. Their program currently has six athletic trainers serving six school districts. Both Amery and St. Croix Falls would have a trainer dedicated to the Luck School District, providing 10 hours a week for sports practices, plus coverage at varsity events. Both would need some type of space to consult and work with students, and each would be providing some of their own supplies. Having an athletic trainer available to

School administration asked that SCRMC provide the board with a financial proposal, and both will be considered at a special meeting of the school board set for Jan. 17.

Deanna Nelson, athletic training supervisor at St. Croix Regional Sports Medicine. – Photos by Mary Stirrat athletes and coaches, according to the discussion, will mean that students will get immediate care for injuries and coaches will not need to make decisions about whether a student with injuries should participate. In addition, the trainer will be providing help in avoiding injuries, while possibly giving some students insight into medical careers previously not thought about. The proposed contract with Amery calls for a fee of $6,000 per year, while St. Croix Falls estimates the annual cost at about $2,000. “We treat this — a big chunk of it — as community service,” said St. Croix’s Dobosenski.

Referendum projects In discussion both before and after voters approved a $1.2 million referendum in November, the school board and administration expressed the need to allow as much of the project as possible to be done locally. Breaking it down into smaller parts means that the items can be bid locally, providing work for local contractors and avoiding metro-area wages. At the Dec. 19 meeting of the board, district Administrator Rick Palmer asked the board for extra patience and trust in bidding out some aspects of the project with which he is not completely comfortable. Assisted by Roger Nelson, head of maintenance, and local contractors, Palmer will be working out specifications for the electrical, plumbing, and HVAC portions. Palmer had contacted SDS Architects, the project engineers, to get an idea of how much it would cost to have them do the design and bidding process for these aspects, and SDS came back with a proposal for $79,500. The board, with member Daryl Bazey absent from the meeting, indicated they felt comfortable with Nelson and Palmer working through the process without SDS Architects. Other business • Katelyn Dinnies, student representa-

Auditor Larry Stotz tive to the board, reported that students and staff have heard many complimentary comments on the school’s music program. The high school holiday concert held Monday night, Dec. 17, was very well-received, she said. “We’ve got some really talented kids,” agreed Palmer. • Auditor Larry Stotz, of Stotz & Company, presented the 2011-12 audit report, noting that the order of the financial information at Luck is one of the best with which he works. He explained to the board the two methods of reporting that must be done, one as required by the state Department of Public Instruction and one by the federal government. • The board adopted the one-to-one computer policy developed and presented to the board last month by sophomore English students.

BC supervisors open consideration of Option B by Carl Heidel Leader staff writer SIREN — In the ongoing search for the best way to handle emergency dispatch in Burnett County, the board of county supervisors put another option on the table at their Thursday, Dec. 20, meeting. A plan to upgrade the present system, created by Supervisor Gene McLain, will now be considered along with the previous suggestion to create a joint dispatch with Polk County. Compared to the shared dispatch proposal, McLain estimates that his plan will cost less to implement than the shared dispatch plan, approximately $11,040 in a one-time savings. He further estimates that Option B will incur $222,897 less in annual recurring operational expenses than shared dispatch, a possible savings of $2.2 million over a 10-year period. Since the joint dispatch plan suggests the need for additional staff, Option B also lists figures for adding an additional four full-time staff members for dispatch only. Again projecting over a 10-year period, McLain estimates that Option B will cost $2.6 million less for the additional staff than the joint dispatch proposal. McLain said that his proposal offers both a more economic plan as well as a plan that assures public safety. At the same time, it answers concerns of control by keeping control of the service in Burnett County. In the general discussion that followed

Supervisor Gene McLain listened to the discussion of his proposal to improve the present Burnett County dispatch equipment and program. the submission of Option B, several supervisors indicated they saw sufficient value in McLain’s proposal to give it further consideration. Supervisor Maury Miller indicated he wanted the plan to have further study, but he also said that a third option, creation of a separate stand-alone dispatch center with full-time staff doing dispatch only, should also be considered. With general consensus in favor of consideration of all three of the suggested plans, the supervisors will now work between a proposal for a shared system, a proposal for an upgrade of the present system, and a proposal for a stand-alone system. Both board Chairman Donald

Supervisor Maury Miller (right) gave his support to consideration of McLain’s Option B. Listening to the discussion is Supervisor Gerald Pardun (left). – Photos by Carl Heidel Taylor and county Administrator Candace Fitzgerald have urged the supervisors to finalize a plan within the first quarter of 2013. In other business, Jake Nichols, director of the forest and parks department, provided information on a proposed land swap between Burnett County and the Wisconsin DNR. According to Nichols, the swap would give the DNR more land than the state would be giving up, but the county would gain in the long run because it would gain land that will be more productive in timber yield than the land

Salvation Army falls short of its goal Donation period extended BURNETT/POLK COUNTIES - Salvation Army Kettle Campaign continues to struggle in Polk and Burnett counties to meet their goal. To date, a total of $59,000 has been raised in Polk County, falling short of the $90,000 goal, and in Burnett County, a total of $19,000 was raised, falling short of the $30,000 goal. The campaigns had a strong start, but donations have declined through the month of December. “With many folks in our community unemployed or underemployed, demand for our services has increased 50 percent during the past year,” noted Executive Director Duana Bremer of the local unit of the Salvation Army. “Without the funding from The Polk County Salvation Army many will go without vital services.”

Kettle campaign donations fund emergency assistance to Polk and Burnett counties. Rent, utility, transportation, medical and food assistance are all available to county residents due to the efforts of bell ringers. Contributions will allow hundreds of families to stay in their homes with utilities intact. Gas vouchers will permit individuals to remain employed. Happy Kid’s Backpacks will provide nutritious meals to over 600 children and their families each week. Bremer authorized an extension of the annual fundraising campaign in an attempt to compensate for the early December reduction in donations. The hope is to generate additional support during this additional week. “The Salvation Army is grateful for the community’s ongoing support for local programs; but at this time we ask everyone to reach a little deeper to help our

friends and neighbors,” Bremer said. submitted

Salvation Army bell ringers Deanne Richard and Mike and Anna Lea. - Photo submitted

being given to the state. Nichols also said that, with the swap, the tax base in Burnett County would increase. He further said that the townships would see an increase in the money that they receive from the state in lieu of tax money for state land that is not presently on the tax roll. According to Nichols, the state is pushing to complete the swap as quickly as possible. The supervisors gave verbal support to Nichol’s efforts, and asked to be kept informed.

PAGE 6 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - DECEMBER 26, 2012

Polk County committee restructuring proposal Five-committee plan goes to county board in January by Gregg Westigard Leader staff writer BALSAM LAKE – Five committees instead of the present 10 with a reorganizing of how county departments report to the county board. This is the proposal the county’s administrative committee will be sending to the January county board meeting. The Polk County Board will be reduced from 23 members to 15 members after the April 2014 election, and the Administrative committee has been looking at options for ways to keep the committee workload for supervisors from increasing. The committee met Tuesday, Dec. 18, with four of the members, William Johnson, Kristine Kremer-Hartung, George Stroebel and Jay Luke, present. The five proposed committees roughly follow the general budget categories in the

budget public hearing notice. Two committees would be almost the same as they are now. The highway committee would add oversight of the county’s lime quarry to its duties. The public safety committee would be responsible for all the courthouse departments, sheriff, jail, communications, clerk of court, medical examiner and district attorney, that now report to the public protection committee. The first big change would combine the human services board, the board of health and the Golden Age Manor Board. The departments these boards oversee have three of the largest budgets in the county and account for almost $20 million a year out of the county’s $56 million of annual expense. The human services and health departments are each complex with many divisions the departments. Each of the three present boards now include public members. The new committee by statute would be required to have at least three public members with an interest in public health and to have members with a recog-

nized interesting human services. The next new body would be the general government committee, bringing together all the functions that support the departments that serve the public. These are the internal county departments and operations including personnel, finance, information technology, administration, buildings, the county clerk and the county treasurer. This new committee would combine the finance and the personnel committees and include part of the function of the property committee. The last new committee would be a catchall of the remaining county committees that oversee the other county departments and divisions. Tentatively called the culture, recreation, conservation, etc. committee, it would review the work of land information (zoning and land use), land and water resources, county parks, county forests, the recycling center, the register of deeds and UW-extension. The proposal is for the general government and culture committees to each in-

clude seven county board members, the safety and highway committees to include five supervisors, and the health and human services committee/board to include five supervisors and an undetermined number of public members. The proposal would create 29 committee seats, one off the 30 seats if each of the new 15 board members sat on two committees. The present 23 supervisors each sit on two committees, and there are 46 seats for county board members on the present 10 committees. The plan the administrative committee has proposed will be presented to the department heads for their reactions and comments. The county has over a year to come up with a recommended plan. Whatever plan the present board proposes, the final county board committee structure will be decided upon by the new 15-member board when it takes office and organizes in April 2014.

New ideas and technology at Frederic Schools Teamwork means teaching with students and parents by Gregg Westigard Leader staff writer FREDERIC – The general theme of the presentations and discussion at the monthly meeting of the Frederic School Board Wednesday, Dec. 19, was involvement, using new ideas and technologies in education to reach out to all the students and their parents. The meeting included a hands-on demonstration of how iPads are used and a presentation on an approach to counseling that involves all students at all levels. The meeting started with the board members, joined by the press, having iPads put in their hands to try using the new methods the students, starting at the beginning of their elementary school days, are using to learn how to read, spell, pronounce words, learn math and move into all the subjects in the world. The students move at their own pace, often working in pairs or teams, with the teachers always watching and able to offer help when needed. (The iPads are not for play-

ing games. When the reporter started doing that, he was told those actions would mean no iPad access.) The onscreen presentation, in high definition, was short, using the iPads that the students use. “Learn about yourself, learn about the world around you, connect the two to find your place in the world.” That is the underlying idea in the new way of school counseling that involves the school counselors as part of a team that includes students, parents, teachers and community. School counseling will be a program, not a position. Counseling will reach out to all students at all levels all the time under the guidelines explained by Jackie Zimski and Ryan Fitzgerald, the school district counseling team. They explained that Frederic is following the goals of The Comprehensive School Counseling Program, a big name for a program developed by a number of counseling associations. Zimski and Fitzgerald said the new team approach has received a good response from the teachers and students, but Frederic has a way to go. National guidelines recommend 250 students for

each full-time counselor. The Frederic School District has 454 students and two half-time counselors, half the recommended level.

Other business Besides learning about the new technology and new approach to counseling, the board had a range of items on its agenda. District Administrator Josh Robinson said the district was watchful on student reactions and concerns after the school shooting last week. Staff met on Monday morning, Dec. 17, and again at the end of the day to discuss procedures. Robinson said the goal was normalcy with an awareness of the students needs. He said the district is continuing to evaluate the crisis management plan for situations such as a tornado, a student car accident or a suicide. Robinson said the district’s goal is to be a safe place for students. Robinson said the district budget is on track for the year. Larry Stotz of Stotz & Company presented the annual audit report to the board and delivered positive comments. He said there were no auditing issues with his review of the school finances and called the district fund balance

“healthy.” The students may be getting meals designed to be more healthy, following new guidelines for school menus, according to a written report from the food service director, Judy Shafer. And following those revised guidelines is saving the district money. Shafer said she was able to get a reimbursement of $3,687 for the current year by following the new DPI guidelines. The school music director, Patty Burns, secured a $3,864 music grant from the St. Croix Valley Foundation and used part of the money to purchase a new baritone saxophone replacing the district’s 40-yearold instrument. A dance team, put together by a group of 16 Frederic girls, will be getting school recognition as a club, together with some coaching help. The girls have been raising school spirits at games, wearing uniforms they have purchased with their own funds. The district will also be supporting a new chapter of the Future Business Leaders of America Student Organization. Robinson said he was involved in the FBLA when he was a student and it was a valuable experience.

Wisconsin adds 10,000 private-sector jobs in November by Shawn Johnson Wisconsin Public Radio STATEWIDE - The latest monthly survey of Wisconsin employers shows an increase of more than 10,000 private-sector jobs last month, putting the state back in positive territory for 2012. These monthly estimates are frequently revised, but if this one holds up, it would be one of the state’s best months for job

creation in 2012. Until the November report, Wisconsin was estimated to have lost jobs this year. But with November’s 10,300 jobs added, the state is back in the positive with a total of 9,200 jobs added for 2012. Labor economist Laura Dresser, with the Center on Wisconsin Strategies, says it’s good news for the state if the trend continues. “You know, you gotta see some months in a row before you can really put

much money on this. But you know, for now at least, it’s better than usual.” A smaller monthly survey of Wisconsin households also found job growth in November, causing the unemployment rate to drop from 6.9 percent to 6.7 percent. Dresser says that’s also good news, but she cautions that there are still 250,000 fewer people working here now than were working before the recession started

in 2007, “So we are still in a massive, massive jobs deficit. But it is good to see that number go up into the positive.” In the past, the Walker administration heralded jobs reports like these, but not this time. Walker is now stressing the more thorough, less frequent, quarterly economic census of employers.

S u b s c r i b e t o t h e L e a d e r o n l i n e @ t h e ! l e a d e r. n e t

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DECEMBER 26, 2012 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 7

Milltown Library receives six-figure donation Albert Ravenholt Foundation allows new building purchase

Albert Ravenholt The Ravenholt pledge will allow for the outright purchase, as well as leave the group with seed money to assist in preparation and renovation of the former grocery store. Building renovation costs are only rough estimates at this point, but the library board has established a building committee to address several issues. That building committee is comprised of four village residents and five residents of neighboring towns that are served by the library. With the donation, the process for purchasing the structure will move ahead, as will other planning processes. The donation is the latest in a number of local donations and pledges to local causes from the Albert V. Ravenholt Foundation. Ravenholt was a highly successful war correspondent, researcher, writer and investor who was born and raised in the Luck and Milltown areas. He passed away in 2010 after leading a whirlwind life that took him around the world in numerous avocations. His foundation has assisted in funding and leveraging expansions for several local groups and organizations in the Luck and Milltown areas, as well as several other institutions, such as Grand View College in Iowa, where he was an alumnus. His foundation is also responsible for the expansion of the Luck Library/Museum complex, which will house a local heritage studies facility. Albert Ravenholt was one of nine Ravenholt children who attended the Milltown Public School District prior to their consolidation with Centuria and Balsam Lake into the Unity School District decades ago. Albert’s brother and foundation president, Reimert Ravenholt, said his family

DRESSER – Children and families are invited to the puppet show, “To Believe,” on Sunday, Jan. 6, at Peace Lutheran Church in Dresser. The show is presented by Christian Puppet Revival, an outreach ministry from St. Paul Lutheran in

Wyoming, Minn. Ice-cream sundaes will be provided at 4 p.m., and the program will begin at 4:30 p.m. A freewill offering will be taken. For more information, call the church office at 715-755-2515. - submitted

EARLY DEADLINE NOTICE Due to the holiday there is an early

deadline for the

For the paper published on Wednesday, Jan. 2

News Releases and Advertising Friday, Dec. 28 at 4:30 p.m.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation

The current Milltown Library will eventually move to the vacant grocery store across the street, thanks in large part to a recent donation by the Albert Ravenholt Foundation. – Photo by Greg Marsten “owes a lot” to the former Milltown School District, and said that the library donation is something his brother would’ve appreciated. “It seemed a natural,” Reimert said from his home in Seattle, Wash. He cited the consolidation of the three schools as a move that “robbed them of some of their hearts,” and he equated the enhancement of municipal libraries as a way to help reestablish some of that identity lost with the lack of a public school in town. He credited Milltown English teacher Dorothy Dunn and agricultural educator Earl Sanford for helping to cultivate his brother’s writing skills and his longtime interest in agriculture. Those interests were paramount to Albert’s later successes, as he was later a recipient of scholarships to multiple universities, but was especially proud of a $300 prize he was awarded in a national high school essay contest, where Albert wrote about the significance of the 1787 Northwest Territories expansion. Reimert attributed that prize to his local education, and thinks it was one of several achievements that furthered his brother’s future avocations, especially as he struggled to help his family survive while working at a local farm during the Great Depression. “He likely thought about that (essay) while walking to the (Milltown) school,” Reimert said, “Dorothy Dunn must’ve trained him right!” Reimert credited the Milltown education system’s excellence at the elementary level, as well. “All together, the nine of us (Ravenholt siblings) had 40 years of schooling at Milltown!” Reimert exclaimed, adding that second-grade teacher Margaret Olson was a common fixture for the Ravenholts. “We must’ve done well by her, she taught all of us to read.” Albert had a lifelong interest in agriculture, to which Reimert again credits Milltown’s former school system and the late Earl Sanford. That interest cultivated his later investments in real estate and highly successful expansion of numerous ag-related industries, from mangoes and coconuts to grapes and more. The Albert Ravenholt Foundation requires that any donation or pledge must go through a not-for-profit mechanism, such as the Friends of the Milltown Library. “It should give them the impetus they need,” Reimert said. “I’m sure my brother Albert would’ve wanted to give them that boost.” The Ravenholt Foundation is also providing funds and seed money for several other unique local projects, several of which the Leader will document in the coming weeks.

Inter-County Cooperative Publishing Association 303 N. Wisconsin Ave. Frederic, Wis.

715-327-4236

(Dec. 12, 19, 26) STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY

Royal Credit Union, a federal credit union, 200 Riverfront Terrace Eau Claire, Wisconsin 54703, Plaintiff, vs. Matthew W. Anderson 2548 250th Avenue Cushing, Wisconsin 54006, Janel J. Anderson a/k/a Janel J. Swisher 2548 250th Avenue Cushing, Wisconsin 54006,

John Doe, Mary Roe, and XYZ corporation, Defendants. Case Type: 30404

Case No.: 12CV520

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

THIS INSTRUMENT WAS DRAFTED BY: ANASTASI & ASSOCIATES, P.A. 14985 60th Street North Stillwater, MN 55082 (651) 439-2951 Garth G. Gavenda/#16334 575002 WNAXLP

24154 State Rd. 35N Siren, Wis.

715-349-2560

Notices

(Dec. 19, 26, Jan. 2) STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY Nationstar Mortgage LLC Plaintiff vs. AMI R. RAU, et al. Defendant(s) Case No: 10 CV 711 NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that by virtue of a judgment of foreclosure entered on September 8, 2011, in the amount of $170,625.55, the Sheriff will sell the described premises at public auction as follows: TIME: January 15, 2013, at 10:00 a.m. TERMS: By bidding at the sheriff sale, prospective buyer is consenting to be bound by the following terms: 1.) 10% down in cash or money order at the time of sale; balance due within 10 days of confirmation of sale; failure to pay balance due will result in forfeit of deposit to plaintiff. 2.) Sold “as is” and subject to all legal liens and encumbrances. 3.) Plaintiff opens bidding on the property, either in person or via fax and as recited by the sheriff department in the event that no opening bid is offered, plaintiff retains the right to request the sale be declared as invalid as the sale is fatally defective. PLACE: Polk County Justice Center at 1005 W. Main Street, Balsam Lake, Wis DESCRIPTION: Lots 6, 7 and 8, Block 6, First Addition to the Village of Frederic, Polk County, Wisconsin. PROPERTY ADDRESS: 413 Oak Street West, Frederic, WI 54837. TAX KEY NO.: 126-00159-0000. Dated this 6th day of December, 2012. /s/Sheriff Peter M. Johnson Polk County Sheriff Scott D. Nabke Blommer Peterman, S.C. State Bar No. 1037979 165 Bishops Way, Suite 100 Brookfield, WI 53005 262-790-5719 Please go to www.blommerpeterman.com to obtain the bid for this sale. Blommer Peterman, S.C., is the creditor’s attorney and is attempting to collect a debt on its behalf. Any information obtained will be used for that purpose. 2356434 575060 WNAXLP

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by Greg Marsten Leader staff writer MILLTOWN – The effort to move and expand the Milltown Public Library received a huge boost for the holidays, as the Friends of the Milltown Library group has received a $100,000 donation in recent days from the Albert V. Ravenholt Foundation. The donation is expected to allow the library to move forward with the proposed purchase of a vacant former grocery store. The proposal for the purchase emerged in recent months as the result of a recent facilities study that ultimately suggested either building a new library or moving into a larger, more appropriate facility. The library recently tendered an offer of $90,000 to purchase the former Holiday/Village Market grocery store at 108 Central Ave., along Hwy. 35. That offer was accepted and included a contingency of $20,000 in asbestos removal. The village had until mid-February to raise the required funds to purchase the vacant building, which offers 12,000 square feet for future expansion and programming. They had already raised a portion of the money needed when the donation was revealed.

Puppet show at Peace Lutheran Church, Dresser

107 N. Washington St. St. Croix Falls, Wis.

715-483-9008

(Dec. 12, 19, 26) STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY Royal Credit Union, a federal credit union, 200 Riverfront Terrace Eau Claire, Wisconsin 54703, Plaintiff, vs. Samantha J. Messer 130 West Deytona Street Sequim, Washington 98382, Central Bank, a Minnesota banking corporation, 304 Cascade Street P.O. Box 188 Osceola, Wisconsin 54020,

John Doe, Mary Roe, and XYZ corporation, Defendants. Case Type: 30404 Case No.: 12CV461 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE PLEASE TAKE NOTICE, that by virtue of that certain Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law, Order for Judgment, and Judgment entered and filed in the above-entitled action on November 9, 2012, the Sheriff of Polk County, Wisconsin, will sell the following described real property at public auction as follows: DATE/TIME: January 3, 2013, at 10:00 a.m. TERMS: 10% of successful bid must be paid to Sheriff at sale in certified funds, with the balance due and owing on the date of confirmation of the sale by the Court. PLACE: Lobby of the Polk County Justice Center, 1005 W. Main Street, Balsam Lake, WI 54810. LEGAL DESCRIPTION: Lot Three (3), Block Two (2) Original Plat of the Village of Frederic, Polk County, Wisconsin. (FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY: Plaintiff believes that the property address is 211 Polk Avenue North, Frederic, Wisconsin). Dated: December 3, 2012. Peter Johnson Sheriff of Polk County, Wisconsin THIS INSTRUMENT WAS DRAFTED BY: ANASTASI & ASSOCIATES, P.A. 14985 60th Street North Stillwater, MN 55082 (651) 439-2951 Garth G. Gavenda/#16313 575003 WNAXLP

PAGE 8 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - DECEMBER 26, 2012

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SEND YOUR VIEWS AND FEEDBACK TO: INTER-COUNTY LEADER, BOX 490, FREDERIC, WI 54837 OR E-MAIL: leadernewsroom@gmail.com • Web poll results•

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After seeing Sam Jones’ letter titled Election Fraud in last week’s Leader, I sat down to research some of his arguments. First I checked the Web site he listed as a source, american3rdposition.com and was a little shocked by what I saw. On a hunch I went to the Web site of the Southern Poverty Law Center, an organization that tracks hate groups, and here’s what they say about American Third Position: “The American Third Position is a political party initially established by racist Southern California skinheads that aims to deport immigrants and return the United States to white rule. The group is now led by a coterie of prominent white nationalists ...” Nice. Next I looked into the situation in Philadelphia, where Jones claims Mitt Romney got zero votes in 59 districts, a “mathematical and statistical impossibility,” according to Jones. A quick search took me to an article from the Philadelphia Inquirer that confirmed that Obama swept 59 districts, but not as improbably as Jones suggests: These are relatively small, almost exclusively black districts in the heart of Philadelphia. In 57 of the 59, McCain likewise got zero votes in 2008. The “impossibility“ part seems to have come from Fox News’ resident statistician Sean Hannity. I then skipped down in Jones’ letter to the bullet that says “In Ohio County, Obama won by 108 percent of the total number of eligible voters.” Turns out there is no Ohio County in Ohio (there’s one in Kentucky), so I concluded that Jones must have been referring to Wood County, Ohio, home of Bowling Green college and lots of student voters. PolitiFact.com investigated the 108 percent claim for Wood County and rated it a “pants on fire” lie. I was curious about Jones’ erroneous reference to Ohio County, so decided to Google that sentence from his letter, and to

my great surprise got 474 hits with the exact same wording. Not only that, but the exact same opening paragraph as well. And the exact same closing paragraph. In fact, the letter that Sam Jones signed his name to was copied verbatim from one of any number of right-wing Web sites. He didn’t bother to change even one word. Call me old-fashioned, but it seems to me that if a person is going to “write” a letter to the editor, he should actually compose at least a small portion of it himself. Jeff Peterson Luck

How quickly they forget The Republicans are incensed and angry about the intelligence failures which caused the attack on Benghazi, Libya, in which four lives were lost. They are holding hearings and demanding that Hillary Clinton testify at them and explain the oversights. How quickly they forget. The intelligence failures and indifference by the White House during the Bush administration caused the loss of 3,000 Americans. There was an abundance of intelligence and CIA briefings and warnings which were sent to President Bush regarding the impending attacks which he never bothered to read or act upon. The only thing he did was to get out of the White House, which was one of the targets of the terrorists. Why didn’t the Republicans bother to hold any hearings on that tragedy which surely eclipses the Benghazi incident in size and loss of life? Could it be that it was their party who was responsible for that disaster? Darrel Mathieu Luck

• Joe Heller •

t h e - l e a d e r. n e t Yo u r c o m m u n i t y c o n n e c t i o n Letters policy: The Leader welcomes letters to the editor but reserves the right to edit or to reject letters for any reason. Letters should be no longer than 400 words in length and contain the signature, address and telephone number of the author. All letter writers will be limited to one published letter per 30 days, with the exception of rebuttals. The number of exchanges between letter writers will be decided by the editor. Thank-you letters are most appropriately published in specially designed box ads. Vulgarity, racial slurs and other mean-spirited, insulting terms are not allowed. Complaints about businesses and individuals involving private matters will not be published. Opinions expressed in letters are not those of the newspaper but rather those of the individual, who is solely responsible for the letter’s content. E-mailed letters are preferred. Letters may be sent to leadernewsroom@gmail.com or mailed to Inter-County Leader, Box 490, Frederic, WI 54837.

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

• Where to write • President Barack Obama 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. Washington, D.C. 20500 www.whitehouse.gov/contact/ Gov. Scott Walker Wisconsin State Capitol Madison, WI 53707 transition@wisconsin.gov Congressman Sean Duffy (7th District) 1208 Longworth House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 202-225-3365 U.S. Sen. Herb Kohl 330 Hart Senate Office Bldg. Washington, D.C. 20510 715-832-8492 senator_kohl@kohl.senate.gov

T H E

I N T E R - C O U N T Y

Rep. Erik Severson (28th District) Room 312 North State Capitol Madison, WI 53708 608-267-2365 • 888-529-0028 FAX: 608-282-3628 rep.Severson@legis.state.wi.us Rep. Roger RIvard (75th District) State Capitol Room 307 North P.O. Box 8952, Madison, WI 608-266-2519 • 888-534-0075 rep.rivard@legis.wi.gov U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson 2 Russell Courtyard Washington, D.C. 20510 202-224-5323

L E A D E R

Sen. Robert Jauch (25th District) Room 415 South, State Capitol P.O. Box 7882, Madison, WI 53707 Sen.Jauch@legis.state.wi.us Sen. Sheila Harsdorf (10th District) State Capitol, P.O. Box 7882 Madison, WI 53707 608-266-7745 • 715-232-1390 Toll-free - 800-862-1092 sen.harsdorf@legis.state.wi.us Rep. Nick Milroy (73rd District) Room 8 North, State Capitol P.O. Box 8953, Madison 53708 rep.milroy@legis.state.wi.us

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DECEMBER 26, 2012 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 9

COMMUNITY NRA exists to help the gun makers On Wednesday, Dec. 19, my 12-year-old granddaughter gave a eulogy in Newtown, Conn., for her little 7-year-old friend. The whole world knows this is a tragedy that should never have happened. But it did because for too long the great majority of us have been doing too little to stop the ridiculous multiplication of the number of murderous firearms in every part of our country. I do believe that our collective grief turned to collective outrage at the suggestion of the NRA last Friday that the solution to the problem is to get more guns and put armed guards at every school in the country. Hey, how about armed guards at every day care, grocery store, post office, hardware store, pawn shop, department store, senior center - the list does not end. I had some honest hope that with a week of silence, the NRA was really working on something for a real solution. This is how I now see that organization. They are not there to help us keep the right to bear arms. That organization is there to help gun makers and dealers make money - it does not matter to them if a few babies die in the process. I would ask anyone who reads these words to now become an advocate of responsible gun control, and to me

that means get rid of what I call the machine guns - like the kind used in the Newtown rampage. We do not need those kinds of weapons around any more than we need a jet engine on our cars. How about a few statistics on gun violence in our country. Maybe some of you know that our country ranks 10th in the number of firearm-related deaths in a survey of 76 countries. Just ahead of us is Mexico with 11.4 deaths per 100,000 population. We have 10.2 deaths per 100,000. All of the nine countries with more deaths than ours are either third world or developing countries. We are the only “developed” country with doubledigit deaths from firearms. Japan’s is 0.07; England, 0.25; Hungary, 0.85. These figures are readily available on the Internet. And look at our suicide rate, we have the third highest suicide rate, in these 76 countries, from firearms. We are familiar with this problem in Polk County, aren’t we? I am not advocating getting rid of all guns, but, the presence of these murderous assault weapons cannot continue. If you have one of these weapons, consider the fact that you are probably in more danger of dying because of that gun than your neighbor is. Again, remember Newtown. Kathy Mueller Rural Luck

Beware of scams of- Sheila fering government aid Harsdorf We all know the feeling of opening up our mailboxes to find a stack of unwanted junk mail. While these solicitations are often just annoyances and are sent to the recycling bin or trash can, some are dangerous schemes to obtain money from those that receive them. Many of these solicitations take advantage of our challenging economy and offer promises to identify government aid, secure advances on income tax refunds or provide mortgage assis-

10th District Senate tance. Increasingly, these mailings do not have identifying information or are designed to look like they come from a government agency. Others have vague-sounding names with only post office boxes for contact information. I have personally received mail in recent weeks offering help in applying for government programs and in receiving

VIEWPOINTS We can save more lives Our neighbors save lives, why can’t we? Shelters like the Animal Ark of Hastings, Minn., which includes Prescott, and Animal Allies in Duluth, Minn., which includes Superior, are both open admission shelters. And yet, they are no-kill shelters too. Animal Allies had a 96-percent live release rate in 2011. They are so good at placing homeless animals they are now working with the PetSmart Rescue Waggin transport program. This program brings dogs and puppies from high-kill communities to places like Duluth to be adopted to homes. Animal Ark has a 98-percent live release rate. Animal Ark works with Shamrock Animal Hospital, which has the contract to impound animals in the communities of Hastings and the nearby cities of Rosemount, Minn., and Prescott. No-kill means saving animal lives no matter where the animals come from: strays, surrenders, abandoned or ferals. It doesn’t matter what medical or behavioral issues they come with. More than 80 shelters across the country are proving that more than 90 percent of animals that come through their doors can be rehomed. The Arnell Memorial Humane Society

student financial aid. After contacting the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, I was informed that both of these solicitations are common scams used to trick individuals into paying for services that don’t exist or are otherwise free. Consumers are cautioned to carefully review offers that request money before services are provided or that demand personal financial information. DATCP is available to help separate the legitimate offers from fraudulent ones, and the Department encourages citizens to notify the state when they witness questionable practices.

has a 62-percent live release rate. Does Polk County have a disproportionate number of dangerous, or hopelessly ill and suffering animals? The issue here is semantics. Ending the life of a healthy or treatable animal is killing. Ending the life of a medically hopeless and suffering animal is euthanasia. A shelter with a live release rate below 90 percent is killing healthy, treatable animals. Our shelter is not being bullied or ridiculed for accepting all animals that need their help. They are being held to task for not implementing proven strategies that can save up to 98 percent of lives. It will take more than words and ideas, plans and procedures, to save these lives. It will take action, initiative and leadership. Our neighbors have these things. Tanya Borg Centuria

the-leader.net

If you receive a solicitation and want to determine if it is legitimate, please contact DATCP by calling the consumer protection hotline at 800-422-7128 or by e-mailing DATCPHotline@ wisconsin.gov. Complaints may also be filed online through DATCP’s Web site at datcp.wi.gov/. Additionally, please feel free to contact me if you need assistance in regard to a questionable mailing. You can reach me by calling my office at 800-8621092 or 608-266-7745 or sending me an e-mail at Sen.Harsdorf@legis.wi.gov.

SEND YOUR VIEWS AND FEEDBACK TO: INTER-COUNTY LEADER, BOX 490, FREDERIC, WI 54837 OR E-MAIL: leadernewsroom@gmail.com

NRA proposal gets mixed reviews in Wisconsin by Gilman Halsted Wisconsin Public Radio STATEWIDE - The National Rifle Association’s proposal to put armed police officers in every school in the nation is getting both yays and nays from state and local officials in Wisconsin. The NRA’s proposal unveiled calls on Congress to act now and put armed and trained security officers in every school before classes resume after the Christmas break. Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett says the plan proposed by NRA President Wayne La Pierre ignores the wide range of venues where mass shootings have taken place in recent years. “He did not talk about having armed

guards at Sikh temples or at salons, he did not talk about the fact that in November of 2009 at Fort Hood in Texas, you had an Army psychiatrist who killed 12 people and injured 31 others, a place where there are many many guns,” Barrett says. Barrett reiterated the solution he and other mayors have called for: a ban on guns with large bullet magazines that Barrett says are designed for mass murders. The NRA’s plan is similar to one Wisconsin Attorney General J. B. Van Hollen endorsed in interview earlier. Van Hollen called for in increase in the number of police/school liaison officers who can patrol schools on a daily basis. “A program that’s been proven successful where its been in-

stituted,” he said. “But there really isn’t the stomach there from the Legislature to put more money toward police/school liaisons, but it might be the simplest solution that really doesn’t violate the rights or freedom of anybody who’s not violating the law.” The NRA has pledged to provide training for the virtual army of school security guards that would be needed to patrol every school in the country. A statement released by the state’s largest teachers union opposes the NRA plan and calls instead for keeping all guns off school grounds.

Church group helps poor South Dakota community by Patty Murray Wisconsin Public Radio SHANNON COUNTY, S.D. - A load of Christmas bikes will be on its way from Wisconsin to one of the nation’s poorest communities this weekend. It’s part of an ongoing informal relationship between tribal members in two states to help each other out. Shannon County, S. D., is home to the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, home to the Oglala Sioux tribe. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, it is also the second poorest county in the country. Richie Plass is a Menominee tribal member from northeastern Wisconsin. He’s helped coordinate drives of donated

goods. What started out as a coat drive six years ago has morphed into a twice yearly collection of furniture, coats and more. “What we’ve done the last few years, my wife and I, we’ve collected stuff for Christmas for the kids out there. Help the kids on Pine Ridge, help some of them have a better Christmas. Because they have literally not much, or sometimes nothing.” This year a load of 30 bikes and helmets was planned for delivery. Plass says a church group in western Wisconsin raised the money for the new or reconditioned bikes. Plass also hosts the Kahlihwiyo’se program on Wisconsin Public Radio. On the show he says he tells a story of visiting a

friend at Pine Ridge who didn’t have enough plates to serve everyone in the house. “We got done eating and I told her, ‘You know you have eight people in this house and you only have three plates?’ She said, ‘Yeah, well we get by.’ You know, so I remember growing up, remember my mom and dad and other Indian people saying, ‘If you have a chance to help somebody out you should help them out.’” Plass won’t be making the trip this with the bikes but plans another trip in the spring.

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

Walker: We might freeze or cap UW tuition by Chuck Quirmbach Wisconsin Public Radio MADISON - Gov. Scott Walker says he’s considering freezing UW tuition or putting a cap on the size of any tuition hikes in the UW system. Walker spoke Friday morning, Dec. 14, at a taxpayer-supported Catholic voucher school in Milwaukee. A high school student asked the governor about being able to afford going to college. Walker cautioned that he’s still looking at what to put in his state budget proposal for the next two years, but he says he’s considering some sort of freeze or cap on tuition increases in the University of Wisconsin system. “Here’s where the problem is, not just coming in, but afford tuition as it increases while there,” he said. “How do you take care of that?” Walker says he still wants the UW to grow and offer the programs and courses they want to offer. He says additional state aid for the system is a possibility. “State aid or other ways to offset whatever they don’t gain in new tuition,” he says. “Still working out with the UW. For the first time this fall, tuition at some UW schools is topping $5,000 a semester. The UW has long complained that tuition hikes are needed because state aid has not kept up with the cost of running the university system.

N E W S P A P E R

PAGE 10 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - DECEMBER 26, 2012

Siren Chamber welcomes new members

Siren Motorsports, Springett Images and Tupperware join the Siren Chamber

Rice Lake National Wildlife Refuge in McGregor provide much of the inspiration for this couple’s art. For more information, Jim can be reached at jspringett@mac.com or please see their works online at jspringett.com, mjspringett.com and mjspringett.wordpress.com.

SIREN - The Siren Chamber of Commerce was proud to recently welcome three new members to its organization: Siren Motorsports Inc., Springett Images LLC and Tupperware.

Siren Motorsports Inc. Siren Motorsports owner Dave Bertuleit has 26 years of experience in the auto industry, beginning with car lots in Hugo and North St. Paul and now in Siren for the last eight years. He followed in his father’s footsteps, Lee Bertuleit, who owned AC Auto between Siren and Webster for 20 years. During this time, Bertuleit visited his father often, made friends here and then decided to move to Siren in 2004. Siren Motorsports is a local auto and truck dealership that offers late-model preowned vehicles, select classic cars, motorcycles and recreational products. Bertuleit says Siren Motorsports has built a reputation of honesty, excellent quality and prices at or below those found in the Twin Cities. On average, Bertuleit invests $1,000 in reconditioning per vehicle to ensure customers will be completely satisfied with their purchase. Warranties are provided at no cost on most vehicles. Bertuleit also offers a custom search service for securing a vehicle based on a customer’s specific needs. Siren Motorsports is located at 8098 Hwy. 70. Please contact Bertuleit at 715-

Siren Motorsports owner Dave Bertuleit, right, is welcomed by chamber President Dan Edaburn. - Photos submitted 349-7576 or visit his Web site, sirenmotorsportsinc.com for more information on his products and services.

Springett Images LLC Based in their studio in Webster, Jim and MJ Springett, of Springett Images, create beautiful works of visual art. This is quite the change for a retired 3M process and product development specialist and electron microscopist, but they are thoroughly enjoying their common interest in the arts.

Jim is an oil and watercolor wildlife painter, with waterbirds including the federal duck stamp and Wisconsin waterfowl competitions as his passions. He also paints commissions from your favorite photographs or from research he completes per your request. Nature photographer MJ is also a writer of books, calendars and a daily blog. In 2010, her book “Tall Ships and Other Life Boats” was published, documenting her 2011 Twin Ports tall ships experience. A current work in progress titled “From Hawk Ridge” will be released in January. Grantsburg’s Crex Meadows and the

Tupperware Since 2009, independent consultant Terri Leslie represents the timeless brand Tupperware from her home in Webster. The traditional individual sales and home parties are only part of the services she offers, which also include fundraisers for nonprofits and wedding parties. The Tupperware product line includes home storage items and systems for food and crafts, toys, etc. Their slogan incorporates health, organization, money and environment. Healthy cooking options, even in the microwave, are available, while the Fridge Smart line of items for fruits and vegetables helps keep food fresher longer. Custom kitchen planning using their modular mates helps organize your storage space. Tupperware products last 30plus years, with free replacement if needed, saving you money from needless new purchases as well as preventing food spoilage. These long-lasting items mean less product sent to landfills, plus the items are BPA free and therefore environmentally friendly. For more information on the entire lineup of Tupperware products and services, please contact Leslie at 619-508-1466 or visit the Web site MyTupperware.com/TerriLeslie. Information on all of the Siren Chamber of Commerce businesses can be found at the Siren Web site: VisitSiren.com. - from the Siren Chamber of Commerce

Chamber director Chris Moeller, left, and President Dan Edaburn, right, welcome Jim and MJ Springett of Springett Images.

Luck’s 28th Christmas bird count by Gregg Westigard with submitted information Leader staff writer LUCK – For 28 years, since 1952 with many gaps, people in the Luck area have gone out in December to count the birds. On Sunday, Dec. 16, the tradition continued as 15 members of the Gaylord Nelson Chapter of the Audubon Society spent a day counting the area birds. (See last week’s Leader for the story.) Here are the results of that count. Not sighted were red-headed woodpeckers or evening grosbeaks, once common in the area. There were also no viewings of French hens, turtledoves or partridges, in or out of pear trees.

Luck Christmas Bird Count Dec. 16, 2012 Species Totals

No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Species Canada goose Trumpeter swan Mallard Ring-necked pheasant Ruffed grouse Wild turkey Bald eagle Red-tailed hawk Rough-legged hawk Rock pigeon Mourning dove Great horned owl

*Count 336 26 4 67 1 78 16 6 1 169 66 4

13 Barred owl 2 14 Red-bellied woodpecker 26 15 Downy woodpecker 46 16 Hairy woodpecker 19 17 Pileated woodpecker 8 18 American kestrel 2 19 Northern shrike 2 20 Blue jay 100 21 American crow 253 22 Common raven 3 23 Black-capped chickadee 134 24 Tufted titmouse 2 25 Red-breasted nuthatch 6 26 White-breasted nuthatch 72 27 American robin 3 28 European starling 136 29 Cedar waxwing 10 30 Snow bunting 219 31 American tree sparrow 112 32 White-throated sparrow 2 33 Dark-eyed junco 92 34 Northern cardinal 41 35 Common grackle 1 36 Pine grosbeak 41 37 House finch 1 38 Red crossbill 11 39 Common redpoll 146 40 Hoary redpoll 1 41 Pine siskin 20 42 American goldfinch 43 43 House sparrow 257 The species below were found in the circle during the count week but not during the one-day count. 44 Sharp-shinned hawk 45 Belted kingfisher

Tupperware’s Terri Leslie, center, is welcomed by chamber President Dan Edaburn and director Chris Moeller.

Luck honor choir

Luck’s honor choir participants, front row (L to R) were: Reilly Giller and Hannah Karl. Middle row: Gabe Hendrickson, Dylan LeMay, Sam Nelson, Brendan Fenning and Jan Rozumalski. Back row: Austin Hillman-Baker, Taylor Joy, Haley Dikkers and Katelyn Dinnies. – Photo submitted

DECEMBER 26, 2012 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 11

Happy Holidays Happy H olidays

From From A All Of U Uss T To All Off Y You ll Of oA ll O ou INTER-COUNTY I N T E R - CO U N T Y C COOPERATIVE O O P E R AT I V E PUBLISHING PUBLISHING A ASSOCIATION S S O C I AT I O N 24154 State Rd. 35N Siren, Wis. Phone 715-349-2560

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WINTER SPORTS INTER! COUNTY LEADER • INTER! COUNTY LEADER • INTER! COUNTY LEADER

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

Blizzard girls rout Chippewa Falls 6-3

zard coach Rick Quimby. “First period we came out with a flurry of shots but only ended up lighting the lamp once. We are getting good pressure from all three lines including the defense jumping up into the play. The second period we again outshot the Stars but ended with still only 1 on the board. The STARS changed to a 1-2-2 forecheck and it took the girls about half of the second period to figure out how to get the puck out of our zone as the Stars were doing a good job of clogging up the breakout.” Quimby added that the girls came out fired up in the third period after the break, battling back to tie the game. “It was a disapointing loss as the girls outshot the Stars nearly 3 to 1 but overall a great hockey game,” Quimby said. – Marty Seeger

Roberts scores hat trick plus one Blizzard 6, Chippewa Falls 3

by Scott Hoffman Leader staff writer GRANTSBURG – Hat tricks do not come often. Scoring a goal in high school hockey is an accomplishment. Scoring four goals on a Chippewa Falls goalie is unheard of. Lady Blizzard Wendy Roberts found the netting not once or twice but four times Saturday night, Dec. 22. Blizz co-coach Mike Alderman has an improving squad that really established themselves with a dominating performance against big school rival. In the past the results were usually the other way around. “I felt the girls did a good job establishing the pace of the game and getting the puck deep in to the Chippewa zone to creating scoring opportunities. We were able to get the lead and keep the pressure on the Cardinals, commented Alderman. He also raved about his goalkeeper. “Hope Tucker’s outstanding play in the net was a key and will be needed as the girls continue to challenge top level teams that may have seemed previously out of reach.” The Blizz girls had several power play opportunities from penalties committed by Chippewa Falls. This allowed them to move the puck around to their defensemen for some big shots from the points manned by Paige Johnson, Jo Lauer and others. “In the third period the Blizzard girls controlled the puck and after one solid Chippewa Falls rush that created some panic for our girls, they settled down and finished the game out, leaving Chippewa frustrated,” Alderman added.

Blizz net minder Hope Tucker had lots of company around the net Saturday, Dec. 22, versus Chippewa Falls. Helping out were the Blizzard’s Jo Lauer, No. 7, Paige Johnson, No. 11, and Sam O’brien, No. 20. – Photos by Scott Hoffman

Eau Claire 4, Blizzard 3

Teammates Abby Stevens and Kassie Lien, No. 2, congratulate Wendy Roberts, No. 24, after her fourth goal of the night versus Chippewa Falls.

Johanna Lauer looks to keep the puck out of the net in front of goalie Wendy Roberts.

EAU CLAIRE – The Blizzard girls hockey team fell in a tough game against the Eau Claire Stars on Tuesday, Dec. 18. The Blizzard fell behind 2-1 after the first period but got the first goal of the game off Ashley Dietmeier with assist from Wendy Roberts. The Stars made it a 3-1 game but Kassie Lien put it in the net in the third period unassisted, and the

Blizzard tied the game up at three apiece when Roberts scored a goal on assists from Dietmeier and Roberts. Unfortunately, the Stars pulled out the victory despite a solid effort from the Blizzard. “With a new forecheck in place the girls are working well together and are able to put lots of pressure on the goaltenders. We outshot the Stars every period,” said Bliz-

Extra Points

••• SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Augustana Vikings junior forward and former Luck standout basketball player Brennan Olson scored two points during a Vikings 71-64 win over Upper Iowa on Saturday, Dec. 15, to wrap up the first half of the season before heading into the holiday break. The Vikings are currently unranked in a Division 2 nationwide coaches poll, yet have an overall record of 8-1 and 4-1 Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference record. The Vikings will resume play again on Friday, Jan. 4, when they host Concordia-St. Paul, Minn. – Marty Seeger with information from goaugie.com ••• LEADER LAND – The Frederic at Clayton boys basketball game is being broadcast on 104.9 FM on Thursday, Dec. 27, beginning at 7 p.m. The Packers at Vikings NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 30, can be heard on both 104.9 FM, and 105.7 FM, beginning at noon. The Wisconsin Badgers versus Stanford Rose Bowl football game can be heard on 1260 AM, beginning at 4 p.m., on Tuesday, Jan. 1. Badger men’s basketball versus Samford on Saturday, Dec. 29, can be heard on 1260 AM, beginning at 1 p.m. ••• LEADER LAND – Leader Sports strives to follow the college careers of area athletes. If you know of an athlete playing collegiate sports in 2012 who hasn’t been mentioned, send us an email or call and we’ll take it from there. – Marty Seeger ••• LEADER LAND – Local sports tidbits to share? Please contact the Leader by 4:30 p.m. on Mondays to go in Extra Points. – Marty Seeger

SPORTS RESULTS DEADLINES: WEDNESDAY - MONDAY: 1 p.m. the following business day. TUESDAY: 7 a.m. on Wednesday. Missed deadlines mean no coverage that week! S P O R T S N E W S O R S C O R E S T O R E P O R T ? • P H O N E : 7 1 5 - 3 2 7 - 4 2 3 6 • FA X : 7 1 5 - 3 2 7 - 4 1 1 7 • E - M A I L : m s e e g e r @ c e n t u r y t e l . n e t

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DECEMBER 26, 2012 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 13

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Dragon girls take charge over Tigers

Siren 44, Shell Lake 39 SIREN – The Lady Dragons hosted the Lakers on Friday, Dec. 21, and came away with a nice win heading into the holiday break. The Dragons led 16-11 after the first quarter and held a 23-22 halftime edge, but continued to stay one step ahead of the Lakers. Hope Peterson had 15 points for the Dragons followed by Carly Good with 10, Mackenzie Smith, eight, Raven Emery, five, Zoe Emery, three, Kyaisha Kettula, two and Brittany Coulter, one.

Follow up with win over tough Lakers team Siren 65, Webster 34

by Marty Seeger Leader staff writer WEBSTER – The Siren Dragons were able to fend off the Tigers on Thursday, Dec. 20, with sound defense and a highenergy offensive attack. “I thought we played a real good first quarter and first half. We led 19-1 after one quarter. I think our defense is starting to get better and so is our rebounding. Those are two areas that we need to improve on if we want to compete with the good teams in the conference and in the area,” said Siren coach Ryan Karsten. The Tigers picked it up a bit on offense in the second quarter but much of their offense came from the free-throw line, shooting 7 of 12. The Dragons led 38-14 at halftime and never looked back from there. Karsten was pleased with Carly Good and Brittany Coulter with assisting perimeter shooters Mackenzie Smith and Raven Emery, who combined for eight 3-pointers in the game. “I thought Webster really played hard in the second half and took it to us in areas. We need to control the boards and limit our fouls if we hope to have a chance to win conference. I see improvement in both areas. With the Christmas break upon us, I hope we can use it to get better in these and all areas!” Karsten said. Smith led the Dragons with 18 points followed by Coulter, 10; Caitlyn Daniels, eight; Zoe Emery, Good, Hope Peterson and Raven Emery each had six; Jessica Strabel, four; and Emily Howe had one point. Webster’s Stefani Wambolt led Webster with seven points, Raelyn Tretsven, Angel Christianson and Cailea Dochniak each had six, Christina Weis, five, and Kenna Gall and Alyx Hatfield each had two. Unity 42, Cornell 34 CORNELL – The Unity Eagle girls basketball team picked up a nonconference win at Cornell on Thursday, Dec. 20. The Eagles left the first quarter tied and were trailing 19-15 at halftime, before pulling ahead for good in the third quarter, outscoring Cornell 19-9. Shauna Jorgenson led with 17 points, followed by Maddie Ramich, 13, Sarah Bader, six, and Markell Ramich, Belle Foeller, and Emily Gross each had two points. Unity will have a long Christmas break but will get back to playing again on Thursday, Jan. 3, when they host Clear Lake beginning at 7:30 p.m.

Tiger Lexi Piepho drives the baseline but is denied by Siren’s Zoe Emery. – Photos by Josh Johnson, MaxPreps Brittany Coulter breaks away for an easy bucket on Thursday, Dec. 20, against Webster.

Emily Howe goes up hard for a rebound against the Shell Lake Lakers.

Shell Lake’s Taylor Bauch and Shania Pokorny try to fight off Siren’s Carly Good for a rebound.

Lady Saints march over the Pirates Extremely physical game nearly gets out of hand St. Croix Falls 50, Grantsburg 33 by Scott Hoffman Leader staff writer ST. CROIX FALLS – The Saints overcame a tough conference challenge from a feisty Grantsburg squad in the feature matchup Thursday night, Dec. 20, 50-33. For a while it appeared the game had somehow morphed into some kind of a girls all-star wrestling match with two-leg takedowns and figure-four leg locks. Even the fans started making noise about the no foul calls. Saints big gun Jess Rademacher left the game with a knee injury as did Natalie Sempf, but Sempf was able to return. Rademacher returned to the bench on

crutches and with a large bag of ice. Grantsburg seem to be moving the ball well but could not hit the open shots. Coach Kelly Hallberg knows the Pirates were off their game. “We had good ball pressure but struggled executing off of turnovers. Our offense had a hard time finding rhythm. The ball just wasn’t dropping and we missed a lot of shots.” Although she fouled out, Macy Hanson, who scored 11 points, played with great intensity. The Saints were led by dominating Jess Rademacher with 12 points all in the first quarter.

A pile of Saints and Pirates fight for a loose ball during a physical game at St. Croix Falls on Thursday, Dec. 20. The Saints ended up winning the game 50-33. – Photo by Scott Hoffman

PAGE 14 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - DECEMBER 26, 2012

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Eagles, LFG end dual match with a tie

In the final four matches of the night, LFG won three of them, including a pin for Hunter Dodds over Matt Volgren at 126 in 1:02, and a pin for Evan Ryan at 132 over Damon Bearhart in 3:15. Both Unity and LFG, as well as St. Croix Falls, will be competing at the annual Northern Badger wrestling tournament in River Falls that will take place on Friday and Saturday, Dec. 28-29.

By rule, LFG gets the win LFG 36, Unity 36

by Marty Seeger Leader staff writer BALSAM LAKE – It was an exciting night of wrestling in Balsam Lake Thursday, Dec. 20, as the Eagles hosted a Lakeland Conference battle against Luck/Frederic/Grantsburg. The match literally came down to the final bout between Unity’s Zac Baxter and LFG’s Tim Lund at 145 pounds. The Eagles trailed 3630 and needed a pin in the final match of the evening to tie it up, and Baxter delivered with a pin in the second period. Despite tying the game, LFG was the eventual winner, according to LFG coach Chris Bartlett. “The criteria states ‘The team having won the greater number of matches (including forfeits) shall be declared the winner.’ It is a lot of pressure to put on your kids to say we need a pin, not just a win against an opponent,” Bartlett said. “Unity has a good group of young kids on the team. It was a very entertaining match.” LFG started the night strong with LFG’s

Unity’s Colton Sorensen and Tony Britton had an exciting match to begin the dual tournament at Unity High School Thursday, Dec. 20.

Unity’s Zac Baxter earned a pin over Tim Lund in the final match of the evening to even up the final score at 36 points apiece. LFG still ended up winning the dual in an exciting night of wrestling on Thursday, Dec. 20. – Photos by Marty Seeger Tony Britton getting a 7-3 win over Colton Sorensen, who put up a good fight throughout the entire match at 152. It was a fast match where both athletes seemed to have opportunities for a pin or to score points, but Britton won out. At 160, Josh Glover got the pin over Unity’s Dakota Lofgren in 2 minutes, 39 seconds, and Alex Richey was a winner by pin in 2:57 over Unity’s Ty Hoffbeck, which put LFG up 15-0. But the Eagles climbed back into it, scoring six points in the next round by forfeit, and another six on a pin by Justin Peper over Blain

Clemons at 220. At 285, Alex Lennartson earned a win by forfeit but was also recognized for his 113th career victory. Lennartson is one of the nine Unity wrestlers in history to accomplish the feat and still has a lot of season remaining to add more wins to an already impressive career. The Eagles and LFG both won by forfeit in the next matches at 106 and 113 to make it a 24-21 advantage for the Eagles. Then at 120, Tucker Olson put another six points on the board with a pin over Jared Lund.

At 170 pounds, LFG wrestler Alex Richey defeated Ty Hoffbeck by a pin.

Unity’s Justin Peper got a pin over Blaine Clemons at 220 pounds.

Hunter Dodds, an LFG junior, was able to get six points with a pin over Unity freshman Matt Volgren.

LFG sophomore Josh Glover got a secondperiod win over Dakota Lofgren at 160 pounds.

Little Pirates take it to big Saints Grantsburg gets big conference road win Grantsburg 55, St. Croix Falls 42 by Scott Hoffman Leader staff writer ST. CROIX FALLS – Grantsburg secured a comfortable road win Thursday, Dec. 20, at the expense of a much taller Saints squad. The Pirates were playing a tough defense and had a great sense of moving the ball to the open shooter around Saints big guy 6-foot-6 Andrew Erickson. Grantsburg led only by two, 15 to 13, at the end of the first quarter but had tripled the lead by the half, 20 to 26. The third quarter is when the Pirates really came to life, pouring in 18 points to the Saints nine. Grantsburg’s head coach Nick Hallberg was pleased with the team’s performance, especially against a conference opponent in hostile territory. “I felt we maybe played our most balanced game yet. We have a few nonconference games coming up before we see another conference opponent. It will give us an idea of what we need to continue to get stronger at to keep this thing going in the right direction. It was a big conference win and nice way to go into the holiday break.” Leading the Pirates in buckets were Joe Gaffney and Connor Myers and for the Saints, Andrew Erickson and Noah Casterton.

Grantsburg Pirates freshman Jaeger Staeven does his best to sneak through Saints defenders Nick Lunde and Noah Casterton during the Thursday, Dec. 20, conference game. – Photos by Scott Hoffman

Saints senior Gus Johnson displays his wingspan over St. Croix's Andrew Erickson.

DECEMBER 26, 2012 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 15

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Siren boys stomp Webster with 12 points, Jake Sargent and Shawn Stevens each had six, Sean Martinez and Dade McCarthy with four apiece, and Mike Johnson, two.

Siren 74, Webster 34 by Marty Seeger Leader staff writer WEBSTER – Dragon junior Davey St. John scored 32 points in a big Siren victory over Webster on Thursday, Dec. 20, at Webster. The Dragons led 16-7 after the first quarter, and 35-1 at the half before opening the game up in the third scoring 24 points, with 11 coming from St. John. Will Barr had 16 points for the Dragons, followed by Aaron Ruud, 10, Jared Emery, seven, Josiah Wagner, six, Reuben Mixsooke, two, and Matt Wampfler, one. The Tigers were led by Oudy Weber

Dragon Davey St. John lays one in over Jacob Sargent of Webster.

Unity 51, Cornell 24 CORNELL – The Unity Eagles won big at Cornell on Thursday, Dec. 20. No game stats were available.

Siren’s Nate Martin goes up for a shot but is fouled by Webster’s Mike Johnson on Thursday, Dec. 20, in Webster. – Photos by Josh Johnson, MaxPreps

Will Barr III goes up for the easy bucket.

AREA BOWLING RESULTS Hacker’s Lanes Sunday Afternoon Youth Standings: Back 2 The North 32.5, Team 28, We Bowl 28, The Bowlers 23, A.J.R. 23, DCF 21.5. Boys games: Jordan Bazey (TB) 243, Austin Bruss (DCF) 237, Zach Schmidt (TB) 229. Boys series: Jordan Bazey (TB) 661, Parker Steen (B2TN) 620, Zach Schmidt 602. Girls games: Avery Steen (AJR) 214, Julia Owens (DCF) 161, Kerrigan Ekholm (T) 143. Girls series: Avery Steen (AJR) 531, Julia Owens (DCF) 388, Kerrigan Ekholm (T) 384. Team games: The Bowlers 661, DCF 513, Back 2 The North 495. Team series: The Bowlers 1849, DCF 1421, Back 2 The North 1339. Monday Afternoon Retired Standings: Bears 40, Vultures 33, Eagles 32.5, Hummingbirds 31, Nighthawks 30.5, Badgers 28, Swans 25. Men’s games (Handicap): Dennis Bohn 233, Alvin Tyler 230, Dave Bannie 218. Men’s series (Handicap): Dave Bannie 603, Alvin Tyler 588, Dennis Bohn 587. Women’s games (Handicap): Mary Young 246, Marge Traun 239, Denise Donahue & Marge Traun 236. Women’s series (Handicap): Denise Donahue 657, Marge Traun 656, Mary Young 612. Team games (Handicap): Bears 834, Badgers 821, Swans 812. Team series (Handicap): Bears 2409, Badgers 2311, Eagles 2277. Wednesday Night Early Standings: Daeffler’s Quality Meats 39.5, Skol Bar 36, Lake Services Unlimited 34, S&S Tree Bird Shoppe 33.5, Cummings Lumber 30, Pioneer Bar 29, Stotz & Co. 22, Larsen Auto Center 16. Individual games: Brett Daeffler (DQM) 259 & 248, Don Swanson

(CL) & Jim Sladky (S&S) 247. Individual series: Brett Daeffler (DQM) 708, Jim Sadky (S&S) & Buck Hanson (PB) 671. Team games: S&S Tree Bird Shoppe 1008, Skol Bar 1007, Cummings Lumber 995. Team series: Skol Bar 2899, S&S Tree Bird Shoppe 2839, Cummings Lumber 2767. Thursday Early Standings: American Family Siren 59, Red Iron Studios 48.5, Wikstrom Construction 48.5, Daeffler’s Quality Meats 48, Hell Raisers 45.5, Grindell Law Offices 42, Kinetico 36.5, Fab Four 36. Individual games: Dennis Lieder (AFS) 230, Blake Hall (HR) 224, Nick Skow (DQM) 223. Individual series: Ed Bitler (RIS) 619, Dennis Lieder (AFS) 606, Don McKInney (FF) 604. Team games: Daeffler’s Quality Meats 630, Red Iron Studios 584, American Family Siren 559. Team series: Red Iron Studios 1630, American Family Siren 1615, Daeffler’s Quality Meats 1605. Consecutive strikes (5 or more): Dennis Lieder 5x = 230; Dave Grindell 5x = 196. Games 50 pins or more above average: Blake Hall 224 (+79); Dennis Lieder 230 (+63); Mike Route 220 (+55). Series 100 or more above average: Dennis Lieder 606 (+105). Splits converted: 2-4-7-10: Dave Hall. 4-7-10: Ed Bitler. Friday Night Ladies Standing: Pin Heads 80.5, Junque Art 68, Frederic Design 64, The Leader 61, SKM 60.5. Individual games: Margie Traun 197, Cindy Denn 193, Linda Richter 190. Individual series: Margie Traun 529, Gail Linke 520, Karen Carlson 495. Team games: Pin Heads 661, The Leader 656, SKM 596.

Team series: Pin Heads 1864, Junque Art 1748, SKM 1699. Games 50 or more above average: Kim Owen. Splits converted: 4-7-5: Gail Linke.

McKenzie Lanes Monday Night Madness Standings: Eagle Lounge 20, Bon Ton 12, Alleycats 12, Mishaps 4. Individual game: Debbie Swanson 181, Debbie Trombley 155, Cathy Albrecht & Pam Alleva 145. Individual series: Debbie Swanson 516, Pam Alleva 409, Debra Mattson 406. Team games (Handicap): Bon Ton 600, Eagle Lounge 593. Team series (Handicap): Eagle Lounge 1725, Mishaps 1720. Monday Night Ladies Standings: Wolf Creek Log Furniture 66, Metal Products 47, McKenzie Lanes 46, Frederic Truck & Trailer 44, Milltown Appliance 40.5, Edina Divas 40, Alyeska Contracting 36.5, Bye 14. Individual games: Kathy McKenzie 195, Toni Sloper 191, Patti Katzmark 183. Individual series: Toni Sloper 504, Patti Katzmark & Kathy McKenzie 474. Team games (Handicap): Edina Divas 837. Team series (Handicap): Edina

Divas 2445. Tuesday Women’s Standings: Custom Outfitter 24, Kindred Spirits 21, Gutter Dusters 19.5, Hauge Dental 17.5, Country Gals 17, Kassel Tap 16, LC’s Gals 11.5, Tomlinson Insurance 9.5. Individual games: Jan Kruse 210, Lonnie Stowell 195, Norma Hauge 187. Individual series: Norma Hauge 538, Jane Smith 532, Jan Kruse 530. Team games: Custom Outfitter 824, Country Gals 818, Hauge Dental 808. Team series: Country Gals 2390, Custom Outfitter 2362, Hauge Dental 2356. Tuesday Night Men’s Standings: Dream Lawn 91.5, Centurview Park 86.5, Steve’s Appliance 86, Nel-Lo-Hill Farm 82.5, The Dugout 80, Hack’s Pub 74, McKenzie Lanes 72, The Cobbler Shop 67.5. Individual games: Mike Hall 279, Donny Potting Jr. 267, Jamie Booth 256. Individual series: Mike Hill 738, Darren McKenzie 724, Donny Potting Jr. 721. Team games (Handicap): Dream Lawn 1251. Team series (Handicap): Dream Lawn 3601. Wednesday Early League Standings: Cutting Edge 8, Greatland Transportation 6, Dalles House 4, Gehrman Auto Body 4, Suzie Q’s 4, Adamark Repair 4, Balsam Branch Transport 0, Bye 2. Men’s games: Merlin Fox 255, Mike Welling 237, Matt Kamish 237. Men’s series: Merlin Fox 673, Dennis Hansen 619, Eric Hoffman 615. Women’s games: Patty Walker 157, Jeanne Kizer 147, Carrie Schultz 146. Women’s series: Patty Walker 424, Jeanne Kizer 422, Carrie Schultz 413. Team games (Handicap): Dalles

House 743. Team series (Handicap): Dalles House 2022. Wednesday Night Men’s Standings: Tiger Express 36, Edina Realty 36, Dalles Electrician 34, Davy’s Construction 30, Reed’s Marina 25, Harvest Moon 22, McKenzie Lanes 21, Hanjo Farms 20. Individual games: Darren McKenzie 300, Derek Swenson 267, Nick Valentine 256. Individual series: Darren McKenzie 700, Jason Schultz 681, Craig Willert 657. Team games (Handicap): Tiger Express 1127, Edina Realty 1056. Team series (Handicap): Edina Realty 3050, Tiger Express 2990. Junior League Boys games: Ayden McKenzie 156, Roen Aronson 130, Matthew Peterson 122. Boys series: Ayden McKenzie 409, Roen Aronson 328, Matthew Peterson 310. Girls games: Danielle Ahlm 148, Elsie Flom 93, Taylor Lehner 90. Girls series: Danielle Ahlm 429, Taylor Lehner 221, Elsie Flom 221.

Denny’s Downtown Lanes Wednesday Night Men’s Standings: Radio Shack 58.5, Wood River Pharmacy 50, Boyd’s Outdoor Power 49, Grantsburg Sanitary 41, Fiedler Ford 40.5, Dummy Team 13. Individual games (Handicap): Jared Nelson 267, Terry Larson 228, Randy Carey 227. Individual series (Handicap): Randy Carey 629, Jared Nelson 606, Dennis McKenzie and Terry Larson 581. Team games (Handicap): Boyd’s Outdoor Power 986, Fiedler Ford 974, Wood River Pharmacy 926. Team series (Handicap): Boyd’s Outdoor Power 2874, Fiedler Ford 2735, Radio Shack 2721.

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Luck girls recover against Vikes

Luck 59, Frederic 45

to life offensively, and outscored the Vikings by a 31-15 margin in the second half. "We did a nice job of getting to the freethrow line, but didn't convert enough of them," Wink stated. Frederic senior Natalie Phernetton led the Vikings with 14 points, followed closely by junior Carly Gustafson with an even dozen points. Luck senior Avery Steen led all scorers with 22 points, followed by Cardinal junior Darian Ogilvie's 10 points and eight more from sophomore Jenni Holdt. The Cardinals ended up winning by 14 points, 59-45, and with the win stayed near the top of the conference. The game was the last of the holidays for both squads before their break.

by Greg Marsten Leader staff writer LUCK – The Luck Cardinal girls were able to come back from a double-digit first quarter deficit to defeat the rival Frederic Vikings, 59-45, in a West Lakeland Conference contest on Thursday, Dec. 20, at Luck. Frederic came out on fire, knocking down almost every shot they made while double-teaming the Cardinals enough to limit their scoring and allowing Frederic a 17-4 lead at one point. "We started strong in the first quarter, had balanced scoring and built a lead, which held through the half," stated Frederic head coach Troy Wink. "But we had a slow third quarter which ultimately cost us the game." The Cardinal recovered late in the first frame and almost tied the feisty Vikes by the half, which had Frederic still leading by a 30-28 mark. But as Wink confirmed, his Vikings had a tough time converting those baskets in the third frame, while the Cardinals came

LEFT: Frederic's Kendra Mossey drives upcourt with Luck's Jaimee Buck defending at her side. – Photos by Greg Marsten

Frederic sophomore Lara Harlander dribbles past Luck defenders Avery Steen and Jaimee Buck in the Thursday, Dec. 20, West Lakeland Conference contest.

Cardinal boys fend off the Vikes Luck 44, Frederic 16 by Greg Marsten Leader staff writer LUCK – The Luck Cardinals remained undefeated in conference play with a resounding victory over neighboring Frederic on Thursday, Dec. 20 at home, winning 44-16. Luck led by a 23-5 mark at the half, and never trailed. They were able to hold the Vikings to just a lone point for the second and third quarters combined. Frederic recovered slightly in the final frame, notching 10 points to make it closer in the final numbers. Nobody scored in double digits for the Cards, but three players scored eight points each: Brodie Kunze, Evan Armour and Dylan Lemay, who started for point guard Trent Strapon, who was out sick. Both squads took some time off for the holiday break, when the Cards will host St. Croix Falls on Tuesday, Jan. 8, while Frederic gets back to work on Thursday, Dec. 27, with a tournament game at Clayton, A brilliant undefeated record of 8-0 last week raised the Prediction King’s seasonal mark to 3913 for a 75 seasonal percent success rate. “That’s a five percentage-point improvement,” he said, while plucking a freshly killed giant wild turkey Wednesday morning. This week he’ll take a break from poetry and instead offer only the scores of each game.

BOYS BASKETBALL

Luck junior Karsten Petersen goes in for two of his points in last week’s victory over Frederic. – Photo by Greg Marsten Girls games Grantsburg 63, Hinckley-Finlayson 29 Pine City 41, Webster 39 Grantsburg 51, Pine City 43 Webster 39, Hinckley-Finlayson 23 St. Croix Falls 66, Cumberland 30 Boys games

The Swami THE SWAMI

PREDICTS

LEADER SPORTS SCOREBOARD

Siren 44, Bruce 43 Elmwood 60, St. Croix Falls 46 Grantsburg 58, Hinckley-Finlayson 40 Clayton 43, Frederic 29 Pine City 52, Webster 33 Grantsburg 63, Pine City 41 Frederic 50, Bruce 44 Hinckley-Finlayson 39, Webster 37 Glenwood City 60, St. Croix Falls 50 The Swami answers all e-mails and can be reached at predictionking@yahoo.com

Standings Team Conf. Overall Luck Cardinals 4-0 8-1 St. Croix Falls Saints 3-0 4-3 Unity Eagles 3-1 7-1 Grantsburg Pirates 3-1 5-2 Frederic Vikings 1-3 2-5 Siren Dragons 1-4 1-6 Webster Tigers 0-3 0-9 Scores Thursday, December 20 Grantsburg 55, St. Croix Falls 42 Unity 51, Cornell 24 Luck 44, Frederic 16 Siren 74, Webster 34 Upcoming Thursday, December 27 1 p.m. Siren vs. Bruce at Clayton 2 p.m. St. Croix Falls at Glenwood City 5:40 p.m. Grantsburg vs. Hinkley-Finlayson at Webster 7:30 p.m. Pine City at Webster 7 p.m. Frederic at Clayton Friday, December 28 2 p.m. Grantsburg vs. Pine City at Webster 3 p.m. Bruce vs. Frederic at Clayton 3:50 p.m. Hinckley-Finlayson at Webster 8 p.m. St. Croix Falls at Glenwood City Thursday, January 3 7:30 p.m. Cameron at Grantsburg Siren at Prairie Farm

Standings

Scores Tuesday, December 18 Blizzard 4, Legacy Christian Academy 4 Upcoming Thursday, December 27 TBD Blizzard at Rochester Tournament Friday, December 28 TBD Blizzard at Rochester Tournament Saturday, December 29 TBD Blizzard at Rochester Tournament

WRESTLING

Upcoming Friday-Saturday, December 28-29 LFG, St. Croix Falls and Unity at River Falls (Northern Badger Tournament)

Standings Conf. Overall 4-0 6-0 4-0 5-3 3-1 6-2 2-1 5-3 0-3 2-4 0-3 2-6 0-3 2-7 Scores Thursday, December 20 Unity 42, Cornell 34 Luck 59, Frederic 45 Siren 65, Webster 34 St. Croix Falls 50, Grantsburg 33 Friday, December 21 Siren 44, Shell Lake 39 Upcoming Thursday, December 27 2 p.m. Grantsburg vs. Hinckley-Finlayson at Webster 3:50 p.m. Pine City at Webster Friday, December 28 5:40 p.m. Grantsburg vs. Pine City at Webster 7:30 p.m. Hinckley-Finlayson at Webster 7:30 p.m. St. Croix Falls at Cumberland Thursday, January 3 7:30 p.m. Clear Lake at Unity Clayton at Webster Team St. Croix Falls Saints Luck Cardinals Siren Dragons Unity Eagles Grantsburg Pirates Webster Tigers Frederic Vikings

GIRLS HOCKEY Team Blizzard

BOYS HOCKEY Team Blizzard

GIRLS BASKETBALL

Overall 3-4-1

Standings

Overall 5-5

Scores Saturday, December 22 Blizzard 6, Chippewa Falls 3 Upcoming Friday, December 28 10 a.m. Superior at Siren 2 p.m. Black River Falls at Siren 6 p.m. TBD Saturday, January 5 7 p.m. Blizzard vs. Moose Lake-Willow River at Siren

GYMNASTICS

Upcoming Friday, January 4 6:30 p.m. Rush City at Grantsburg Community Center

O UTDOOR S

DECEMBER 26, 2012 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 17

I N T E R! C O U N T Y L E A D E R

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

Switching gears

My long-legged nephew, Riese, hasn’t taken long to surpass the height of his uncle in his first 13 years, but it wasn’t the legs keeping him more than 10 feet ahead as we dragged our feet Marty through squeaky cold snow on our trek to a Seeger deep bend along the Hay River. He was more excited than anyThe thing, and filled with Bottom questions about the traps I’d set the day beLine fore in my never-ending quest for an otter, and the reasons why I’ve decided to take up trapping. He was also inquisitive about what exactly an otter would be doing in 10-degree weather on Christmas Eve.

For a brief moment, an otter visited this bank along the river only to return back to the water.

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen an otter,” he said, as we walked through a small opening that was once wet in the fall, but now cased in ice. “Are we walking on water right now?” he prodded, and the questions persisted. Remaining mostly speechless for much of our short jaunt through brush and tag alders, he paused for a moment to ask if he was going the right way. When I told him to simply follow my footpaths, he began to walk faster, enthusiastic as I was to see if an otter had indeed found its way through the trap. “Whoa! This is cool, I don’t think I’ve ever been here before, Mart!” It was true, he hadn’t been here before, despite our many fishing excursions, yet I had fished the area many times over the years in search of trout. By Wisconsin trout stream standards it’s a fairly large pool of water where the river takes a hard turn south. It’s a stone’s throw wide but fairly deep, and has held many brook trout over the years. Unfortunately, the habitat isn’t quite as good as it used to be and the trout aren’t as plentiful as they used to be either. But there are still fish in the area, no doubt, as the otter sign along the water’s edge indicated, as well as crayfish, also one of the otter’s favorites. Along with it being a decent area to try for trout, what also makes this particular spot “cool” is that it’s tough not to pause and take notice of the very steep bluff that stretches high in the air along the deep pool in the river. It’s a wonder why any of the ancient white pines surrounding it, and those clinging to the steep bluff, haven’t been blown over but they’ve found their niche along the river and add to the beauty of the area, especially when it’s covered with a heavy layer of snow. It’s one of the many areas you wouldn’t see from a roadway, but a place you need to walk a bit to get to. The lucky homeowner on top of the bluff on the other side of the river has a postcard view from their windows on a daily basis, yet even with the home slightly in view, the area still feels secluded and far away from any roads. At least for the brief moment we were there to enjoy it, and it was just one of the many reasons, I informed my nephew, as to why I trap, or do anything else that gives me a reason to pull me outside. The television, I told him, can only do so much.

An otter sprint, or latrine, can be seen along the river indicating that an otter had recently used the area. The opening in the water was the perfect entryway and exit from the river, but is now completely frozen over, an the elusive otter has moved on. – Photos by Marty Seeger Much of the river was open only a week earlier but now it was frozen except for a few areas where the current was too fast to freeze. The previous two days I’d spent several hours and walked what felt like miles in search of otter sign, and to my surprise, found it in an area closest to civilization. Over the past two weeks, the otter has continually remained one step ahead. I’d find good sign and tracks, only to find the following days void of any otter life. My trap, as my nephew and I soon discovered on Monday, was empty once again, yet the signs from the day before were still very much visible. One of those signs was the obvious tracks left by the otter, which moves along on land in a loping fashion. The tracks are side by side, with five toes on the front, and five on the back foot. The flattened trail going into the river, which I call slides, or slips, could be seen as well, leading to a very distinctive thing called an otter latrine, or sprint. Otters defecate in these often high points along the river, and it’s also a place where they’ll vomit undigested fish parts, scales or bones from a previous meal.

Riese was slightly grossed out by some of the signs left by the otter, yet it was a fun learning lesson for the both of us. We left the trap for another day in hopes the otter would be back, but on Christmas day, I went back to the area alone, only to see the trap empty again. Signs of the otter were rapidly deteriorating from the few days before when the spot was very active with life. Unfortunately, the areas along the river where there was once open water, have succumbed to the subzero temperatures and are now frozen as well. The otter likely predicted the change and has since moved on to find better areas to search for food. In defeat, I broke the trap free and will someday soon continue my search for more sign along the river, which, up to this point, has been the best part. With a home range said to be approximately three miles, there’s no telling where the otter could be now but I’m confident he’ll be back again someday soon. Until then, I’m taking advantage of the rapidly increasing ice on area lakes and, like the otter, do some of my own fishing.

Workshop series 2013 at Crex Meadows

GRANTSBURG – The new year is fast approaching and resolutions are being made. Don’t forget to think about nature, outdoors and Crex Meadows in 2013! Crex has a new workshop series starting in January. A carnivore tracking and wolf ecology workshop is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 12, beginning at 8:30 a.m. Lunch and materials will be provided by a citizen science monitoring grant. Register by calling or e-mail information@crexmeadows.org. Hear about the various bird feeder types and what birds are attracted to them. Find out what kind of birdseed and other foods to use in your feeders. Learn where to put them in your yard as well.

View the feeders and watch the birds in the backyard of Crex Meadows Wildlife Education and Visitor Center on Saturday, Feb. 2, from 1 p.m., to 4 p.m., with a presentation at 2 p.m. No registration necessary. Discover more about the birds in your backyard on Saturday, Feb. 23, from 9 a.m. to noon with the Bluebirds and Your Backyard workshop. Bluebirds are a special bird we all look for as a sign of spring and warmer weather to come, and you can have bluebirds in your backyard too. Join expert Iler Anderson from the Bluebird Restoration Association of Wisconsin as he shares his experiences about bluebirds. Learn about bluebirds, importance of their

homes, and more. You will also have the opportunity to create, take home, and monitor your own bluebird house. Space is limited, preregistration required. Help expert Bruce Bacon, retired DNR, band songbirds on Tuesday, May 14, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Attendees will see different methods used to capture birds for banding and the variety of bands used. Participants will be able to hold, release and photograph birds. This will be a special experience for all involved. Space limited; cost $8 adults, $5 children (under 12) to help offset banding expenses; preregistration required. More workshops are still in the planning process. Topics may include: duck

banding (August), wild rice processing (September), and deer processing (October). There will be a Candlelight Night on Saturday, Jan. 26, from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Walk, snowshoe or cross-country ski the luminaria-lit one-mile trail. Snowshoes available on first-come, first-served basis. For more information about these events at Crex Meadows, please call 715463-2739, visit crexmeadows.org, or find them on Facebook. Friends of Crex support this and other programs. You can be more involved by joining the Friends of Crex. – submitted

Wisconsin wolf hunting and trapping season closes

MADISON – Wisconsin’s first modern wolf hunting and trapping season came to a close at 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 23, after the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources closed the last remaining zone that was open to wolf harvest. Wolf harvest Zone 3 was the sixth and last wolf harvest zone to be closed this season. All wolf harvest zones are now closed. “The wolf harvest trend in Zone 3 had been steady through the firearm deer sea-

son, but slowed down after the deer season. The harvest picked up again this last week with Zone 3 being the only remaining zone open in the state. Now within one wolf of the quota, we will close the zone to avoid overharvest” said Kurt Thiede, DNR Lands Division administrator. “This is Wisconsin’s inaugural season. We have learned much about hunter and trapper success rates, and will learn more as we analyze additional data. This will help us draft permanent rules and the

long-term management of our wolf population.” “We are pleased that hunters and trappers have been successful in achieving our quota, and the harvest was well-distributed across the state. We are closing the wolf season with the harvest at 115, because we may have one or more still harvested until our closure goes into effect tomorrow,” said Thiede. The state wolf harvest quota for Zone 3 was set at 18 wolves and the closure

process was initiated when wolf 17 was harvested on Dec. 21. Wolf hunters and trappers are advised that all wolf hunting and trapping has been closed statewide as of 5 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 23. Any wolves harvested up until that time will need to be called in within 24 hours at 855-2999653. For more information, search for “wolf“ on the DNR Web site. – from the DNR

PAGE 18 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - DECEMBER 26, 2012

Grantsburg Area Chamber of Commerce welcomes new businesses The Grantsburg Area Chamber of Commerce welcomed a new business, Ohnstad Therapy Services, to Grantsburg. Shown here for the ribbon cutting (L to R):are: David Rudolph, Olivia Ohnstad, Darlene Rudolph, Dan Ohnstad, Marie Ohnstad, Nicki Peterson, Greg Peer and Phyllis Ohnstad.

Grantsburg students donate to food shelf

The Grantsburg Area Chamber of Commerce welcomed a new business, Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home, to the Grantsburg community. Shown here for the ribbon cutting (L to R) are: Nicki Peterson, Pat Taylor, Stacey Taylor, April Carr and Greg Peer.

Snowshoe at Somers Lake FREDERIC—Find a new pair of snowshoes under the tree? Have a pair collecting dust in the garage, unused because of our recent snowless winters? Thinking about buying a new pair? Well, this year we have snow and the trails are waiting for you. Polk County’s premier snowshoe trail, located at the Somers Lake County Park, is ready to go. On county forestland, the Somers Lake trail offers a total of five miles of hiking trails arranged in three loops. The shortest loop is about a half mile in length and is very easy to hike. The outer loop is two miles long and is a bit more challenging. A bonus feature of the outer loop is finding a park bench at the farthest point, where you can sit and overlook the rela-

tively undeveloped Somers Lake and catch your breath for the return hike. Close by is a geocaching hide - can you find it? The Somers Lake Snowshoe and Hiking Trail is located four miles east of Frederic on CTH I, 1.4 miles north of the intersection of CTH I and CTH W. There is a plowed parking lot. Public snowshoeing areas are also available in Polk County at Interstate Park, the Balsam Branch Ski Area, the Stower Seven Lakes Trail, and on the Ice Age Trail. For more information 800-222-POLK, 715-485-9294, polkcountytourism.com or for regional snowshoeing information norwiski.com. - submitted by the Polk County Tourism and Promotion Council

Each year the students in Ms. Polzine’s class at the Grantsburg Elementary School have the opportunity to choose what they want to do for their Christmas gift exchange. For the past four years they have voted to donate $5 worth of food to the local food shelf and forgo their $5 gift exchange with a classmate. This year they voted to do the same. So on Tuesday, Dec.18, they packed up their sleds with the food they collected, put on their Santa hats and walked down to the food shelf. Says Polzine, “I’m very proud of my students for donating … they all have the best hearts.” - Photo submitted

Frederic ski trails … waiting for snow FREDERIC—Frederic’s ski trails, the Coon Lake Trail and the Trade River Trail, are still waiting for enough snow to open for 2012. After the Jan. 1 3-inch snowburst, the trails were rolled and ready for the next several inches of snow to finish the base and get the 2012 cross-country ski season off and running. The second snowfall

never arrived. The Monday, Dec. 10, 1.7-inch snowfall was not enough to build into a base layer, so volunteer groomers are unable to do much. Three more inches, and the trails will be back to skiable. For up-to-the-minute area trail reports: skinnyski.com or norwiski.com. - from Frederic Viking Ski Club

Students get Kindles Siren Elementary students were treated with Kindle Fire e-readers for their classrooms. These e-readers were made possible by a grant from the Dollar General Literacy Foundation. Each classroom will have an ereader for the students to use during their reading workshop time. The reading workshops are designed to approximate real-life reading and writing experiences in hopes that all students will become lifelong readers and writers. The Kindle Fires will help facilitate these real-life experiences since reading from a book is no longer the only way to read. They will provide another way to allow students to practice the strategies taught as well as engage them in literacy learning. Shown in photo is Mrs. Wicklund and Mrs. Pippin, Title 1 resource teachers, and one student from each classroom in which the new e-readers will be part of their reading workshops. - Photo submitted

DECEMBER 26, 2012 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 19

Burnett County circuit court Harley G. Anderson, 20, Minneapolis, Minn., safety violation for riding on decks or gunwales, $175.30. Lucas D. Anderson, 20, Amery, speeding, $250.90. Myron F. Baker, 40, Cloquet, Minn., operate without proof of insurance, $10.00; fail to stop at stop sign, $175.30. Brian P. Bania, 28, Maple Grove, Minn., safety violation for towing skier without observer, $175.30. Cody S. Barnes, 18, Taylors Falls, Minn., underage drinking, $263.50. Melissa A. Bearhart, 33, Danbury, nonregistration, $175.30; operate without insurance, $200.50. Joseph C. Beckers, 34, St. Paul, Minn., speeding, $175.30. Delbert G. Benjamin, 66, Danbury, inattentive driving, $641.60. Steven A. Berganini, 51, St. Croix Falls, imprudent speed, $213.10. Shawna L. Blanski, 18, Frederic, nonregistration, $263.50. Clint G. Bonniwell, 43,Siren, speeding, $175.30. William F. Borst, 57, Danbury, inattentive driving, $641.50. Cathy L. Bowlin, 50, Temelec, Calf., speeding, $200.50. Windy T. Bowlsby, 42, Minneapolis, Minn., speeding, $175.30. Cheryl M. Bruce, 56, Grantsburg, seat belt violation, $10.00.

(Dec. 19, 26, Jan. 2) STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY Bank of America, N.A., successor by merger to BAC Home Loans Servicing, L.P. fka Countrywide Home Loans Servicing, L.P. Plaintiff vs. REBECCA A. OLSON, et al. Defendant(s) Case No: 12 CV 287 AMENDED NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that by virtue of a judgment of foreclosure entered on July 20, 2012, in the amount of $146,406.38, the Sheriff will sell the described premises at public auction as follows: TIME: January 15, 2013, at 10:00 a.m. TERMS: By bidding at the sheriff sale, prospective buyer is consenting to be bound by the following terms: 1.) 10% down in cash or money order at the time of sale; balance due within 10 days of confirmation of sale; failure to pay balance due will result in forfeit of deposit to plaintiff. 2.) Sold “as is” and subject to all legal liens and encumbrances. 3.) Plaintiff opens bidding on the property, either in person or via fax and as recited by the sheriff’s department in the event that no opening bid is offered, plaintiff retains the right to request the sale be declared as invalid as the sale is fatally defective. PLACE: Polk County Justice Center at 1005 W. Main St., Balsam Lake, Wisconsin. DESCRIPTION: Lot 11, Plat of Cherrywood on White Ash Lake, Town of Apple River, Polk County, Wisconsin. PROPERTY ADDRESS: 1792 West White Ash Drive, Balsam Lake, WI 54810. TAX KEY NO.: 004-01048-0000. Dated this 10th day of December, 2012. /s/Sheriff Peter M. Johnson Polk County Sheriff Dustin A. McMahon Blommer Peterman, S.C. State Bar No. 1086857 165 Bishops Way, Suite 100 Brookfield, WI 53005 262-790-5719 Please go to www.blommerpeterman.com to obtain the bid for this sale. Blommer Peterman, S.C., is the creditor’s attorney and is attempting to collect a debt on its behalf. Any information obtained will be used for that purpose. 2362927 575066 WNAXLP

Bradley A. Burkhardt, 38, Siren, seat belt violatin, $10.00; operate without proof of insurance, $10.00. Trenton J. CairnsMagnuson, 19, Webster, operate while suspended, $200.50; operate without insurance, $200.50. Carlson Timber Products, Sandstone, Minn., timber theft, $389.50. Darla D. Degidio, 38, Minneapolis, Minn., failure to notify police of accident, $263.50. Troy P. Dere, 49, Orlando, Fla., speeding, $200.50. Joseph J. Divis, 59, Trego, unauthorized disabled parking, $164.50. Alan D. Doriott, 29, Webster, disorderly conduct, $505.00. Jacqueline D. Duncan, 21, Webster, operate while suspended, $200.50. Bryce W. Duncan, 18, Webster, operate without valid license, $200.50; underage drinking, license suspended one year, alcohol assessment, $515.50. Todd C. Ek, 45, Elk River, Minn., speeding, $175.30; operate without proof of insurance, $10.00. Russell G. Fjorden, 22, Frederic, operate while suspended, $200.50. Austin J. Foeller, 18, Osceola, underage drinking, alcohol assessment, $263.50. Frederic Fuel Co., Frederic, weight limits violation, $226.14. Sharon A. Heckman, 66, Danbury, speeding, $175.30.

(Dec. 26, Jan. 2, 9) STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY Bank of America, N.A., as successor by merger to BAC Home Loans Servicing, L.P. Plaintiff vs. MAIREA B. DOYLE, et al. Defendant(s) Case No: 11 CV 549 NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that by virtue of a judgment of foreclosure entered on June 14, 2012, in the amount of $159,853.64, the Sheriff will sell the described premises at public auction as follows: TIME: January 22, 2013, at 10:00 a.m. TERMS: By bidding at the sheriff sale, prospective buyer is consenting to be bound by the following terms: 1.) 10% down in cash or money order at the time of sale; balance due within 10 days of confirmation of sale; failure to pay balance due will result in forfeit of deposit to plaintiff. 2.) Sold “as is” and subject to all legal liens and encumbrances. 3.) Plaintiff opens bidding on the property, either in person or via fax and as recited by the sheriff department in the event that no opening bid is offered, plaintiff retains the right to request the sale be declared as invalid as the sale is fatally defective. PLACE: Polk County Justice Center at 1005 W. Main Street, Balsam Lake, Wis. DESCRIPTION: The North 16 rods of Lot 1, William J. Starr’s Subdivision of the Northeast 1/4 of the Northeast 1/4 of Section 33, Town 37 North, Range 17 West, in the Village of Frederic, Polk County, Wis. PROPERTY ADDRESS: 509 Ash Street W. Frederic, WI 54837. TAX KEY NO.: 126-00468-0000. Dated this 12th day of December, 2012. /s/Sheriff Peter M. Johnson Polk County Sheriff Russell J. Karnes Blommer Peterman, S.C. State Bar No. 1054982 165 Bishops Way, Suite 100 Brookfield, WI 53005 262-790-5719 Please go to www.blommerpeterman.com to obtain the bid for this sale. Blommer Peterman, S.C., is the creditor’s attorney and is attempting to collect a debt on its behalf. Any information obtained will be used for that purpose. 2372437 575346 WNAXLP

Douglas R. Fritze, 56, St. Anthony, Minn., speeding, $200.50. Steven J. Geertsen, 46, Maple Grove, Minn., speeding, $175.30. Jeffrey D. Gilbertson, 46, Elk River, Minn., operate ATV without trail pass, $154.50. Gerald E. Gould, 76, Danbury, speeding, $225.70. Raven R. Hagert, 17, Shafer, Minn., underage drinking, $263.50. Curtis D. Hansen, 34, Chaska, Minn., operate jet ski without flotation device, $175.30. Aaron M. Hart, 18, Cumberland, underage drinking, alcohol assessment, $263.50. Tracy J. Hilke, 45, St. Paul, Minn., operate without insurance, $200.50; speeding, $175.30. Hopkins Sand and Gravel, Webster, weight limits violation, $964.50. Don M. Jacobs, 78, Palatine, Ill., speeding, $175.30. Troy L. Jeske, 38, Frederic, seat belt violation, $10.00. Rashaud D. Kelash, 19, Taylors Falls, Minn., underage drinking, $263.50. Linda L. Knutson, 51, Danbury, operate without proof of insurance, $10.00. Robert A. Kron, 76, La Pointe, speeding, $200.50; operate without proof of insurance, $10.00. Kristine N. Kunshier, 35, Gordon, operate without proof of insurance, $10.00. Mark E. Larson, 29, St. Croix Falls, speeding, $200.50.

(Nov. 21, 28, Dec. 5, 12, 19, 26) STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY First Bank of Baldwin, Plaintiff v. Barton E. Strehlo and Ford Motor Credit Company LLC, Defendants Case No.: 12-CV-518 Code No: 30404 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE PLEASE TAKE NOTICE, that by virtue of of a judgment of foreclosure entered on November 1, 2012, in flavor of Plaintiff, First Bank of Baldwin, in the amount of $85,928.65, the Sheriff will sell the described premises at public auction as follows: TIME: Tuesday, January 15, 2013, at 10 a.m. TERMS: Pursuant to said judgment, 10% of the successful bid must be paid to the sheriff at the sale in cash, cashier’s check or certified funds, payable to the clerk of courts (personal checks cannot and will not be accepted). The balance of the successful bid must be paid to the clerk of court in cash, cashier’s check or certified funds no later than ten days after the court’s confirmation of the sale or else the 10% down payment is forfeited to the plaintiff. The property is sold “as is” and subject to all real estate taxes, special assessments, liens and encumbrances. PLACE: At the front entrance of the Polk County Justice Center, 1005 W. Main Street, Balsam Lake, WI 54810. DESCRIPTION: Lot Six (6) of Certified Survey Map No. 1132, recorded in Volume 5, Page 122, as Document No. 439241, located in the Southwest Quarter of the Northwest Quarter (SW 1/4 NW 1/4) of Section 16, Township 34 North, Range 17 West, Town of Balsam Lake, Polk County, Wisconsin, including but not limited to a 1979 Rollohome, Serial No. 34276. TAX KEY NO.: 006-00469-0000. PROPERTY ADDRESS: 1572 157th Street, Centuria, Wis. Dated this 8th day of November, 2012. /s/ Peter Johnson Polk County Sheriff Benson Law Office LLC Attorneys for First Bank of Baldwin P.O. Box 370 Siren, WI 54872 715-349-5215 573773 WNAXLP

William R. Laney, 60, Plymouth, Minn., operate without proof of insurance, $10.00. Justin S. Lemieux, 17, Cumberland, underage drinking, alcohol assessment, $263.50. Glenn L. Leslie, 85, Cambridge, Minn., speeding, $225.70. Carlee B. Libbenga, 18, St. Croix Falls, underage drinking, alcohol assessment, $263.50. Erin M. Liljenberg, 41, Webster, speeding, $200.50. Kody J. Luke, 20, Grantsburg, operate without proof of insurance, $10.00. Heather C. Munson, 30, Danbury, operate while suspended, $200.50; fail to remove plates when tranferring vehicle, $175.30. Samuel C. Newharth, 20, Eden Prairie, Minn., speeding, $175.30. Jacob R. Ogilvie, 21, Inver Grove Heights, Minn., fail to stop at stop sign, $175.30. Thomas J. Olsen, 57, Woodbury, Minn., burning without permit, $175.30. Jesse J. Olson, 40, Eau Claire, speeding, $200.50. Pete’s Septic Cleaning, Balsam Lake, equipment violations, $175.30; nonregistration, $263.50. Joshua Peters, 30, Grantsburg, illegal dredging, $1,397.50. (Dec. 12, 19, 26) STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY Royal Credit Union, a Wisconsin state chartered credit union, 200 Riverfront Terrace Eau Claire, Wisconsin 54703, Plaintiff, vs. Susan C. Catlin, through her heirs 41 145th Avenue Turtle Lake, WI 54889, Central Bank, a Minnesota banking corporation, 2104 Hastings Avenue Newport, Minnesota 55055, John Doe, Mary Roe, and XYZ corporation, Defendants. Case Type: 30404 Case No. 12CV666 PUBLICATION SUMMONS THE STATE OF WISCONSIN TO SUSAN C. CATLIN, THROUGH HER HEIRS: YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that Plaintiff, Royal Credit Union, a Wisconsin state chartered credit union, has filed a lawsuit or other legal action against you. WITHIN forty (40) days after December 12, 2012, you must respond with a written demand for a copy of the Complaint. The demand must be sent or delivered to the Polk County Clerk of Court, Polk County Justice Center, whose address is 1005 West Main Street, Suite 300, Balsam Lake, Wisconsin 54810, and to Plaintiff’s attorneys, Anastasi & Associates, P.A., whose address is 14985 60th Street North, Stillwater, Minnesota 55082. You may have an attorney help or represent you. If you do not demand a copy of the Complaint within forty (40) days, the Court may grant judgment against you for the award of money or other legal action requested in the Complaint, and you may lose your right to object to anything that is or may be incorrect in the Complaint. A judgment may be enforced as provided by law. A judgment awarding money may become a lien against any real estate you own now or may in the future, and may also be enforced or garnishment or seizure of property. Dated: November 28, 2012. ANASTASI & ASSOCIATES, P.A. Garth G. Gavenda, #1079588 Joshua D. Christensen, #1089857 14985 60th Street North Stillwater, MN 55082 Telephone: 651-439-2951 Attorneys for Plaintiff #16518 574873 WNAXLP

John C. Phillips, 35, Grantsburg, manufacture or deliver amphetamine, three-year probation, sentence withheld, Huber release and / or community service at the discretion of jail staff, provide DNA sample, complete sex offender treatment, alcohol assessment, $268.00. Jason C. Randall, 28, Siren, seat belt violation, $10.00. Anthony R. Roatch, 24, Spooner, operate without insurance, $200.50. Wesley J. Rogers, 53, Luck, unauthorized disabled parking, $164.50. Larry E. Sanford, 69, Grantsburg, OWI, $1,172.00, 10day jail sentence, Huber release and community service granted, license revoked 14 months, 14month ignition interlock when applying for license, alcohol assessment. Anthony D. Shostak, 85, Woodbury, Minn., operate without proof of insurance, $10.00. Gregory A. Sletten, 42, Mound, Minn., operate without proof of insurance, $10.00.

(Dec. 26, Jan. 2, 9) STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT CIVIL DIVISION POLK COUNTY WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A., AS TRUSTEE FOR CARRINGTON MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST, SERIES 2006-FREl ASSETBACKED PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES 1610 EAST SAINT ANDREW PLACE, SUITE B150 SANTA ANA, CA 92705 Plaintiff Vs. WILLIAM J. KELLY 208 HOPE RD. E FREDERIC, WI 54837 KAREN J. KELLY 208 HOPE RD. E FREDERIC, WI 54837 Defendants PUBLICATION SUMMONS Case No. 12 CV 679 Judge Anderson, Jeffery L. Case Code No. 30404 THE STATE OF WISCONSIN To each person named above as Defendant: You are hereby notified that the plaintiff named above has filed a lawsuit or other legal action against you. Within 40 days after Dec. 26, 2012, you must respond with a written demand for a copy of the complaint. The demand must be sent or delivered to the court, whose address is Lois Hoff, Clerk of Courts, Polk County Courthouse, 1005 West Main Street, Suite 300, P.O. Box 549, Balsam Lake, WI 54810 and to Adam C. Lueck, Johnson, Blumberg & Associates, LLC, Plaintiffs attorney, whose address is 230 W. Monroe St., Chicago, IL 60606. You may have an attorney help represent you. If you do not demand a copy of the complaint within 40 days, the court may grant judgment against you for the award of money or other legal action requested in the complaint, and you may lose your right to object to anything that is or may be incorrect in the complaint. A judgment may be enforced as provided by law. A judgment awarding money may become a lien against any real estate you own now or in the future, and may also be enforced by garnishment or seizure of property. Johnson, Blumberg & Associates, LLC Attorney for Plaintiff Adam C. Lueck State Bar No. 1081386 Johnson, Blumberg, & Associates, LLC 230 W. Monroe Street, Suite 1125 Chicago, Illinois 60606 Ph. 312-541-9710 Fax 312-541-9711 Dated: December 7, 2012 Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (15 U.S.C. Section 1692), we are required to state that we are attempting to collect a debt on our client’s behalf and any information we obtain will be used for that purpose. 575573 WNAXLP

Bradley J. Snell, 18, Lindstrom, Minn., identification violation, $515.50. Patricia A. Sonnenberg, 27, Haugen, underage drinking, alcohol assessment, $263.50. Karen D. Spafford, 41, Grantsburg, issue worthless check, $330.50. Shawn S. St. John, 33, Sandstone, Minn., operate without valid license, $200.50. Roxanne G. St. John, 34, Webster, operate without valid license, $200.50. Dale J. Stoffel, 65, Coon Rapids, Minn., speeding, $250.90. Mark A. Stoner, 16, Danbury, speeding, $175.30; operate without proof of insurance, $10.00. Therese A. Stover, 45, Plymouth, Minn., speeding, $200.50. Terrance D. Sullivan, 55, West St. Paul, Minn., operate without proof of insurance, $10.00.

(Dec. 26, Jan. 2, 9) STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY CIVIL DIVISION WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A. 3476 STATEVIEW BLVD. FORT MILL, S.C. 29715 Plaintiff Vs. DANIEL D. WENHOLZ A/K/A DANIEL WENHOLZ 2080 75TH AVE. OSCEOLA, WI 54020 UNKNOWN SPOUSE OF DANIEL D. WENHOLZ A/K/A DANIEL WENHOLZ 2080 75TH AVE. OSCEOLA, WI 54020 CURRENT OCCUPANTS OF 407 3RD AVE. WEST OSCEOLA, WI 54020 ANCHORBANK FSB 25 WEST MAIN STREET MADISON, WI 53703 Defendants PUBLICATION SUMMONS Case No. 12 CV 649 Judge GaleWyrick, Molly E. Case Code No. 30404 THE STATE OF WISCONSIN To each person named above as Defendant: You are hereby notified that the plaintiff named above has filed a lawsuit or other legal action against you. Within 40 days after Dec. 26, 2012, you must respond with a written demand for a copy of the complaint. The demand must be sent or delivered to the court, whose address is Lois Hoff, Clerk of Courts, Polk County Courthouse, 1005 West Main Street, Suite 300 P.O. Box 549, Balsam Lake, WI 54810 and to Kimberly W. Hibbard, Johnson, Blumberg & Associates, LLC, Plaintiff’s attorney, whose address is 230 W. Monroe St., Ste. 1125, Chicago, IL 60606. You may have an attorney help represent you. If you do not demand a copy of the complaint within 40 days, the court may grant judgment against you for the award of money or other legal action requested in the complaint, and you may lose your right to object to anything that is or may be incorrect in the complaint. A judgment may be enforced as provided by law. A judgment awarding money may become a lien against any real estate you own now or in the future, and may also be enforced by garnishment or seizure of property. Johnson, Blumberg & Associates, LLC Attorney for Plaintiff Kimberly W. Hibbard State Bar No. 1090800 Johnson, Blumberg, & Associates, LLC 230 W. Monroe Street, Suite 1125 Chicago, lllinois 60606 Ph. 312-541-9710 Fax 312-541-9711 Dated: December 7, 2012 Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (15 U.S.C. Section 1692), we are required to state that we are attempting to collect a debt on our client’s behalf and any information we obtain will be used for that purpose. 575572 WNAXLP

PAGE 20 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - DECEMBER 26, 2012

Notices/Employment opportunities Apartments

Downtown Centuria

325

per mo. AVAILABLE NOW

Water, sewer & garbage included. Background check. First month’s rent and damage deposit.

612-280-7581

NOTICE TOWN OF MILLTOWN

Monthly Board Meeting Monday, Jan. 7, at 7 p.m. Milltown Fire Hall

Virgil Hansen, Clerk

575435 19-20L 9-10a,d

NOTICE OF PENDING APPLICATION FOR PROPOSED AERATION UNIT

Lawrence Lambert, 1983 240th Avenue, Luck, WI 54853 has applied to the Department of Natural Resources for a permit to place an aeration unit on the bed of Spring Lake in Polk County. The project is located in the Town of Laketown, Polk County, also described as being in the SW1/4 of the SW1/4 of Section 35, Township 36 North, Range 18 West. The Department has determined that the application is complete and is currently evaluating the applicant’s proposal. The Department must consider factual information about the following legal standards in deciding whether to issue, modify or deny the permit or approve or disapprove the contract: • Whether the project will materially obstruct navigation, including commercial, recreational, active and passive forms of navigation. • Whether the project will be detrimental to the public interest, including fish and wildlife or their habitat, natural scenic beauty or water quality. • Whether the project will materially reduce the flood flow capacity of a stream. The Department will follow the steps below to reach its final decision on the application: 1. Review the plans and information provided by the applicant. 2. Review the information from public comments. 3. Review the information presented at a public informational hearing if one is requested. 4. Review the information found in natural resource inventories and plans, maps or data collected by the Department or others using commonly accepted methods. 5. Determine whether the proposed project or activity complies with s. 1.11, Stats (the Wisconsin Environmental Policy Act), and ch. NR 150, Wis. Adm. Code. The Department has made a tentative determination that it will issue the permit or contract for the proposed activity. If you would like to know more about this project or would like to see the application and plans, please visit the Department’s permit tracking Web site at: https://permits.dnr.wi.gov/water/ SitePages/Permit%20Search.aspx Reasonable accommodation, including the provision of informational material in an alternative format, will be provided for qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. If notice of a public informational hearing is not included in this notice of pending applications, no public informational hearing will be held unless the Department receives a request for hearing or determines within 20 days after this notice is published that there is a significant public interest in holding a hearing. If no hearing is requested, the Department may issue its decision without a hearing. Any person may request a public informational hearing by writing to Dan Harrington, 810 West Maple Street, WI, Spooner, WI 54801 by U.S. mail postmarked no later than 20 days following publication of this notice. A request of hearing must include the docket number or applicant name and specify the issues that the party desires to be addressed at the informational hearing. Because the Department must base it decision to issue, deny or modify the permit or approve or disapprove the contract on whether the project or activity meets the legal standards listed above, the issues raised in the request of hearing should relate to those standards. Any member of the public may submit written comments to the address above by U.S. mail. Comments should include the docket number or applicant name. If no public informational hearing is held on this application, comments must be postmarked within 30 days after the date this notice is published in a newspaper as a class 1 notice or within 30 days after the date this notice is published on the Department’s Web site, whichever is later. If a public information hearing is held, comments must be postmarked no later than 10 days following the date on which the hearing is completed. The final decision may be appealed as indicated in the decision document. Docket Number IP-NO-2012-66-05275 WISCONSIN DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES For the Secretary Dan Harrington Water Management Specialist 575439 19Lp WNAXLP Date: 12-10-12

FOR RENT 2-BR Apartment

Downtown St. Croix Falls

450

per mo. AVAILABLE NOW! Water, sewer & garbage included. Background check. First month’s rent and damage deposit.

612-280-7581 575327 18-19L 8-9a,d

(Dec. 26, Jan. 2, 9) STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY Bank of America, N.A. as successor by merger to BAC Home Loans Servicing, L.P. FKA Countrywide Home Loans Servicing, L.P. Plaintiff vs. STACY WAGNER, et al. Defendant(s) Case No: 12 CV 245 NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that by virtue of a judgment of foreclosure entered on June 26, 2012, in the amount of $181,681.28, the Sheriff will sell the described premises at public auction as follows: TIME: January 22, 2013, at 10:00 a.m. TERMS: By bidding at the sheriff sale, prospective buyer is consenting to be bound by the following terms: 1.) 10% down in cash or money order at the time of sale; balance due within 10 days of confirmation of sale; failure to pay balance due will result in forfeit of deposit to plaintiff. 2.) Sold “as is” and subject to all legal liens and encumbrances. 3.) Plaintiff opens bidding on the property, either in person or via fax and as recited by the sheriff department in the event that no opening bid is offered, plaintiff retains the right to request the sale be declared as invalid as the sale is fatally defective. PLACE: Polk County Justice Center at 1005 W. Main Street, Balsam Lake, Wis. DESCRIPTION: The North 1/2 of the Southeast 1/4 of the Southeast 1/4 of Section 21, Town 32 North, Range 15 West, in the Town of Clear Lake, Polk County, Wisconsin. PROPERTY ADDRESS: 208 30th Street, Clear Lake, WI 54005. TAX KEY NO.: 018-00424-0100. Dated this 12th day of December, 2012. /s/Sheriff Peter M. Johnson Polk County Sheriff

Dustin A. McMahon Blommer Peterman, S.C. State Bar No. 1086857 165 Bishops Way, Suite 100 Brookfield, WI 53005 262-790-5719

Please go to www.blommerpeterman.com to obtain the bid for this sale. Blommer Peterman, S.C., is the creditor’s attorney and is attempting to collect a debt on its behalf. Any information obtained will be used for that purpose. 2372477 575349 WNAXLP

Danielle E. Miller, Town of Sand Lake, and William A. Ganje, Shoreview, Minn., issued Oct. 31, 2012. Kathryn R. Lade, Town of Trade Lake, and Randal F. Trick, Town of Laketown, issued Nov. 2, 2012. (Dec. 26, Jan. 2, 9) STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY Bank of America, N.A. as servicer for The Bank of New York Mellon FKA The Bank of New York, as Trustee for the Certificate Holders CWABS, Inc., Asset-Backed Certificates, Series 2006-5 Plaintiff vs. DENNIS W. SWANSON, et al. Defendant(s) Case No: 12 CV 197 NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that by virtue of a judgment of foreclosure entered on June 15, 2012, in the amount of $294,082.89, the Sheriff will sell the described premises at public auction as follows: TIME: January 22, 2013, at 10:00 a.m. TERMS: By bidding at the sheriff sale, prospective buyer is consenting to be bound by the following terms: 1.) 10% down in cash or money order at the time of sale; balance due within 10 days of confirmation of sale; failure to pay balance due will result in forfeit of deposit to plaintiff. 2.) Sold “as is” and subject to all legal liens and encumbrances. 3.) Plaintiff opens bidding on the property, either in person or via fax and as recited by the sheriff department in the event that no opening bid is offered, plaintiff retains the right to request the sale be declared as invalid as the sale is fatally defective. PLACE: Polk County Justice Center at 1005 W. Main Street, Balsam Lake, Wis. DESCRIPTION: Part of Lot 92, Assessor’s Plat of the Village of Centuria, described as follows: Commencing at a point 296.7 Feet East of the Southwest Corner of Lot 92 Assessor’s Plat of the Village of Centuria; thence East 100 Feet; thence North 528 Feet to the North Line of said Lot 92; thence West along the North Line of said Lot, 100 Feet; thence South to the point of beginning. Said Lot being located in Section Twelve (12), Township Thirty-four (34) North of Range Eighteen (18) West, Polk County, Wisconsin. PROPERTY ADDRESS: 422 County Road I, Centuria, WI 54824. TAX KEY NO.: 111-00165-0000. Dated this 10th day of December, 2012. /s/Sheriff Peter M. Johnson Polk County Sheriff Scott D. Nabke Blommer Peterman, S.C. State Bar No. 1037979 165 Bishops Way, Suite 100 Brookfield, WI 53005 262-790-5719 Please go to www.blommerpeterman.com to obtain the bid for this sale. Blommer Peterman, S.C., is the creditor’s attorney and is attempting to collect a debt on its behalf. Any information obtained will be used for that purpose. 2365193 575348 WNAXLP

Ms. Erin’s

PLAY GROUP! Tuesday Evenings 5:30-7 p.m. Frederic Elementary 4K Room 159 (Use EAST Parking Lot)

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(Dec. 12, 19, 26) STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY In the matter of the name change of: Joshua Martin Swerkstrom Notice and Order for Name Change Hearing Case No. 12 CV 719 NOTICE IS GIVEN: A petition was filed asking to change the name of the person listed above: From: Joshua Martin Swerkstrom To: Joshua Martin Heidel Birth Certificate: Joshua Martin Swerkstrom IT IS ORDERED: This petition will be heard in the Circuit Court of Polk County, State of Wisconsin: Molly E. GaleWyrick, 1005, West Main St., Balsam Lake, WI 54810, January 8, 2013, 1:15 p.m. BY THE COURT: Molly E. GaleWyrick Circuit Court Judge 574990 December 7, 2012 WNAXLP

Burnett County marriage licenses

Questions? Call Erin Hansford, 715-529-0913

Katelin E. Edwards, Town of Meenon, and Lance B. Denotter, Town of Meenon, issued Nov. 6, 2012. Nichole A. Matrious, Town of Dewey, and Marcos M. MellaLalane, Town of Dewey, issued Dec. 14, 2012.

Shari M. McCullick, Town of Stanley, and Brandon M. Nicklow, Town of Daniels, issued Dec. 19, 2012.

The Leader Connect to your community

All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians; pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination call HUD toll-free at 1-800-6699777. The toll-free telephone number for the hearing impaired is 1800-927-9275. 445101 8a-etfcp 19Ltfc

(Dec. 26) STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT ST. CROIX COUNTY American Family Mutual Insurance Company 6000 American Parkway Madison, WI 53783-0001 Plaintiff(s) vs. Randy Dominick 2383 81st Avenue Osceola, WI 54020 Defendant(s) Small Claims Publication Summons and Notice Case No. 12SC1798 Publication Summons and Notice of Filing TO THE PERSON(S) NAMED ABOVE AS DEFENDANT(S): You are being sued by the person(s) named above as Plaintiff(s). A copy of the claim has been sent to you at your address as stated in the caption above. The lawsuit will be heard in the following Small Claims Court: St Croix County Courthouse, 715386-4630, 1101 Carmichael Rd., Hudson, WI 54016, on the following date and time: January 29, 2013, 1:30 p.m. If you do not attend the hearing, the court may enter a judgment against you in favor of the person(s) suing you. A copy of the claim has been sent to you at your address as stated in the caption above. A judgment may be enforced as provided by law. A judgment awarding money may become a lien against any real estate you own now or in the future and may also be enforced by garnishment or seizure of property. You may have the option to Answer without appearing in court on the court date by filing a written Answer with the clerk of court before the court date. You must send a copy of your answer to the Plaintiff(s) named above at their address. You may contact the clerk of court at the telephone number above to determine if there are other methods to answer a Small Claims complaint in that county. David Enright 715-832-6645 12/18/2012 Attorney’s State Bar Number: 1015955 Enright Law Office P.O. Box 128 Eau Claire, WI 54702-0128 575437 WNAXLP

(Dec. 26, Jan. 2, 9) STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY Ocwen Loan Servicing, LLC as servicer for U.S. Bank National Association, as Successor Trustee, to Bank of America, National Association as successor by merger to LaSalle Bank National Association, as Trustee, for Ownit Mortgage Loan Trust, Ownit Mortgage Loan Asset Backed Certificates, Series 2006-6 Plaintiff vs. JAN M. GUSEK, et al. Defendant(s) Case No: 12 CV 202 NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that by virtue of a judgment of foreclosure entered on May 30, 2012, in the amount of $124,969.39, the Sheriff will sell the described premises at public auction as follows: TIME: January 22, 2013, at 10:00 a.m. TERMS: By bidding at the sheriff sale, prospective buyer is consenting to be bound by the following terms: 1.) 10% down in cash or money order at the time of sale; balance due within 10 days of confirmation of sale; failure to pay balance due will result in forfeit of deposit to plaintiff. 2.) Sold “as is” and subject to all legal liens and encumbrances. 3.) Plaintiff opens bidding on the property, either in person or via fax and as recited by the sheriff department in the event that no opening bid is offered, plaintiff retains the right to request the sale be declared as invalid as the sale is fatally defective. PLACE: Polk County Justice Center at 1005 W. Main Street, Balsam Lake, Wis. DESCRIPTION: Parcel 1: Lots 13 and 14, Block 46, Original Plat of the City of St. Croix Falls, Polk County, Wisconsin. Parcel 2: Lot 30, Block 53, First Addition to the City of St. Croix Falls, Polk County, Wisconsin. Together with that portion of vacated Massachusetts Street lying between Lot 30, Block 53, First Addition to the City of St. Croix Falls, and Lot 13 Block 46 Original Plat of the City of St. Croix Falls, Polk County, Wisconsin, as per Resolution No. 01-22 recorded October 15, 2001, in Volume 892 on Page 763 as Document No. 620825. PROPERTY ADDRESS: 344 North Adams Street, Saint Croix Falls, WI 54024. TAX KEY NO.: 281-00767-0000 & 281-00094-0000. Dated this 12th day of December, 2012. /s/Sheriff Peter M. Johnson Polk County Sheriff Alyssa A. Johnson Blommer Peterman, S.C. State Bar No. 1086085 165 Bishops Way, Suite 100 Brookfield, WI 53005 262-790-5719 Please go to www.blommerpeterman.com to obtain the bid for this sale. Blommer Peterman, S.C., is the creditor’s attorney and is attempting to collect a debt on its behalf. Any information obtained will be used for that purpose. 2372556 575350 WNAXLP

PAGE 21 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - DECEMBER 26, 2012 (Dec. 26, Jan. 2, 9) STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY Bank of America, N.A., as successor by merger to BAC Home Loans Servicing, L.P. f/k/a Countrywide Home Loans Servicing, L.P. Plaintiff vs. RYAN D. NELSON, et al. Defendant(s)

Case No: 12 CV 254 NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that by virtue of a judgment of foreclosure entered on July 3, 2012, in the amount of $118,703.85, the Sheriff will sell the described premises at public auction as follows: TIME: January 24, 2013, at 10:00 a.m. TERMS: By bidding at the sheriff sale, prospective buyer is consenting to be bound by the following terms: 1.) 10% down in cash or money order at the time of sale; balance due within 10 days of confirmation of sale; failure to pay balance due will result in forfeit of deposit to plaintiff. 2.) Sold “as is” and subject to all legal liens and encumbrances. 3.) Plaintiff opens bidding on the property, either in person or via fax and as recited by the sheriff department in the event that no opening bid is offered, plaintiff retains the right to request the sale be declared as invalid as the sale is fatally defective. PLACE: Polk County Justice Center at 1005 W. Main Street, Balsam Lake, Wisconsin. DESCRIPTION: Lot 1 of Certified Survey Map No. 3533, Volume 16, Page 46, as Document No. 622915, being a part of the Southwest 1/4 of the Southwest 1/4 of Section 14, Township 32 North, Range 16 West, Town of Black Brook, Polk County, Wisconsin. PROPERTY ADDRESS: 777 A 30th Avenue, Clear Lake, WI 54005. TAX KEY NO.: 010-00357-0100. Dated this 13th day of December, 2012. /s/Sheriff Peter M. Johnson Polk County Sheriff

Scott D. Nabke Blommer Peterman, S.C. State Bar No. 1037979 165 Bishops Way, Suite 100 Brookfield, WI 53005 262-790-5719 Please go to www.blommerpeterman.com to obtain the bid for this sale. Blommer Peterman, S.C., is the creditor’s attorney and is attempting to collect a debt on its behalf. Any information obtained will be used for that purpose. 2374715 575347 WNAXLP

(Dec. 19, 26, Jan. 2) STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY CIVIL DIVISION WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A. 3476 STATEVIEW BLVD. FORT MILL, SC 29715 Plaintiff vs. JAMES MAHONEY A/K/A JAMES L. MAHONEY 1288 60TH STREET AMERY, WI 54001 UNKNOWN SPOUSE OF JAMES MAHONEY A/K/A JAMES L. MAHONEY 1288 60TH STREET AMERY, WI 54001 Defendants PUBLICATION SUMMONS Case No. 12 CV 650 Judge Molly E. GaleWyrick Case Code No. 30404 THE STATE OF WISCONSIN To each person named above as Defendant: You are hereby notified that the plaintiff named above has filed a lawsuit or other legal action against you. Within 40 days after December 19, 2012, you must respond with a written demand for a copy of the complaint. The demand must be sent or delivered to the court, whose address is Lois Hoff, Clerk of Courts, Polk County Courthouse, 1005 West Main Street, Suite 300, P.O. Box 549, Balsam Lake, WI 54810 and to Adam C. Lueck, Johnson, Blumberg & Associates, LLC, Plaintiff’s attorney, whose address is 230 W. Monroe St., Chicago, IL 60606. You may have an attorney help represent you. If you do not demand a copy of the complaint within 40 days, the court may grant judgment against you for the award of money or other legal action requested in the complaint, and you may lose your right to object to anything that is or may be incorrect in the complaint. A judgment may be enforced as provided by law. A judgment awarding money may become a lien against any real estate you own now or in the future and may also be enforced by garnishment or seizure of property. Dated: December 5, 2012. Johnson, Blumberg & Associates, LLC Attorney for Plaintiff Adam C. Lueck State Bar No. 1081386 Johnson, Blumberg & Associates, LLC 230 W. Monroe Street Suite 1125 Chicago, Illinois 60606 Ph. 312-541-9710 Fax 312-541-9711 Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (15 U.S.C. Section 1692), we are required to state that we are attempting to collect a debt on our client’s behalf and any information we obtain will be used for that purpose. 575310 WNAXLP

NOTICE - SIREN SANITARY DISTRICT TOWN OF SIREN BOARD MEETINGS

The Siren Sanitary District will hold their monthly Board Meeting on Thursday, January 10, 2013, at 6:30 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Siren Town Hall. The Town of Siren will hold their monthly Board Meeting at approximately 7 p.m. The agenda will be posted. If you wish to be on the agenda, please call Mary Hunter, Clerk. Mary Hunter, Clerk 715-349-5119 575462 19-20L WNAXLP

MONDAY, JANUARY 7, 2013

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that a caucus will be held in the Town of Milltown, on Monday, January 7, 2013, at 7 p.m., at the Milltown Fire Hall, for the purpose of nominating candidates to appear on the spring election ballot to succeed the present incumbents listed. The term of office is for two years beginning on April 16, 2013. OFFICE INCUMBENT Town Board Chairperson Harlen Hegdal Town Board Supervisor Clifford Gustafson Town Board Supervisor Christopher Nelson Town Clerk Virgil Hansen Town Treasurer Mary Sue Morris Virgil Hansen, Town Clerk 575470 19-20L 9-10a,d WNAXLP Town of Milltown

(Dec. 26, Jan. 2, 9) STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY Ocwen Loan Servicing, LLC Plaintiff vs BONITA M. KETTULA, et al. Defendant(s) Case No: 11 CV 526 NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that by virtue of a judgment of foreclosure entered on November 28, 2011, in the amount of $110,028.37, the Sheriff will sell the described premises at public auction as follows: TIME: January 22, 2013, at 10:00 a.m. TERMS: By bidding at the sheriff sale, prospective buyer is consenting to be bound by the following terms: 1.) 10% down in cash or money order at the time of sale; balance due within 10 days of confirmation of sale; failure to pay balance due will result in forfeit of deposit to plaintiff. 2.) Sold “as is” and subject to all legal liens and encumbrances. 3.) Plaintiff opens bidding on the property, either in person or via fax and as recited by the sheriff department in the event that no opening bid is offered, plaintiff retains the right to request the sale be declared as invalid as the sale is fatally defective. PLACE: Polk County Justice Center at 1005 W. Main Street, Balsam Lake, Wis. DESCRIPTION: The East half of the Northeast Quarter of the Northeast Quarter, Section 17, Township 37 North, Range 16 West, Town of Clam Falls, Polk County, Wisconsin. PROPERTY ADDRESS: 1010 340th Avenue, Frederic, WI 54837. TAX KEY NO.: 014-00362-0000. Dated this 12th day of December, 2012. /s/Sheriff Peter M. Johnson Polk County Sheriff Scott D. Nabke Blommer Peterman, S.C. State Bar No. 1037979 165 Bishops Way, Suite 100 Brookfield, WI 53005 262-790-5719 Please go to www.blommerpeterman.com to obtain the bid for this sale. Blommer Peterman, S.C., is the creditor’s attorney and is attempting to collect a debt on its behalf. Any information obtained will be used for that purpose. 2372371 575351 WNAXLP

TOWN OF SIREN NOTICE OF TOWN CAUCUS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN to the electors of the Town of Siren, in the County of Burnett, State of Wisconsin, that a Town Caucus for said town will be held at the Town Hall in the said town on January 10, 2013, at 6:45 p.m. to nominate candidates for the different town offices to be voted for at the Town Election to be held on April 2, 2013. Mary Hunter 575461 19-20L WNAXLP Siren Town Clerk

Bella Salon and Day Spa is seeking a Cosmetologist to join our staff. Positions available at both our Grantsburg and Luck locations. 575237 18-19L 8-9a

NOTICE OF CAUCUS TOWN OF MILLTOWN

(Dec. 26, Jan. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30) STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY Branch 1 BREMER BANK N.A. 8555 Eagle Point Blvd. P.O. Box 1000 Lake Elmo, MN 55042, Plaintiff, vs. BRUCE C. DAHLBERG 1627 S. White Ash Lane Balsam Lake, WI 54810, and WESTCONSIN CREDIT UNION P.O. Box 160 Menomonie, WI 54751 Defendants Case No. 12 CV 367 NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE Foreclosure of Mortgage Code: 30404 By virtue of and pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the above-entitled action on July 11, 2012, I will sell at public auction at the Polk County Justice Center in the Village of Balsam Lake, in said county, on February 19, 2013, at 10 a.m., all of the following described mortgaged premises, to-wit: Lot 48, Plat of White Ash Park, according to the official plat thereof on file and of record in the Office of Register of Deeds in and for Polk County, Wisconsin, located in Section 11, Township 34 North, Range 16 West. Parcel No.: 004-01158-0000 The above property is located at 1627 S. White Ash Lane, Balsam Lake, WI 54810. TERMS: 1. 10% cash or certified check down payment at time of sale, balance upon confirmation by Court. 2. Sale is subject to all unpaid real estate taxes and special assessments. 3. Purchaser shall pay any Wisconsin real estate transfer fee. 4. Property is being sold on an “as is” basis without warranties or representations of any kind. 5. Purchaser shall be responsible for obtaining possession of property. Dated at Balsam Lake, Wisconsin, this 17th day of December, 2012. /s/Peter M. Johnson Peter M. Johnson, Sheriff Polk County, Wisconsin SCHOFIELD, HIGLEY & MAYER, S.C. Attorneys for Plaintiff Bay View Offices, Suite #100 700 Wolske Bay Road Menomonie, WI 54751 575438 WNAXLP 715-235-3939

Please send or stop in with your resume:

Bella Salon and Day Spa Attn.: Jenna, P.O. Box 317, Luck, WI 54853 715-472-4222

NOTICE OF ANDERSON CAUCUS January 8, 2013, 6:45 p.m., At The Town Hall

A town caucus is for the purpose of nominating candidates to appear on the spring election ballot, Tuesday, April 2, 2013, for the following offices to succeed the present incumbents. The term for town offices is for two (2) years beginning on Tuesday, April 9, 2013. OFFICE INCUMBENT Town Board Chairperson Jeremy Gronski Town Board Supervisor James Ulmaniec Town Board Supervisor Tim Harmon The Monthly Town Board of Supervisors meeting will immediately follow the caucus. Jessica King, Clerk 575611 19L 9a WNAXLP

(Dec. 26, Jan. 2, 9) STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY Ocwen Loan Servicing, LLC as servicer for U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee for the registered holders of Aegis Asset Backed Securities Trust, Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2005-5 Plaintiff vs. JAMIE A. MACDONALD, et al. Defendant(s) Case No: 12 CV 258 NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that by virtue of a judgment of foreclosure entered on July 6, 2012, in the amount of $113,703.35, the Sheriff will sell the described premises at public auction as follows: TIME: January 24, 2013, at 10:00 a.m. TERMS: By bidding at the sheriff sale, prospective buyer is consenting to be bound by the following terms: 1.) 10% down in cash or money order at the time of sale; balance due within 10 days of confirmation of sale; failure to pay balance due will result in forfeit of deposit to plaintiff. 2.) Sold “as is” and subject to all legal liens and encumbrances. 3.) Plaintiff opens bidding on the property, either in person or via fax and as recited by the sheriff department in the event that no opening bid is offered, plaintiff retains the right to request the sale be declared as invalid as the sale is fatally defective. PLACE: Polk County Justice Center at 1005 W. Main Street, Balsam Lake, Wis. DESCRIPTION: That part of the NE 1/4 of NW 1/4, Section 1735-17, described as follows: Beginning at a point 418.5 feet West and 394.5 feet South of the Northeast corner of said NE 1/4 of NW 1/4, thence running South parallel with the East line of said NE 1/4 of NW 1/4, 100 feet; running thence West parallel to the North line of said NE 1/4 of NW 1/4 175 feet; running thence North parallel to the East line of said NE 1/4 of NW 1/4, 100 feet; running thence East in a straight line to the point of beginning, Polk County, Wisconsin. Part of the NE 1/4 of NW 1/4, Section 17-35-17, Village of Milltown, Polk County, Wisconsin, which is bounded by a line described as follows: Commencing at the North 1/4 corner of said Section 17, thence South 88 degrees 35’ 45” West 418.5 feet along the North line of said Section 17, thence South 394.5 feet parallel with the North-South 1/4 line of said Section 17, thence South 88˚ 35’ 45” West 175 feet to the point of beginning, thence continue South 88 degrees 35’ 45” West 63.88 feet parallel with the North line of said Section 17, thence South 100 feet parallel with the North-South 1/4 line of said Section 17, thence North 88˚ 35’ 45” E 63.88 feet parallel with North line of said Section 17; thence North 100 feet parallel with the NorthSouth 1/4 line of said Section 17 to the point of beginning. PROPERTY ADDRESS: 206 2nd Avenue East, Milltown, WI 54858. TAX KEY NO.: 151-297-0. Dated this 13th day of December, 2012. /s/Sheriff Peter M. Johnson Polk County Sheriff Scott D. Nabke Blommer Peterman, S.C. State Bar No. 1037979 165 Bishops Way, Suite 100 Brookfield, WI 53005 262-790-5719 Please go to www.blommerpeterman.com to obtain the bid for this sale. Blommer Peterman, S.C., is the creditor’s attorney and is attempting to collect a debt on its behalf. Any information obtained will be used for that purpose. 2374288 575352 WNAXLP

Notices (Dec. 12, 19, 26) STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY Royal Credit Union, a federal credit union, 200 Riverfront Terrace Eau Claire, Wisconsin 54703, Plaintiff, vs. Robin J. Schul f/k/a Robin J. Carlson 226 Meadow Lark Lane Osceola, Wisconsin 54020, Leanne M. Berglund f/k/a LeAnne M. Bruggeman P.O. Box 597 Osceola, Wisconsin 54020, John Doe, Mary Roe, and XYZ corporation, Defendants. Case Type: 30404

Case No.: 12CV397

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE, that by virtue of that certain Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law, Order for Judgment, and Judgment entered and filed in the above-entitled action on November 9, 2012, the Sheriff of Polk County, Wisconsin, will sell the following described real property at public auction as follows: DATE/TIME: January 3, 2013, at 10:00 a.m. TERMS: 10% of successful bid must be paid to Sheriff at sale in certified funds, with the balance due and owing on the date of confirmation of the sale by the Court. PLACE: Lobby of the Polk County Justice Center, 1005 W. Main Street, Balsam Lake, WI 54810. LEGAL DESCRIPTION: Lot 110 of Sunset Meadows Planned Unit Development North Addition, Village of Osceola, Polk County, Wisconsin, previously described as follows: A part of the Northeast Quarter of the Southwest Quarter in Section 26, Township 33 North, Range 19 West, Village of Osceola, Polk County, Wisconsin, also being a part of Outlot 168 of the Outlot Plat of said Village, also being part of Lot 7, Block 1 of the Plat of Sunset Meadows Planned Unit Development, as recorded in and for said County, described as follows: Commencing at the South Quarter Corner of said Section 26; thence, on an assumed bearing along the North/South Quarter line of said Section 26, North 00˚55’12” East a distance of 1,811.46 feet to the point of beginning of the parcel to be described; thence, in part along the center of a common wall of a Twin Home, North 89˚04’47” West a distance of 134.00 feet to the West line of said Lot 7; thence, along last said west line, this also being the easterly line of Meadow Lark Lane, a Village Street, North 00˚55’12” East a distance of 45.00 feet to the northwest corner of said Lot 7; thence along the north line of said Lot 7, South 89˚04’47” East a distance of 134.00 feet to the northeast corner of last said Lot 7; thence, along the east line of said Lot 7, South 00˚55’12” West a distance of 45.00 feet to the point of beginning. (FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY: Plaintiff believes that the property address is 226 Meadow Lark Lane, Osceola, Wisconsin). Dated: December 3, 2012.

Peter Johnson Sheriff of Polk County, Wisconsin

THIS INSTRUMENT WAS DRAFTED BY: ANASTASI & ASSOCIATES, P.A. 14985 60th Street North Stillwater, MN 55082 (651) 439-2951 Garth G. Gavenda/#16267 575004 WNAXLP

PAGE 22 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - DECEMBER 26, 2012

Students of the Week GRANTSBURG

FREDERIC

Carson Anderson has been chosen Frederic Elementary School’s student of the week. He is in preschool and the son of John and Norah Anderson. Carson is a great student who loves learning and does not hesitate to ask questions about everything. With a classroom of good friends, Carson is kind and caring to everyone. When he grows up he wants to try everything.

Brock Phernetton has been chosen Frederic Middle School’s student of the week. He is in eighth grade and the son of Rob and Lisa Phernetton. He is involved in football, basketball, track, band, choir and bell choir. His future plans are to attend UW-Madison or Oklahoma University. His greatest influences in his life are his parents. Brock is kind, smart, helpful and well-liked by his classmates.

David Lindberg has been chosen Frederic High School’s student of the week. He is a sophomore and the son of Joe and Tammy Lindberg. He is involved in golf, bowling and works at Beaudry in Frederic. He enjoys playing video games and reading. He plans to attend college and study to become a doctor of medicine. His greatest influence in his life is his mom. David is witty, works very hard and earns excellent grades.

Connor Quimby has been chosen Grantsburg Elementary School’s student of the week. He is in first grade and the son of Dennis and Jody Quimby. Connor always tries his hardest and is respectful and polite to teachers and classmates. He likes to read stories about real life adventures and sports heroes. He enjoys drawing and hockey. Connor’s advice on being a good role model is to do nice stuff and say nice things.

LUCK

Ella Tretsven has been chosen Luck Elementary School’s student of the week. She is the daughter of Monty and Debra Tretsven. She is an excellent student. Ella likes to care for animals. She helps with the chickens and has a horse. She is very helpful in the classroom and she is a hard worker. Ella likes to read and often chooses books about animals. Ella is always careful to follow school rules.

Johanna Lauer has been chosen Grantsburg High School’s student of the week. She is a senior and the daughter of Joan and Peter Lauer. Johanna is focused and independent when it comes to her schoolwork. She is hardworking and a great leader. She is involved in hockey, library club, works part-time at Community Bank and Timbers Theatres, fast pitch, FCCLA, International Club and NHD. She enjoys reading, history, cats, traveling and tea.

ST. CROIX FALLS

Kyla Melin has been chosen Luck Middle School’s student of the week. She is in seventh grade and the daughter of Jamie Melin and Aren Gerich. She is involved in basketball, softball and track. She enjoys playing sports, camping, swimming and running. She baby-sits, is in choir and participated in Sober Cruizin last summer. Her greatest influences in her life are her parents. Kyla uses her time wisely and gets along well with others.

Avery Steen has been chosen Luck High School’s student of the week. She is a senior and the daughter of Ron and Kelly Steen. She is involved in NHS, church group, FCCLA, Ruby’s Pantry, graduation committee, works at the Luck Golf Course, golfing, baseball, softball and league bowling. She enjoys four-wheeling, snowmobiling, sports, boating, hunting and ice fishing. Her future plans are to attend UWGreen Bay and play golf there.

Aiden Cordie has been chosen St. Croix Falls Elementary School’s student of the week. He is in first grade and lives at home with his mom and two younger brothers. Aiden likes to play with his Wii and read. His favorite books are about dogs. When he grows up he wants to be a fireman so he can help people.

Nick Courteau has been chosen St. Croix Falls Middle School’s student of the week. He is in sixth grade and the son of Chris and Christine Courteau. He has a brother named John. His pets include a cat and a dog. He is involved in hockey, baseball, football and golf. He enjoys reading, video games and playing outside. His favorite subject is math. Nick is a very enthusiastic student who loves to get involved in group work and class participation.

WEBSTER

SIREN

Derrick Helene has been chosen Siren Elementary School’s student of the week. He is in first grade and the son of Mark Helene and Patricia Needham. Derrick works hard at school and follows directions. He reads at home. He likes to play soccer and football and can be seen at the football and basketball games.

Charli Siebenthal has been chosen Grantsburg Middle School’s student of the week. She is in sixth grade and the daughter of Lona and Eddie Siebenthal. Charli is a sweet girl and good student. She is always willing to help in the classroom and always works hard at anything she does. She is also very kind, respectful and responsible. Her favorite class is math. She is active in sports and enjoys volleyball and softball.

Sarah Shaffer has been chosen Siren Middle School’s student of the week. She is in seventh grade and the daughter of Sarah Shaffer. She is friendly and upbeat. She works hard in her studies, keeping her grades high to participate in sports. She is involved in volleyball, basketball, soccer and track. She enjoys sports. Sarah sees herself going to college on a basketball scholarship and studying to become an athletic trainer.

Amber Moore has been chosen Siren High School’s student of the week. She is a junior and the daughter of Peggy Moore. She is involved in AODA, SHE Club, band, dance team, track and volleyball. She enjoys hanging out with friends, listening to music and doing something active such as running or working out. Amber’s future plans include going to college and pursuing a career in criminal justice.

Emma Haessly has been chosen Webster Elementary School's student of the week. She is in kindergarten and the daughter of Mandy O’Malley and Nick Haessly. Some of her favorite things are eating lunch, spending time with family and playing Barbies. When she grows up she wants to be a veterinarian. She is always willing to help her teacher. Emma is a responsible and well-behaved student who always works hard.

Tanner Pardun has been chosen Webster Middle School’s student of the week. He is in fifth grade and the son of Joshua and Rachel Pardun. Tanner is kind, polite, hardworking and always willing to help others. He is involved in basketball. Tanner is a model student.

Sabrina Hiller has been chosen Webster High School’s student of the week. She is a junior and the daughter of Marvin and Tamara King. She works hard on her assignments. She is involved in choir and volunteers at the Webster Library. She enjoys writing and singing.

UNITY

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Joseph Miller has been chosen Unity Elementary School’s student of the week. He is in second grade and the son of Renea Heller and Larry Miller. Joe comes to school every day with a smile and a positive attitude. He works very hard and always tries his best. Joe is a sweet boy who is kind and well-liked by his peers and teachers.

Kevin Paulson has been chosen Unity Middle School’s student of the week. He is in seventh grade and the son of Kimmarie and Eugene Paulson. Kevin is creative and has a wonderful sense of humor. He is kind and polite to both his peers and teachers. He is a pleasure to have in class.

Maddie Ramich has been chosen Unity High School’s student of the week. She is a junior and the daughter of Doug and Laura Ramich. She is involved in basketball, volleyball, Kinship and softball. She enjoys being active in sports, weightlifting and hanging with her friends. Her favorite class is physical education. After high school she plans to attend college to become an engineer. She resides in Luck.

DECEMBER 26, 2012 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 23

Luck High School Winter Holiday Concert and art show

Senior Geoffrey Maiden Mueller checked out some of the artwork on display during Luck’s winter holiday concert and art show.

During the Luck High School Winter Holiday Concert, on Monday, Dec. 17, saxophone players Steven Holdt, Colton Branville, Katie Pfaff and Kylie Rich, and the rest of the band played “It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas.”

Travis Muller, Kalley Lunsmann and Tanner Nielsen, and the rest of the jazz band, played “Gospel John.”

During Luck High School’s winter holiday concert, Abbie Otlo sang a solo, “Welcome to the World.”

During the high school winter holiday concert, Reilly Giller sang a solo, “Winter Song.”

At the conclusion of the Luck High School Winter Holiday Concert on Monday night, Dec. 17, members of the community joined the choir in singing the “Hallelujah Chorus” from Handel’s “Messiah.” – Photos by Lori Nelson

Luck Middle school holiday concert

During the Luck Middle School Winter Holiday Concert, Thursday, Dec. 13, the sixth-grade music class sang “Decorate the Halls.”

Photos by Lori Nelson Billy Lipoff joined the rest of the middle school jazz band in playing “Gospel” during the Luck Middle School Winter Holiday Concert.

Members of Luck’s sixth-grade band played “Mt. Ranier March” during the middle school winter holiday concert on Thursday night, Dec. 13.

Members of Luck’s middle school band play “Jingle Bell Rock” during the middle school winter holiday concert.

Luck’s middle school choir members sang “Moonlight Sleigh Ride” during the middle school winter holiday concert.

PAGE 24 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - DECEMBER 26, 2012

Early American Christmas by Priscilla Bauer Leader staff writer GRANTSBURG – Traditions of Christmas past and present were highlighted through readings and songs by first-

Grantsburg

through third-grade Grantsburg Elementary students in the school’s Christmas program, “A Revolutionary Holiday Celebration,” presented in the high school auditorium on Dec. 20.

Amy Beaulieu and Aden Erickson held their hands out in hopes of getting some figgy pudding while singing “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” with firstgrade classmates at the Grantsburg Elementary School Christmas program presented on Dec. 20.

Second-graders, shown in no particular order, Renee Tooze, Tristin Kreuser-Peterson, Brian Nyland, Allen Photopulos, McKenna Graf and Anita Finch performed the traditional “Here We Come A-Caroling” at the Thursday, Dec. 20 Grantsburg first- through third-grade Christmas program.

Tiffany Wagenius looked as though she was dreaming of going to Grandma’s house as she and her first-grade class performed “Over the River” during the Grantsburg Elementary School’s Early American Christmas program presented on Dec. 20. Ashlin Olson jubilantly sang with other Grantsburg Elementary students when they performed “Christmas Jubilation” together at the end of the school’s Christmas program. Photos by Priscilla Bauer

Catelyn Lee, Keevan Jones, Sadie Bunting and Tiffany Gronski were featured singers during the second- and third-graders performance of “Auld Lang Syne.”

Grantsburg second-grader Alex Kammeyer sang “Merry Christmas to You From the Red, White and Blue” with her classmates during the Early American Christmas program presented on Thursday, Dec. 20, at the Grantsburg High School auditorium.

First-grader Alex Peterson gave an enthusiastic performance when he and his classmates sang the classic song “Over the River” during the Grantsburg Elementary School Christmas program.

Grantsburg Elementary students sang out during the school’s annual Christmas program on Dec. 20. Pictured (L to R), back row: Hanne Johnson, Siji Jolayemi, Samuel Prusinski and Owen Rathje. Middle row: Aiden Johnson, William Coppenbarger, Mason Arnold and Morgan Kutz. Front row: Zachary DeMarre, Ana Berger and Madeline Krammer.

WED., DEC. 26, 2012 • INTER-COUNTY LEADER NORTHERN CURRENTS • SECTION B

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As 2012 draws to a close, the Leader offers one more look at the year’s local stories and photos POLK/BURNETT COUNTIES – In the last edition of the news for 2012, we begin part one of our year in review stories, photos and headlines of 2012. This week we review some of the headlines from the first six months of the past year.

An award-winning newspaper serving NW Wisconsin

2012 moments Leader archives/January to June

January

• The first baby of the year, born Jan. 2, at St. Croix Regional Medical Center was Jacelynn Elizabeth Hayes, born to Shawna Blanski and Tyler Hayes of Frederic. Jacelynn weighed 7 lbs., 13 oz. and was 20 inches long. • The first baby of the year born at Burnett Medical Center was Vincent Larry Wiltrout, born to Kelly and Jameson Wiltrout of Siren. Vincent was born Jan. 4, 9:37 p.m., weighed 6 lbs., 12 oz., and was 20 inches long. • The first baby of the year, born Jan. 4, 5:25 p.m., at Osceola Medical Center was Allison Sara, born to Michelle and Michael Lorenz of Osceola. Allison weighed 7 lbs., 9 oz., and was 21 inches long. • It was determined Polk County residents would get to vote April 3 on a referendum that would make a major change in the size of the county board, reducing it to 15 members. • The gray wolf was removed from Endangered Species Act protection. • The temperature was near 50 degrees on Jan. 10 in Frederic. • A Centuria woman lost her life in a two-vehicle crash on Hwy. 35, between Luck and Milltown. • A Turtle Lake man was cleared of all assault charges after the 11-year-old accuser admitted the whole allegation was made up. • Jerry Tischer, Frederic Schools superintendent, announced his retirement at the end of the school year in June. • Siren Police Chief Chris Sybers was honored by the Department of Defense with the Patriot Award. • The Grantsburg School Board voted to pass a resolution officially establishing a new grades six through 12 charter school for the district. • The Luck Village Board acted on a recommendation from the plan commission to buy about 27 acres of land, near Butternut Avenue to Chippewa Trail, from the school. • KARE-11 TV’s videographer Jonathan Malat captured scenes from Interstate Park at St. Croix Falls as part of a spotlight on local photographer Kelly Bakke and her What’s YOUR AntiDrug? effort. • Unity music teacher Adam Bever announced his candidacy to challenge Rep. Erik Severson in the 28th Assembly District race. • Former Burnett County Circuit

FIGHTING HUNGER • Grantsburg student Grace Corbin contemplates world hunger as the 30-hour Famine at Faith began with candlelight and prayer in April. - Photo by Suzanne Vitale Court Judge and current state Supreme Court Justice Michael Gableman hired a high-profile defense attorney to fight charges that he violated Wisconsin’s ethics and judicial codes. • A Frederic concealed-carry class was deemed a success. • Grantsburg Animal Hospital purchased Frederic Veterinary Clinic, and

Dr. Larry Pederson retired. • Taylor Orton, St. Croix Falls junior, was selected as a representative for the People To People Student Ambassador exchange program. She would be on a three-week venture across Spain, Italy and France as a representative of her school district, community, state and America.

February

• The Inter-County Leader’s longestrunning and most popular columnist, Bernice Abrahamzon, died at age 91. Abrahamzon began her career with the Inter-County Cooperative Publishing Association in the early 1960s. • Burnett and Polk counties showed unemployment rates rise at the end of the year, but a net gain of nearly 500 jobs from 2010 to 2011. • A Sandstone, Minn., man died in a one-vehicle crash north of Danbury. • The state Legislature movied forward with a possible season on wolves. • Educator, veteran, activist, artist, historian and author Edwin Pedersen died at the age of 88. • A propane explosion claimed the life of a rural Amery woman. Her husband was seriously injured in the blast which occurred in the garage area of their Town of Apple River home. • A Milltown police officer faced allegations of misdemeanor battery after his estranged former girlfriend claimed he tried to hurt her after a night of drinking. •The village needed $35,000 for the pool in the Grantsburg School District to opening for the 2012 season. • Comforts of Home opened its second building in Frederic. • Kathy Hanson announced she would retire as Luck Village clerk after 22 years of service in March. • A celebration of life was held for well-known Frederic native Sandy Hacker, who lost her 11-year battle with cancer. • Siren Village voted to stop adding fluoride to its water supply. • Don Sundvall of rural Turtle Lake was found not guilty of illegally killing a bear that attacked and killed his calves in early July. • Jillian Klatt was crowned Miss Luck at the Luck Winter Carnival. • Sisters Jamie Thompson of Siren and Janita Nwachukwu of Centuria had babies one day, one inch and one ounce apart. • Firefighters fought a large fire at the Docks Unlimited building on Hwy. 70 in Siren. • The St. Croix Falls Town Board went on record in opposition to the completion of Tier II of the Department of Transportation’s study of Hwy. 8 in Polk County, specifically within the town in the area around the intersection of Hwys. 8 and 35. • A proposed ATV park on the north side of the village of Luck drew a crowd to the plan commission meeting. • Carole and Todd Wondra of Frederic donated eight acres in Frederic to Habitat for Humanity. • Alejandra Botta, 17-year-old foreign exchange student from Cucuta, Colombia, caught her first-ever fish, a 16-lb. northern pike, during her first-ever fishing experience at South Fork Sporting

See 2012 moments, page 2

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PAGE 2 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - DECEMBER 26, 2012

2012 moments Leader archives/January to June

2012 moments/from page 1 Club’s contest on Clam Lake. • Grandstrand Funeral Home acquired Edling Funeral Home in St. Croix Falls. • A Blue Star Banner was presented to Jerald and Julie Packard of Webster in honor of their son Kevin, who was serving in the 75th Ranger Regiment. • Jeff Finch was crowned Mr. Midwinter Sports Day 2012 at Grantsburg’s winter festival. • The first serious snowstorm of the winter season hit the area on Feb. 28, dumping anywhere from 14 to 18 inches of snow on Burnett and Polk counties. • A rural Webster woman faced a charge of attempted first-degree homi-

WINTER WATCH • A snowy owl perched on a fence, waiting for a rabbit or other small an-

imal to make their presence known. The black mark on the forehead indicates this is a banded bird, with the number V60. — Photo by Larry Samson

cide after allegedly shooting her boyfriend in the face with a .22-caliber pistol. • The Leader’s “10 stories of hope ... ” section, commemorating the 10-year anniversary of the Siren tornado, won a first-place award from the Wisconsin Newspaper Association. • Frederic Schools made delayed staff cuts. Four teachers would not be back next school year, and the teaching hours had been reduced for two more. • A Balsam Lake man entered a guilty plea in a child porn case in a federal court in Madison.

See 2012 moments, page 7

COMING TO GRIPS •Nevaeh Schallenberger wasn’t about to let go of the big fish she’d just caught so she found another way to adjust her glove. The 4-year-old’s big bass won second place at the Grantsburg Legion ice-fishing contest in February. - Photo by Priscilla Bauer

COURTING AT MIDCOURT • Ryan Karsten, Siren athletic director and girls basketball coach, proposed to Tina Rudiger, one of Siren’s fourth-grade teachers, on Monday, Feb. 27. He popped the question just prior to the girls varsity game against Turtle Lake. Rudiger was surprised, as were the many onlookers who were on hand to watch the game. – Photo by Mackenzie Erickson

A man in a bar

DECEMBER 26, 2012 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 3

Just for

saw a friend at a table, drinking by himself. Approaching the friend he commented, "You Joe Roberts look terrible. What's the problem?" "My mother died in June," he said, "and left me $10,000." "Gee, that's tough," he replied. "Then in July," the friend continued, "my father died, leaving me $50,000." "Wow. Two parents gone in two months. No wonder you're depressed." "And last month my aunt died, and left me $15,000." "Three close family members lost in three months? How sad." "Then this month," continued, the friend, "nothing!"

Laughs

Library seeks arts and recipes for graphic arts cookbook

ST. CROIX FALLS - The St. Croix Falls Public Library has announced that it will be accepting original works of art and recipes for preparing food for a planned graphic arts cookbook. The intent is to pair comic and graphic arts with recipes for a cookbook like no other. Participants are to submit original art alongside, or incorporating, the required recipe text, and a bound cookbook will be released at a later date as a fundraising project to support the Friends of the St. Croix Falls Library. One single recipe is allowed per person. All 2-D media will be accepted, with preference for a digital version. The project has been made possible through a grant from the Ezra Jack Keats Foundation, and is open to all in the community. For more information, contact Cole Zrostlik, youth services librarian at 715-483-1777 or czrostlik@ stcroixfallslibrary.org. - submited

If you’re reading this, I’m

Letters from

guessing we made it through the end of the world. We celebrated the solstice early this year. It was a convenient date for everyone and we Carrie Classon avoided the risk of scheduling a party just as the world ended. There would have been a lot of wasted Christmas cookies, so I’m glad we played it safe. The solstice party was, as always, perfect. We all stood around a fire and sang carols. Then we pitched into the fire all the things we would like to be rid of in the coming year. I have great faith in the solstice fire (even a week before solstice) because it has done such a good job of incinerating other habits I have wanted to lose in the past. I burned up my alter-ego Superwoman the first year and she has made only the occasional reappearance. The next year I burned up all my old life plans and they are gone for good. The third year I burned up “expectation” and, while this was a little trickier, I have done a much better job of living in this moment rather than in the imaginary months ahead. This year I pitched in a giant printout of the word “should” because I found it was doing me little good. I rarely enjoy things I “should” do. Things I “should” do are usually things that I am doing already, but feel I could do better, faster, or more often. I nitpick my life apart with “should” and rob myself daily of small satisfactions. I use “should” on others to even more disastrous effect. People “should” behave other than the way they do, think things they do not, and know better. None of it accomplishes anything other than to annoy me and divert my attention from where it be-

Home

longs — in the here and now, enjoying the unending wonders of my life. So I tossed “should” into the fire and it burned up in a second. The next thing we do each solstice is send up a wish balloon and, with it, our hopes for the coming year. My first wish came true at the first solstice party three years ago and he was standing behind me at this one, so I had very little to wish for other than more of the same. Daniel stuck his hands in my coat pockets and we watched the flaming balloon narrowly miss the giant pine trees then grow smaller and smaller in the night sky. I thought about how good my life is. I was filled with gratitude for all the wonderful things that had already rained down on my life. And so, as I write this, I don’t yet know if the world has ended but I am betting it goes on for a bit longer, despite our best efforts. For my part, I am far less afraid of flaming meteors than of the countless acts of thoughtlessness I commit every day. I am less afraid of losing my life in an instant than in losing it through years of sleepwalking while miracles surround me. I am less afraid of fire falling from the sky than of my coldness to others in the face of suffering and loneliness. Maybe it’s bad luck to reveal a wish, but if the world has ended I guess it won’t matter anyway. In this new year, I wished for more love. I sent a tiny flame and a wish for more love straight up into the night sky. Till next time, — Carrie

Frederic students perform at Mall of America

Members of the Frederic High School and middle school bell choirs and the high school choir, under the direction of Pat Anderson and Greg Heine, performed at the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minn., Wednesday, Dec. 19, entertaining holiday shoppers at the Sears court. – Photos submitted

The Christmas Letter Since the advent of computers,

Cold Turkey

we have experienced a change in the way Christmas greetings are exchanged. Traditional Christmas John W. Ingalls cards with a note are becoming less common, and in their place are appearing computer generated letters and photo montage’s that rival professional standards. Glitzy photos that are cropped, rotated and retouched to remove blemishes and wrinkles make all appear as if we had cosmetic surgery during the past year. Almost anyone with basic computer skills and Internet access can now plan, produce and publish cards and even professional appearing photo books at reasonable expense. While the appearance of greeting cards has changed considerably, the content of the traditional Christmas letter has remained about the same. As long as there are relatives, you will get to review in detail the medley of events beginning shortly after they mailed you the Christmas letter last year. These letters often follow two primary forms. If the writer has children still in school, you will frequently get the proud parent perspective. “Our wonderful children are the best at everything they do. Sis has been doing advanced algebra story problems since she was 3 years old. She had to give up ballet lessons because she will be performing her fifth piano concerto at Carnegie Hall next month. We are negotiating with the school board to get her into the advanced kindergarten group next semester. Bronco is our athlete. He is 6 feet tall now and has size 21 shoes. He scored 10 touchdowns in his peewee football league. It helps that we held him back

a few years in school so he would be more developed for sports. He says fourth grade gets easier every year.” After reading those letters you wonder why your own children are turning MD out to be such clumsy imbeciles. The second form of a Christmas letter often reads like an appointment schedule at Mayo clinic. Meant to bring you glad tidings and good cheer you actually feel like sending them a sympathy card when you finish. The most cheerful part is when you find out that Greatuncle Rupert finally got over a bad case of shingles. Many of the Christmas letters we receive follow the same format, usually with a similar introduction. “Merry Christmas from the Curmudgeons. Buster sends his greetings too, but he won’t be out on parole until June. We bought a big turkey at the Piggly Wiggly so everyone can come over to our house for Christmas. Cousin Fred says he won’t come ‘cause he broke his dentures and will have to put everything in the blender. We expect to have a good Christmas anyway.” Following the introduction, most letters then revert to a diary or journal of sorts. Sometimes it is a monthby-month accounting of the past year, but more often it becomes a documentary ranging from illness to mishap or injury followed by the surgical reports. “In January, Charlie got the big promotion at work, but because he was suffering from gout, he got laid off and lost his job. It was good timing because with my hemorrhoid surgery and broken hip, I needed help at home anyway. It is amazing how everything works out. With all the money we saved by not driving to

work every day we decided to splurge on Valentine’s Day. With the two-for-one coupon and the senior discount if you eat dinner before 4:30 we had a real nice meal. Charlie got sick afterward, but the food poisoning only lasted a couple of days.” “We spent March and April in physical therapy after Charlie hurt his back shoveling snow. It was good that he hurt his back because his heart is bad, and he shouldn’t shovel snow anyway. That man is so lucky. We spent the summer inside because I have skin cancer on my nose and shouldn’t go outside anymore and he gets hives from bug bites. We heard it was a nice summer.” The obituaries are next, usually beginning with family members that have passed on, but it often includes friends and distant relatives as well. “If you were at Aunt Melba’s funeral in August you might remember cousin Fester. When they were spreading Melba’s ashes on the back 40, some of it blew in his eyes. He got a bad infection and nearly went blind. Anyway he died last week. The doctors think that the infection he got in France during the war came back. All this got us thinking, so we bought cemetery plots for each other for Christmas. I liked the spot on the hill by the big pine tree, but Charlie wants to be down in the valley. He snores so bad we have separate rooms now anyway, so what’s the difference.” No matter how depressing the content, the letters always end on an uplifting note. “Remember to celebrate the true meaning of the Christmas season, and if you are ever in the middle of North Dakota this winter stop by and see us. We would love to see you all again.” Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

PAGE 4 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - DECEMBER 26, 2012

Home for the holidays There is a John Denver song that I love to listen to for its sentimental value. It reminds me of my dad and a Christmas so long ago when he received a John Denver CD. We put it in and I danced and spun in circles as my nightgown swished at my ankles and the blur of the Christmas lights mixed with the warmth of that room and my family. It also reminds me of home and how good it is to be home again after being away for a while: “It’s the little things that make a house a home. Like a fire softly burning and supper on the stove, and the light in your eyes that makes me warm. Hey it’s good to be back home again.” It is good to be back home again. After weeks of sharing space with five other roommates, eating nothing but

Scientists prove Mark Twain’s recipe for success Tom Sawyer looked at the 810 square feet of Aunt Polly’s fence he had been assigned to whitewash and, “Life to him seemed hollow, and existence but a burden,” writes Mark Twain. Tom looked down at the bucket of paint and then up the street to see none other than his good friend Ben sauntering up the sidewalk. Tom dipped the brush in the paint and began—enthusiastically. When his friend approached, to ask what he was doing, Tom almost ignored him. This triggered Ben’s curiosity. When Ben asked if he might try, Tom told him no. It wasn’t until Ben bribed Tom with an apple that Tom reluctantly relinquished his brush and let Ben have a turn at painting the fence. It wasn’t long before Tom had a long line of friends begging for the opportunity to paint the fence. Twain writes, “Work consists of whatever a body is obliged to do, play consists of whatever a body is not obliged to do.” Why did Tom’s friends want to paint his fence, while Tom, himself, was loath to? The secret lies in a concept called autonomy. While Tom was assigned to the task, his friends chose it of their own

Assorted

chocolates Abby Ingalls toast, pizza and cereal for weeks, and writing papers – it is good to be home. Sunday night my mother and I made lasagna and turned up the volume a little more to the music flowing in the kitchen. In between browning the ground venison and sausage, my dad stole me away to dance with me in the kitchen as my mother watched and laughed in her oven mitts. It is moments like these I love. Spontaneous, unplanned, heartfelt moments. Our home is not perfect. It is cluttered with boxes and tins of Christmas goodies, baby wipes and diapers, unwashed

We teach, we learn

free will. Twain continues, “There are wealthy gentlemen in England Chris Wondra who drive fourhorse passengercoaches twenty or thirty miles on a passenger line, in the summer, because the privilege cost them considerable money,” Twain writes. “But if they were offered wages for the service, that would turn it into work and they would resign.” As I wrote last week, it isn’t only Twain who understands the counterintuitive nature of external motivation. Scientists have long known the negative effects of carrot and stick tactics – such as rewards and incentives – for work-related performance. Decades of psychological study bears out the fact that rewards often decrease both motivation and performance. Why? To be clear, we need to understand that it isn’t the rewards themselves that are the trouble. It’s the

dishes and unwrapped Christmas presents waiting to be put to use by their new owners. We have a leaky faucet that drips steadily, there is a door upstairs that whistles like a teapot when the wind blows violently, and there are stains, scratches, marks and dents from accidents or little kids long ago who decided the house needed some expert toddler decorating. No, our home is not spotless or perfectly in order – but it is lived in, and it is the little things that make a house a home. It is the people that make a house a home as well. When my nieces come over our home is filled with squeals of laughter, the running of little feet, loud exclamations as they play with their dolls or dress-up clothes. When the four sisters are together there is bickering, teasing, laughing and talking. There are the competitive jeers heard when playing games with the whole family. There

is the cry of a baby for its mother. There are hugs, kisses, dancing and playful wrestling or fighting. A home is not a home until it has people to fill its walls and rooms. Being home for the holidays, I’ve been in fights with my sister already, I’ve grown impatient with my nieces whining or crying, and I miss my friends from school who live so far away from me – but I have also been filled with more warmth and love and laughter from being in this home and being with the ones I love. I have learned to not let the little annoying things get in the way of Christmas and its meaning. Enjoy being with whomever and wherever you are these holidays, and I wish you all a very merry Christmas.

expectation of the reward for performance. It’s only contingent rewards – “ifthen” rewards – that are the problem. The reason? The reward removes autonomy or a sense of control. Ownership. Like the gentlemen driving the carriages for money instead of fun, the reward creates a situation in which the drivers are no longer in full control. This loss of control saps motivation. New scientific discoveries however, are often controversial. And this continues to be the case when it comes to motivation. After all, these findings fly directly in the face of what many consider common sense in most companies and schools. This new information was so counterintuitive that in 1999, Edward Deci, professor of psychology in the social sciences at the University of Rochester, was called upon to analyze nearly three decades of research on the subject of motivation in order to determine if this was really true. Do “ifthen” rewards really harm long-term performance? “Careful consideration of reward effects reported in 128 experiments leads to the conclusion that tangible rewards tend to have a substantially negative effect on intrinsic motivation,” he writes. “When institutions – families, schools, businesses, and athletic teams, for example – focus on the short-term and opt

for controlling people’s behavior, they do so at the risk of considerable long term damage.” In his bestselling book “Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us,” Daniel Pink hammers the point home for both children and adults when he writes, “Try to encourage a kid to learn math by paying her … and she’ll become more diligent in the short term but lose interest in math in the long term. Take an industrial designer who loves his work and try to get him to do better by making his pay contingent on a hit product – and he’ll . . . become less interested in his job in the long term. “This is one of the most robust findings in social science,” Pink continues. “And also one of the most ignored.” I know old habits and ideas die hard, but what’s more important: being right or being successful? Parents, teachers, managers and employers – I ask you only this: Are you going to hang on to old beliefs about how best to motivate? Or are you going to get that fence painted? Founder of WeTeachWeLearn.org, Chris Wondra is just another Wisconsin public schoolteacher. Find We Teach We Learn on Facebook and Twitter for daily tips on getting the most out of your brain.

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DECEMBER 26, 2012 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 5

Ruby's Pantry receives $1,200 donation of food Siren/Webster food shelf receives donation from Polk Burnett Chapter of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans

Do you remember? Compiled by Sue Renno

50 years ago

BURNETT COUNTY – On Wednesday, Dec. 19, a shipment of food arrived at the Ruby’s Pantry Siren/Webster Food Shelf, donated by the Polk Burnett Chapter of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. Larry and Diane Blahauvietz, who are leaders in the chapter, contacted Joyce Highstrom, a vol- Larry and Diane Blahauvietz, Patti Hurd, volunteer coordinator, and Loren Frank, volununteer coordinator at the food teer, were on hand to receive the shipment of food donated by the Polk Burnett Chapter of shelf, to get information regard- Thrivent Financial for Lutherans on Wednesday, Dec. 19. – Photos submitted ing the needs of the food shelf. It was decided to make a request to their local Polk Burnett County Thrivent Fund Chapter for a donation of $1,200 for the holidays. It was approved by their committee and the food was purchased from Emergency Food Network in the Twin Cities and received by Patti Hurd and other volunteers on Wednesday, Dec. 19, just in time for Christmas. The Thrivent Lutheran Financial Fund volunteering programs provide financial assistance and resources to members who come together to help individuals and improve quality of life in their communities. They also assist in Habitat for Humanity and Salvation Army Red Kettle Christmas projects. The Polk Burnett County chapter of Thrivent Financial received the 2010 Chapters of Excellence Award recognizing their impact on security and generosity in the communities and congregations they serve. Patti Hurd, volunteer coordinator of the Siren/Webster This year the Siren/Webster food shelf is a grateful reFood Shelf in Siren, stocked the shelves at the Ruby’s Pantry cipient of their efforts in the Siren community. - submitSiren/Webster Food Shelf for the Christmas holidays. ted

Two blackjack players take home $21,00 0 at St. Croix Casino Turtle Lake Dec. 17 TURTLE LAKE – The odds of a blackjack player being dealt three suited 7s are 5,000 to 1. The odds were defied big time at St. Croix Casino Turtle Lake on Monday, Dec. 17, when two blackjack players, Robert Allen of Rockford, Ill., and James Uthe of Sand Creek, were dealt three suited 7s and won $21,000 in a special casino promotion. The Turtle Lake casino is offering its $21,000 Blackjack Blitz promotion every Monday in December. Blackjack players dealt three suited 7s win $21,000 in cash. “We hoped we’d give away at least one $21,000 prize

Carl Ahlgren, of Lewis, sprained his ankle when he was thrown from the chair on which he was standing by a jolt of electricity from the trouble light he had hung on his water pipe when he attempted to move it closer to the site of the leak in the pipe.–Ernie Bengtson, also of Lewis, found himself injured and lying on the ground after hitting a fence post with the pickup in which he was hauling feed for the young stock. He could only guess what had happened after that.–Erick Anderson, Paul Annett and Carole Hanson were the first-, second- and third-place winners in the Frederic coloring contest, respectively. Dollar winners were Joe Schommer, Pauline Schultz, Susie Lundeen, Lee Johnson, Kaye Friberg, Arthur Martin, Virginia Beecroft, Terry Gail Leisch, Doreen Nahkala, Dean Kolander, Joel McKnight, Linda Nelson, Miriam Peterson, Mary Carlson, Byron Hanson, Patty Melin, Karen Anderson, Susan Berg, Kathleen Amundson and Steven Lane. Winners in the drawing contest were Raymond Amundson, first, Greg Paulsen, second, and Tommy Moats, third. Dollar winners were JoAnn Struck, Miriam Early, Agnes Ronningen, Katherine Woodman, Maxine Cruthers, Jean Knechtel, Judith Kay Anderson, Dickie Zinn, Philip Hall, Bryan Weinzierl, Faye Matz, Mary Liesch, Rickie Swenson, Dorothy Erickson, Darlene Nahkala, Karen Early, Everett Hanson, Kathy Pedersen, Kathy Tschumperlin and Irene Erickson. There were 363 entries in the coloring contest and 237 in the drawing contest.–Harold Fischer, of White Bear Lake, Minn., caught an 11-pound, 9-ounce walleye in Devils Lake.

40 years ago

Ardis Swanberg would retire from the Frederic branch of the U.S. Postal Service on Dec. 31, after 281/2 years.–The Frederic coloring contest was still going strong, with 275 entries in the coloring portion, and 235 in the drawing. First place in drawing went to Robin Simonsen; second, Daniel Friberg, and third, Cathy Zellmer. Honorable mention, still winning $1, were Denise Nahkala, Gwen Lundeen, Eddy Hochstetler, Beth Lundeen, Joel Ryan, Angela Nelson, David Woodman, Sheri Zellmer, David Anderson, Libby Johnson, Kathleen Wichelmann, Kelly Schultz, Janet Miller, Gayle Svoboda, Tod Zellmer, Kathy Kettula, Georgette Moe, Jennifer Hochstetler, Donna Matz and Ginny Southard. First place in coloring went to Roxanne Lysdahl, second, Jeanine Woodin and third, Paul Simonsen. Dollar winners were Lorraine Mattson, Barbara Wedin, Terry Shoquist, Stephen Nelson, Jeff Knuf, Suzanne Schaar, Susan Gilberg, Terry Schaar, Mark Java, Kara Boyer, Deneen Strait, Pam Wikstrom, Sandy Bryan, Cara Sjodin, Douglas Grimh, Patrick Spencer, Sharon Gackle, Sarah Southard, Nancy Gackle and Lori Trautmann.–The winner of a huge Christmas stocking full of toys, the prize in a drawing held at Hagberg’s department store, Frederic, was Sara Knuf, of Frederic.–Photos of area children with Santa were sprinkled throughout the paper, and the children who came to the Leader office to identify themselves would each get $1.

20 years ago

James Uthe during the Blackjack Blitz promotion,” said casino General Manager Neil Oustigoff, “but having two winners in one night was totally unexpected, and very exciting for all of us at Turtle Lake.” Oustigoff added that the $21,000 Blackjack Blitz promotion runs through Dec. 31. “We hope we’ll be able to congratulate more $21,000 winners before the promotion is over,” he said. - submitted

Robert Allen

Too many things threaten our health - don’t let radon take its toll POLK COUNTY – Seat belts. Sunscreen. Low-sodium diets. There are many actions that we can take to stay safe and healthy. Some of them require a little bit of sacrifice, others can require a huge amount of effort. But there’s one big action we can take to help protect our health that requires very little effort or sacrifice: radon testing. Radon exposure kills an estimated 20,000 people in the U.S. each year – a number that could be dramatically reduced by easy, inexpensive home testing and repair. Radon is a naturally occurring, radioactive gas which comes from the soil. It can accumulate in your home and can cause cancer in you and your children by entering the home through cracks and openings on the lower levels. Many people don’t know about radon because you can’t see, smell or taste it. But exposure to radon is the

second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States and the No. 1 cause of lung cancer among nonsmokers. Radon levels vary around the country, but no home is free from risk. The only way to know if you are at risk for radon exposure is to test your home. Conducting a radon test is easy and test kits are available at the Polk County Health Department for $5 ($7 by mail) during the month of January in honor of National Radon Action Month. If your home does have an elevated level of radon, a qualified radon mitigation contractor can make repairs to solve the problem and protect your family. Life is short enough – don’t let something as easy to fix as radon make it even shorter. For more information on this and other healthy living topics, contact the Polk County Health Department at 715-485-8500. - submitted

The Webster High School Christmas program included the swing choir’s rendition of “Jingle Bells Through the Ages,” with an Elvis impersonation by Derrick Woods that had “the girls swooning and the crowd laughing.”–The Burnett County Board of Supervisors passed a ban on smoking in the government center by an 11-to-8 vote.–Winners in the Burnett County conservation speech contest were: elementary division, Allison Gaynor, Grantsburg; junior division, Alice Pearson, Webster. In the poster contest, top three in each division were primary, Deanna Plath, Webster; Katie Conroy, Webster; and Dustin Wickman, Siren; elementary, Jill Hoel, Grantsburg; Bekkah Chell, Grantsburg; and Sarah Stromberg, Webster; tied with Andy Dahlberg, Grantsburg; junior division, Aaron Conroy, Webster; Amber Nichols, Webster; and Dylan Schaaf, Webster. After the area contest in Cable, Amber Nichols and Jill Hoel advanced to the state poster contest and Nichols earned second place.–Webster fifth-grader Walter Raschick won the school level competition of the National Geography Bee and would be taking a written test to see if he could qualify for the state contest in Madison.–Bryce Hacker, 20, of Cushing, died from complications of a kidney transplant.–Members of the Milltown Snow Rovers and the Centuria Sno Drifters combined resources to donate a snowmobile, trailer and rescue sled to the Unity Area Ambulance service.

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PAGE 6 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - DECEMBER 26, 2012

TOWN TALK/COUNTRY CHATTER Well hello to you. Is everyone geared up for Christmas festivities? We have the grandkids coming so I figure I best get as much rest as possible before they arrive. I always get so pooped out when they’re here. Hopefully Mom and Dad won’t give them too much sugar to get them all wound up. Mom always says it’s a grandparent’s privilege to spoil the grandkids, which includes filling them up on sweets and then sending them home! I’m thinking you may have thought last week’s article ended abruptly. Well, unfortunately, the last part was missing and I didn’t want to leave it on that note so here is what the ending was: Although it’s difficult today to see beyond the sorrow, May looking back in memory help comfort you tomorrow. ~ Author unknown Have a great week, everyone, and remember to hug your kids and never lose a moment to say I love you. So we’ve had Dove some adoptions this

Shelter

YAPpenings Sadie week which is always good news. At the beginning of the week, puppies Adam and Eve went home, Emmett and Jasper the kittens went home Friday, and on Saturday, Arlo, Molly and Espresso, one of our long-term kitties, went home. All went to great homes with some fabulous people. We’re still having our promotion of adoption by donation for our adult kitties. Espresso was lucky to have someone come in and see what a great guy he is; and the rest of the kitties are equally great and deserving of finding love and happiness with a new family. I think I want to tell you about Dutchess again. She is very special to all of us at the shelter and we just love her. She’s been shoved around from home to home and would no doubt deeply appre-

ciate a permanent and loving home. Dutchess is a Staffordshire terrier, around 4-5 years of age, and is medium in height. She has a gentle, trusting and loving spirit and Dutchess would be an awesome companion for some lucky person that takes her into their life. We want the best possible home for this girl and we know she has the ability to make your life complete. Her beautiful pictures were taken by Northwest Passage girls that are doing photography as a project at the shelter. These young girls are very talented. On the feline side, Dove is back at the shelter. She was adopted at the beginning of the year, however, wasn’t bonding well with them. Dove is a good-looking longhaired ginger-colored kitty and since she’s been gone has put on some weight so I guess she’ll be on a bit of a diet! This 2-year-old is really very sweet and loving, purrs with no problem at all. Stop by and visit Dove and our other great cats and dogs.

Siren news

715-349-2964 Looks like this year’s Christmas will come and go with rather quiet weather, at least by the weather reports. Still not enough snow for that jolly old elf to use his sleigh, at least that’s my thought. Whichever way he decides to make his trip, toys will be delivered to the kids. I swear, the tree rat population here in bear country is exploding even though Hubby keeps on relocating them to the Dunham and Mudhen Lake areas. This past Sunday morning, I know I counted 19 of those varmints running around in the back bird yard. You don’t suppose they found their way back into bear country do you? They are awfully smart. My cardinals have returned, they are later this year than others. I was surprised to learn cardinals are one of the few kinds that mate for life. The Grandmas Group held their December Christmas get-together on Monday, Dec. 17, at the home of Marge Peterson. A potluck lunch was enjoyed and the afternoon was spent visiting after the gift exchange Those present were Hazel Hahr, Erna Lueck, Marilyn Lemieux, Naomi Glover, Carol Juve and Bev Beckmark. Dorothy Lahners had a doctor appointment. It was decided that January and Feb-

ruary were usually bad weather months, so no gettogethers. Sympathy to the family of Calvin L. Nelson, who passed away Dec. 9. Sympathy to the family of Harold A. Hockanson, who passed away Dec. 18. The Siren Lionesses gals enjoyed their annual Christmas party last Tuesday evening at the Pheasant Inn. After some great food and a short meeting, the gals got down and dirty playing shake the dice for prizes or stealing them from each other It was a great evening with lots of fun. The U.S. Bank and Siren Lioness would like to extend their gratitude to all who made or brought items to decorate our mitten tree. This year 125 hats, 310 pairs of mittens and gloves, 65 scarves, 21 pairs of slippers and 10 headbands, a grand total of 531 pieces, adorned the tree. They have been all distributed to the Siren, Webster and Grantsburg Nelson and Mina Copeland schools and to the Indianhead Connections. Saturday, Dec. 22, Hubby and I celebrated our Christmas in bear country with the kids. Son Arthur “Punk” Beckmark of Bremerton, Wash., daughter

Bev Beckmark Tammy Zuech of Chetek, granddaughter Alyana Jo of Eau Claire, grandson Darren Zuech of Chetek and his daughter, our great-granddaughter Emily, also of Chetek. Those of you who are regular blood donors or if you choose to be a first-timer, mark your calendars for Tuesday, Jan. 8, from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., at the Siren Covenant Church. If you want or need more info or just wish to set up an appointment to come in, call 800-733-2767. If you are planning a wedding this coming year and need a host of ideas, just mark your calendars for Sunday, Jan. 27. The Siren Destination Wedding Fair will be held at the Lakeview Center from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. This event can put the finishing touches on an already great wedding. This event is sponsored by the Siren Chamber of Commerce. Congratulations to elementary student Madalyn Hall, middle schooler Sampson Richter, and high schooler Angela Honeysett for being chosen Siren Schools students of the week. These three will definitely go far.

Siren Senior Center We had our monthly meeting on Tuesday. We celebrated December birthdays. After the meeting, we played some games to celebrate Christmas. The board passed out pens as a gift from the center. These are neat pens as they have a light on them so you can see to write in the dark, Thanks! Our sympathy to the Harold Hokanson family as Harold passed away on Monday, Dec. 17. Harold ate lunch at the center and also had home delivery at times. We will be playing cards on Wednesday, Dec. 26,

and Wednesday, Jan. 2. Our center was closed on Monday and Tuesday, Dec. 24 and 25. We will also be closed on Tuesday, Jan. 1. We have some dates for you to mark down: Wednesday, Jan. 9, will be the evening meal so call 715-349-2845 for reservations; Monday, Jan. 14, the foot care person will be here; Tuesday, Jan. 15, will be the next senior meeting with installation of new officers; and Wednesday, Jan. 16 will be potluck. The tax people will be here starting on Monday, Feb. 4. They will be coming on Mondays. Feb. 4 will

be for homestead only. Call 715-349-7810 to set up appointments. Our 500 winners on Wednesday, Dec. 19, were Doris Schauer, Joe Brown, Muriel Todd, Darlene Groves and Nona Severson. I do not have the Spade winners as news had to be in early to the papers due to the holiday. We wish a very merry Christmas to everyone. See you at the center.

Birth announcements Born at St. Croix Regional Medical Center:

A boy, Case Jonathan Hanson, born Dec. 4, 2012, to Sarah and Ryan Hanson, Dresser. Case weighed 7 lbs., 9 oz. ••• A girl, Alayna Frances Houdashell, born Dec. 9, 2012, to Rob and Nicole Houdashell, Webster. Alayna weighed 9 lbs., 7 oz. ••• A boy, Johnny Roger Minor, born Dec. 10, 2012, to Aaron Minor and Crystal Morris, St. Croix Falls. Johnny weighed 8 lbs., 2 oz. ••• A girl, Kaydence Kendall Popham, born Dec. 0, 2012, to LeeAnn Nasman and Dewey Popham, Frederic, Kaydence weighed 8 lbs., 12 oz. ••• A girl, Zariah Elizabeth Braund, born Dec. 11, 2012, to Mike and Tammi Braund, Cushing. Zariah weighed 7 lbs., 3 oz. ••• A boy, Jackson Oliver Wistad, born Dec. 11, 2012, to Morgan and Caleb Wistad, Spooner. Jackson weighed 7 lbs., 7 oz. ••• A girl, Olivia Kay Burrows, born Dec. 12, 2012, to Kari and Timothy Burrows, Osceola. Olivia weighed 7 lbs., 11 oz. ••• A girl, Jaisa Rae Ouellete, born Dec. 14, 2012, to Alecia Ouellette, Balsam Lake. Jaisa weighed 7 lbs., 14 oz. •••

Born at Amery Regional Medical Center:

A boy, Jaxon Dean Koch, born Nov. 20, 2012, to Andria Norlund and Brandon Koch, New Richmond. Jaxon weighed 7 lbs. ••• A boy, Ryker Merle Johnson, born Nov. 20, 2012, to Abigail and Ryan Johnson, Luck. Ryker weighed 7 lbs., 14 oz. ••• A boy, Easton Richard Gedatus, born Nov. 22, 2012, to Kaitlyn Krueger and Daniel Gedatus, Woodville. Easton weighed 8 lbs., 9 oz. ••• A girl, Ella Elaine Pittman, born Nov. 26, 2012, to Ashley and Joshua Pittman, Clear Lake. Ella weighed 7 lbs. ••• A boy, Ozlan John Michael Thomas Meeds, born Nov. 30, 2012, to Jessica and Kevin Meeds, Webster. Ozlan weighed 9 lbs., 6 oz. ••• A boy, Hans Morgan Johnson, born Dec. 1, 2012, to Cinthia and Thomas Johnson, Luck. Hans weighed 6 lbs., 10 oz. ••• A boy, Bauer Vernon McNamara, born Dec. 4, 2012, to Rhonda and Michael McNamara, Glenwood City. Bauer weighed 8 lbs., 1 oz. ••• A boy, Caden Riley Jantz, born Dec. 6, 2012, to Tiffany Ellingworth and Cody Jantz, Dresser. Caden weighed 6 lbs. •••

Nona Severson

By the way, remember I told you about a month ago about puppies being born at the shelter? Well they are now 4 weeks old and are a lot of fun despite being messy. These pups should be up on our Web site for adoption in about two weeks’ time. The mother is purebred German Shepherd, but we’re not sure what the father is. All pups look like shepherds though. From all of us at the shelter to all of you, we appreciate everything that you have done and continue to do for our little shelter and all the animals that pass through our doors. We couldn’t do it without you. We would like to wish you and yours a fabulous Christmas and a new year filled with unending love and laughter. Start 2013 off with an empty jar and fill it with notes of good things that happen. On New Year’s Eve, empty it and see what awesome stuff happened that year. Have a great week everyone! Licks and tailwags! The Humane Society of Burnett County is saving lives, one at a time. Find us on the Web at hsburnettcty.org. 715-866-4096. License No. 267335-DS. We’re on Facebook too, why don’t you like us there and follow us!

Wisconsin Interstate Park ST. CROIX FALLS – Mark your calendars. A popular program for preschool children and their parents will start up again this winter at Wisconsin Interstate Park, after the holidays. Thursdays at 10 a.m., beginning Jan. 3 through March, naturalist Julie Fox will share a story and activity with preschoolers and their parents at the Ice Age Center. A short activity following the story will reinforce the story’s nature-related theme. Nature story time will generally last between 30 and 45 minutes, depending on the participants. “It is a great opportunity for parents to get out to the park with their little ones during this time of the year,” commented Fox. Participants will spend time indoors and outdoors, weather permitting, so parents should dress their children accordingly. Interstate Park is located in St. Croix Falls, on Hwy. 35, just one-half mile south of Hwy. 8. Nature story time is free of charge, but a Wisconsin state park sticker is required to enter the park. Annual passes for 2013 are $25 for Wisconsin residents or $35 for nonresidents. For more information call Fox at 715483-3747.

News from the Service FORT MEADE, Md. – Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Gavin R. Meyer has graduated from the U.S. Navy’s Nuclear Power School at Naval Nuclear Power Training Command in Goose Creek, S.C. Nuclear Power School is a rigorous six-month course that trains officers and enlisted students in the science and engineering fundamental to the design, operation and maintenance of naval nuclear propulsion plants. Graduates next undergo additional instruction at a prototype training unit before serving as a surface warfare officer aboard a nuclear-powered surface ship or as an electronics technician aboard a nuclear-powered submarine. Meyer is the son of Renee Chute and Rodney Meyer, both of Grantsburg. He is a 2011 graduate of Grantsburg High School.

A boy, Nolan Kevin Johnson, born Dec. 7, 2012, to Danielle Reindahl and David Johnson, Clayton. Nolan weighed 7 lbs., 2 oz. ••• A boy, Gunner James Eggleston-Hoff, born Dec. 8, 2012, to Christine Kuettel, Amery. Gunner weighed 7 lbs., 3 oz. ••• A boy, Dean Arthur Nelson, born Dec. 13, 2012, to Jessie and Judson Nelson, Deer Park. Dean weighed 6 lbs., 2 oz. Connect to your community ••• A girl, Aubree Christine Lapage, born Dec. 13, 2012, to Alisha and Christopher Lapage, Clayton. Aubree weighed 7 bs. ••• Receive a FREE Electric Toothbrush! A boy, Carter Patrick Yeske, New patients 10 years born Dec. 16, 2012, to Kaitlyn Of age & up, at their new Henck and Jordan Yeske, Turtle Patient appointment Lake. Carter weighed 8 lbs., 12 Which includes: New Patients Welcome! oz. • Examination • Cleaning • X-rays Crowns • Bridges Will receive a FREE ••• Partials • Dentures Electric Toothbrush! Fillings • Extractions A boy, Blake Brandon Parker, Root Canals We now have DIGITAL born Dec. 19, 2012, to Danielle X-RAYS (very low exposure to and Brandon Parker, CumberX-Ray & no waiting for developing) land. Blake weighed 7 lbs., 4 oz. OPEN EVERY OTHER Emergency patients call before •••

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DECEMBER 26, 2012 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 7

2012 moments Leader archives/January to June

2012 moments/from page 2 • Burnett County Board of Supervisors expressed concerned about frac sand mining.

March

• Frederic School administration explained layoffs, which were due to fewer students and less funds. • Fifty-one miles of road projects in Polk County were completed under budget for $2.4 million. • The Burnett County Adolescent AODA Prevention Coalition hosted a municipal alcohol policy seminar at The Lodge at Crooked Lake. • The Eagle Valley Bank in downtown St. Croix Falls was robbed, apparently by a woman. • A house fire claimed the lives of Osceola High School sophomore Makayla Corbin and her mother, Shelli Maier, a returning Iraq military veteran, in Osceola. • Funeral services were held for longtime Luck resident Eiler Ravnholt - a feature story told of his passion for justice.

• A. Stanley Anderson, icon of local government, died at 87. • It was announced that Frederic High School Principal Josh Robinson would replace the retiring Jerry Tischer as Frederic School District administrator. • A Siren man was accused of seconddegree sexual assault, crime against an elderly or disabled person. • Longtime Luck Police Chief Dan Deiss submitted his letter of retirement following 29 years of service. • A house in Frederic would be the site of a new wildlife clinic. Tamara Larson and Suzanne Johnson founded the clinic on Jan. 31. • Polk County ended 2011 in far better financial condition than expected, with nearly $500,000 in the black. • The ice went off Big Butternut Lake in Luck on Tuesday, March 20, setting a record for the earliest ice-out since 1979. • Dr. Otto Ravenholt, a public health

See 2012 moments, page 8

RECALL EFFORT • Washburn County Recall Walker volunteer Paul Johnson held up a box of recall petitions as he, along with representatives from other counties in Wisconsin, delivered petitions to the Government Accountability Board in Madison on Tuesday, Jan. 17. More than a million signatures from throughout the state were delivered, nearly double what was required to force a recall election that would target Walker, the lieutenant governor and four sitting Republican state senators. - Photo by John Hart, Wisconsin State Journal

PAGE 8 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - DECEMBER 26, 2012

2012 moments Leader archives/January to June

2012 moments/from page 7 pioneer, died at 84. • The DNR issued burning restrictions, effective immediately. • St. Croix Falls graduate Tyler Koonce was donating one of his kidneys to Zac Jacobs, a man Koonce had just recently met. • A Danbury man and a Webster woman were charged with burglary, robbery with threat of force and resisting or obstructing an officer. The man was found hiding in a tree on property near CTH A in Webster. • The St. Croix Falls School District decided to discontinue gymnastics. • An Amery teen faced 140 years in prison if convicted on multiple sexual assault charges.

April

• Voters in Polk County voted to downsize their county board. • Two road fatalities occurred in two days near Dresser. • It was announced that the Grantsburg pool would remain open for the coming summer. • A deer tested positive for CWD near Shell Lake. • A feature story was published about Florence Johnson Hanson, who recalled her time as maid to a couple who had lived through the sinking of the Titanic.

• Polaris announced the addition of 89 jobs at its Osceola plant. • Three people, including a Luck man, lost their lives in a head-on crash north of Danbury. • Mark Dahlberg retired from the Grantsburg Village Board after 43 years of service to the community. • Gov. Scott Walker reviewed wildfiresuppression efforts in Burnett County after the storm on July 1, 2011, that impacted more than 250,000 acres. • Sam Jones, Siren resident, published his book “To Hell and Almost Back, Life of a Seriously Disabled WWII Veteran.” • Frederic’s 2012 Citizens of the Year were Dr. Larry and Linda Pederson, and the Volunteers of the Year were Kenny and Kris Hackett. • The Frederic School Board accepted the resignation of Robert Peterson, a 38year teacher and coach. • Monte Tretsven was named new police chief at Luck. • Destructive carp were at the center of Clam Lake research projects.

• The Wisconsin Medical Socie t y

presented Dr. Blaise Vitale, of Grantsburg, with the Physician Citizen of the Year Award. • A pursuit of a local woman and several other suspects covered 53 miles in Polk County, with a police shooting and possible gang connections. • Burnett County Hunger Task Force members voted to discontinue the organization. • Luck School District hired an architect to look at building needs.

May

• Frac sand mining reality collided with local control, long-term jobs and “frightening pollution possibilities.” • A recall of Gov. Scott Walker was scheduled for a June 5 vote. • Five people were treated at area hospitals following a two-car accident in Burnett County. • Housing prices and numbers were up in Burnett County.

• The Webster Village Board voted to go ahead with water projects. • A Frederic man faced five felony charges after a “bizarre” chase. • Tree planting at Faith’s Lodge near Webster continued the process of restoration following the July 1, 2011, storm. • A frac mine leak in Burnett County was discovered and stopped. • The fate of the Polk County Library came before the Polk County Board. • Work on Burnett Dairy Cooperative expansion steadily progressed. • The Governor’s Fishing Opener 2012 was held at Bay Park Resort on Trego Lake in Washburn County. • A mysterious box that landed in a tree near Eureka Center held science lessons for Frederic second-graders. • St. Croix Falls and Unity schools were named among top schools in Wisconsin and the nation.

See 2012 moments, page 13

DECEMBER 26, 2012 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 9

2012 moments

Leader Year in Review/January to June

NEW MUSIC • The new Pearl River grand piano made possible by a community fundraising project was put to the test with the musical artistry of Chris Johansen, who played at a concert of the Woodland Chorus in April. - Photo by Greg Marsten

ANTICS OF OPAL • Bradford Winter, played by Paul Lewis, showed exasperation when unable to escape the irrepressible antics of Opal during the Grantsburg High School production of “Everyone Loves Opal” in April. - Photo by Priscilla Bauer PROFILE IN LUCK • Kayle Karl watched a bonfire at the annual Luck Winter Carnival in February. - Photo by Greg Marsten

SNAPSHOTS • Gov. Scott Walker and Bob Hartshorn, DNR forestry team leader, appeared at a news conference at the Burnett County Airport in April as part of the governor’s third trip to the area since the July 1, 2011, storm that impacted more than 250,000 acres in Northwest Wisconsin. At left, sisters Megan and Emily Amundson stand near a section of Clam Falls Drive near Frederic, which crumbled from strong currents of floodwaters in May. At right, firefighters dose flames coming out of the roof of the smaller gymnasium at Siren Schools in May. - Photos by Sherill Summer (above), Becky Amundson (left) and Mackenzie Erickson (right)

PAGE 10 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - DECEMBER 26, 2012

2012 moments

Leader Year in Review/January to June

THE SHOW • Luck senior Maia Lehmann tried to look pensive, serious and introspective while wearing an actual military-spec gas mask. The facial apparatus was part of the Luck Drama Club’s performance of "The Show," in April. - Photo by Greg Marsten DANCE OF JOY • Kwang performed a traditional Thai dance for Grantsburg Elementary students during a special program by Thai students at Grantsburg Schools in May. - Photo by Priscilla Bauer

COOL GIGGLE • Helena McLean, 3, Minneapolis, took a short break from the Luck Winterfest fun in February by lying down on the ice and giggling for a while. - Photo by Greg Marsten

SNAPSHOTS • Young Dylan Miller protected his hearing while watching trailer races at the St. Croix Valley racetrack in June; Casey Jerry played taps during the Indian Creek American Legion Post 396 Memorial Day services; Alexandra Kammeyer gave her dad, Jeff, a big hug after being crowned Little Miss Grantsburg in June; sisters Janita Nwachukwu of Centuria and Jamie Thompson of Siren delivered babies in February that were one day, one inch and one ounce apart; and Kaleb and Kyra Cox hold a balloon and cooler that fell from 15 miles high in the sky and ended up in their tree. - Photos by Greg Marsten, Priscilla Bauer, Mary Stirrat and submitted

DECEMBER 26, 2012 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 11

OTTERS ON DECK • Otters have made Big Wood Lake in Burnett County their home for years, usually swimming in the lake and sometimes positioning themselves for a close-up. Lake home residents Jerry and Jo Louise McNally submitted this otter family portrait in April. - Photo submitted

2012 moments LeaderYear in Review/January to June

LOCAL “LES MISERABLES” • Grantsburg senior Paul Lewis performed "Empty Chairs at Empty Tables" from the hit Broadway musical "Les Miserables,” performed by GHS students in May. - Photo by Priscilla Bauer

TORCHLIGHT ROYALTY • Luck Winter Carni-

val Grand Marshals Ted and Grace Anderson were the couple of the night, especially by torchlight. Photo by Greg Marsten

FIREWORKS IN FREDERIC • Normally tranquil Coon Lake in the village of Frederic was lit up by fireworks for spectators in June, an annual tradition as part of the Family Days celebration. - Photo by Becky Amundson

SNAPSHOTS • There were some kissable moments in 2012 including a silly smooch given to Steve Mackay of Winnipeg, Canada, from friend Dwight Porter of Des Moine, Iowa, at the Texas Snowbird Dance in Grantsburg in June; a big smoooch to a calf by Jake Peterson during the annual dairy breakfast at the Melco Farm in June and a kiss and a hug for new Grantsburg graduate Kelsey Meyer from her proud mother, in May. Below, there were nearly enough photos of bears submitted to publish one a week, including a snapshot of an acrobatic bear by Chuck Lehman, a photo of a bear cub on the deck of Art Kost and a shot of a family of bears, taken by Kacey Lamphere.

PAGE 12 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - DECEMBER 26, 2012

2012 moments

Leader Year in Review/January to June

BIRD’S EYE VIEW OF FLOODING • Local pilot Woody Minar took this photo of the St. Croix River at Taylors Falls/St. Croix Falls in June. Flooding closed some parks and recreational areas along the river. This photo shows the river from the hydroelectric dam to the Interstate Bridge. - Photo by Woody Minar

DESTRUCTIVE FIRE • A barn/shed fire in Janu-

ary destroyed a large utility shed/barn, a tractor parked inside and a panel van parked outside. Milltown firefighters responded to the blaze. - Photo by Greg Marsten

HONORING A FRIEND • Bob Blake of Clam Falls paid his respects to friend Sgt. Dan Gabielson during the Memorial Day service at the Northern Wisconsin Veterans Cemetery at Spooner. Gabrielson gave his life in the name of freedom. In the nine years since, the memory of him still remains close to family and friends. - Photo by Larry Samson

CAREFREE • Fun is high on the agenda of everyone during the annual Family Days celebration in Frederic. Sometimes it means just hanging out with friends. Photo by Becky Amundson

DECEMBER 26, 2012 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 13

2012 moments/from page 8 • A Grantsburg woman lost her life in a single-vehicle rollover. • The United Pioneer Home building in Luck was purchased by the Ruby’s Pantry organization. • Health officials urged residents to seek pertussis vaccinations. • Frederic School Board accepted the resignation of longtime music teacher Greg Heine. • Siren's school superintendent recommended ending the school year early in light of damage from a fire. • Ninety-year-old Alice Anderson, of rural Frederic, jumped off a 12-foot-high deck as flames shot from her home. • The unemployment rate dropped in area counties. • Flash flooding occurred in Burnett and Polk counties over Memorial Day weekend with more than 5 inches of rain falling within hours.

June

• Gov. Walker scored a sound victory, 60 percent of Burnett and Polk votes, over Barrett in a historic recall election. • A man who burglarized the Cushing convenience store was sentenced to at least five years in prison.

• RuthAnn Pedersen was crowned Miss Grantsburg 2012 at the Grantsburg queen pageant during Big Gust Days. • A St. Croix Falls blaze claimed a vintage home. • The Siren School building was deemed safe to re-enter. • Letters from Home Leader columnist Carrie Classon performed “Solstice Sun” at Café Wren in Luck. • The Inter-County Cooperative Publishing Association presented eight scholarships to local graduating seniors. • Polk County supervisors voted to close the Polk County Library at the end of 2012. • Dale Johnson was hired as the new police chief in Frederic. • Dr. Richard Hartzell, an icon of the local medical community, died at 89. • Alleged misconduct by several members of the Burnett County Sheriff’s Department was under investigation by the county district attorney’s office and the state Department of Criminal Investigation.

2012 moments

Leader Year in Review/January to June

NEXT WEEK: July to December

MARCH TEE-OFF • Nineyear-old Christian Stewart was happy to be out on the golf course in March, as temperatures in the 70s had many local residents thinking early summer. - Photo by Priscilla Bauer

104-WHEELER • This truck lent new meaning to the phrase “Oversize load.” The 215-foot-long rig was on its way to Mesa, Ariz., from Green Bay, stopping briefly at the wayside on Viola Lake near Siren in June. It was carrying an 18-foot-wide industrial drum used in copper mining. - Photo by Sherill Summer

PAGE 14 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - DECEMBER 26, 2012

Grantsburg sixth-graders donate to HSBC

Grantsburg sixth-graders from Mrs. Hallberg and Mrs. Hedrix’s classrooms donated money to the Humane Society of Burnett County instead of giving each other Christmas gifts this year. They were able to raise $135.35, which they presented to shelter manager Lucas Avery. – Photo submitted

Interfaith

Cares

Barb Blodgett Lutherans. The best thing about our Christmas was seeing our great-grandchildren enjoy themselves. This is Kalea’s second and Grayson’s first Christmas. Kalea is all about gifts and pulling off wrapping paper. Grayson just watches, wide eyed. He is the happiest baby and loves everything. And so we begin a new year. 2013 is going to be interesting. I did not keep my resolution of always being on time in 2012, so I may try harder next year. Next year will be an even busier year for Interfaith. This winter our Heat a Home project has served 60-plus families so far. It is hard for some to understand that we just supplement their heat in the winter, and we do not supply it for the entire season. Remember, call 715-866-4970 if you or someone you know needs help. Interfaith Caregivers will do what it can.

Pennies for pets

Grantsburg honor roll A honor roll Freshmen

Brett Anderson, Chase Covey, Joshua Curtin, Jackson Gerber, Andrew Hartshorn, King Hoffman, Samantha Kuhn, Delia Labatt, Jessee Lerud, Colt Lien, Danielle Luck-Peehl, Mason McEvers, Drew McNally, Violet Ohnstad, Amber Petersen, Cassidy Quimby, Majel Schmaltz, Jaeger Staeven, Olivia Tucker and Kevin Vollendorf.

Sophomores

Trevor Brewer, Laura Drohman, Kelsey Fiedler, Ethan Henneman, Marissa Jensen, Anneka Johnson, Carter Lee, Brittney Luedtke, Kathryn Miller, Matthew Miller, Sarah Morley, Taylor Olson, MacKenzie Omer, Christopher Parker, Carolyn Peterson, Chelsea Pitts, Desirae Rasmussen, Emily Riewestahl, Anna Scheunemann, Richard Schneider, Heidi Schoettle, Kathryn Segner, Jeremiah Stevens, Nathan Swenson, Alyssa Taylor and Lydia Van Deusen.

Juniors

Jaicee Bowman, Jaden Cook, Rebekah Curtin, Austin Handy, Lisa Kimpel, Haley Larsen, Nathan Lewis, Kaylee Murphy, Whitney Oachs, Jacob Ohnstad, Wendy Roberts, Katharine Rod, Nicholas Schlaeger, Austin Thoreen, Hope Tucker and Keith Vollendorf.

Seniors

Stephanie Anderson, Liliana Benge Briggs, Elizabeth Corbin, Grace Corbin, Melissa Dahl, Sean Handy, Catherine LeMere, Aimee Lerud, Kassandra Lien, Dakota Linke, Stacey McKenzie, Jenna Michel, Scott Morley, Tiffani Moyer, Connor Myers, Kylie

The kindergarten classes at Webster Elementary School held their second-annual penny drive for the Humane Society of Burnett County. The classes set last year’s amount of $60 as this year’s goal. The total amount saved this year was $150. Students presented the check to Lucas Avery who was very grateful for this donation as the humane society is a nonprofit organization that relies solely on donations, membership and fundraising to keep their shelter up and running. The students were very excited to learn more about the humane society and to meet Aubrey, one of the dogs they helped. A student representative from each class presented the check to Avery. Shown (L to R) are: Lucas Gomulak, Brooklynn Janssen, Eric Ford and Jackson Davis. Photo submitted

Pewe, Jacob Radtke, Matthew Scheunemann, Jennifer Schwieger, Samantha Schwieger and Brady Thompson.

B honor roll Freshmen

Hannah Haley, Hunter Jensen, Spencer Louis, Megan Miller, Zoe Munz, Charles Norenberg, Anthony Otis, Megan Rod, Caleb VanRavenswaay, Marissa Walker and Daniel Yourchuck.

Sophomores

Drew Alderman, Dylan Belkholm, Avery Buggert, Sarah Coppenbarger, Andrew Coy, Andrea Dumas, Tatianna Eckstrom, Joshua Glover, Lora Glover, Sherice Hartley, Nathaniel Krause, Audrey Lauer, Clara Leonard, Sawyer Morgan, Mark Olson, Alexis Jo Plunkett, Joel Rauchbauer and Victoria Vitale.

Juniors

Summer Anderson, Brittany Butler, Amanda Campana, Jake Carlson, Joseph Dumas, Macy Hanson, Harlei Hennessey, Heidi Horky, Gustav Johnson, Rheanna Johnson, Erland Olson, Tiffany Peterson, Raelyn Pochman, Damon Roberts, Brooke Roufs, Bethany Segner, Abigail Stevens, Samantha Stoeklen, Lars Thoreson and Chandler Witzany.

Seniors

Shepard Berreth-Doran, Kayla Casey, Kayla Choronzy, Jessica Glover, Seth Ilgen, Nicole Johnson, Paige Johnson, Johanna Lauer, Amelie Leroux, Clay Poeschl, Somer Rikkola, Brandon Ryan, Natasha Strohschein, Colton Tretsven, Hannah VanSlyke and Jacob Wald.

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Hi everyone! I hope you had the most wonderful Christmas ever. Interfaith Caregivers was with you, even if not in person, but in spirit. In our hearts we thought of those who had family, those who had friends, and those who were alone. We wished you all a very Merry Christmas. Christmas for Kids is over and at last count I think we had 147 families and 352 children. It was a huge success mostly because of those who donated money, gifts and clothes to the children, and because of our chairwoman Laure Siebrasse and co-chairwoman Lori Ingalls. Without all of your donations and these two ladies, this could not have happened. Now we begin to think about next Christmas. Every year when we are all exhausted and just want to go home and relax we realize the Christmas fund for next year has to begin to grow again. There are so many kids and if we wait until the last couple of months we would not get everything taken care of. If you still want to donate, we have an account that has to build throughout the year. All donations of money are tax deductible. This is the first year we were awarded money from Polk-Burnett Chapter of Thrivent Financial for

DECEMBER 26, 2012 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 15

CHURCH NEWS/OBITUARIES Irene Daisy Rasmussen

Walter E. Andren

Irene Daisy Rasmussen, 82, a longtime resident of rural Dresser and recently of River Bend, died Dec. 17, 2012, at Willow Ridge Nursing Home. Irene was born May 7, 1930, in Bone Lake, one of six children, to Daisy and Edwin Shirley. Growing up, she did much work helping her family on their farm. Irene attended The Pioneer School and after graduating from Luck High School in 1948, she began living in Balsam Lake and worked for 39 years until retirement at the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Services office for Polk County. On May 23, 1953, she was united in marriage to Floyd Rasmussen at the Bone Lake Lutheran Church. For many years Irene was an active member of the Ubet Homemakers and the Trinity Lutheran Church. She loved flowers and always grew them, both on their farm and at their retirement home on Bear Lake. Irene made many quilts where she would embroider the design panels and her sister would sew the pieces together. In particular, Irene loved family gatherings and always hosted holiday and birthday celebrations. She kept track of everyone’s birthdays and would always mail out a card. Her primary focus was to support her children in their endeavors and encourage their life pursuits. Irene is preceded in death by her parents; and three brothers, Kenneth, Myron and Wesley. Left to mourn is husband, Floyd; son, Lee Rasmussen, daughters, Susan (Dale) Olson and Shirley (Tom) Schmidt; grandchildren, Carolee (Mike) Swanson, Brad (Jeanna) Rasmussen, Elizabeth Rasmussen, Marie (Catlan) Rusch, Stephanie Olson and Hayley Olson; greatgrandchildren, Brett Swanson, Theodore Rasmussen and Gwen Rasmussen; brother, Wayne (Patsy) Shirley; and sister, Carol (Mike) McDonough; as well as many nieces and nephews. Funeral services were held Thursday, Dec. 20, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Garfield. There will be a time of visitation for the hour prior to the services at the church. Interment will take place at a later time at El Salem Cemetery. You may view a video tribute and sign an online guest book at williamsonwhite.com. The Williamson-White Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Amery was entrusted with arrangements.

Walter E. Andren, 90, Amery, died Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2012, at Golden Age Manor. He was born Jan. 20, 1922, in Deronda. He was the son of the late Christine Gustafson-Andren and Axel Andren. Walter’s father, Axel, changed his last name from “Anderson” to “Andren” after migrating from Sweden and receiving everyone’s mail but his own. He married Helen Morey on Sept. 3, 1941. She preceded him in death. On July 31, 1968, Walter married Lorraine Haller, who survives him. Walter fought for our freedom serving with the Army Signal Corps from Nov. 4, 1939, to June 12, 1945. He was then employed as a Mobil Oil agent from 1947 to 1981. After retirement, Walt and Lorraine were snowbirds, wintering for 20 years at their home in Ocala, Fla. A few of his favorite things were a good game of cards, bowling, drinking a beer or two, and cruising the highways in the motor home where they would stop and take their chances at casinos along the way. Walter was a caring person and will be missed dearly by friends and family. Survivors include his wife, Lorraine Haller-Andren; children, Vernon (Cheryl) Andren of Madison, Gene (Pat Berghammer) Andren of Turtle Lake, Ralph (Cindy) Andren of Tomahawk and Summerfield, Fla., and Terrie (Clive) Solis of Ocoee, Fla. He has several stepchildren, Susan (Steve) Osmundson, MaryJo Shull, Pat (Ted) Hansen, Greg (Peggy) Haller and Trudy (Bill) Helin and an ex-daughter-in-law Susie Andren of Turtle Lake. He was proud of being a grandfather to 19 children, 26 precious great-grandchildren and one greatgreat-grandchild. Walt had special fondness to his nieces and nephews, children of his brothers. Walter was preceded in death by his wife, Helen (Morey) Andren; brothers, Earl (Clarice) Andren, Elmer (Marion) Andren and Art (Dorothy) Andren. The family would like to extend gratitude to the excellent staff at Golden Age Manor for the outstanding care they provided. Funeral services were held Friday, Dec. 21, at First Lutheran Church, Amery. The Rev. Tim Bjorge officiated. A military burial followed the church service at Amery Cemetery. A slideshow of Walter’s past is available to view at williamsonwhite.com Memorials may be sent in his name to Golden Age Manor, 220 Scholl Court, Amery, WI 54001. Williamson-White Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Amery, was in charge of arrangements.

Students assist Feed My Starving Children On Wednesday, Dec. 5, members of the Siren National Honor Society, as well as possible future members, volunteered to help at the organization Feed My Starving Children. Feed My Starving Children focuses on packaging food ingredients to send to countries in need of aid, and they completely depend on volunteers to pack the ingredients. The NHS members, along with other volunteers, packaged 48 boxes total. Individually, the NHS volunteers packaged 17 boxes. The goal was to package 47 boxes, or one for every volunteer, and the group exceeded that with 48 boxes. text by John D’Jock/photo by Mackenzie Erickson

Breakfast in Bethlehem

While many people were having breakfast with Santa, members of the First Presbyterian Church in St. Croix Falls, friends and family were having breakfast with Jesus. Guests were welcomed to Bethlehem, had their picture taken by the manger scene, treated to a nice breakfast and then were taken on the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem and the birth of baby Jesus. The three kings, two shepherds and wonderful Christmas music helped to make this a very real drama. What a fun time this was to celebrate the reason for the season. Shown (L to R) are: Ed Schmidt, Jamie Bilderback, Dan Bilderback, Tim Newlin, Kay Thyse, Leota Schwanz, Christine Brings, Kurt Tebben, Allison Frey and Jerry Mansergh. - Photo submitted

Harold A. Hokanson

Harold A. Hokanson, 85, of Siren, died Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2012, at Lakeview Medical Center in Rice Lake. He was born June 11, 1927, in Webster, to Albert and Mary (Everson) Hokanson. Harold served honorably during WWII in the U.S. Navy from 1945 - 1947. He was married in Hinckley, Minn., on Dec. 24, 1952, to Audrey Wilson who preceded him in death on June 18, 2001. Harold worked for many years as a driver for McLean Construction of Superior and later in maintenance at McNally Industries of Grantsburg before retiring to his home in Siren. He and Audrey were also foster parents to many area children. Harold is survived by his four children, Cynthia (Ken) Kubalek of Lake of the Ozarks, Mo., Arnold Hokanson of Baldwin, Gary (Shelley) Hokanson of Gray, Ga., and Craig (Paula) Hokanson of Cumberland; six grandchildren, Matthew and Kevin (Kelsey) Verdine, Michael and Rachel Hokanson and Jesse and Kallai Hokanson; two great-grandchildren, Emma and Erik Verdine; two brothers, James (Linda) Hokanson of Grantsburg and Robert (Doris) Hokanson of Kerryville,Texas; two sisters, Hazel Hills of Chisago City, Minn., and Janice (Roger) Panek of Grantsburg; and a very special friend, Margaret Cox of Milaca, Minn. He was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, Donald and Gordon. A committal service with military honors will be held at the Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Spooner, at a later date. Skinner Funeral Home of Cumberland was entrusted with arrangements.

Gary Allen Sederlund Gary Allen Sederlund, 66, died peacefully in his sleep at his home in Jerome, Idaho, on Saturday, Dec. 15, 2012. Gary was born on May 26, 1946, in Frederic, to Ervin and Mary Sederlund. He married Marilyn Bengtson on Jan. 21, 1967, in Clam Falls. Gary and Marilyn were blessed to live their lives and raise their children in Wisconsin and Idaho. Gary had recently moved back to Idaho to be closer to his children and grandchildren. Gary loved hunting, the Packers, driving truck and tractor work. He leaves fun memories and tales from Grand-daddy Daycare, cutting wood and tractor rides as his legacy for the grandchildren he adored. Gary is survived by his children, Jeri Ahrens (Brian) of Jerome, Idaho, Jon Sederlund of Beulah, N. D., and Mari Riese (Tony Freese) of Oak Harbor, Wash.; and his precious grandchildren, Jonathon, Matthew, Christina, Scout and Raegan. Gary is also survived by his sisters, Judy (Jack) Giller of Luck, Joan Sederlund of Frederic, and his “Little Brother” John “Dinger” Hanson of Rexburg, Idaho. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 10, 2013, at Clam Falls Lutheran Church, 2603 61st St., Frederic.

Patricia June Duncan Route Patricia June Duncan Route passed away on Dec. 21, 2012, at home in Osceola, with her husband, Neal, and daughter, Maureen, at her side. She was 87 years old. Pat was born in Detroit, Mich., on Oct. 13, 1925, to Charles Robert and Dorothy Isabelle (Matteson) Duncan. She grew up in Waukegan, Ill., and graduated from Waukegan Township High School in January 1943. For two years she attended DePauw University in Greencastle, Ind. In 1945, she entered the Cadet Nurse Corps at Grace Hospital in Detroit. On Thanksgiving weekend in 1945, she met Neal Albert Route on a blind date in Detroit and they were married on July 17, 1946, in Stillwater, Minn. They settled in St. Croix Falls, where they owned and operated the St. Croix Bakery. In 1952, Neal joined the Milwaukee Police Department and they moved to Milwaukee. After he retired in 1977, they moved back to St. Croix Falls and to Osceola in 1992. Pat’s first priority always was her family, and she cherished any time she could spend with Neal, their kids and grandkids. She enjoyed music, a good joke and a good card game. She was an avid reader, gardener and traveler. Together, she and Neal visited all 50 states, as well as parts of Canada, South America, and northern Europe. Pat was Neal’s beloved wife for 66 years. She was the devoted mother of Kathleen (Robert) Bergant, Kay (David) Budzien, Michael (former wife Patricia, present wife Leslie) Route, and Maureen (Joel) Yunker; proud grandmother of Brian (Heather) Budzien, Scott (Amanda) Budzien, Brynn Route, Neal Route, Jacob Yunker, Kyle Yunker, and step-granddaughters Katherine Kresek and Anna Kresek; dear great-grandmother of Eli Budzien; sister of Charles Robert Duncan; sister-in-law of Marlene (Les) Peterson and James (Marlys) Route. She is further survived by other relatives and friends. Pat’s cheerful disposition and positive outlook will continue to inspire all who were privileged to know her. She will be missed.

PAGE 16 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - DECEMBER 26, 2012

CHURCH NEWS Eternal

lessly, however, the horror strikes all our hearts. Sadly, more tragedies will happen in the future. None of us can run from them as they bring despair and hopelessness to many. When sin entered God’s perfect world, it raised all kinds of havoc. Sinful actions severed relationships between families and countries alike, bringing hatred and war. As long as evil exists, we can count on more wars, more severed relationships, more death. When tragedy happens, such as this most recent one, many people blame God for its cause and subsequent suffering. But God is not an unjust, uncaring bystander who leaves us to fend for ourselves. The Bible tells how Jesus loved

perspectives Sally Bair

Tragedy and triumph The hearts of our nation ache for those who lost loved ones in the recent Connecticut shooting. Evil brings tragic deaths and other losses every day, it seems, according to news reports. Many tragedies are far removed from our relatively safe environments, so we feel badly, then forget it happened. When young children are struck down sense-

Parents must help daughter achieve healthy self-image

Q: I need some advice on how to approach my teen daughter regarding the negative messages in teen magazines. I don't know where to start. Everything seems geared toward physical beauty. Do you have some ideas? Jim: You have your work cut out for you! Our media culture tends to judge everyone – but especially women –based solely on their appearance. This mentality can wreak havoc on young girls when it comes to their self-esteem, body image and so on. Ironically, women's magazines are among the worst offenders. Even relatively conservative publications airbrush the images on their covers. According to author Vicki Courtney ("BeTween: A Preteen Girl's Guide to Life"), little girls naturally want to be told they're pretty. If we don't tell them at all, they could end up having an unhealthy craving for male attention later on. Hopefully, your daughter received this type of affirmation growing up. Now that she has reached the teen years, it's important to emphasize virtue and character over appearance. When she's exposed to negative stereotypes in teen publications, help her understand that those images of models who appear to

Jim Daly

Focus on the Family

Juli Slattery

have found the fountain of youth are not real. Most have been prepped by hair and makeup artists, Botox, plastic surgery – and then airbrushed after the photos are taken. It's up to you to help her distinguish between fact and fiction, illusion and reality. With a little guidance and a lot of love, you can defuse our culture's negative messages about femininity, and help your daughter develop a healthy selfimage. ••• Q: Our teenage son is a fan of horror movies. I watched one with him on DVD recently and, frankly, I was stunned by the violence. It's not like the campy horror films I remember. What should I do? Jim: Bob Waliszewski, director of Plugged In, is Focus on the Family's resident media expert. Here's his take. Bob: You have good reason to be concerned. Your son may believe that a steady diet of horror movies won't affect him. But the fact remains that our minds

children and welcomed them to himself. He took joy in them, displaying the same emotions we do. He wept, too, when his friend, Lazarus, died. And he wept over Jerusalem, God’s holy city, seeing its pervading ungodliness and spiritual rebellion. Jesus weeps over the trials we face, too. He knows our sorrows because he sorrowed. And he promises healing to those who suffer loss. Though we will continue to be touched by evil, we have only to draw near to God and rest in him—his word and his peaceful presence—to triumph over tragedy. Thanks be to God, through the love of Christ we can find peace in the midst of tragedy. God has promised that he will never leave us or forsake us. All we

have to do is trust his word that it is so. We cannot possibly explain why tragedies happen. We do know, however, that “All things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28) We may not see his good in the midst of tragedy, but that doesn’t mean it will not come. God promises to heal the brokenhearted, bit by bit, through the loving acts of his followers. Such are the acts of millions responding to the Connecticut tragedy. Lord, use us to help bring healing to the brokenhearted, especially during this Christmas season when we worshipfully consider the gift of your Son, Jesus. In his name we pray, amen.

are shaped, for good or ill, by the stuff we pour into them. This may seem rather intuitive, but I can't stress it enough: You need to help your son develop wisdom and discernment as he grows and matures. The best way to accomplish this is by providing reasonable guidelines while maintaining a close, warm, trusting relationship with him. Sit down with your son and explain that research shows that violent media can lead toward violent behavior, and at the very least, aggressive attitudes. Praise him for his love of cinema (there are some truly great films out there!), but don't hesitate to let him know that dark, occultic, violent material will likely have a negative impact on his outlook and character. Also, be sure to remind him that the reason you have to say "no" to certain types of entertainment is because you love him – not because you're trying to spoil his fun. One of the ways you express your love is by doing your best to protect him from harmful influences. You wouldn't let him eat an E. coli-contaminated hamburger, so why would you let him consume "E. coli"-laced films? Once you've explained your general perspective, you can proceed to let him know – gently, but firmly– that certain types of films will no longer be allowed.

If you want him to respect your decisions in this regard, you'll have to convince him that you've done your research. A good place to start would be the movie reviews posted at pluggedin.com. Plugged In also offers plenty of positive alternatives – movies that will encourage, build up and inspire – something that all of us desire. ••• Jim Daly is president of Focus on the Family, host of the “Focus on the Family” radio program, and a husband and father of two. Dr. Juli Slattery is a licensed psychologist, cohost of “Focus on the Family,” author of several books, and a wife and mother of three. Submit your questions to: FocusOnTheFamily.com. Copyright 2012 Focus on the Family, Colorado Springs, CO 80995. International copyright secured. All rights reserved. Distributed by Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St. Kansas City, MO 64106; 816-581-7500. This feature may not be reproduced or distributed electronically, in print or otherwise, without written permission of Focus on the Family.

Brought to you by:

Crosswalk Community Church (Formerly Frederic Evangelical Free Church)

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DECEMBER 26, 2012 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 17

CHURCH Church DIRECTORY Directory ADVENTIST

SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST - FREDERIC 609 Benson Road; Pastor Curtis Denney Sat. Worship 11 a.m.; Sabbath Schl. 9:30 a.m. ALLIANCE

ALLIANCE

ALLIANCE CHURCH OF THE VALLEY 1259 Hwy. 35 S., St. Croix Falls Senior Pastor Gary Russell Sunday Worship: 9 & 11 a.m.

BIBLE FELLOWSHIP

WORD OF LIFE CHURCH Meeting in homes. Elder: Cliff Bjork, 715-755-3048 Sun. Fellowship - 10 a.m.; Wed. 7 p.m. LUTHERAN

LUTHERAN

BALSAM LUTHERAN CHURCH 1115 Mains Crossing, 1/2 Mile South Hwy. 8 On 110th St.; Sun. Worship 9 a.m.; Sun. School 10:15 a.m.

BEAUTIFUL SAVIOR LUTHERAN (WELS) Gene E. Jahnke, Pastor, 715-635-7672, Hm. 715-354-7787, Hwy. 70 at 53, Spooner Sun. Wor. - 9:30 a.m.; Sun. School & Bible Classes For All - 10:45 a.m.

BETHANY LUTHERAN - BRANSTAD Pastor Jay Ticknor, 715-463-5746 3 miles So. of Grantsburg on Hwy. 87 Sun. Schl. - 9:30 a.m.; Worship - 11 a.m.

BETHANY LUTHERAN - SIREN Hwy. 35, 1/2 blk. N. Main St. Pastor Paul Peterson, Cell # 715-566-3758 Pastoral Serv. 715-349-5280 Sun. Worship - 8:30 a.m,; Sun. School 9:45 a.m.

BETHESDA LUTHERAN - DRESSER (LCMC) www.bethesdalutheran.ws Pastor Peter Rimmereid, 715-755-2562 1947 110th Ave., Dresser Sun. Contemporary Service 8:30 a.m.; Education Hr. 9:40 a.m.; Traditional Service 10:45 a.m.;

BONE LAKE LUTHERAN bllc@lakeland.ws Pastor Mary Ann Bowman, 5 mi. E. of Luck on Hwy. 48, 1/2 mi. S. on I; Office - 715-472-2535 Pastor - 715-472-8153, 9 a.m. Adult Bible Study; 10:30 a.m. Worship; 11:30 a.m. Fellowship Holy Communion 1st & 3rd Sundays

CHRIST LUTHERAN (LCMS) Pipe Lake CTH G & T, 715-822-3096 Pastor Steve Miller Sun. Serv. 10:45 a.m.; Sun. Schl. 9:15 a.m. during schl. yr.; Holy Communion 1st & 3rd Sun. christlutheranpipelake.com

CLAM FALLS LUTHERAN (AALC) Pastor Gary Rokenbrodt 715-327-4461 Worship 9 a.m.; Sunday School 10:15 a.m. Communion 1st Sun.

FAITH LUTHERAN - BALSAM LAKE faithlutheran@lakeland.ws Pastor Diane Norstad 715-485-3800; CTH I & Mill Street Worship 9:30 a.m.; Sun. Schl. 10:40 a.m.; Holy Communion 1st & last Sundays

FAITH LUTHERAN - GRANTSBURG Mark Hendrickson, Interim Pastor, 715-463-5388 Worship 9:30 a.m.; Sun. School 10:45 a.m.

FIRST EVAN. LUTHERAN 561 Chestnut St., Taylors Falls, MN 651-465-5265 Traditional Worship - 8:30 a.m.; Contemporary Worship - 11 a.m.

MILLTOWN LUTHERAN 113 W. Main St.. W., Phone 715-825-2453 9:30 a.m. Sunday Worship (begins May 27)

NEW HOPE LUTHERAN CHURCH Pastor Emory Johnson, 715-463-5700 newhopelutheranchurch.org 685 W. State Road 70, Grantsburg Sun. Wor. Serv. 9:30 a.m.; Sun. Schl. 11 a.m. Communion 1st & 3rd Sundays

NORTH VALLEY LUTHERAN Pastor Maggie Isaacson, 715-825-3559 3 mi. W. of Milltown on “G” Sunday Worship - 9:15 a.m.; Wednesday Worship 6:30 p.m. Holy Communion 1st & 3rd Sundays

OUR REDEEMER LUTHERAN, (LCMS) WEBSTER

PILGRIM LUTHERAN - FREDERIC (ELCA) Pastor Paul Peterson 507 Wisconsin Ave. N., 715-327-8012 Sun. Worship - 10:30 a.m. Holy Communion 1st & 2nd Sundays pilgrimlutheranfrederic.org

REDEEMER EV. LUTHERAN (Wisconsin Synod) Pastor Gene DeVries 200 N. Adams St., St. Croix Falls Sunday Worship - 9:30 a.m.; Sunday School - 8:30 a.m.

ST. JOHN’S EV. LUTHERAN (Wis. Synod) 350 Michigan Ave., Centuria Sun. Worship - 10:45 a.m.; Sun. School - 10 a.m.

ST. PETER’S LUTHERAN - LCMC 1614 CTH B, North Luck, Pastor Rob Lubben Sunday Worship - 9 a.m. Contact Leslie Valentine, 715-646-2390; E-mail: leslie56@centurytel.net

SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN (Missouri Synod) 140 Madison St. South, St. Croix Falls Pastor Mark K. Schoen Sun. Service - 9 a.m.; Sun.School - 10:30 a.m.

TRINITY LUTHERAN - ELCA 10 mi. W. of Cumberland on Hwy. 48 (McKinley) Pastor Neal Weltzin GT Office 715-857-5580, Parsonage 715-822-3001, TR Office - 715-822-3001 Wor. Serv. - 9 a.m.; Sun. Schl. - 10:15 a.m. Holy Communion - 1st Sunday

TRINITY LUTHERAN - FALUN Hwy. 70 East, 715-689-2271, Pastor: Carl Heidel Worship 9 a.m.; Sunday School 10:15 a.m. Communion -Every Sunday

TRINITY EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN OSCEOLA 300 Seminole Ave. (CTH M) Mark Kock, Pastor, 715-294-2828 Sun. Wor. 8 a.m. & 10:30 a.m.; Summer, 9 a.m.

WEST DENMARK LUTHERAN Pastors Mike & Linda Rozumalski 1 mi. west of Luck on N, 2478 170th St., Luck Sunday Worship 10 a.m.; Sunday School 9 a.m. Fellowship 11 a.m.

WEST IMMANUEL LUTHERAN - ELCA

YELLOW LAKE LUTHERAN 1/2 mi. W. of Hwy. 35 on U, 715-866-8281, Pastors Douglas Olson, Roger Kampstra, Myron Carlson and Danny Wheeler Services begin at 9:30 a.m.; Communion 1st & 3rd Sunday

877 190th Ave., CTH G, Balsam Lake, WI (Fox Creek) Pastor Neal Weltzen; GT Office - 715-857-5580, Parsonage - 715-822-3001, TR Office - 715-822-3001 Wor. Serv. 10:30 a.m.; Sun. Schl. 9:30 a.m.; Holy Communion - 1st & 3rd Sun. of each month

ZION LUTHERAN - BONE LAKE (LCMC)

GRACE LUTHERAN - WEST SWEDEN

ZION LUTHERAN - EAST FARMINGTON (WELS )

(Missouri Synod) Pastor Jody R. Walter - 715-327-8608 Sun. Schl. - 8:45 a.m.; Service - 10:30 a.m. Communion - 1st, 3rd & 5th Sun.

LAKESIDE COMMUNITY LUTH. - ELCA CTH H, 1/2 mi. N. of CTH A & H on H Church Off. 715-635-7791 Pastor Bill Schroeder Sun. Worship 10 a.m.; Sun. Schl. 9 a.m.

LAKETOWN LUTHERAN - CUSHING Pastor Dorothy Sandahl, cushingparish.org Sun. Wor. 10:30 a.m.; Sun. Schl. 10:30 a.m.

LUCK LUTHERAN Pastor Ralph Thompson - 715-472-8424; 510 Foster Ave. E.; Office 715-472-2605; www.lucklutheran.org (Sept.-May) Sun. Wor. 8 & 10:30 a.m.; Sun. Schl. 9 a.m.

716 S. Robert St., Grantsburg, 715-463-5699 Sr. Pastor Brad Moore David Ahlquist, Assoc. Pastor Sun. Worship 9:30 a.m.; Sun. School 11 a.m.

ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST

LIVING HOPE CHURCH

Pastor Carolyn Saunders, 715-463-2624 Worship - 9 a.m.; Sunday School - 10:30 a.m.

Pastor Father Michael J. Tupa, 715-866-7321 Cedar & Muskey Ave. - Webster Mass Sun 10 a.m., Wed. 5:30 p.m. (Sept-May), Fri. 9 a.m. (Summer)

Pastor Doug McConnell Youth Pastor Chris Radtke At Grantsburg High School, 715-463-5794 Sun. Serv. 9:30 a.m.; Sun. Schl. 11 a.m.

DANBURY UNITED METHODIST

ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC

TRADE LAKE BAPTIST

ATLAS UNITED METHODIST Pastor Carolyn Saunders, 715-463-2624 Sunday School - 11 a.m.; Worship - 11 a.m.

CENTRAL UNITED METHODIST GRANTSBURG

Rev. Gil White, Sr. Pastor Rev. Thomas Cook, Assoc. Pastor; 715-866-8646 Sunday Worship - 9 a.m.

GRACE UNITED - WEBSTER Rev. Gil White, Sr. Pastor, Rev. Thomas Cook, Assoc. Pastor; 715-866-8646 Sunday Worship - 10:30 a.m.

HOLY TRINITY UNITED METHODIST

Pastor Jack Starr Wor. - 9 a.m.; Sun. Schl. - during worship hour

2355 Clark Road, Dresser, WI, 715-755-2515 plcdresser.org Pastor Wayne Deloach, Intern Andrea Fluegel Sun. Wor. 8:30 & 10:45 a.m.

ELCA - 501 Hwy. 35, 715-646-2357, Mel Rau, Pastor Sun. Wor. & Holy Communion - 9:30 a.m.; Sun. Schl. - 10:40 a.m.

IMMANUEL LUTHERAN - FREDERIC

GRACE BAPTIST - GRANTSBURG

Pastor Father Frank Wampach, 651-465-7345 25293 Redwing Ave., Shafer, MN Sunday 9 a.m.

PEACE LUTHERAN - DRESSER (ELCA)

FRISTAD LUTHERAN - CENTURIA

Phone 715-327-4340, 715-416-3086, 715-327-8384 Pastor Theresa Riewestahl Worship 9:15 a.m.; Sun. School 10:30 a.m. Communion - 1st & 2nd Sundays

ST. FRANCIS XAVIER

htslumc@gmail.com 1606 165th Ave., CTH I, Centuria Pastor Freddie Kirk, 715-485-3363 Sunday Worship - 8:30 a.m.

Pastor Dorothy Sandahl, cushingparish.org 715-648-5323 or 715-648-5324 Sun. Wor. 9 a.m.; Sun. Schl. 9 a.m.

GEORGETOWN LUTHERAN - ELCA

METHODIST

Pastor Gerald Heinecke Church Phone 715-866-7191 Sun. Schl. - 9:30 a.m.; Sun. Wor. - 10:30 a.m. Communion 1st & 3rd Sundays facebook/OurRedeemerWebster

Rev. Rexford D. Brandt 447 180th St., Osceola, 715-294-2936 Sept. 16, 2012 - June 2, 2013 Sun. Wor. 8 & 10:30 a.m.; Sun. Schl. 9:15 a.m.; Communion first & third Sunday of the month

FIRST LUTHERAN - CUSHING

METHODIST

5 miles E. of Frederic on W, 2 miles south on I; Church: 715-472-8660 Pastor Mike Fisk, 715-417-0692 Sunday Schl. 9:30 a.m.; Wor. 10:30 a.m. Communion - 1st Sunday

Pastor Martin Weigand - 715-294-3489 Sunday Wor. 8 & 10 a.m.; Thursday Wor. 7 p.m. Communion - 1st & Last Sunday

ZION LUTHERAN - MARKVILLE Pastor Tim Faust Worship - 11 a.m.; Sunday School - 10 a.m. Holy Communion - 1st & 3rd Sunday

ZION LUTHERAN - TRADE LAKE Pastor Theresa Riewestahl 715-327-8384, 715-416-3086 Fellowship - 10:30 a.m., Sun. Schl. 9:45 a.m.; Worship 11 a.m., Communion - 1st & 2nd Sundays

PRESBYTERIAN

LAKEVIEW UNITED - HERTEL LEWIS MEMORIAL UNITED METHODIST Rev. Gil White, Sr. Pastor Rev. Thomas Cook, Assoc. Pastor Worship 8:45 a.m.; Sunday Schl. 10 a.m.

McKINLEY UNITED METHODIST Pastor Annie Tricker Sun. Worship 11 a.m.; Sun. School 11 a.m. Potluck dinner 1st Sunday

OSCEOLA UNITED METHODIST www.osceolawiumc.org; oumc@centurytel.net 306 River Street, Osceola, 715-755-2275 Pastor Mark Gilbert Sunday Early Risers Class - 8:30 a.m.; Sunday Worship - 10 a.m.; Holy Communion 1st Sunday

ST. CROIX FALLS UNITED METHODIST Rev. Mike Weaver Sunday Worship Service - 10 a.m. Sunday School is at 9 a.m., Nursery available

ST. LUKE UNITED - FREDERIC 100 Linden Street, Frederic Pastor “Freddie” Kirk, 715-327-4436 Sunday Worship 10:30 a.m.

SIREN UNITED METHODIST Rev. Gil White, Sr. Pastor Rev. Thomas Cook, Assoc. Pastor Sun. Schl. 9 a.m.; Wor. - 10:15 a.m. (Nursery available)

TAYLORS FALLS UNITED METHODIST 290 W. Government Street, 715-294-4436 Reverend Dr. Rolland Robinson Sunday Service - 10 a.m. with nursery Sunday School - Sept. - May at 10 a.m.

WOLF CREEK UNITED METHODIST Rev. Mike Weaver Sunday Worship - 8:15 a.m. COVENANT

COVENANT

CALVARY COVENANT - ALPHA Pastor Scott Sagle, 715-689-2541 Sun. School 9:30 a.m.; Sun. Worship 10:30 p.m.; Elevator provided, welcome

SIREN COVENANT 7686 Lofty Pines Drive, Siren, 715-349-5601 Worship 10 a.m.; Sunday School 9 a.m.

UNITED COVENANT - CLEAR LAKE Pastor Dan Pearson Sunday School 8:45 a.m.; Worship 10 a.m. CATHOLIC

CATHOLIC

ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY Rev. William Brenna, 715-247-3310 255 St. Hwy. 35, East Farmington Mass Sunday 8:30 a.m.

CHURCH OF ST. JOSEPH Pastor - Father Frank Wampach 490 Bench St., Taylors Falls, 651-465-7345 Sat. Vigil 5:30 p.m.; Sun. 7:30 & 10:30 a.m. Tues. - Thurs. 7:30 a.m.

OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP Danbury - 7586 St. Rd. 77, 715-866-7321 Pastor - Father Michael J. Tupa Mass - Sat. 4 p.m., Fri. 9 a.m. (Sept.-May). Reconciliation as per bulletin & by appt.

OUR LADY OF THE LAKES Balsam Lake - Rev. John A. Drummy, Pastor - 405-2253 Mass: Sat. eves. 6 p.m.; Sun. 8:30 a.m.; Tues. 5:30 p.m.; Fri. 9 a.m.Sacrament of Reconciliation 7:30 a.m. Sun. or by appt.

SACRED HEARTS OF JESUS & MARY Pastor Father Michael J. Tupa CTHs A & H - 715-866-7321 Crescent Lake Voyager Village area. Mass Sun. 8 a.m., Thurs. 9:30 a.m. Reconciliation as per bulletin and by appt.

ST. DOMINIC - FREDERIC Rev. Thomas E. Thompson, 715-327-8119 Mass: Sat. 4:30 p.m.; Sun. 10:30 a.m. Call the office for daily & holy day Mass times

PRESBYTERIAN

IMMACULATE CONCEPTION - GRANTSBURG

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN

Rev. Thomas E. Thompson, 715-327-8119 Mass: Sun. 8:30 a.m.

Rev. Bruce Brooks - 715-483-3550 719 Nevada St. , (between Simonson & Tower Roads) , St. Croix Falls Worship - 10 a.m. (Nursery provided) Sunday School - Child.- 9 a.m.; Sunday School - Adults - 8:45 a.m.; Communion 1st Sunday

ST. ANNE PARISH Rev. Andy Anderson, 715-247-3310 139 Church Hill Rd., Somerset Mass Sat. 5 p.m.; Sun. 8 a.m. & 10 a.m.; Tues., Wed., Thurs. & Fri. 9 a.m.

1050 North Keller Ave., Amery, 715-268-7717 Father John Drummy, Pastor Sat. Mass 4 p.m., Sun. Mass 10:30 a.m. Mass Wed. & Thurs. 9 a.m.

ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC Rev. William Brenna 255 E. 10th Ave., Osceola, 715-294-2243 Masses: Sat. 4 p.m.; Sun. 10:30 a.m.

Pastor Merrill Olson, Interim Pastor 715-327-8402 Sun. Schl. - 9:15 a.m.; Wor. Serv. - 10:15 a.m.; Nursery provided.; tradelakebaptistchurch.org

CHURCH OF CHRIST

CHURCH OF CHRIST - WEBSTER

CENTURIA ASSEMBLY OF GOD

Minister Garret Derouin, 715-866-7157 Musky & Birch St., Avail. in office 9 a.m. - noon, Tues.-Fri.; Sun. Bible Study 9:30 a.m. Worship 10:30 a.m.

Pastor Don Wiltshire, 715-640-6400 Centuria - Phone 715-646-2172 Sunday Service: 10 a.m.

WESLEYAN

OSCEOLA COMMUNITY CHURCH

WOODLAND WESLEYAN

ASSEMBLY

WESLEYAN

Pastor Larry Mederich, 715-294-4332 occconnect.org Mtg. @ St. Croix Art Barn; Sun. Serv. - 9 a.m. Nursery and children church

Dairyland - Rev. Andrea Wittwer 715-244-3649 Sunday School - 10 a.m.; Worship - 11 a.m.

SIREN ASSEMBLY OF GOD

FULL GOSPEL

Pastor Andrew Bollant Sun. Schl. - 9:15 a.m.; Morn. Serv. - 10:15 a.m.; Supervised Nursery; Wed. Evening - Worship Serv. 6:30 p.m.

WOOD RIVER CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

EVANGELICAL

FULL GOSPEL

Pastor Dan Slaikeu 4 mi. SE of Grantsburg on Williams Rd. Worship 9:30 a.m. Sunday School 10:30 a.m.

EVANGELICAL

HOPE FELLOWSHIP OF SOMERSET

APPLE RIVER COMMUNITY (EFCA)

231 Bluff Drive, 715-247-2435 Services are Sundays at 10:30 a.m.

Pastor Bruce Tanner, 942 U.S. Hwy. 8, Amery, 715-268-2176 Sun. Schl. 9:30 a.m.; Worship 10:30 a.m. Wednesday Bible study 7 p.m.

CROSSWALK COMMUNITY CHURCH Pastor Greg Lund, 715-327-8767 700 Churchwood Lane; 505 Old CTH W, Frederic Sunday School - 9 a.m.; Morning Worship - 10:15 a.m.; Nursery provided for all services

HOPE EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH Pastor Dave Williams 933 248th St., Osceola Morn. Wor. 10 a.m.; Sun. School Sept.-May 8:45 a.m. Children’s Church & Nursery provided

TRADE RIVER EVANGELICAL FREE Pastor Dale VanDeusen, 715-488-2296 or 715-488-2653 20296 Hwy. 87, Grantsburg Morning Wor. 9:30 a.m.; Sunday Schl. 10:45 a.m.; Nursery provided for all services BAPTIST

BAPTIST

EAST BALSAM BAPTIST - BALSAM LK. 1816 108th St., CTH I Pastor Gabe Brennan, 715-857-5411 eastbalsam.org Wor. Service - 9 a.m.; Sun. School-10:30 a.m.

EUREKA BAPTIST 2393 210th Ave., St. Croix Falls Pastor Willis Christenson, 715-483-9464 Sun. School - 10 a.m.; Wor. Service - 11 a.m.

FAITH FELLOWSHIP

CHRISTIAN CENTER

EL SALEM/TWIN FALLS CHRISTIAN CENTER 1751 100th Ave., Dresser Sun. School 9:30 a.m.; Morning Wor. 10:30 a.m. Evening Services Sun. 6 p.m.; Wed. 7 p.m. Call Pastor Darryl Olson at 715-755-3133 for information and directions

ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN

CHRISTIAN ORTHODOX

HOLY TRINITY ORTHODOX 523 1st St., Clayton, 715-948-2493 Fr. Christopher Wojcik, Pastor Sat. Vespers - 5 p.m.; Sun. Liturgy - 9:30 a.m.

HOLY CROSS ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN Meeting at Zion Lutheran Church, 28005 Old Towne Rd., Chisago City, MN; holyx.net Sunday Worship Service 9:30 a.m. NAZARENE

NAZARENE

CALVARY CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE 510 S. Vincent, St. Croix Falls Pastor Tom Reaume, 715-483-3696 Sunday School 9:30 a.m.; Worship 10:45 a.m. & Wed. 6:30 p.m.

FAITH COMMUNITY 7535 Peet St., Danbury, 715-656-4010 Adult Bible Serv. 9 a.m.; Services: Sun. 10 a.m.; Sunday School during church service.

Hwy. 35 and CTH N., Luck Bill McEachern Pastor, 715-485-3973 Sun. Bible study - 9 a.m.; Sun. Wor. - 10 a.m.

NONDENOMINATIONAL

FIRST BAPTIST - AMERY

CROSSROADS CHRISTIAN CHURCH

NONDENOMINATIONAL

131 Broadway St., 715-268-2223; fbcamery.org; E-mail: churchoffice@fbcamery.org Reg. office hours: Tues.-Thurs. 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. Pastor Charlie Butt, Lead Pastor; Nick Buda, Associate Pastor Sun. Serv.: 9 a.m.; All ages Sun. Schl. 10:30 11:30 a.m.; Nursery available

2390 CTH A, 1/8 mi. east of A&H intersection Pastor Tryg Wistad, 715-635-9222 crossroadschurch@gmail.com Sunday Worship: 10 a.m.

FIRST BAPTIST - FALUN

NEW LIFE CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY

715-689-2125 or 715-689-2156 Brian Krause, Lead Pastor Steve Ward, Assoc. Pastor of Visitation Tim Lindau, Youth Director Sun. School (all ages) 9:30 a.m.; Church Serv. 10:45 a.m.; Nursery provided

FIRST BAPTIST - MILLTOWN Pastor Marlon Mielke, 715-825-3186 Sunday Schl. 9:45 a.m.; Worship 11 a.m., 7 p.m.

FIRST BAPTIST - TAYLORS FALLS, MN Located across from elemen. school on West St., Pastor, Dr. Kevin Schumann; 651-465-7171 Sun. Morn. - Sun. School for all ages - 9 a.m. Morn. Worship - 10:15 a.m.; Nursery provided.

FIRST BAPTIST - WEBSTER Church Phone 715-866-4111 Pastor Tim Quinn Sun. School 9:30 a.m.; Worship - 10:45 a.m (Nursery provided)

GRACE CHURCH OF OSCEOLA “The Cure for the Common Church” 722 Seminole Ave., Osceola Pastor Dr. Kent Haralson; 715-294-4222 or 715-755-3454; info@gracechurchosceola.com Sun.: Praise & Worship Serv. 9 am., Adult Bible Study 10:45 a.m., Children’s Sun. School 10:45 a.m.

NEW LIFE COMMUNITY - AMERY Interim Pastor Craig Jorgenson Sunday Worship 10 a.m.; Children’s Church: K to 6th Grade 201 Hwy. 35, Dresser (formerly The Boulevard) Pastor Tony Minell, 715-417-1982; Office 715-417-0945 Sunday Wor. 9:30 a.m.; Nursery available.

NEW WINE CHURCH - CENTURIA 309 5th Street, , 715-338-2751 Pastor Scott Petznick Sunday Worship 10 a.m.; Sunday School 9 a.m.

NORTHERN PINES QUAKER MEETING 715-866-5016 or 715-733-0480 for time of meeting.

ST. CROIX UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST FELLOWSHIP 1st, 2nd & 3rd Sunday, 10 a.m. in the St. Croix Falls Library community room.

INTERDENOMINATIONAL

RIVER VALLEY CHRISTIAN 1289 160th St. (Hwy. 65), St. Croix Falls, 715-483-5378 Senior Pastors Paul and Sonja Hanson Sunday Adult Bible Class 9 a.m. Worship and Children’s Sunday Schl. 10 a.m.

ST. PETER’S COMMUNITY CHURCH “Faith on Purpose” (Love God, Love People...period) faithonpurpose.org CTH F, Dresser, 715-483-2911 Pastor’s res./office Sunday Worship 10 a.m.

church directory

ADVENTIST

PAGE 18 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - DECEMBER 26, 2012

McNally Industries hosts Federal Contractors Group

PUBLIC AUCTION: Monday, Jan. 14, 2013, at 11 a.m. Frederic Mini Storage, Frederic, WI. 800-2363072. Personal effects, household goods & misc. items belonging to the following: Richard Dierks #57. 19-20Lc

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Call 1-800-919-1195 or 715-825-2335 We accept used oil

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Hours: Tues., Thurs., Fri. 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

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PUBLIC AUCTION: Monday, Jan. 14, 2013, at 12:15 p.m. Siren Mini Storage, Siren, WI. 800-236-3072. Personal effects, household goods & misc. items belonging to the following: Steve Johnson #19. 1920Lc

McNally Industries, one of Wisconsin’s top 100 federal contractors, hosted the statewide Federal Contractors Group meeting at their facility in Grantsburg on Friday, Dec. 7. The focus of the meeting was to discuss and understand the impact of the fiscal cliff, decreasing federal budget, regulatory and market changes on state contractors. Guest speakers at this quarter’s meeting included Steve Moffitt from CNP in Washington, D.C., and Eric Ness, Wisconsin district director, U.S. Small Business Administration. - Photos by Priscilla Bauer

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DECEMBER 26, 2012 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 19

2012

Suitable for framing January through June

OUT OF THIS WORLD • This photograph of the planet Venus was taken on June 5 at around 6:30 p.m. by Dr. John Hill of rural Frederic. Hill, a retired physician, used a telephoto lens, a solar filter and a steady tripod. Photo by Dr. John Hill

VISITING THE PAST • Kaylee Weiser carries her lunch to school in a pail during a day in May when Webster students were able to experience what it was like to attend a one-room schoolhouse. - Photo by Carl Heidel

WATCHFUL EYE • A mother swan keeps an eye on her babies as they paddle the waters of a lake at Crex Meadows Wildlife Area near Grantsburg in June. - Photo by John Reed

ABLAZE • A setting sun in Burnett County in May makes the clouds look to be on fire in this photo, taken in June near Grantsburg. - Photo by Kacey Lamphere

PAGE 20 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - DECEMBER 26, 2012

Coming events

DECEMBER

Happenings in the Upper St. Croix Valley communities

MONDAY/21 Balsam Lake

THURSDAY/27

• Polk County free legal clinic at the justice center, 715684-4545.

Centuria

TUESDAY/22

• Adult grief support group meeting at Holy Trinity Church, 6:30 p.m., 715-483-3363.

St. Croix Falls

Siren

• Open Arms hosted by Alliance Church of the Valley. Meal and fellowship, 5-6:30 p.m., 715-483-1100.

• Ruby’s Pantry at 24534 Hwy. 35/70. Sign-up 1:30 p.m., distribution 2 p.m., $15 donation.

SATURDAY/29

THURSDAY/24

• Ruby’s Pantry at Congregational Church. Doors open 8:30 a.m. Dist. 9 a.m., $15 donation, 715-268-7390.

• Adult grief support group meeting at Holy Trinity Church, 6:30 p.m., 715-483-3363.

Centuria

Amery

Siren

SUNDAY/30

• Ruby’s Pantry at 24534 Hwy. 35/70. Sign-up 1:30 p.m., distribution 2 p.m., $15 donation.

Almena

SATURDAY/26

• Breakfast brunch at the Vets Club, 8 a.m.-noon.

JANUARY

Amery

• Scrap-A-Thon at Centennial Hall, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.

WEDNESDAY/2

Frederic

• Coon Lake Classic fishing contest, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Register 9 a.m.

Amery

• Early-stage Alzheimer’s support group at the senior center, 10 a.m., 715-268-6605.

Frederic

• Blood pressure screening at Bremer Bank, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Siren

• Burnett County Poverty Task Force meeting at government center, Room 165, 1 p.m.

THURSDAY/3 Siren

Bill Krueger made a more natural suet feeder for the birds, and from the looks of this pileated woodpecker on the feeder, it seems the birds approve. - Photo submitted

TUESDAY/8 Amery

• Cancer support group at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 7 p.m., 715-268-6722 or 715-268-7290.

Luck

Webster

• Used book sale at the library, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., 715-8667697.

SUNDAY/13 Siren

• Open house T.O.P.S. at senior citizen’s center, 5:45 p.m., 715-472-2341.

• Head injury support group at Siren Covenant Church, 1-2:30 p.m., 715-349-8985.

FRIDAY/4

THURSDAY/10

MONDAY/14

• Free classic movie at the museum, 7 p.m., 715-4722770.

• Adult grief support group meeting at Holy Trinity Church, 6:30 p.m., 715-483-3363.

• Weight-loss surgery education and support at the medical center, 5-6 p.m., 715-268-0597.

Milltown

TUESDAY/15

• Northwoods Flyers Experimental Aircraft Association Club meets at the government center, Rm. 165, 7 p.m.

Centuria

Luck

SATURDAY/5 Danbury

• Ruby’s Pantry at the town maintenance shop, $15 donation. Open 9:30 a.m., distribution 10-11:30 a.m.

Grantsburg

• Feed My Sheep at Grace Church. Doors open 8 a.m., 715-463-5699.

Lewis

• Lewis jam, bluegrass, gospel and country music at the Methodist church, 6-9 p.m.

SUNDAY/6 Dresser

• Puppet show and ice cream at Peace Lutheran, 4 p.m., 715-755-2515.

MONDAY/7 Clear Lake

• Compassionate Friends, Tri-County Chapter, grief support in death of a child, at First Lutheran, 7 p.m., 715263-2739.

• Friends of Victims of Violence support group at North Valley Lutheran, 6 p.m., 800-261-7233.

Amery

Dairyland

FRIDAY/11

• Outdoor veterans retreat, check dairylandvets.org for location.

• Poco Penners meeting at the library building, 2 p.m., 715-483-9738.

• Ruby’s Pantry at Home & Away Ministries. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. $15 cash donation appreciated. Distribution noon-1 p.m., 715-472-2535.

Balsam Lake

SATURDAY/12 Amery

• Ruby’s Pantry at Congregational Church. Doors open 8:30 a.m. Dist. 9 a.m., $15 donation, 715-268-7390.

Grantsburg

• Carnivore tracking & wolf ecology workshop at Crex, 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m., 715-463-2739, crexmeadows.org. • Crex Meadows Nature Photography Club meets at Crex, 10 a.m.-noon, 715-463-2739.

St. Croix Falls

• Hingepoint meeting for men battling sexual addictions, at River Valley Christian Church, 9 a.m.-noon, 715483-5378.

Luck

Milltown

• The Compassionate Friends Chapter of the Northwoods meets at Milltown Lutheran Church, 7 p.m., 715553-1152, compassionatefriends.org.

Webster

• Burnett County Democrats meeting at Whitetail Wilderness Resort. Dinner 6 p.m., meeting 7-9 p.m.

THURSDAY/17 Balsam Lake

• Autism support group at the government center, 7 p.m. • Polk-Burnett Bee Association meeting at the justice center, 8 p.m., 715-327-5525.

Grantsburg

• Candlelight Night at Crex, 6:30-8:30 p.m., 715-4632739, crexmeadows.org.

MONDAY/28 Balsam Lake

• Adoption support group, Unity High School band room, 7:15 p.m.

TUESDAY/29 Balsam Lake

• Polk County Alzheimer’s support group at social services building, 715-483-3133.

St. Croix Falls

• Alzheimer’s support group at the medical center, 1-3 p.m., 715-483-0431.

THURSDAY/31 Grantsburg

• Parkinson’s Support Group meeting at Burnett Medical Center, 2 p.m., 715-689-2350.

FEBRUARY FRIDAY/1 Amery

• Winter Health & Wellness Expo at Centennial Hall, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Luck

• Free classic movie at the museum, 7 p.m., 715-4722770.

SATURDAY/2 Grantsburg

• Bird-watching and feeding presentation at Crex Meadows, 1-4 p.m. with speaker at 2 p.m., 715-463-2739.

SATURDAY/9 Amery

• Valentine’s vendor sale at Centennial Hall, 9 a.m.2 p.m.

"Pippin, the Christmas Pig"

ONGOING Every Day

AA &/or AlAnon, Polk & Burnett counties, 715-931-8262 for time/location. Amery, 715-268-8431.

Every Monday

The youth of Zion Lutheran Church of Bone Lake presented “Pippin, the Christmas Pig” during a recent Sunday worship service. Back row (L to R): Merlin Hibbs, Marissa Lundquist, Sophia Hendricks-Loehr, Emily Hall and Melanie Hall. Middle row: Milan Monchilovich, Tory Jeffrey, Amanda Jeffrey, Madeline Monchilovich and Britta Hibbs. Front row: Morgan Monchilovich and Grayson Hendricks. - Photo submitted

Indianhead Barbershop Chorus meets at the Balsam Lake old courthouse, 7:30 p.m., 715-483-9202. Baby and Me class - Amery Medical Center, 1-2 p.m. Moms In Prayer, First Baptist, Amery, 1:30 - 2:30 p.m., 715-268-5408, Play group for children and caretakers at the Burnett County Family Resource Center, 10 - 11:30 a.m. Open Topic support group, 6:30 p.m. Call for location, 800261-7233, Polk County. Christian 12-Step Recovery group at Faith Lutheran Church, Balsam Lake, 7-8 p.m., 715-566-4215.

Every Tuesday

Bingo at the Burnett County Moose Lodge, Siren, 6 p.m. Sexual assault support group, Polk County, 800-261-7233 for location, 6:30-7:30 p.m Domestic violence and sexual assault support group, 5:15 p.m. Call for location, 800-261-7233, Burnett County.

Every Wednesday

Free playtime with your toddler at Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic Church,10-11:30 a.m., 715-557-0630.

Every Thursday

The Latch breastfeeding support group at the St. Croix Regional Medical Center, 10:30 a.m. - noon. 715-483-0431. Play group for children and caretakers at the Burnett County Family Resource Center, 10 - 11:30 a.m.

Every Friday

Domestic violence support group, 10-11 a.m. Call for location, 800-261-7233, Polk County.

Every Saturday

AA meets at the West Denmark Lutheran Church, rural Luck, 9 - 10 a.m.