BURNETT COUNTY
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2016 VOL. 54 NO. 23 www.burnettcountysentinel.com $1.00
SNOWMOBILE SHOW: Sights of the 3rd annual trade show. P2
Land swap denied BY TODD BECKMANN SENTINEL
GOOB COY| SENTINEL
Too cold Hard as it is to believe now, temperatures were 50 degrees colder when dawn broke on the Grantsburg American Legion Ice Fishing Contest on Big Wood Lake last Saturday. Pictured here, Adam (left) and Amy Hale didn’t want to leave the warmth of their fish shack – and who could blame ‘em? More photos on Page 12.
The need for speed BY TODD BECKMANN SENTINEL
•Automotive Adventures to bring two time trials to the airport this summer. SIREN—Speed enthusiasts are in for twice the fun this summer following action at the county’s infrastructure meeting last week. That’s because the committee okayed a May 14 date and a September 17 date for Automotive Adventures to host time trials at the Burnett County Airport. The inaugural event last fall was a success paving the way for the dual events in 2016. “There were no significant issues from the event last year,” Nate Ehalt, county administrator, pointed out. “If something arises at the May event, we can address it before the September event.” For his part, Chuck Awe, committee chairman, similarly praised the organizers.
SIREN—Just as it did during January’s meeting, public sentiment ruled the day at Thursday’s natural resources meeting. But because a decision was being rendered, twice as many people as were at last month’s meeting, crowded into the meeting room to offer their perspective on the proposed land swap. At issue was the swap land-owner Jarrod Washburn proposed, giving Burnett County 80 forested acres in the Town of Sand Lake in exchange for 60 forested acres adjacent to his property in the Town of Lincoln which included a portion of the Clam River. The fact the 80 acres has better access for future timber sales was about the only positive comment to come out of the 40-minute discussion. “I believe this trade would do irreparable harm to the Clam River,” Bob Baker, speaking on behalf of the Burnett County Lakes and Rivers Association. “Show some good stewardship and deny this request.” Deb Ryun, director of the St. Croix River Association, agreed. “To take this property out of the public land is just SEE LAND, PAGE 7
The joys and challenges of Russia Grantsburg High School senior Delia LaBatt reflects on her time spent in Moscow and St. Petersburg, Russia. BY DELIA LABATT GHS SENIOR
GRANTSBURG—Privet! Here I am, back in the United States, saying “hello” to all of you in Russian. I also may be secretly wishing I were still there, indulging in culture and sweet Russian pancakes. My trip to Russia began on January 23. But, I suppose I should explain the “who, what, when, where, and why” of my Russian experience. Back in July-August, 2015, Audrey Lauer and I traveled to China for 2 1/2 weeks for a cultural program called Ameson Chinese Elite. During that program, I met a Russian school teacher named Marina Polovkova. Marina invited Audrey and me to Russia this winter for the second annual “Winter School Project.” SEE LABATT, PAGE 8
SEE TRIALS, PAGE 6
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