BURNETT COUNTY
WEDNESDAY, JULY 27, 2016 VOL. 54 NO. 46 www.burnettcountysentinel.com $1.00
NATIONAL NIGHT OUT: Meet emergency personnel in positive situation in Aug. 2 event. P2
Alleged shooter remains in jail BY TODD BECKMANN SENTINEL
SIREN—A 35-year-old Siren man is recovering from a non-life-threatening injury he received when he was shot in the leg about 5:20 p.m. on the afternoon of Sunday, July 17. Jack Garcia, 42, Braham, Minn., the suspect in the shooting was arrested and jailed
about 8:20 p.m. the same evening. He has since had his bail hearing, has not posted bail and remains in Burnett County Jail. Siren Chief of Police Chris Sybers said the incident has gang ties, but would not make specific comments. In addition, as far as he knows, an initial appearance for Garcia has yet to be set.
Suspect in McKenzie Landing stabbing out of jail BY TODD BECKMANN SENTINEL
TODD BECKMANN | SENTINEL
Shaved ice Charley Jensen took a break from looking at planes during Saturday’s Gandy Dancer Air Show at the Burnett County Airport to enjoy some shaved ice. More photos on Page 14.
SIREN—A Pepin man posted a $10,000 cash bond last week and is free while he awaits an initial appearance in Burnett County Circuit Court. According to court documents, Allen Gene Thomas, 53, was arrested earlier this month as the suspect in the McKenzie Landing stabbing on July 3. Thomas has an initial appearance in Burnett County Circuit Court scheduled for 2 p.m. on Wednesday, July 27. However, Thomas has retained an attorney who will be out-of-state on that date, and has asked the court for a continuance. As of press time, the judge had not taken up
the matter, but continuances under these circumstances are normally granted. Thomas is alleged to have attacked a 54-year-old man and a 60-year-old man with an edged-weapon during the July 3 incident — causing a slash wound to each of the victims’ necks. Burnett County District Attorney Bill Norine has charged Thomas with two counts of Attempted First Degree Intentional Homicide and two counts of Aggravated Battery following the altercation, which sent the two men to the hospital. While he has posted the cash bond, Thomas is still under court order not to use or possess dangerous weapons, including knives, and is to have no contact with either of his victims or McKenzie Landing.
Homeless mother teaches a lesson of compassion BY KATE VRUWINK JOURNALISM STUDENT, UW-RIVER FALLS
RICE LAKE—Down a winding, wooded path on a drizzly day sat a large brick building. Vehicles were scattered across the parking lot, similar to the toys scattered across the playground next to the building. Inside, on any given day, you could find 20 to 25 people temporarily staying at Benjamin’s House. An emergency shelter in Rice Lake, Benjamin’s House helps people who are homeless because they are relocating, are recently out of prison, fell on hard times, are recovering addicts and much more. Homelessness at this shelter is expressed as a wide range of faces. Program Assistant Nicole Klingenberg said that
because Benjamin’s House has no affiliation with a funded organization outside the shelter, it is able to even house couples who aren’t married and same-sex couples. But, one of the unique groups comes in the winter time. “Elderly people who can’t cut it on their social security income and can’t keep their heat on, so the county will send them here until they can get their propane tanks filled,” Klingenberg said. “Just to make sure that they’re taken care of, warm and have enough food.” They are a group that many don’t realize classify as homeless, yet still reside in homeless shelters winter Maria Shepland (left) and her daughter.
SEE HOMELESS, PAGE 6
Preventive check-ups for a healthier tomorrow. Amery | Clear Lake | Luck | Turtle Lake
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