Leader
W E D N E S D AY, J U N E 2 5 , 2 0 0 8 • V O L U M E 7 5 • N O . 4 4 • 2 S E C T I O N S • 8 , 0 0 0 C O P I E S • S E C T I O N A
W E E K E N D W AT CH : • Fishermen’s Party @ Milltown • Watercross @ Frederic • Siren queen pageant • Powow @ Turtle Lake • Fundraiser for Avis Lindblad @ Cushing • Transportation task force meetings See Coming events and stories
INTER-COUNTY
Serving Northwest Wisconsin
Problems noted in treasurer’s office
Polk County audit is praised for early completion PAGE 14
$1
“A miracle”
Second serious motorcycle-deer related accident
Frederic man hospitalized after swerving to miss deer PAGE 3
New Miss Frederic
Candace Buck, daughter of David and Brenda Buck, was crowned Miss Frederic Saturday evening. More photos of the pageant in Currents. - Photo by Brenda Sommerfeld
Early copy, please All news and ad copy for next week’s issue should be submitted by Friday at 4:30 p.m.
SPOR TS Second former Frederic athlete faces brain surgery
C UR R EN TS F E A TU R E
Good Sam: 40 years of caring
Linda Kennedy prays as she waits to see her son, Keith, after he was found alive. He had been missing for seven days in the woods near Trade Lake Camp. He was found by searchers Sunday evening, exactly one week after he walked away from the camp. Kennedy is being comforted by local EMS worker Kim Nelson.- Photo by Priscilla Bauer
Keith Kennedy is found alive after missing for seven days in Burnett County wilderness by Gary King BURNETT COUNTY - Of all the words that could be used to sum up the rescue of Keith Kennedy, there’s one that echoes the most on local streets. “Miracle.” The 25-year-old autistic man from Shoreview, Minn. was found Sunday by volunteers an hour before officials planned to scale back efforts after seven days of searching. The fact Kennedy was still alive stunned everyone. He had walked away from a camp for mentally challenged adults a week earlier Keith Kennedy and disappeared into the unforgiving wilderness of rural Anderson Township. Not only had he gone without food but also without medicine he needed daily following a kidney transplant several years earlier.
See Miracle, page 2
South St. Paul firefighter Gary Ruiz, who along with fellow firefighter Jim Cotroneo, came across Kennedy lying near a creek, applauds as an air ambulance lifts off from the search command center. - Photo by Priscilla Bauer
See story “One last search” page 17
The Inter-County Leader is a cooperative-owned newspaper
PAGE 2 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - JUNE 25, 2008
Leader
A RM C u n ve i l s w o u n d h e a l i n g c e n t e r
Serving Northwest Wisconsin
A cooperative-owned newspaper, the Inter-County Leader is published every Wednesday by the Inter-County Cooperative Publishing Association, Box 490, Frederic, WI 54837. Second Class postage paid at Frederic, WI 54837.
MANAGER Doug Panek dougpanek@centurytel.net EDITOR Gary B. King, Editor gbking@centurytel.net STAFF Nancy Jappe njappe@centurytel.net Tammi Milberg tammi@centurytel.net Marty Seeger mseeger@centurytel.net Brenda Sommerfeld brendals@centurytel.net Sherill Summer the-leader@centurytel.net Gregg Westigard greggw@lakeland.ws Carl Heidel cheidel389@centurytel.net Priscilla Bauer the-leader@centurytel.net
Amery Regional Medical Center held an open house Monday for its new wound healing center which uses a hypobaric chamber that uses oxygen to help heal wounds. Taking part in the open house were (L to R) Colleen Nordby, hypobaric technician; Darci Hillert, regional director of clinical operations and services; John Duffy, regional director of implementation; Lou Fasolino, director of implenetation for National Healing Corporation; Beth Jackson, RN, clinical nurse coordinator; Anders Ulland, MD, medical director, surgeon; Karen Fossum, RN, case nurse manager; state Rep. Ann Hraychuck; state Sen. Sheila Harsdorf; Linda Shurden, RN, program director; Sandi Reed, RN, administrator of clinical services; and Chris Boardman, office coordinator. LEFT: John Duffy, regional director of implementation, and Colleen Nordby, hypobaric technician, are shown with the new hypobaric chamber. - Photos by John Reed
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F i s h e rm e n ’ s P a r t y t h i s w e e k e n d ; h a v e s o m e f u n , w i n a H a r l e y MILLTOWN - The 58th-annual Milltown Fishermen’s Party celebration kicks off Friday, June 27, with three days of events for the entire family. The celebration includes the traditional raffle for a brand-new HarleyDavidson motorcycle or $13,000 in cash. Other prizes include a fishing/vacation package and cash prizes of $750, $500 and $100. Raffle tickets are $5 each or a book of 5 for $20. Friday events include live music in the park by Rex Cactus, a crowning of a Little Miss Milltown at 6:30 p.m. and a queen pageant at 7:30 p.m., both at
The winner of this 2008 Fat Bob Harley-Davidson will be announced at 5 p.m. Sunday at Bering Park. Bering Park. There’s a fish fry at the park along with a softball tournament and fireworks at dusk.
Saturday’s events include a bass fishing contest, a breakfast at the Unity ambulance base, an antique tractor show, arts and crafts fair, kiddie parade and street dance. Sunday’s event include a car and bike show on Main Street, a worship service at Bering Park, 10 a.m., chicken in the park, at 2 p.m. and live music at the park by the Studebakers, following the parade. More information is available at www.milltown-wi.com and the front page of the Indianhead Advertiser. with submitted information
Miracle/from page 1 Kennedy throughout the week, with 300 to 400 volunteers combing 14-square miles around Trade Lake Camp, from where he disappeared. Camp workers speculated that Kennedy, who has a fondness for popcorn, may have snuck into the camp’s cafeteria for popcorn and then - afraid he’d get caught - ran off. Staff at the camp began a search but quickly, realized they needed help from authorities. For the next six days authorities began combing the area around the camp, methodically crossing off sections of land on a map. Using Kennedy's toothbrush, a search dog traced his scent but lost it at a road, leading to speculation that Kennedy may have been picked up by a motorist. Authorities felt early on in the search that planes or helicopters - even people shouting Kennedy's name - might intimidate Kennedy, who was described as having the mental capacity of a 3- or 4-year-old and a vocabulary of a handful of words. Later in the week, however, they resorted to thermal imaging, aircraft, search dogs, cyclists, horses and ATVs in the search, besides walkers. "We're taking advice from anyone," said a frustrated Burnett County Sheriff Dean Roland Thursday evening. "We have exhausted everything we know." Burnett and Polk County sheriff's departments worked together closely. Fire departments from Grantsburg and the surrounding communities, along with EMS volunteers, were also involved. Nearly 400 volunteers signed in to help by Thursday afternoon. To make things more challenging, the state health depart-
ment closed down the camp kitchen that was feeding volunteers. Donated food from private citizens for a public event is not allowed under state guidelines. There was an anonymous complaint made. But the Salvation Army stepped in to help coordinate the feeding of volunteers. Professionally prepared meals were lined up, including an offer from the St. Croix Tribe's casinos. Grantsburg's D.R. Tech closed up shop and sent all employees who wanted to search to the camp - they were still paid their full wages for the day. An anonymous donor contacted the manager of Holiday in Grantsburg and asked that the store deliver bug spray and water to the search headquarters at the camp - and he would pay the bill. The local Schwann’s salesman, Chuck Sahr, arranged for donation of ice cream for the volunteers. The list of selfless acts grew day by day. Those acts helped to bolster spirits of volunteers and authorities, who knew that with each passing day, the likelihood of finding Kennedy alive diminished. On Friday, officials indicated Sunday would be the final day of official searching, although the family and others were prepared to go beyond that date. On Sunday, a group of firefighters from South St. Paul, Minn., and Maple Grove, Minn., joined local officials and other volunteers to give one more big, coordinated effort. "The big thing they were thinking was body recovery," Maple Grove firefighter Lucas Weigett told www.twelve.tv. But they were wrong. (See “One last search” page 20).
Briefly There was an alphabet avalanche at the Leader office this week as requests rolled in from ABC, CNN, NBC, AOL, WCCO, KARE, KSTP...and other media outlets who sought permission to use reporter Priscilla Bauer’s dramatic, onthe-scene photos of the rescue of Keith Kennedy, the 25-year-old autistic man who was found Sunday after spending a week in the wilderness. “I think I’ve used up my 15 minutes of fame now,” the Leader staffer noted on Tuesday. The photos can be seen elsewhere in this section as part of coverage of the event. ••• If you are one of our readers who subscribe to our free e-mail service for breaking news stories, you were among the first to learn of the news of Keith Kennedy’s rescue. If not, you can sign up for the service by logging on to our Web site at www.the-leader.net. The Leader’s Web site currently offers breaking news stories along with the entire paper online via an e-edition, available by subscription. ••• BURNETT COUNTY District Attorney Ken Kutz and corporate counsel Dave Grindell were interviewed by Gov. James Doyle Monday - and both said their interviews went well. Doyle is about to make an appointment to the position of Burnett County Circuit Court Judge to fill the vacancy being left by Michael Gableman, who takes his oath of office for his position on the state Supreme Court, Aug. 1, outside the Burnett County Government Center. ••• Don’t forget to watch tomorrow (Thursday) evening’s episode of “Last Comic Standing.” Comedian Mary Mack, formerly Miki Budge of Webster, advances in the competition. Mack, who was featured in a story last week in the Leader, will also be appearing on Comedy Central’s “Live at Gotham” later this summer. ••• ST. PAUL – The public phase of a special fundraising effort for the east metro’s only level I trauma center gets under way this week. The Regions Hospital Foundation’s capital campaign, Lead. Inspire. Save Lives, aims to raise $7.6 million – the cost of the initial phase of the new emergency center. More than $6.6 million has already been committed by local businesses and community leaders in the advanced phase of the campaign. Regions’ new ER will open in July 2009 in response to the growing healthcare needs of the area. More than 71,000 patients are expected to be cared for in the ER in 2009. A kickoff event for the public phase of the capital campaign will be held on Thursday. - from Regions Hospital ••• BURNETT COUNTY –The Burnett County Transportation Task Force is conducting focus group meetings to help determine the feasibility of a public transportation system in Burnett County. The public is asked to attend one of the following focus group meetings; your input is very important! Thursday, June 26 1 – 3 p.m.: Webster Community Center 5 – 7 p.m.: St. Croix Tribal Center Tuesday, July 1 1 – 3 p.m.: A&H Senior Center 5 – 7 p.m.: Siren Senior Center For more information, please contact Lois Taylor at 715-349-7600, ext. 1229 or ltaylor@burnettcounty.org. - submitted •••
CORRECTION: An article in last week’s Leader, Forklift incident comes to court, failed to mention that similar charges were dismissed on a prosecutor’s motion the day they were to go to trial on March 7. Both Thomas Sterger, defendant, and Burnett County District Attorney Ken Kutz, describe last-minute motions that put a halt to court proceedings. The first charges included second-degree recklessly endangering safety that were not included on the second charges against Sterger. The preliminary hearing for the new charges is scheduled for Aug. 6. – Sherill Summer
JUNE 25, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 3
Bush named Insight School Administrator of the Year GRANTSBURG – Insight School of Wisconsin Executive Director Jeff Bush was recently awarded the multistate online school network’s School Administrator of the Year for his personal leadership and commitment to online education. “Jeff’s unwavering resolve – even in the midst of a crisis – showed remarkable poise and dedication,” said Keith Oelrich, CEO of Insight Schools. In December, the Wisconsin Court of Appeals ruled that the Northern Ozaukee School District was operating an online charter school in violation of state law – a legal victory for the state’s largest teacher’s union. This ruling had devastating implications for Insight School of Wisconsin, and all virtual students in the state. “Jeff went above and beyond his position this past year,” Oelrich said. “He tirelessly championed online schools, making the case that virtual schools are a viable, and important option for Wisconsin students.” Bush spent countless personal hours educating legislators, editors and the public about online schools, helping pave the way for new legislation that allowed online education to continue to be offered in Wisconsin. “Students and families from all virtual schools in Wisconsin owe their gratitude to Jeff Bush and his colleagues,” said Billy Beesley, principal
at Insight School of Wisconsin. Insight The School community congratulates Bush on receiving this welldeserved award and wish him continued success. Jeff Bush “I’m proud to work with Jeff,” Beesley said. “Educators dream of making a difference for one person – Jeff has made a difference for thousands of students here in Wisconsin.” Insight School of Wisconsin is a fulltime, diploma-granting online public high school made possible through a partnership between Grantsburg School District and Insight Schools, Inc. To learn more, call 866-800-0027 or visit www.insightwi.net. About Insight Schools, Inc. – With 11 schools in operation, Insight Schools Inc. is the nation’s largest network of tuition-free, diploma-granting, online public high schools. To learn more, call 800-975-8006 or visit www.insightschools.net. For more information about online learning in general, visit the North American Council for Online Learning at www.nacol.org. - from Insight School of Wisconsin
Motorboat, ATV operators face OWI charges POLK COUNTY – Tickets were issued this past week in separate incidents to a Minnesota man and a local man for operating a motorboat while under the influence of an intoxicant and for operating an ATV while intoxicated. Mark Lorenz Hansen, 63, of Ham Lake, Minn., faces a charge of operating a motorboat under the influence of an intoxicant and operating a motorboat under .10 but above a .08 blood alcohol content. According to a report, a DNR warden was patrolling in his state boat June 21 on Long Trade Lake when he observed a pontoon boat with two subjects sitting on the deck in front of the rail with their feet in the water. He stopped the boat to advise them of a violation and noticed Hansen’s eyes
were glossy and his speech was slurred. After failing a field sobriety test, Hansen was taken to the Polk County Jail and tested a .09 BAC. Paul Raymond Malinovsky, 42, Frederic, faces a charge of operating an ATV while intoxicated. According to the incident report, a sheriff’s deputy at Malinovsky’s residence suspected him of being intoxicated while operating an ATV. The deputy requested assistance from another officer. A PBT performed at the scene showed the subject with a reading of .13 BAC. The second officer then took Malinovsky into custody. – with information from Polk County Sheriff’s Department
S e r i o u s i n j u r i e s i n m o to r c yc l e a c c i d e n t
Stephen L. McKinney Jr., Frederic, was seriously injured in a motorcycledeer collision last Wednesday afternoon, June 18. According to a report by a Polk County sheriff’s deputy, McKinney was driving a motorcycle southbound on 160th Street, a half-mile north of 300th Ave. in rural Frederic when he swerved to the right to miss a deer. He entered the west ditch and lost control, striking a telephone pole. A witness claimed to have seen McKinney traveling at a “high rate of speed” just prior to the accident. He was transported to a Twin Cities hospital and is reported to have suffered broken ribs and broken vertebrae in his back. McKinney was wearing a helmet, which may have prevented adding serious head trauma to his injuries. It was the second serious motorcycle in Polk County involving deer this month. – Photos from Polk County Sheriff’s Department
Infant tests positive for meth POLK COUNTY – A mother faces charges of child abuse and exposing a child to hazardous material after her newborn infant tested positive for meth. Marty M. O’Geay, 34, rural Luck, has a past history of meth use, according to a complaint filed with the district attorney’s office. She was attending rehabilitative classes but dropped out, according to one interview listed in the police report. O’Geay cooperated with authorities and denied taking any drugs. – with information from Polk County Sheriff’s Department
Creative justice solutions is goal of meetings BALSAM LAKE - Polk County Criminal Justice Collaborating Council is looking for community members to help address the need for a formalized community service program in Polk County. Community service is a sentencing option only for nonviolent offenders for Polk County Circuit Court, Drug and Alcohol Court and Juvenile Court. Community service meets the needs of both the citizens of Polk County and the offenders through creative justice solutions; a direct payback to the community through free labor. The public is asked to attend the meeting at the Justice Center in Balsam Lake at 1005 W. Main Street, community room, on Thursday, July 10, at 6 p.m. for an informational meeting regarding this innovative program that will benefit everyone in Polk County. Persons will hear about the community service program in Burnett County and its overwhelming success over the past 2-1/2 years. They will have an opportunity to collaborate with the judicial system, jail staff, probation and parole agents, social workers, clergy, nonprofit agency representatives and other members of the Polk County CJCC and the Polk County community. The CJCC is looking for community representatives and/or a countywide coordinator who would recruit the community service job sites, communicate with the referring agencies regarding placements and manage an ongoing referral list. CJCC is also looking for community service job sites (businesses, individuals, social groups/clubs, nonprofit agencies) that are willing to have adult and juvenile offenders perform services for them at no cost. Community service benefits both the community and the program participants. Other communities with a community service program have seen the number of repeat offenders decline. Community service gives the program participant the opportunity to repair the harm they have caused while building connections among community members. It increases the participant’s work and social skills to become more employable. Upon their release, program participants will be more productive contributors to our society. Many program participants in community service programs have secured employment as a direct result of their participation. A single program participant could provide up to 160 hours of labor a month. This translates into $1,120 per month in saved labor costs to the site. The public is asked to attend the Thursday, July 10, meeting for more information. – from Department of Corrections, Balsam Lake
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Living with brain injury Fork,” a book dealing with brain injury. Barker does better when he is not pressured, when he has time to sit and figure things out. “I am amazed at the things he can figure out,” Krouch commented. “Given time, you can come up with it.” A brain-injured man living in Burnsville, Minn., was stopped by a policeman who thought he was drunk. The man told the officer, “I wish I was drunk because then I would wake up in the morning.” The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 5.3 million Americans are living with some disability due to traumatic brain injury. That’s about 2 percent of our population. The annual incidence of brain injury is greater than that of breast cancer or AIDS. Public awareness of brain injury is minimal. According to a Harris poll, about one in three persons are not familiar with the term – brain injury. Prevention of the injury plus education on what to do when injury has occurred and, most importantly, how to recognize a brain injury and the behaviors it can produce is important. Barker is a good example for having learned to cope with his injury. Krouch has seen how the injury has affected him. They are dedicated to helping others with this injury by sharing
by Nancy Jappe TOWN OF SIREN – Jerry Barker has been living with brain injury since 1985, when his head went through the windshield during a bad car accident. A fall while hunting in 1999 only added to the problem. Thanks to time spent at Sister Kenny Institute and Courage Center in the Twin Cities, Barker is coping with his disability, and is reaching out to help others with head and brain injury. Barker and his partner of 14 years, Karen Krouch, started the Burnett County Head Injury Support Group two years ago. The group meets on the second Sunday of each month from 1-2:30 p.m. at Siren Covenant Church. The group is not part of the church, but uses the church as its meeting spot. Anyone with any type of head injury is welcome. “If you have suffered a closed head injury, stroke, aneurism or traumatic brain injury and are looking for a group to help you cope with your disabilities and talk with others who deal with the same issues, please join us,” their advertising states. There is no cost to attend any of the meetings, treats are provided and caregivers are invited to come along. No child care is available. Confidentiality is always maintained. “It’s a struggle to get people to want to come,” Krouch said. “People have to see that they have prob-
Jerry Barker’s great-uncle, Henry William Barker, manufactured a line of medicines and flavorings before he became a Wisconsin state senator. Jerry is shown here with some of the H. W. Barker medicine/flavoring bottles. He and his partner, Karen Krouch, will pay a finder’s fee for anyone who comes up with Barker bottles to add to their collection. – Photos by Nancy Jappe
Karen Krouch is the keeper of the H. W. Barker family memorabilia. She and her partner, Jerry Barker, have accumulated a wealth of material on Barker and his life. She has put together 110 books of that material for family members, with updates provided yearly. lems and that group discussion might help.” Anyone who would like further information on the support group or on the effects of brain injury in general can call Barker or Krouch at 715-349-8985. Guest speakers come in and provide information that is helpful to the injured and their caregivers. As an example, an attorney specializing in brain-injury cases was there one day. Krouch knows another person who can teach self-defense to the injured. Another big area is with relationships, in light of the fact that most marriages fail after one of the partners has suffered a brain injury. Fun outings are also planned. The next one is a trip to the third-annual bluegrass festival at Pioneer Village Museum, Cameron, Sunday, July 20. The group will meet at Siren Covenant Church at noon to share rides to the museum. Admission is free, but having money for the snack bar is recommended. TV anchorman Bob Woodruff has now become the spokesperson for the Brain Injury Association of America. Woodruff received head injuries while covering the war in Iraq, and still has to work a lot harder to do what he has to do. A big concern for Barker and Krouch is that headinjury problems are often missed, and sufferers may look fine even if they are acting or feeling differently. Many people with head injury suffer from depression. Many are unwilling to admit that there is anything wrong. Barker tried going back to work for a year after his injury. He was working for Caterpillar in
Bloomington, Minn., in the parts and warehouse department. Work was difficult because of short-term memory loss. Barker would start out to get a part, then forget what he was looking for. He didn’t want anyone to know about his disability, and was about to be fired when he admitted to the injury. At first, he was told that his memory should come back within a year. This didn’t happen. He went into Courage Center’s Community Reintegration Program, learning how to function alone in a kitchen and even went to their driving school, where he was able to pass the test for his driver’s license. His challenge was to overcome the fear of answering questions like “Where do you work?” and “What do you do?” He had to become comfortable with telling people he couldn’t work anymore. A constant fear was with his balance, which still causes problems to this day. Barker and Krouch are aware that more and more military personnel will be coming home with blast injuries that may not be immediately apparent. “The head,” as Barker says, “is scrambled.” Summer safety for children to prevent brain injuries is also an area of focus. The two have been going to community fairs and parades to hand out pencils with wording that says, “Heads Up and Helmets On!” A grant from Safe and Stable Families allowed them to buy bike helmets which they raffled off at the two county fairs and at the Siren Skate Park last year. Wearing seat belts when in vehicles and helmets while on bikes is strongly emphasized. Barker and Krouch attend the Brain Injury Association of Wisconsin training once a year in Wisconsin Dells, and the state conference in the Dells each May. They learn new things each time such as about a new technique for reducing body temperature quickly that can lessen the effects of brain injury if the injury is caught quickly enough. Repetition is one way to tap into long-term memory. At the Barker/Krouch home, everything Barker needs to handle is out in the open. He knows where his medicines are, where foods are placed and where other items are located. He can’t count or tell time any more, but he wears a watch that, because of its computer connection, contains a day planner and an alarm to remind him if something needs to be done at a particular time. The Brain Injury Association Web site lists many resources that can be read or tapped into. “There are a lot of common behaviors,” Krouch said. “Nobody has all the symptoms but you can find (some of the same ones).” At first, she noticed obsessive/compulsive behavior in Barker, something he has now overcome. Two new books that Krouch is reading are: “Remind Me Why I am Here,” sifting through the loss of memory and judgment, by Diana Lund; and “Fighting For David” by Leone Nunley with Dean Merrill. Another new resource is “All Carry The
Information on H. W. Barker, maker of medicine and Wisconsin state senator by Nancy Jappe TOWN OF SIREN - Henry William Barker, better known as H. W. Barker, was Jerry Barker’s greatuncle. The home of Jerry Barker and his partner, Karen Krouch, in the town of Siren, is a storehouse of memorabilia on H. W. Barker, his life and work. They’ve traced the Barker geneology back to 1700, and family reunions are often held. Eleven family members traveled to Skidby, Yorkshire, England, to see where their grandparents from way back lived. Robert and Emily Barker came to the United States from England. They had nine children, with Henry William coming along as the seventh child. He was born in Sparta in 1860 and lived until 1950. H. W. Barker started out as a schoolteacher, then went into producing patent medicines and later, flavorings. Vanilla and lemon flavorings were his specialties. His original laboratory was in Elbow Lake, Minn. The lab was moved to Sparta when the trains came in. H. W. Barker Medical Company manufactured Barker’s Remedies for the treatment and prevention of catarrh, coughs, colds and rheumatism (according to advertising materials) until 1906. That year the Pure Food and Drug Act passed, and the government started investigating people who were selling medicines. Barker then went into producing more flavorings and a couple of other products until the 1940s. Barker’s Remedy sold for $4 a dozen, according to one sales bill, with a half-dozen bottles of antiseptic liniment thrown in free. Barker’s Liniment, of course. The Grant County Herald in 1896 advertised Barker’s Great Headache Destroyer for 25 cents. An ad in Farmer’s Magazine produced in St. Paul, Minn., dated Sept. 24, 1938, states: “Don’t suffer with skin troubles. Try Barker’s Labs, Sparta.” Barker’s laboratory still exists in Sparta. The current residents of that building were curious to see hot and cold water spigots all along a wall in their basement and shelving on the walls. During a visit to the building, Barker and Krouch pointed out that the spigots were to provide water for the medicines and the shelving used for storing bottles. In 1906, H. W. Barker became a Wisconsin state senator, representing Jackson, Juneau and Monroe counties and serving until 1910. He ran unsuccessfully for the post of Wisconsin governor. Krouch keeps a memorabilia book that has been reproduced 110 times for family groups and is updated every year as new members are added or members deceased. She is the official keeper of the family records, scouring, with Jerry, through antique shops for Barker items and making sure that the family doesn’t forget about the contributions made by their ancestor, former state Sen. Henry William Barker.
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Change made on zoning compliance board Some seek limits on variances by Gregg Westigard BALSAM LAKE – “There were way too many variances granted,” Polk County Board member Keith Rediske told the Leader. “The board of adjustment should hold and follow policy.” The Polk County Board approved the appointment of Jeff Peterson to the board of adjustments, replacing James Ganley, during the county board meeting Tuesday, June 17. The appointment and actions leading up to the appointment brought the board of adjustment into more public view than it normally receives. Polk County has land use ordinances including the shoreland ordinance that regulate building near the county’s lakes and waterways. The ordinances and policies related to them are developed by the land information committee (also known as the zoning committee) and approved by the county board. Landowners wishing to make improve-
ments to their property that do not follow the rules set out in the ordinances go to the board of adjustments and request a variance. Variances might allow construction of home additions within the protected shore zone or on small lots. A variance might include conditions, called mitigation, for example, to limit runoff into a lake. “The board of adjustments members don’t know what their purpose is,” Rediske, a member of the land information committee said. “The zoning committee sets policies. The board enforces them. There are way too many variances. There should not be houses just anywhere along our lakeshores. That is not what our lakes should look like. We value our water resources. The need to protect our lakes is very important.” The board of adjustments is a five-member body, with two alternate members. Members serve three-year terms. The members cannot be county board supervisors. The land information committee recommends who should be appointed to the BOA. The county board chair makes the
appointment, and the county board approves the appointment. Ganley’s three-year term was up this year. The land information committee placed newspaper ads asking for people wishing to serve on the BOA. Ganley and Peterson applied for the seat. The committee, at its May 21 meeting, unanimously recommended that Peterson be appointed to the position. Committee members present for the vote were Rediske, Ken Sample, Kim O’Connell and Art Gamache. County board Chair Bryan Beseler then placed Peterson’s name on his list of appointments for approval at the June county board meeting. The appointment generated some public notice of the board of adjustments. Many supervisors were reportedly called before the board meeting. Local contractor Chris Nelson and nominee Peterson each addressed the board during the public comment period. “I oppose the change on the board of adjustment,” Nelson said. “I was on the citizens advisory committee for the shoreland ordinance. I understand miti-
gation. “The county is using the ordinance as intended. The board does not automatically grant approval. It should not say ‘no’ to everybody. ‘No’ means no to the environment. The appointment is a political one. Don’t make the board of adjustments a political body. “I am an environmentalist,” Peterson said. “I don’t think that is a disqualification. I am a stickler for following rules and process. I found that the board is not following the rules. I don’t want to say no to everybody. I would apply the rules fairly. ”When the appointment list came up for board action, supervisor Brian Masters moved to substitute Ganley for Peterson. Beseler ruled that out of order, saying that the chair appoints, and a name can not be substituted. Beseler then asked if there were any other motions. [A motion could have been made to reject the Peterson appointment.] There were no other motions made, and the appointment list was approved by voice vote with some negative votes.
Town of West Sweden reviews survey WEST SWEDEN – The town established 135 years ago is finding out what it looks like today. The town, cooperating with county and state government, sent out a profile survey to residents asking them for information on who they are, what they want, where they’re from, why they’re here and how they like the place. The majority of the town looks like this: Some 63 percent are men who are mostly between the age of 45-64 (30 percent), they’re gainfully employed (44 percent), they own their home (98 percent), make $50,000 to $74,000 (24 percent), have zero kids in the house (74 percent), and have lived here more than 30 years (29 percent). The $20,000 survey, of which $8,000 was paid for by the town, revealed some other interesting statistics.
Members of the West Sweden Planning Commission and townspeople discuss the results of the town survey. – Photo by Wayne Anderson The No. 1 concern of the 175 respondents was “high property taxes.”
Others were concerned with urban sprawl and those “darn city people”
and the “loss of population due to the barking dogs.” Many expressed a concern for community beauty and unsightly “junk yards” in the neighborhood. Overall, a majority (71 percent) of the townspeople like the rural feel of West Sweden’s 32.6-square miles situated 1,005 feet above sea level. They also feel that “discretionary” government landuse policies (76 percent) should be used to guide future growth. But most West Swedenites are satisfied with the status quo (90 percent) and want their town to stay the same rural place it is (71 percent). The town operates on an annual budget of $130,000, which is a testament to “very efficient” small government, said Glenn Meier, town board member. – by Wayne Anderson
Mortgage Services in Luck gets name change Fred Memmer, Al Nelson combined forces and formed Advisors Mortgage by Marty Seeger LUCK – While Fred Memmer admits that he should probably be retired by now, he loves his line of work in the mortgage business. Memmer has been working in the business since 1961, and he and Al Nelson recently teamed together to form what is now called Advisor’s Mortgage located just off the highway north of Luck on Hwy 35. Memmer purchased the building in 1996 and had been running it with the name Mortgage Services. Prior to 1996 Memmer worked in different buildings in the area including one near the grocery store in Luck, the old bank building in Milltown and various others. But teaming up with Nelson should make the location north of Luck their home for years to come. “We figured we’d be stronger as a team,” said Memmer about the two coming together. Both Memmer and Nelson have known each other for a long time, and have been talking about working together for about two years. Memmer has lived in Luck since 1971, and Nelson is a Luck High School graduate. Memmer, as well as Nelson’s kids have all attended Luck District. It wasn’t until early June that they
Fred Memmer (L) and Al Nelson stand outside what is now Advisors Mortgage. The two joined together in early June. - Photo by Marty Seeger made it official. For the past five years or so, Nelson had his own mortgage service in St. Croix Falls called Advisor’s Mortgage, where he worked as the loan officer there. Advisor’s Mortgage is actually a larger company based out of the Twin Cities, and Memmer and Nelson are considered a branch of Advisor’s, yet, are their own entity, and are not a franchise. One of the things that makes Advisor’s Mortgage unique is that you only have
Memmer and Nelson to work with. “This is person to person,” said Memmer. “If they’ve (customer) got a problem with anything, just walk in here…there’s only two guys to talk to.” While Nelson is fairly new, joining with Memmer just seemed to make sense, even with the way the economy has been going recently. But mortgages, foreclosures and other issues that have played a role in shaping the economy, weren’t the main reason for them join-
ing together. “Fred did a lot of stuff I don’t do, and I maybe had a home for stuff that he had to farm out, and we just kind of came together…we were both doing well without each other, but we’re stronger together, we can do anything now,” Nelson said. “So he was raising pigs and I was raising cows and now we got a farm,” Memmer added jokingly, but all jokes aside, Advisor’s Mortgage is ready to help those who are in need of a mortgage advisor. From the first-time homebuyer, to someone looking to find a mortgage during their retirement years, Memmer and Nelson will be able to find a mortgage to fit their needs. Memmer says most people don’t realize that you don’t have to go through a bank to get a mortgage. You can go through a private mortgage company such as Advisor’s Mortgage to help fit you into a mortgage right for you. “You wouldn’t come to me to get a loan from me, you’d come to have me get a loan for you, that’s what we do, we get loans for people,” Memmer said. For more information about mortgage loans through Advisor’s visit www.alyourmortgagepal.com, or call Memmer or Nelson at 715-472-8082.
PAGE 6 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - JUNE 25, 2008
School district to purchase third van by Nancy Jappe SIREN – After considerable discussion at their June 23 meeting, the Siren School Board voted to purchase two vans, one to replace their 1999 green van with 123,000 miles, the second a new 12passenger Sprinter to eliminate the need for contracted vehicle transportation. Board member Jeff Howe did the research on available vehicles, presenting bids from three area auto dealers. Howe had not specified that the vehicles have rear heat and air-conditioning, something the board members felt was an important feature. Bill Ellis made the motion to purchase a 2008 demo van with 800 miles on it from Chilson Motors, Chippewa Falls, provided this vehicle has rear heating and air-conditioning. The quoted price on this vehicle was $17,426. If this vehicle does not have the rear features, Ellis’s motion stated that the board should go with the lowest bid that does have the rear heat/air-conditioning option. Howe seconded the motion, which passed, with Dayton Daniels voting in opposition. Daniels then made a motion to purchase the 12-passenger Sprinter van for $45,803 from Chilson Motors. One condition to this motion is to make sure that anyone who drives the vehicle is not required to have a commercial driver’s license. Ellis seconded the motion, which passed with Dave McGrane voting in opposition. According to bookkeeper Sharon Peterson, there are many times when both the existing vehicles have been out on runs, and there was still a need for transfers and contracted services. District Administrator Scott Johnson agreed, saying that the district will save on the cost of running a full-size vehicle like a school bus for these trips.
The district also has a 2003 red van with 99,000 miles on it. A decision may be made in the future to get rid of this vehicle, but at least for the next year, the district will try out having three vehicles. The other item that came before the district at the June 23 meeting was setting the date for the 2009 graduation. Friday, May 16, was the 2008 graduation, nearly three weeks before the school year ended. The feeling was that this was too early. School will be out June 4, 2009. The board agreed to setting graduation for Sunday, May 31, with the time for the ceremony to be decided upon at a later date. Sara Lee was chosen over Pan O Gold as the bread carrier for the district for the 2008-2009 school year. The middle school/high school handbook was approved. The first reading of two policy additions to the graduation policy will be done at next month’s meeting. In open session following closed-session discussion, the following resignations were approved: Nicole Baribeau, family and consumer education; Carrie Roach, K-12 guidance counselor; Carrie Miller, third grade and Ryan Karsten as assistant girls basketball coach. Heather O’Brien was approved as the new family and consumer education teacher, Elizabeth Proctor as high school English teacher, Gina Ader as Title I teacher and Karsten as girls varsity basketball coach. The three staff members who are leaving the district have found positions close to their homes or family home. “The gas prices are forcing this,” Johnson commented. District meetings for the month include: Personnel and negotiations – Tuesday, July 15, 5 p.m. budget and
finance – Wednesday, July 16, 5 p.m., building and grounds – Wednesday,
July 16, 6 p.m. and policy, planning and curriculum – Wednesday, July 16, 7 p.m.
Siren tornado anniversary remembered
It’s been seven years since a devastating tornado hit Siren and the surrounding area, tearing up a total of 47 miles in Burnett and neighboring Washburn counties. Chuck Keith, who huddled with his three children under him in the crawl space as their home, while a shed and 28 trees on the property were destroyed, sat quietly by the tornado memorial at Crooked Lake Park Wednesday, June 18, at the time the tornado hit those years ago. Keith makes it a point to be at the memorial at this time every year. He is usually joined by Sheriff Dean Roland, who this year was spending 15- to 16-hour days trying to locate a missing man in the western part of the county. – Photo by Nancy Jappe
JUNE 25, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 7
Defense up in Link trial by Regan Kohler SHELL LAKE – The defendant’s side in the Link Snacks civil jury trial began testifying last week at the Washburn County Courthouse. Jay Link, who is being sued for his shares in Link Snacks Inc. by his father and brother, Jack and Troy Link, took the stand to be questioned by his attorney, Michael Aprahamian, for the first time Wednesday, June 18. He had been called as an adverse witness for the plaintiffs’ side a couple weeks ago, which means the person is cross-examined solely by the opposing side’s attorney. Jay Link talked about his time with the beef jerky snack company his father built in Minong in the 1980s, leading up to his exit in 2005 after high tensions between himself and his father. One exhibit Aprahamian offered was an Jay Link took the stand last week, article published while Link was still the first time since being called as for with the company, and he told the court an adverse witness. – Photo by Regan it hadn’t even mentioned him at all, but Kohler featured his father and brother as the directors of the company. the problems. She also answered in the It had come as a complete surprise, he affirmative when asked if she was a said, and he confronted them about it. friend of Jay Link. Link said he has been in sales his whole Dale Bruder, Jack Link’s former perlife, since a young age. Later that mornsonal assistant and a current LSI ing, LSI attorney Michael Freeborn employee, testified that Jack Link had cross-examined Jay Link. He focused on once said something to the effect of what he called exaggeration, and asked turning the business over to his sons, Jay Link if, as a salesman, he ever found but that he wasn’t told Jack and Troy this to be a useful talent. Link said he Link were taking over. had not ever exaggerated in his work. When cross-examined by LSI’s attorFreeborn used multiple exhibits durney, Bruder said he didn’t like to argue ing his questioning, including newspawith Jay Link because he felt intimidatper articles and documents, in which he ed. wondered if Link had been exaggeratLydia Cook, a former employee of ing in quotes he’d given. Link was able LSI, testified that she had turned in her to dispute them. two week’s notice from LSI in 2005, but The court continued hearing from was let go before the two weeks were witnesses Monday, June 23. Cher Vink, up. When cross-examined, she said she former LSI human resources vice presinow works for Jerky Snack Brands, and dent, testified that she and Jay Link, that Jay Link offered her higher wages whom she reported to, had a good to work for him. Though the attorney working relationship. She said that he called up a video deposition in which made significant contributions to getCook had said she took the job because ting the human resources department of the better pay, Cook said she’d had to up and running in the company. She carefully weigh the decision beforesaid he was more one to delegate than hand. micromanage. Cook also testified that she had never Vink said that in contrast, Jack Link heard Jack Link say he wanted his son had been a dictator, and she felt presout of the company, nor did she have sured to “side with him” on decisions, firsthand knowledge of why Jay Link among other things. Vink also said she had left. witnessed arguments between all three A different matter, of possible crimimen, and knew there were problems nal conduct in documents on the defengoing on around 2004-05. dant’s side, was being discussed sepaJack and Troy Link’s attorney Brian rately as of Monday. The defendant’s Norton cross-examined Vink, and when side was slated to be done with testiasked if there were any specific descripmonies on Wednesday, June 25. tions for Jack and Jay Link’s jobs, she said no and this may be, in part, one of
SCF hires marketing coordinator by Tammi Milberg ST. CROIX FALLS – The city council approved hiring a marketing coordinator for the city at the Monday, June 23, council meeting. Melanie Nelson, Dresser, is a marketing and public relations professional for Festival Theatre, CTV-15 in Roseville, Minn., and has had experience in marketing with the Minnesota Army National Guard and is also a creative
entrepreneur for Babies Babies Perfectly Wonderful in Dresser. She is a UW-River Falls graduate with a double major in broadcast journalism and speech communications with a theater emphasis. Nelson will not be a city employee, but is under contract with the city for the purpose of marketing and tourism at a contracted rate of $7,000 annually in wages.
PAGE 8 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - JUNE 25, 2008
L e a d e r
We b Po l l
Last week’s poll results
Total votes: 40
This week’s question:
Health insurance is:
30% 22% 48%
12 votes Government’s responsibility 9 votes Personal responsibility 19 votes A little of both
To take part in our Web poll, go to www.the-leader.net and scroll down to the lower left hand corner of the screen
I’m leaning toward: 1. 2. 3. 4.
Barack Obama John McCain Some other candidate Not voting
J o e H e l l e r
F O R U M
Software and “Spirit-ware”
software played a key part in helping to find Keith Kennedy. N ewAccording to a Duluth News-Tribune article, Lt. Rick Slatten, of the St.
Louis County Rescue Squad in Minneapolis, designed a program called Search Tracker. It used the laws of probability to help searchers who found Kennedy late Sunday in a densely wooded area not far from the camp from which he disappeared seven days earlier. The program breaks a search area into smaller units and analyzes the terrain, vegetation cover and what searchers have already accomplished - and then recommends which units need to be searched more. “When the numbers say that’s the best place to go, you go,” Sheriff Dean Roland was quoted as saying. EMS technology continues to get better - and we need to be thankful. Coupled with what you might called “spirit-ware,” the software made a fantastic debut in Burnett County. The spirt-ware would be the chief deputy’s gut feeling to follow his instincts in reading the reaction of search dogs. It would be the response of Twin Cities firefighters - who when asked if they wanted to go back in the tick- and poison ivy-ridden woods for one more search at the end of a grueling day, looked at each other and said “let’s go.” It’s the man who called a local convenience store and gave them his credit card number, asking them to provide anything the searchers might need. It was the local business owners at Subway and D.R. Tech and others who found a way to give to the cause without thought of promotion. It all sounds corny, but Keith Kennedy survived due to his own spirit - and certainly the spirit of hundreds of law enforcement, EMS and firefighter personnel - and people who came off the street. Thermal imaging is amazing. GPS has changed our lives. The search and rescue software is a great invention. Someday we may all be equipped with a device that will allow us all to be located if we get lost - with the flick of a switch. But we shouldn’t overlook spirit-ware - the human perseverance, prayer and positive attitude that makes it all work - no matter how gloomy the situation may seem.
Caution: Two-wheeler traffic
from headlines, near and far: S ome• Anotes man was struck and killed by an SUV while driving his moped on
a Dallas freeway. • Two people were seriously injured two weeks ago in Polk County when two motorcycles collided with a deer. • A Frederic man was seriously injured last week when he swerved to miss a deer with his motorcycle. • WITC and the DMV can barely keep up with the demand for motorcycle safety courses and motorcycle and moped licensing. • Local authorities are handing out citations – perhaps more than ever – to motorcycle drivers who forgot to get a license to drive it. With the popularity of bicycles, mopeds and motorcycles at perhaps an alltime high due to gas prices soaring to $4 or more – it’s getting a bit scarier on the roads - both for the riders of the two-wheel variety - and other motorists. Motorcycle and moped drivers are advised by the DOT to drive like they are invisible – in other words, defensively. And to wear a helmet. The rest of us can help by be paying more attention to two-wheeled vehicles. All unsigned editorials by Gary King
W e
H e a r
Y o u
Responses to our Web site stories (sometimes anonymous)
W h e re t o Wr i t e
President George Bush 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. Washington, D.C. 20500 president@whitehouse.gov
Governor Jim Doyle 115 East, State Capitol Bldg. Mailing address: P.O. Box 7863 Madison, WI 53707 wisgov@mail.state.wi.us Congressman David Obey 7th Congressional District 2462 Rayburn Office Bldg. Washington, D.C. 20515 or Wisconsin office: Federal Building Wausau, WI 54401 (715) 842-5606 Rep. Ann Hraychuck 28th Assembly District State Capitol, P.O. Box 8942 Madison, WI 53708 Phone: 608-267-2365 Toll free: 888-529-0028 In-District 715-485-3362 rep.hraychuck@legis.state.wi.us
Rep. Frank Boyle 73rd Assembly District Room 221 North State Capitol P.O. Box 8952 Madison 53708 E-mail: Rep.Boyle@legis.state.wi.us
Senator Sheila Harsdorf 10th Senate District State Capitol, P.O. Box 7882 Madison, WI 53707 (608) 266-7745 • (715) 2321390 Toll-free - 1-800-862-1092 sen.harsdorf@legis.state.wi.us
Rep. Mary Hubler 75th Assembly District Room 7 North, State Capitol P.O. Box 8952 Madison, WI 53708 or 1966 21-7/8 St. (Hawthorne Lane), Rice Lake 54868 (715) 234-7421• (608) 266-2519 rep.hubler@legis.state.wi.us
U.S. Sen. Russ Feingold SDB 40, Rm. 1 Washington, D.C. 20510 or 1600 Aspen Commons Middleton, WI 53562-4716 (608) 828-1200 senator@feingold.senate.gov
Senator Robert Jauch 25th Senate District Room 19 South State Capitol P.O. Box 7882 Madison, WI 53707 E-mail: Sen.Jauch@legis.state.wi.us
U.S. Senator Herb Kohl 330 Hart Senate Office Bldg. Washington, D.C. 20510 senator_kohl@kohl.senate.gov Congressman Ron Kind 3rd Congressional District 1713 Longwirth Office Bdg. Washington, D.C. 20515 202-225-5506 888-442-8040 (toll-free) ron.kind@mail.house.gov
Views expressed on these pages do not necessarily represent those of the Inter-County Cooperative Publishing Association management or board
T h e
”I think it was outrageous that the health inspector shut down the camp kitchen last week during the search for Keith Kennedy. I think if it was that person's son and they had all the the good people like the Kennedys did to help, he/she would be appreciative of all the help and donations that came in and that it didn't matter where or how food and water were being served. I have worked in food service for over 6 years and that was just plain mean. To me putting up a tent and tables outside was worse than having the food inside where there is less bugs and temp was more controlled as well as refrigeration.”
The crew of the Inter-County Leader in the late 1930s at a Centuria parade. Formed in 1933, the Inter-County Cooperative Publishing Association’s newspaper quickly expanded to Burnett and Washburn counties.
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JUNE 25, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 9
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L e a d e r F O R U M Letters t o t h e e d i t o r Project Lifesaver It is truly amazing that he was found alive! Hats off to everyone that helped in any way. Being part of the search teams was an experience I will never forget. So many people pulling together and giving of their time and resources. The area can truly be proud of their efforts and the successful conclusion. Our prayers are with Keith and his family. In light of this incident it is imperative that Polk and Burnett counties become involved with Project Lifesaver, a program of tracking devices that are placed on anyone with a condition similar to Keith's, this system works from a bracelet attached to the patient and most rescues can be completed in relatively short time. This system was referred to on KARE 11's Web site. Let's get going on implementing this program while this all is fresh in our minds. Gary Peterson Grantsburg
Untold side
In 1933, the year the Inter-County Cooperative Publishing Association was born, there was a local story in late June about the cost of postage being dropped from 3 cents to 2 cents by order of the government. The co-op is celebrating its 75th year of publishing local news and views.
The entire Leader is now available online. Subscribe today to our new e-edition. www.the-leader.net
The news is full of Liberals talking about the “obscene” profits of “Big Oil,” which is from 9 to 12 percent. Did you know that the State of Wisconsin Investment Board has invested in five major oil companies $750 million, with cash earnings of more than $250 million? These investments are for future retirees and as of April 2, 2007, the value of these stocks have increased more than $130 million over the purchase price. Many other 401 plans have invested in Big Oil and will provide a decent return for those folks that retire. Public employees such as schoolteachers and other government workers have money for their future retirement invested in Big Oil, and what I find confusing is that many of these public employees want to risk their retirement by voting for the Democrat presidential nominee. I guess it is like cattle voting for Burger King. Just so everyone knows that our Democrat presidential nominee wants to take these profits away and it will affect your retirement. I could name for you companies whose profit percentage is much higher than that of Big Oil, but I have learned that you never want to confuse someone with the facts once their mind is made up. Mark Pettis Hertel
Robert Harris tossed candy to the crowd at the Family Days parade on Sunday from the Inter-County Cooperative Publishing van, driven by his dad, Rob. The cooperative, publishers of the Leader and the Advertisers, is marking its 75th anniversary. - Photo by Gary King
“Well done” Against some pretty good odds, this week’s events at Trade Lake Camp had a happy ending. In one way or another, every single person who showed up to help had a hand in the successful rescue of Keith Kennedy. In particular, the Burnett County Sheriff’s Department needs to be commended in print with a hearty “well done” for their efforts. Anyone who was involved could not help but be impressed by their competency, dedication, organization, patience and the courteous manner in which they conducted themselves. Awesome job. The people of Burnett County can rest assured that they are being served and protected by a group of true professionals. Denny Snarski Webster
Prayers answered I would like to give a personal thankyou to the Burnett County Sheriff’s Department for coordinating the search for Keith Kennedy out in our township of Anderson, in Burnett County, along with all the authorities from surrounding areas and distant areas that helped to find Keith Kennedy. We didn’t know the family personally, but we imagined what it would be like if it were someone in our family; as I am sure many people did. Nobody gave up. We would also like to extend gratitude to all the people who searched day after day, unrelenting - on foot, 4-wheeler, by helicopter and airplanes, by car and by horse. When we first heard that this young man went missing we were so sad for the family, imagining what they must be going through. I know it must have been so devastating for everyone involved. It got to the point that no matter who you ran into in the area, someone would mention the search. With each day that went by and each dark cool night, mosquitoes humming, rain, lightning and thunder, all I could think of was this poor guy out in the wilderness - was he scared? How cold was he? How hungry was he? I couldn’t quit thinking about it. On Wednesday evening after work, my husband and I decided to help search for him too. Keith had gone missing so close to where we live, so we joined in on a search that was through a section of woods just one to 1-1/2 miles from our house. We thank everyone, and I’m sure everyone who lives in this township and county also is so thankful for all the “outside” help. The night we searched we met some young men that had come up from Isanti, Minn. They did not know the family either, but one of the young men said to me that he had thought about it all day at work, and that he had a 3-year-old child, and he would hope that if something like this ever happened to his child, people would help out. So many people pitched in to help. People brought food, there were school buses and casino buses that were there providing shuttle service to searchers to search areas. People prayed and prayers were answered. Thanks again for helping a family that really needed all of our help during a critical period in their lives. I’m so glad their son was found. Tom and Liz Bean Grantsburg
A miracle in Burnett County I was one of several volunteer chaplains with the Burnett County Sheriff’s Department who were privileged to participate in and to witness the miraculous rescue of Keith Kennedy this past week. The amazing outpouring of time, effort, energy, skill, food, and equipment all were parts of the miracle. Local and regional law enforcement departments, fire and rescue teams, emergency medical personnel, and other agencies combining their skill and resources as a single team was impressive. The coordinated efforts of the hundreds of strangers, friends, and colleagues from our area and the Twin Cities who chose to be part of the search was truly an inspiring gift to witness. I realize that it is a “loose-interpretation” but I was reminded of this picture over and over again as I met people who volunteered their time to be bug-bitten, wet and exhausted–but never without hope–as they continued to search: “Which one of you having a hundred sheep does not leave the 99 in the wilderness and go after the one who is lost until he finds it? “ (Luke 15: 4-5) All of the “miracle-workers” had other things to do last week, but they stopped to become part of the miracle! What a privilege to be part of this community and to witness such caring and efforts. And he was found! The Rev. Arne Enslin Danbury
First, stop the violence June 20, the last day of spring, was World Refugee Day. Wars, sanctions, and occupation in Iraq have created a humanitarian disaster for the Iraqis. According to the American Friends Service Committee (Quakers) about 5 million Iraqis have been forced from their homes. Almost 2.5 million have fled to the neighboring countries of Syria and Jordan. The rest of these people are displaced within the borders of Iraq. The human needs of these vulnerable people cannot be met by military surges, increased war funding, or the continued occupation by U.S. forces. Supporting international nongovernmental relief agencies and direct aid to the host countries are the best ways to meet the immediate needs of millions of Iraqi refugees. Meeting the immediate human needs for housing, food, clothing, and medical care to our fellow human beings is critical to ending the violence and creating conditions for reconciliation. The first step in healing the wounds of war is to stop the violence. Gail Lando Grantsburg See more letters, next page
Letters The Leader welcomes letters to the editor. Diverse and varied opinions are welcomed. Letters are subject to being edited for length, taste and/or clarity, and we urge writers to be brief and limit their letters to 500 words or less. Writers must provide their name and give their complete address and phone number. Content that will cause letters to be rejected include: Crude language, poor taste, disrespectful comments regarding a group’s or individual’s ethnicity, gender, religion, culture, sexual orientation or race; other incendiary language or personal attacks.
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Letters t o t h e e d i t o r What did we fight for? What did we fight for? Bob Blake, in his recent letter asks that question and after paying tribute to his friend’s father who was a WW II paratrooper, seems to assert that we fought for causes which he, Bob Blake, values. While not in the same division as his friend’s father, with six months in combat in Belgium, Holland and Germany with the 104th Infantry Division. I feel at least somewhat qualified to address some contrary thoughts. Most of us fought because our nation had been attacked by Japan, and Germany had declared war on us. We felt it was our duty to help defend our country. We were certainly not anxious to be in battle, nor heroes and once there, few if any of us, would not have embraced the opportunity to be any place else. Most served honorably and have reason for satisfaction in their service. Some, like my best teenaged buddy, didn’t come home again. Some came back horribly scarred and disabled for life, as was true of my cousin, and some, like my foxhole mate, suffered shell shock or combat fatigue after a month in combat, to be evacuated and never to return to duty. While we could not write home and tell our folks where we were, we weren’t terribly concerned that the enemy might know our plans, as the Germans made a practice of frequently welcoming us shortly after our arrival to a newly assigned area by loudspeaker, and expressing their hope that many of us would find our final resting place there. The American press as represented by the likes of Ernie Pyle, did a magnificent job of reporting to the folks back home on the hardships and trauma we faced. The press made much of the shooting of GI prisoners in what became known as the Malmedy Massacre but were silent when our GIs did the same to the Germans. I still vividly remember one
day in early April, now more than 63 years ago, while waiting for the engineers to lay a bridge across the Weser River so that the armored spearhead, of which I was a part, could proceed eastward, seeing three Germans coming down an open field from a copse of trees a half-mile away waving white rags of surrender. A 50-caliber machine gunner, on a nearby 3rd Armored Division tank, cut loose on them, and to the cheers of his buddies, chased them like rabbits until he had cut all three down. I can recall being upset at the stupidity of his actions when our interests were best served by encouraging surrender, but the memory haunts me still, not because of our stupidity but because of what we had become, to fall so short of the ideals that we profess. As a result I was not surprised when I learned of My Lai or Abu Ghraib, but we should ponder, would our nation really have been better served if we had never known of the wrongs committed in our name? War is truly hell, but if our press is to be faulted, as Mr. Blake contends, then it is surely for being too complaisant to those in authority who seek, an ever freer hand, to send our military into the inferno of war where the modern instruments of death and destruction cannot distinguish the terrorist from the innocent or to send those who someone thinks might wish us harm to Guantanamo as “enemy combatants” and therefore beyond the system of justice enshrined in our constitution or in our international treaties. Thank goodness that our Supreme Court, in its recent opinion, gives us hope once again that what we fought for, which surely included due process of law for everyone, still finds majority support, despite the efforts of some to claim unlimited powers to the Commander in Chief. Eiler Ravnholt Luck
L e a d e r Weather reports are missing the story
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he floodwaters are rising, swamping cities, breaching levees. Tens of thousands are displaced. Many are dead. No, I am not talking about Hurricane Katrina, but about the Midwest United States. As the floodwaters head south along the Mississippi, devastating communities one after another, the media is overflowing with televised images of the destruction. While the TV meteorologists document “extreme weather” with their increasingly sophisticated toolbox, from Doppler radar to 3-D animated maps, the two words rarely uttered are its cause: global warming. I asked former Energy Department official Joseph Romm, senior fellow at the Center for American Progress, about the disconnect: “Part of the reason is that the people who write about global warming for most newspapers and TV are not the same people as those who tend to cover weather. In general, the media is covering this as all sort of unconnected events, just regular weather maybe gone a little wacky. But, in fact, the scientific community has predicted for more than two decades now that as we pour more heat-trapping greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, the planet will heat up, and that would redistrib-
ute water. If you heat up the planet ... you evaporate more water, and areas that are wetter will tend to see more intense rainfall and deluges and earlier snowmelts, and all that will lead to Amy flooding. So what Goodman we’re seeing is exactly what scientists have been telling us would happen because of human emissions.” Perry Beeman is an award-winning investigative reporter for The Des Moines Register, and former president of the Society of Environmental Journalists. From his flood-wracked city of Des Moines, he told me: “Not even a few weeks before this all happened, we were in the middle of doing a climate change series that’s going to run over the year. We had a two-page graphic talking about the different things that would happen [in Iowa as a result of climate change] and pointing out ... that you would expect more torrential rains. What has happened here is consistent with many scientists’ view of what global warming will mean in the Midwest.” So if the disasters that follow one another, from hurricanes to tornadoes to flooding, are consistent with global
Reality check
Feel the heat, see the light Many people were very upset when the village decided to get rid of the old high school building. But that decision is nothing compared to what appears to be a pervasive effort to get rid of the old people in this town. First, we lose our nursing home. Now it appears that assisted living is not welcome in Osceola either. The original design of Royal Oaks, the senior housing unit owned by Don and Nancy Derosier, included provisions for the addition of assisted living. The plumbing and wall construction are already in place for this addition. These plans were seen and approved by the village before the original construction began. That addition is currently being prevented from proceeding by the village board and its committees. Had this building been ready, some of the residents of the nursing home could have moved there. If the building is not delayed, it may still provide a home for some of them - a chance for them to return to live out their lives in the town they know and love. In years to come it can provide a safe haven for our loved ones who will not be able to live alone - or for ourselves when we need that help. What motivation is there to make both a nursing home and assisted living unavailable in our community? To push to have only new buildings, not old ones is debatable policy. To want only young people, not old ones, is a travesty we should not tolerate. “When I feel the heat, I see the light,” Sen. Everett Dirksen. I suggest we all start paying attention, making our voices heard, and providing some illumination for those who are making these decisions.
I just want to comment on Tammi Milberg’s article this week. I found the article embarrassing. It shows no more depth than a sixth-grade essay. Milberg appears to lack the critical thinking ability to consider that something like global warming may indeed be a fact even though it has not been “proven.” One issue with the possibility of the harmful effects of global warming is that, if indeed Earth is in danger, human procrastination may spell our demise. In other words, by the time people like Milberg believe there’s a problem, it will probably be too late to reverse the damage. Furthermore, I am sure many readers will be delighted to hear that their struggles with debilitating migraines or excruciating arthritic pain, autism, or a bipolar disorder are not “real diseases,” and that the medicines that have been developed to cope with similar maladies are unnecessary because our grandparents were able to suffer through without them. Does she not realize how many of our grandparents era were institutionalized or disabled by many of the ailments that newly developed medicines can treat? Milberg’s immaturity reflects a viewpoint that suggests that anything she is fortunate enough not to have experienced somehow does not exist. We may need a little less media gloom and doom in our daily lives, but I think Milberg needs a reality check. Problems do exist. Someday she may find that out. L.J. O’Connell Claremore, Okla.
www.the-leader.net
Karla Jenkins Osceola
F O R U M warming, why aren’t the networks, the weather reporters, making the link? Dr. Heidi Cullen, a climate expert on The Weather Channel, created a stir in late 2006 when she wrote in her Weather Channel blog: “If a meteorologist can’t speak to the fundamental science of climate change, then maybe the AMS [American Meteorological Society] shouldn’t give them a seal of approval. If a meteorologist has an AMS Seal of Approval, which is used to confer legitimacy to TV meteorologists, then meteorologists have a responsibility to truly educate themselves on the science of global warming.” As reporters stood in waist-high water in the flooded downtowns of major American cities, President George Bush basked in the sunlight in Washington, D.C., urging Congress to lift the ban on offshore oil drilling and on oil shale drilling, and to open up the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil drilling. While regular people are getting hit in the wallet at the gas pump, paying now more than $4 per gallon for gasoline, the oil, coal and gas industries are reaping huge rewards, and applying pressure to open up protected spaces for resource extraction. One of the candidates to replace Bush has a solution. When I asked Ralph Nader about global warming this week, he said: “We’ve got to have a national mission of converting our economy, and the example for the world is solar energy, 4 billion years of
supply. It is environmentally benign, decentralized, makes us energy independent and replaces the ExxonMobil/ Peabody Coal/uranium complex. That is why we have got to go for economic, political, health and safety reasons.” Nader understands how the levers of power and influence operate in Washington, but also how flooding can devastate a community. He grew up in Winsted, Conn., where the Mad River and Still River flooded in 1955, where another Nader confronted another Bush. Ralph Nader’s mother, Rose, shook the hand of Bush’s grandfather, Sen. Prescott Bush, R-Conn., and refused to let go until he agreed to build a dry dam. The dry dam got built, and Winsted hasn’t flooded since. A half-century later, our global problems have gotten far worse. Citizen activists need to shake not hands but the system, holding to account those with power and influence, from politicians to the personalities who report the weather on TV. *** Denis Moynihan assisted on today’s column. *** Amy Goodman is the host of “Democracy Now!,” a daily international TV/radio news hour airing on 650 stations in North America. (c) 2008 Amy Goodman Distributed by King Features Syndicate
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%& t h A s s e m b l y D i s t r i c t Slow down to stay safe and save money For many of us, the Fourth of July is a time where we travel long distances, gather our family and friends, and celebrate our great nation’s independence. Whether commuting from town to neighboring town, or across states, the ever-increasing price of gas can be a heavy burden on this traditionally joyous holiday. However, here are some helpful hints on how to save at the pump while still attending your scheduled Fourth of
July festivities. Slow down. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, gas mileage decreases rapidly at speeds above 60 mph. Higher speeds equal more gas and more money out of your pocket. Ann Obeying the Hraychuck speed limit is not only beneficial for your gas mileage, but it also saves you from receiving a
costly speeding ticket. This financial impact is twofold, there is the immediate impact of the fine for the ticket, but additionally speeding tickets result in demerit points and possible license revocation, which can cause your insurance rates to skyrocket. Avoid slamming on your brakes. This contributes to the amount of gas that your car uses. The more frequently you slam on your brakes, the more gas your car uses up. If you’re already slowing down, and obeying the speed limits, this third tip should not be challenging. Although driving slower is better for your bank account, there is an even
greater reward, the gift of life. According to the Wisconsin State Patrol, in our own state, someone is killed or injured in a speed-related crash every 51 minutes. Particularly with it being road construction season, please be extra careful and keep in mind the health and safety of you and your passengers, other drivers, and the folks who are out there maintaining our roads. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions on this or any other legislative matter via phone 888-5290028 or via e-mail at rep.hraychuck @legis.wi.gov.
"' t h S e n a t e D i s t r i c t Sparsity aid to benefit local, rural school districts As a member of the 2004 State Superintendent’s Rural Advisory Council on School Districts, Libraries, and Communities, I had the opportunity to join over 30 leaders from across the state to initiate changes in how we fund rural school districts. Many rural schools face declining enrollment coupled with higher property values relative to income growth. Additionally, costs for educating students in rural
districts can be higher due to economies of scale and transportation costs. Our bipartisan group set out a few years ago to account for these discrepancies and build momentum for change. The recently Sheila passed two-year Harsdorf budget bill included $7.2 million in new “sparsity aid” for these types of districts based in part on the rural advisory council’s previous
recommendation. Seven school districts within the 10th Senate District benefit: Clayton, Clear Lake, Elmwood, Frederic, Luck, Siren and Spring Valley. Together, these districts have been awarded nearly an additional $300,000 this year in state aid to help meet the unique challenges due to sparsity. Schools are the lifeblood of our rural communities; serving as a community’s center and base for future economic prosperity through education. The advisory council was able to display that low student density leading to higher transportation costs and lower income relative to property valuation called for changes in state funding. The
new sparsity aid is a step to recognize these characteristics. The state superintendent deserves credit for putting together a diverse group to recommend and advocate for such changes. There is more work to do, but these changes show how we can help rural schools through identification and cooperation. People can learn more about advancing rural Wisconsin through education online at http://dpi.wi.gov/rural/. If you have ideas or input, please contact me by calling 800-862-1092 or sending an e-mail to Sen.Harsdorf @legis.wi.gov.
Area Ne ws at a Glance Man takes ride down falls NEW RICHMOND – A young man who took an unplanned trip down the falls at Willow River State Park was lucky to escape serious injuries, officials said. Michael Van Ness, 21, Hudson, was at the top of the falls the afternoon of June 15 when rapid runoff water knocked him off his feet and swept him down a series of tiers to the bottom, said park ranger Darrel Richer. Sheriff’s deputies, EMS and park rangers combined to rescue Van Ness after the ordeal, and he was taken to a hospital for treatment. “He suffered relatively minor injuries considering the situation,” said Richer. I think he was released the next Tuesday and suffered a broken wrist, a back injury and a gash or two. Unfortunately people play at the falls a lot,” the ranger said. “Every year we have to haul someone away with a broken leg. He said Van Ness was apparently very familiar with the falls and was complacent. “Obviously drinking was a factor,” Richer said. A deputy was told that the man was at the top of the falls, slipped and fell and rode the entire falls to the bottom where he was pulled out, complaining of injuries to his ribs, elbows and knee. The falls is located within a 200-foot gorge about five miles north of Hudson. A park ranger said the falls moves down in a series terraces and the total drop is about 30 feet. – rivertowns.net Two in custody for stabbings PINE COUNTY, Minn. – The Pine County Sheriff’s Department is investigating two separate stabbings in Hinckley Saturday morning. Joshua James Kenny, 21, and Michael John Peterson, 20, are in custody for the stabbings. Initial information from the sheriff’s department indicates that Kenny stabbed an individual at the Little Store in Hinckley. He is charged with proba-
ble cause second-degree assault and is expected to be arraigned in Pine County Court Tuesday. Peterson was also expected to be arraigned Tuesday. He faces second-degree assault and thirddegree burglary charges for a separate incident around 1:40 a.m. Saturday. The victims names are not available, but both suffered non-life-threatening injuries. – Pine City Pioneer Body found near Yellow River RICE LAKE - No trauma or foul play is suspected in the death of Joseph A. Beyers, 33 of Clear Lake. Byers’ body was found Sunday alongside a parked vehicle near the Yellow River on 15th Avenue northwest of Barron. An autopsy Monday failed to turn up a cause of death, which remains under investigation pending the completion of toxicology reports. – Rice Lake Chronotype (chronotype.com) Woman killed in area crash HAYWARD - A 77-year-old Stone Lake woman was killed and another person was injured in a two-vehicle collision Saturday, June 21, on Hwy. 27, a short distance north of the intersection with Hwy. 70, three miles east of Stone Lake. The accident was reported at 5:57 p.m. Sawyer County sheriff’s deputies, the Wisconsin State Patrol, ambulance crews from Stone Lake and Hayward and the Stone Lake Fire Department responded to the scene. The state patrol reported that a northbound vehicle on Hwy. 27 turned left in front of a vehicle being driven southbound, resulting in a collision. The driver of the northbound 1993 Dodge Spirit, Ruby Thompson, 77, of Stone Lake was fatally injured. The driver of the southbound 2003 Ford Expedition, Arlyn Martin, 16, of Hayward was not injured. A passenger in Martin’s vehicle, Ruth A. Martin, 52, of Hayward received non-life-threaten-
ing injuries and was admitted to the Hayward Area Memorial Hospital overnight. All individuals in the vehicles were wearing seat belts. The crash remains under investigation by the state patrol as of Monday morning. The Sawyer County Sheriff’s Department assisted. – Sawyer County Record (www.haywardwi.com) Wins Badger 5 lottery prize LADYSMITH - As Roy Gruel of Hawkins was leaving Josie Creek, Tuesday, June 10, his fishing buddy mentioned he had bought a lottery ticket for the Badger 5 game that day as the jackpot was high. On his way home, Gruel stopped at the Hawkins Amoco station to buy a ticket. As the Wisconsin Lottery was offering six tickets for the price of five as part of its 20th anniversary, Gruel bought six quick pick tickets for $5. Gruel, 66, who lives next to the Hawkins Post Office, got up at 6 the following morning and bought the St. Paul Pioneer Press from the newspaper vending machine next door. While watching the news on TV, he glanced at the winning number in the newspaper and compared it to his tickets on the table. One of them was a match. The winning numbers were 3, 11, 20, 21 and 24. “I kept looking at my ticket and at the newspaper,” he said, wondering if he indeed was a winner . . . or was it a misprint? After contacting the lottery office in Wausau, he knew he had won the $159,000 top prize. Badger 5 is a daily game with jackpots that start at $10,000 and grow a minimum of $1,000 a day until they are won. This jackpot had been building for some time. That was a tidy sum for Gruel, who retired after working 15 years at the St. Paul stockyards and now lives on Social Security. Although he had 180 days to claim his prize, he drove to the Wisconsin lottery office in Wausau that
day, carrying an envelope with the lucky ticket. “I kept checking it every five minutes,” he said with a chuckle. At Wausau he filled out the necessary paperwork and waited for personnel to process it. “They check you out to make sure you don’t owe back taxes or child support,” he said. Gruel opted for a lump sum and left with a check for $108,000. “I’m paying off my bills and will do some work on the house,” he said. He has no plans to go on a spending spree, but would like to get a small RV.” – Ladysmith News
Red Cross assists Turtle Lake fire victims TURTLE LAKE – The St. Croix Valley Chapter, Polk County Branch, of the American Red Cross is providing assistance for the family in Turtle Lake who lost their home to a fire. Disaster response by the Red Cross provides for food, clothing and shelter for victims of disaster based on emergency needs. Red Cross disaster assistance is provided by local trained volunteers, freely given, supported by financial contributions from the people of Polk County. – from Terry Anderson, American Red Cross, St. Croix Valley Chapter
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Taylors Falls need to use grant or lose it by Sept. 30 by Tammi Milberg TAYLORS FALLS, Minn. – The city council of Taylors Falls met Monday, June 23, with all members present except John Tangen. The council had a short agenda, but a pressing concern, brought to them by Chris Eng, the HRA/EDA for Chisago County. Eng updated the council on the progress of the small cities development program that was funded in 2005 by the state, to promote development of downtown businesses, rental property, etc., in the form of a revolving loan with little or no interest to the borrower. The city applied to be part of the program and has received a total of $308,550 to be used thus far. “The bad news is we have only able to spend about $51,000 so far,” Eng reported. “We have tried to market the program to downtown businesses.” Eng reported the state is asking to
revert $25,000 right now since the program is not taking off. He added that if the city is not spending more of this grant by Sept. 30, which is the end date of the project, the state is going to ask for the remaining $257,580 to come back to them. “Unfortunately, if we can’t spend it in the city, the state will find other places to spend it,” said Eng. “We are going to market the program one more time to businesses and see if there is an interest in using those dollars for development of the downtown area as a revolvingloan fund.” “It’s unfortunate, it’s one of those things that you speak now or forever lose it, because once those grant dollars go away you can’t get them back,” said Mayor Michael Buchite. “You can reapply, but it’s really hard,” said Eng. Eng reported he has had one business
come forward and hopes to reach more before the Sept. 30 deadline. In other business, the council approved to install a gate valve at Briar Lane and Locust Lane. This involves digging up the water main on Mulberry Street; and another proposal to dig up the hydrant on the corner of Mulberry Street and Hwy. 95 and repair it. The total cost is $2,400, to be paid from the water fund. The city also approved the purchase of a new plow truck, dump body, plow wing, and sander. The council talked about contacting banks to get interest rates, and a payment schedule for eightand 10-year loans, after reviewing some preliminary payment anf financing options for five-year loan. The council approved the purchase for the 2009 Ford Sterling plow truck with a dump body and authorized the city clerk to research financing options.
The council approved a request from Romayne’s for a street dance during Wannigan Days which involves blocking Ravine Street to Government Street on Saturday, July 19, from 1p.m. until 1 a.m. on Sunday, July 20. The council approved a proposal for a heater at the lower lift station, similar to the heaters on well No. 3 and well No. 4. They are electric, versus the LP tank and rising gas prices. It was also noted that the city can remove the LP tank for aesthetics, not just cost efficiency. The total cost for the electric heater for the lift station is $1,147, to be paid from the sewer fund. The last item on the agenda was an additional payment request to Preferred Paving and Ready Mix Inc. The cost was $1,450 for saw cut and patches on Folsum Street and work on Ravine Street.
St. Croix Falls city makes proclamations Megan Kalmoe Day, Good Sam Week by Tammi Milberg ST. CROIX FALLS – A series of proclamations took place at the St. Croix Falls City Council meeting Monday, June 23. The first was to proclaim a Megan Kalmoe Day, which is Aug. 8, 2008. Kalmoe is a 2001 St. Croix Falls High School graduate. She began rowing in college and is headed to Beijing, China, for the Summer Olympics. Accepting the proclamation for Megan were her father, Dean Kalmoe, and brother, Willie Kalmoe. Mayor Darrell Anderson said a few words while making the proclamation. “The Kalmoe family has been very instrumental in the St. Croix Falls School District,” he said. “Dean served on the school board for a number of years. His wife, Mary [Martin] is also instrumental in school activities. You see Dean and Mary helping at the school whether it’s for athletics or artistic. They have done a tremendous job with their children and are probably the two most influencial reasons Megan is
headed where she is today.” Anderson said some words about Megan. “In her photo in the school paper, Megan has got the look of a Tiger Woods coming down the last stretch of the fairway, or a Brett Favre ready to throw a touchdown,” Anderson said. “I think she has what it takes to go far. She is at the pinnacle of her rowing career. I think she will represent us very well.” “She truly appreciates the support she’s gotten from the community and our family is appreciative too. Thanks for the kind words,” said Dean Kalmoe after accepting the proclamation. The next proclamation was for the St. Croix Valley Good Samaritan Society. Good Sam celebrates 40 years of caring on Tuesday, July 1. The council presented a proclamation that June 30 to July 2 will be known as Good Samaritan Week. Wade Reddy, administrator for Good Sam, said a few words to the council. “We have diversified and want to continue to strive for another 40 years,” he said. “We invite the pubic to join in the open house July 1. Thank you for letting us tell our story. We don’t get to do that
very often. I think we’re the best-kept secret in town.” Anderson made a few comments as well on the matter. “You make the facility a wonderful place for people. I don’t call it a nursing home, it is a “home” you have up there. What a blessing for our city to have a facility like that for our residents.” Lions Club tug of war Paul Gilbert, St. Croix Falls Lions outgoing president, invited the city council to the Lions Club tug of war on Saturday, July 19, from noon to 2 p.m. “I challenge you to do a friendly wager with the city of Taylors Falls if you choose to do so,” he said, and thanked the city for their support. 2007 audit report Steve Scheidler presented the audit report to the council for 2007. The general fund in Jan. 2007 was $966,296. The end balance in Dec. 2007 showed $1,190,264 in the general fund. Scheidler cautioned the city about their undesignated fund balance because it is what the city will need to help when state aid goes down. He told them a healthy
undesignated fund is $964,000, but the city’s end undesignated fund showed $764,000. It was noted that the mitigation funds for the Riverwalk project of $250,000 did not come in until Jan. 2008, which is why the 2007 end balance is low. However, Scheidler said even though that will even back out in the 2008 audit, it is one thing the city needs to keep a close eye on. “It’s responsible money management,” he said. State Street update The phases for State Street construction were updated to the city council in a memo from Cedar Corp. Phase I is from Adams Street to the main St. Croix Regional Medical Center parking lot. During Phase I, vehicles can reach SCRMC from either direction. Traffic will be routed around the project with a signed detour route on Hwy. 87 and Hwy. 8. Phase I is currently on schedule and should have substantial completion by Wannigan Days, according to the report. Phase II extends from the SCRMC main parking lot to Roosevelt Street and will begin after Wannigan Days.
Taylors Falls Creamery
This is a circa 1947 photo of the Taylors Falls Creamery. The creamery was built in 1912, closed in 1962, and the building was torn down in 1993. The photo shows the 1912 red brick building after it was stuccoed in 1928. The “Gas For Less” sign illustrates that the creamery also sold gasoline at the time of the photo. The creamery workers and milk route drivers shown, (L to R) are: Myles Rivard, Neil Robinson, Minnie Ekdahl Schmidt (later Liljenberg), P. August Peterson, unknown, Roman Weller, Paul Holmberg, Bob Lundquis, Lloyd Rivard, Kenneth Rivard, Palmer Rugroden and Earl Rivard with his youngest son, Keith. – Submitted by Rosemarie Braatz, courtesy of Jack Liljenberg
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Search and rescue dogs play part in effort to find Kennedy by Priscilla Bauer TRADE LAKE – As she tromped through the ditches of tall grass, holding tightly to her dog’s leash, Lori Peper-Rucks hoped, as all those searching for Keith Kennedy last week did, that she and Willie would find him. Peper-Rucks is not new to the business of finding missing persons. In fact, that is her business. The founder, CEO and director of training for the nonprofit organization, Sunshine Service Dogs, Inc., PeperRucks has seen more than her share of searches and rescues. “This is our third one this year,” said Peper-Rucks as she signaled Willie to search through some thick pines along Medchill Road, not far from the Trade Lake Camp where Kennedy went missing on June 15. Back in 1975, Peper-Rucks was training dogs professionally, competing in trials and conformation as a professional handler. She enjoyed the ribbons and other awards but while doing some training for the disabled she had an epiphany. She realized what she could and wanted to do - was to use her natural talent for training dogs to be of service to others. Today, some 30 years later, PeperRucks is a search and rescue tech II, certified through the National Association of Search and Rescue. She has extensive experience in search and rescue operations, and states in her bio it is what she “enjoys most,” giving her “great gratification.”
Dogs from Sunshine Service Dogs, Inc. a nonprofit organization from Luck, helped in the search for Keith Kennedy last week. Willie, a Belgian Malinois, is unleashed by owner Lori Peper-Rucks into a wooded area in hopes of getting Kennedy's scent.
Willie, a search and rescue dog, gets Keith Kennedy's scent off Kennedy's toothbrush from owner and trainer, Lori Peper-Rucks, founder and director of training for Sunshine Service Dogs, Inc. in Luck.
His nose to the ground, Willie tries to pick up Keith Kennedy's scent with owner Lori Peper-Rucks following close behind. – Photos by Priscilla Bauer When hearing of Kennedy’s disappearance, Peper-Rucks came to Trade Lake Camp along with other search and rescue team members and their dogs ready to join the search. She came day after day offering her services, and with Willie at her side, she set out to locate Kennedy’s scent. As she gave Willie Kennedy’s toothbrush to sniff, Peper-Rucks released her dog into a wooded area to see if the Belgian Malinois could pick up the autistic man’s scent. All humans - alive or dead - constantly emit microscopic particles which bear human scent. Millions of these are airborne and carried by the wind for considerable distances. “People don’t realize it, but very person has their own individual scent”, Peper-Rucks explained, saying that dogs are able to distinguish between them. According to Peper-Rucks, a set of triplets were once used as a test of a search dog’s ability to distinguish the scents of several individuals. Since triplets share the same DNA, there was skepticism that the dog could match each triplet’s scent article to its owner. But the dog had no problem finding
each triplet by matching them all correctly to their specific article. Dogs not having a scent article will search for any human scent instead of a specific individual. Kennedy’s toothbrush was all Willie and other SAR dogs had for a scent article as they set out to pick up his scent.
Peper-Rucks believes so deeply in how valuable SAR dogs trained for scent discrimination are in search and rescue missions, that she has dedicated much of her time with the Sunshine Service Dogs, Search and Rescue K-9 Unit in search and rescue operations. As the heat of the afternoon sun began to build, Peper-Rucks and Willie headed down another trail, undaunted, still searching for a scent of Kennedy. Note: The story of tireless and dedicated volunteers such as Peper-Rucks and her dog Willie is just one of the many coming from the remarkable rescue of Kennedy. Sunshine Service Dogs, Inc. trains and provides dogs for a wide range of services including mobility dogs, hearing dogs and therapy dogs. Read more about the service at www.SunshineServiceDogs.org.
Pregnancy Resource Center opens this fall NORTHWEST WISCONSIN - Home and Away Ministries has announced that it is opening the Pregnancy Resource Center of NW Wisconsin to help meet the needs of young women with unplanned pregnancies and for their babies after delivery. The address of this facility is at 1166 Main Avenue, Frederic but the actual location is in the town of Lewis. The organization is seeking help local area churches to provide a variety of items for the facility as well as volunteers to work there. Volunteers are needed to paint and help with general repair and maintenance getting the facility ready for use. Volunteers are also needed for training for counselors. The center will be operating under
the helpful guidance of the Pregnancy Resource Center in Pine City, Minn., which has been in existence for over 30 years. Home and Away Ministries is in its fifth year serving our area with donated surplus food and goods fighting hunger and disease through Ruby’s Pantry. The Pregnancy Resource Center of NW Wisconsin is another community outreach program of Home and Away Ministries, Inc. with its distribution center and offices at 39404 Grand Ave., North Branch, Minn. 55056. For more information please see their Web site at www.homeandawayministries.org, email lyn.sahr@homeandawayministries.org or call 715-653-4279. – submitted
Former mall to be razed
Workers were preparing Wednesday, June 18, to tear down the old Olson Furniture Mall at the south junction of Hwys. 35 and 70 in Siren. According to property owner Rick Anderson, nothing will be going in there. The building has been vacant for many years, and has been viewed by some passersby as an eyesore. – Photo by Nancy Jappe
PAGE 14 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - JUNE 25, 2008
Problems noted in treasurer’s office Polk County audit praised for early completion by Gregg Westigard BALSAM LAKE – “Both pieces of your county audit were done early this year,” auditor Douglas Host told the Polk County Finance Committee Monday, June 23. “This is outstanding. It is a credit to the county staff. The county has taken more ownership of its financial reporting. We are submitting a copy of your report for consideration of a Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reports.”?Host, a CPA with Larson Allen, thanked finance director Tonya Weinert and the finance staff for their cooperation in preparing the information and working with his staff. He said there were few adjustments that needed to be made in the reports for the year ending Dec. 31, 2007.?However, some deficiencies and weaknesses were identified and listed in the management letter to the county board. Several of these “findings” were related to the county treasurer’s office. They involved timeliness of deposits and payments, bank reconciliations and computer usage. County treasurer Amanda Nissen was present for the meeting and responded to the issues raised.?Four new findings
were listed. All related to the treasurer’s office. Findings 2007-1 and 2007-2 were labeled significant deficiencies, ones that adversely affect the county’s ability to administer a federal program. 2007-1 was also called a material weakness. 2007-3 was identified as a control deficiency and 2007-4 was listed as an item for consideration.?2007-1 Timeliness of deposits/recording of revenues. The audit says that at various times during the year, moneys received by the county were not deposited on a timely basis. As of Aug. 29, 2007, there were 42 checks totaling $389,921 that were not deposited with the bank. In addition, in April 2008 the auditors found three checks totaling $1,990 that were undeposited. The three were dated from Jan. 1, 2004, through March 1, 2006. Also, tax collections were not reconciled by the treasurer’s office in a timely manner for the year ending Dec. 31, 2007. It was noted that some of the checks were retained by another department before being turned over to the treasurer but that could not be verified. Among other effects of the delay in deposits, it was noted that the county lost the opportunity to earn interest on the money.?20072 timeliness of payments and reports – treasurer’s office. Some payments of
New music addition close to completion by Tammi Milberg ST. CROIX FALLS – There was not a whole lot of business to take care of Tuesday night, June 24, at the regular school board meeting for St. Croix Falls. An update from Superintendent Glenn Martin on the music addition indicated the floors were poured, the roof is on and it is being painted. The music addition is expected to be completed by the first part of August. As a component to the new music addition, the remodeling of the three 600-square-foot math classrooms into two 900-square-foot classrooms should hopefully be done by the start of the school year as well. The existing music space will be remodeled to fit a use for other classrooms during the school
year, but likely won’t be done until next year. The board approved hiring Corey Tanton as the sixth-grade science teacher. The board also approved the professional staff and support staff contracts with NUE for the 2007-2008, 2008-2009 and 2009-2010 school years. The board approved the preliminary budget for the 2008-2009 school year. The board is required to do so by the end of June. Though numbers change such as enrollment, state aid and other unknowns, the preliminary budget for the year is set at $11,663,123. A more concrete budget is approved at the district’s annual meeting in September.
probate fees were not submitted to the state within the prescribed guidelines. In addition, some tax refund overpayments, totaling about $6,000, from July 2004 to Aug. 2007, had not been returned. 2007-3 review of bank reconciliations. There was not documentation presented to show that the monthly bank reconciliations were being reviewed by an employee separate from the preparer. 2007-4 computer usage. Computer usage records indicate that the treasurer’s computer was not logged into the County’s network for 79 of the 245 working days in a 12-month period. Information provided by the treasurer to the auditors show that 33 of the 79 nonlogged in days were working days for the treasurer. In addition, some employee’s Internet usage may have been for personal use which violates county policy. For individuals tested, the highest percentage was approximately 50-60 percent of the Internet usage which did not pertain to county business. [Note: the employee was not named in the audit.] Response from county treasurer Amanda Nissen.?Treasurer Nissen discussed the findings with the finance committee members. These were some of the responses.?Nissen said the largest
undeposited checks, including two main checks for $280,000, were thirdparty health insurance checks. She added that two checks were misfiled and not deposited. The process has now been changed for health insurance checks, Nissen said.?Nissen said the county needs a better policy on moving money to the treasurer’s office. She said there are sometimes delays in getting funds into the office’s hands from the departments.?The delay in refunding double payments of property taxes relates to the question of which party should get the refund when two parties (such as the property owner and an escrow account) each pay the tax.?Nissen said she was in the office during May 2007 when records show she was not logged in at all for the month. She said she had e-mail records to show she was at work during the period and said there was possibly a problem with her machine which was replaced at some time during that period. Nissen added that she may have been working at a different computer while others in the office were not there.?The finance committee will be reviewing the findings and the suggested recommendations further.
OMC donates to athletic department Kelly Hogan of Osceola Medical Center’s Rehabilitation Department checks the flexibility of Rachael Michelson during an athletic screening session recently. Sponsored by OMC and the Osceola schools and athletic departments, the screenings help prepare students interested in sports and cheerleading for the 2008-2009 school year. A second screening day is Thursday, July 31, from 4 to 7 p.m. Proceeds from the screenings will be donated to the school athletic department. For more information or to register, contact OMC’s Rehab Department at 715-2943500. – Photo submitted
Luck Lutheran ABC Express Preschool
The new music addition at the St. Croix Falls High School is taking shape. – Photo by Tammi Milberg
Leader-Telegram begins mail-based delivery EAU CLAIRE - The rising cost of fuel has forced the Eau Claire LeaderTelegram to turn to the U.S. Post Office to get the paper to some of its 23,000 customers. Mike Carlson is the paper’s director of circulation and marketing. He says the company can’t justify delivery to 1,500 people in rural areas. He says under the new plan, they will receive the paper the same day, but in the mail.
Carlson says, for some, that means the Leader-Telegram won’t be a seven-day paper. He says the Sunday paper will come in pieces, with the advertising inserts coming in the mail on Saturday and the Sunday main section arriving in Monday’s mail. The switch starts July 1. – Wisconsin Public Radio (Mary Jo Wagner)
The ABC Express Preschool of the Luck Lutheran Church is celebrating their last day of school with a picnic at the Milltown Park and an ice-cream cone treat at the Milltown Drive Inn. If you are interested in enrolling your 3- to 5-year-old child in the fall ABC Express Preschool program, please call Paula Hischer, director at 715-472-8207. – Photo submitted
JUNE 25, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 15
The rescue of Keith Kennedy
Moments after learning their son had been found, Linda and Bruce Kennedy were driven to a makeshift landing pad for the air ambulance and shared a hug with Sheriff Dean Roland and another officer as they waited for rescuers to bring their son out of the woods.
One last search “Who wants to go with me?” asked Chief Deputy Don Taylor as he headed back into the woods to make a fourth and final search of woods near Canute Creek by Gary King GRANTSBURG - The dense woods west of Trade Lake Camp along Canute Creek had been searched before. Three times before. And volunteers had already spent much of the day Sunday combing the area in search of Keith Kennedy, who had been missing exactly a week. It was late in the day - 6 p.m. Officials were working out details of how they would scale back the search. But Burnett County Sheriff’s Chief Deputy Don Taylor wanted one more search in the Canute Creek area. Dog teams had indicated something going on in that general area during the previous search. “Who wants to go with me?” Taylor asked. The response was overwhelming among the 60 to 70 volunteers who had searched alongside Taylor that day, including groups of firefighters from the Twin Cities area. An hour and a half later, searchers were making their last pass through the area when two of 16 firefighters from South St. Paul - Jim Cotroneo and Gary Ruiz - came upon Kennedy, laying in a fetal postion, naked and covered with dirt, ticks and bug bites.
“We came to a clearing and Jim said ‘he’s right there,’“ said Ruiz. “I said ‘Who?’ and Jim said ‘The one we’re looking for - he’s right there.’“ Kennedy appeared lifeless, but when he moaned, Ruiz and Cotroneo knew they had become part of an Don Taylor incredible success story. The two men yelled for other searchers and they responded, taking turns in helping to carry Kennedy from the wilderness to a waiting pickup truck used to get him the rest of the way to the camp and a waiting air ambulance. Ruiz, who happens to be the nephew of Joe and Kathy Tschida of rural Luck, said the experience was simply “amazing.” When asked about the rescue experience, Taylor, with a big smile on his face, said, "That's what we are paid for." And Maple Grove firefighters, who didn’t hesistate to go back to the woods despite their fatigue for that 11th-hour effort, have adopted a new motto: “One more search.” Nancy Jappe contributed to this story
EMS workers rush to the scene after hearing Kennedy was found.
Emotion on the faces of Bruce and Linda Kennedy and Sheriff Dean Roland is evident as they make their way toward the Trade Lake Camp to await rescuers (below) who arrived not long after in a pickup truck carrying their son, Keith, emaciated from seven days in the wilderness.
Photos by Priscilla Bauer
PAGE 16 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - JUNE 25, 2008
The rescue of Keith Kennedy “It’s just so incredible how everything came together and we came to this point. It’s truly remarkable, and I know I’ve talked about miracles and that’s what I was praying for and I feel like that’s what happened.” - Linda Kennedy Linda Kennedy is overcome with emotion as she waits to see her son after he was rescued Sunday evening.
Photos by Priscilla Bauer
Keith Kennedy was placed on a stretcher and carried to a waiting air ambulance after searchers found him in thick woods, Sunday evening, June 22, culminating a weeklong search for the 25-year-old Minnesota man.
Volunteer searchers hold on to a stretcher carrying Keith Kennedy as they arrive at the Trade Lake Camp (left photo). Kennedy’s parents were able to see their son (photo at right) before he was taken to the air ambulance for transport to University of Minnesota hospital.
Found here
Trade Lake Camp
The map at left shows the location where Kennedy was found, about a mile west of the camp he wandered away from on Sunday, June 15. Above, authorities crossed off areas as they were searched, including the area where Kennedy was found. It’s believed Kennedy had only been at the location where he was found for two or three days.
JUNE 25, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 17
The rescue of Keith Kennedy
Volunteer searchers applaud as they watch the North Memorial air ambulance lift off from the Trade Lake Camp with Keith Kennedy aboard, Sunday evening, June 22. Photos by Priscilla Bauer
Few dry eyes when Kennedy brought out of woods Sheriff Roland gives credit to searchers, volunteers
by Nancy Jappe TOWN OF ANDERSON – When the news filtered back to search headquarters at the Trade Lake Camp Sunday evening, June 22, that Keith Kennedy had been found alive, cheers erupted. Bruce and Linda Kennedy asked Sheriff Dean Roland what was going on - and Roland grabbed them and led them to his squad car. “You’re son has been located,” he said. “Come with me.” In the car, the sheriff told them that their son was alive. The couple was very quiet, sitting with their hands drawn up as if they were praying, Roland said. With siren blaring, the sheriff followed the ambulance to the first site chosen for the helicopter to land. Once the helicopter had landed, they went over to see their son. "They didn't say anything, but it was just awesome joy," Roland said. “There was recognition on Keith’s part,” he said, adding the words “unbelievable adulation,” and “everybody clapped, their hearts went out for the effort that had been done.” Roland praised the efforts made by everyone who was involved in the search for Kennedy. “This was an outstanding community effort, an outstanding response from professional firefighters, the DNR, law enforcement and an outpouring of support from the community in finances, equipment and manpower resources. It was an unbelievable response, and not just from Burnett County. There were people there from North Dakota, Chicago and the Twin Cities,” he commented. A list is being made of the locations from which volunteers showed up to help in the search. Praise was also given to the media whose constant coverage kept interest up in finding Kennedy, an autistic, mentally handicapped individual. “My hat goes off to all the media,” Roland said, indicating that without the media effort, there may not have been the numbers of volunteers, from 300 to 450 a day, plus 80-100 professionals, who showed up to beat the bushes in the attempt to locate Kennedy. Roland also gave credit to Wisconsin Emergency Management in Madison, saying that personnel there, when asked for help, scoured the state and provided all the help they could muster, and to the tremendous support given by neighboring Polk County. As to what kept Kennedy alive, Roland said there were leaves and grass to eat and water in a nearby creek to drink. Kennedy, however, was apparently suffering from dehydration and exposure when he was found. The next day, hospital personnel in the Twin Cities were monitoring him for effects from this and damage related to a past kidney replacement. Just because the formal search was close to being called off didn’t mean that efforts to find Kennedy would have ceased. There had been indication on computer and through dog hits that there was something going on in the area, and flyers would be circulated and law enforcement and fire services would be in the area for a day or two longer. “The effort would have continued,” Roland said, “not quite on the scale that it was. “We deal with so much that is negative,” he went on. “When you get a positive thing, this is wonderful. This is the outcome we always hope for and don’t have that much opportunity to see.”
Sheriff Dean Roland (left photo) and Sheriff’s Deputy Ron Wilhelm (right photo) applaud as the air helicopter leaves the landing site at Trade Lake Camp, carrying Keith Kennedy to a Twin Cities hospital, and safey.
Bruce Kennedy shared his elation with searchers and EMS personnel after his son, Keith, was rescued, Sunday evening.
Kennedy’s condition improves in first days at hospital MINNEAPOLIS - A few more hours in the wilderness and Keith Kennedy likely would have died, according to Dr. Timothy Whelan of the University of Minnesota Medical Center, Fairview. “He’s very, very lucky,” Whelan said at a press conference Monday, June 23. It took 12 hours to get Kennedy’s temperature from 84 degrees back up to the normal body temperature of 98 degrees. He was listed in critical condition Monday. Kennedy may need dialysis as he went without anti-rejection medication for the kidney transplant he underwent 14 years ago. He has a mild case of pneumonia, and he’ll be monitored for Lyme disease as ticks were still being pulled off. He was found naked, filthy, covered with ticks
and bug bites, laying in a fetal position on a bed of grass in a densely wooded area. “We kept saying, ‘he’s not in this stuff,’ - who would go in this stuff voluntarily?’“ said his mother, Linda. “But yet that’s where he went.” As to being found without clothes, Whelan said it's not unusual for hypothermia victims to think they're hot and take their clothes off. Burnett County Sheriff Dean Roland asked the Kennedys if he could call back to find out Keith's condition later in the week as people in the area are so concerned about him. They assured Roland that the phone call would be welcome. - Gary King with information from Minneapolis Star-Tribune
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Another former Frederic athlete to face brain surgery by Brenda Sommerfeld FREDERIC – While watching schoolmate, teammate and friend Marty Niles fight a battle with a brain tumor discovered back in April, Brody Measner recently learned he is faced with a tumor and surgery of his own. Though not the same type of tumor, both Measner and Niles will have been through brain surgery during their early 20s. For the past five months, Measner has noticed his hearing slipping away from him in his right ear. More recently, while playing softball and baseball, he also noticed his sight judgment was off and he has been having trouble with balance. After going to his regular physician, he was referred to an ear, nose and throat specialist at St. Croix Regional Medical Center. The specialist told him he had only 5 percent of his hearing left in his right ear. “It got to the point where I’d put a
indication of the tumor. They told Measner that this type of tumor does not usually happen to people until around the age of 45. Because Measner is so young, the doctors say it’s almost unheard of. With this being the case, the doctors have shown concern, telling him he will need to go in for periodic scans in his lifetime to make sure he doesn’t develop tumors on other nerves in his body. The bad news is that the hearing in Measner’s right ear will never return. The doctors have said, however, that in most cases, after removing the tumor, the balance and sight issues should improve if not return back to normal. “If all I get is a deaf ear out of this whole thing, I’m pretty happy with that,” he said. To keep updated visit www.caringbridge.org/visit/brodymeasner.
Brody Measner stands with parents Sandy and Richard Measner after returning from meeting with surgeons who will perform his surgery at the University of Minnesota. – Photo by Brenda Sommerfeld phone up to my right ear and I’d hear muffles,” Measner explained. “Someone was trying to talk but what they were saying - I had no clue.” Following an MRI about three weeks ago, Measner was told he had a tennis ball-sized tumor growing on his right ear nerve. Called an acoustic neuroma, it’s a noncancerous tumor that is attached to his right ear nerve, pushing against both his brain and brain stem. It is, however, not connected to his brain in any way. The first hospital he was referred to told him he would go through a 12- to 15-hour surgery, giving him a 50-50 chance of his face being paralyzed. Not happy with that analysis and wanting a second opinion, Measner went to the U of M hospital. There he met with one of the two doctors who would perform the surgery. A brain surgeon and an ear surgeon, who have worked together for 25 years, would perform the procedure together. “I thought we were going to meet with both surgeons and hopefully set up the surgery, but with one surgeon
gone, we didn’t get to do that,” Measner stated. With the ear surgeon out of town, the brain surgeon told him he expects the surgery to be about eight hours long and hopefully less than a month of hospital recovery time. The surgery will be done at the U of M and the date should be set in the next two weeks. Measner learned that this tumor has probably been growing on his ear for about six years. It is a slow-growing tumor, which grows a millimeter per month, so there should not be a problem with the two-week wait until surgery can be scheduled. This brain surgeon was also very confident there would be no nerve damage to Measner’s face. “I’m pretty happy about that,” Measner said. “He said him and his partner (the ear surgeon) do these surgeries all the time. They’ve done like 800 of them. He said that usually 90 percent come out normal.” Measner has not experienced any numbness or nerve damage in his face thus far, which is a good indication that he should not have any after surgery. The doctors found it unusual that there was no numbness to his face as an
Many people showed support to Marty Niles II and his family during the fundraisers held over Frederic Family Days weekend June 20-22. Pictured (L to R): Marty’s girlfriend Ashley Close, sister Jessica Niles, mother Kathy Niles and father Marty Niles Sr. – Photo by Brenda Sommerfeld
Marty Niles II continues his battle at the Regions Hospital in St. Paul, Minn. – Photo from CaringBridge Web site
Brody Measner is a 2006 graduate and former athlete of Frederic High School. – Special photo
Marty Niles update Marty Niles continues his battle at the Regions Hospital in St. Paul, Minn. after having a brain tumor and two major brain surgeries. He has finished his first round of chemotherapy and will start the next round June 30 in hopes of extinguishing the cancer. Benefits were held for Niles and his family during the Frederic Family Days celebration June 20-22. “Thank you again for your support,” Niles mom and dad say on the CaringBridge Web site. “Keep on pray-
Extra Points ••• LUCK – The New Richmond at Amery Legion baseball game can be heard on WXCE 1260 AM at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 26. ••• MILWAUKEE – Milwaukee Brewers games featured on WXCE 1260 AM can be heard on the following dates: The June 27, 28 and 29 series against the Twins can be heard at 7, 6 and 1 p.m. respectively. June 30-July 2 series at Arizona can be heard at 8:30 p.m. all three nights. ••• MINNEAPOLIS – Minnesota Twins games featured on WLMX 104.9 FM can be heard on the following dates: The June 27, 28 and 29 Brewers at Twins series begins at 7, 6 and 1 p.m. respectively. The Detroit at Twins series on June 30 and July 1 begins at 7 p.m. both nights. The July 2 Detroit at Twins game begins at noon. ••• LEADER LAND – Local sports tidbits to share? Please contact the Leader by 4 p.m. on Tuesdays to go in Extra Points! – Marty Seeger and Brenda Sommerfeld ••• LEADER LAND – Leader Sports strives to follow the college careers of area athletes. If you know of an athlete who will be playing collegiate sports in 2008 and hasn’t been mentioned, send us an e-mail and we’ll take it from there. – Marty Seeger and Brenda Sommerfeld
SPORTS RESULTS DEADLINES: WEDNESDAY - MONDAY: 1 p.m. the following business day. TUESDAY: 10 p.m. 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 o r b r e n d a l s @ c e n t u r y t e l . n e t
JUNE 25, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 19
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Blue A’s suffer through tough week
up two walks and two earned runs. He also had three strikeouts. Nick Johnson, Cory Gebhard, Vold, Marcus Campbell and Ben Anderson each picked up one hit, with Campbell getting the teams only RBI of the game.
Turn it around Tuesday night by Marty Seeger NEW RICHMOND – The Blue A’s battled New Richmond on Thursday, June 19, losing 4-2. St. Croix Falls scored first with one run in the first, and scored again in the third. Nick Johnson scored twice and went 2-3 for the Blue A’s and Will Ball went 2-2. New Richmond scored three runs in the second inning, and according to coach Scott Lindholm, it came down to the teams defensive efforts, as they totaled four errors in the game. “Rough week for Blue A’s,” Lindholm said. “Sloppy defense cost us
Matt Vold (far right) gets congratulated by teammates after a two-run homer in the second inning against Somerset. Vold was just short of hitting for the cycle, as he tripled, singled twice and homered, but he fell short of hitting a double. - Photos by Marty Seeger
Marcus Campbell gave up just one hit against Somerset in the first game played Tuesday, June 24.
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some W’s and cost our pitchers of some deserved success. We are struggling with the routine plays, and psychologically we need to improve [on] focus, [and] desire. Not having a couple of our horses hurt in a few games as well.” Ball was on the mound against New Richmond and allowed just three hits and walked one, while recording seven strikeouts. Matt Vold and Austin Whittenberger had the team’s other two hits with one apiece. Ball and Vold each had one RBI. Losses continue for Blue A’s BRAHAM, Minn. – The Blue A’s con-
tinued to keep the game close, but eventually fell to Braham 3-1 in seven innings of play. “We have been in every game and had the opportunity to win every game, yet we are 7-7 with our seven losses by a combined 10-run differential...so close—it’s all mental,” said coach Scott Lindholm. It was a close game indeed Friday, June 20, as Braham popped out to an early 2-0 lead. It remained 2-0 Braham until the Blue A’s picked up a run in the fourth inning. Matt Vold pitched a solid game for St. Croix Falls, allowing six hits and giving
St. Croix Falls 15, Somerset 1 ST. CROIX FALLS – A huge fourth inning for the Blue A’s Legion team Tuesday, June 25 gave them an easy win in the first game of a doubleheader. The game started with a single from Gus Koecher followed by a two-run homer over the center field fence by Matt Vold. The Blue A’s picked up another run in the second and two in the third before scoring 10 runs on nine hits in the fouth inning. Nick Johnson started the inning with a lead-off single, and Cory Gebhard smashed an RBI double into left center field. Koecher singled, Matt Vold tripled, and Will Ball doubled before Somerset recorded the first out of the inning. Gebhard picked up his second RBI of the inning on a single and Koecher picked up his third RBI on the inning with a two RBI double. Koecher and Vold went 4-4 with each having four runs scored and four RBIs each. Vold was a double short of hitting for the cycle. Gebhard was 2-3 with three runs scored, Ben Anderson hit 2-3 with two RBIs. Marcus Campbell had his first start giving up just one hit with six walks and six strikeouts. St. Croix Falls 6, Somerset 3 ST. CROIX FALLS – Nathan Gravesen well in his first start giving up four hits, three walks and three strikeouts. Spencer Walters had a big two-out, twoRBI singles in the second inning for the Blue A’s, and Josh Larcom had two different two-out RBI singles. The hits helped the Blue A’s to their second win of the night against Somerset.
Willow, Chetek Hydroflites season under way Kelsey Willow of St. Croix Falls begins third season with Chetek Hydroflites
downtown Chetek on Lakeview Drive, adjacent to the city boat landing.
by Marty Seeger CHETEK – Last summer the Leader featured St. Croix Falls student Kelsey Willow and her involvement with the Chetek Hydroflites water ski team. Willow will be a junior this fall at St. Croix Falls High School, and is in her third season with the Hydroflites, who perform for free, mostly on Thursdays and Sundays, Kelsey Willow throughout the summer. Roughly 75-100 members are part of the Hydroflites ski team, and about 40 members of all ages perform in the events, depending on their skill level. Some of the performances include swivel skiing, barefooting, shoe skiing, trick skiing, pyramids, jumping and others performances as well. Each performance lasts for about 11/2 hours and each year the team performs to a different show theme. This year’s theme is Reality Ski V, based on
Performances take place at the Chetek ski site located on Lakeview Drive adjacent to the city boat landing. All shows begin with a preshow at 6:30 p.m. with the regular show beginning at 7 p.m. Show dates are: Thursday June 26 Saturday June 28 Sunday June 29 Thursday July 3 Friday July 4 Saturday July 4 Sunday July 6 Thursday July 10 Sunday July 13 Thursday July 24 Sunday July 27 Thursday July 31 *Sunday August 3 Thursday August 7 Thursday August 14 Sunday August 17 Thursday August 21 Sunday August 24 *performance at 4 and 4:30 p.m.
Kelsey Willow is shown here in her third year of skiing with the Chetek Hydroflites along with her strap doubles partner, Dan Mortinson of Cameron. The photo was taken at the first performance of the summer, on Thursday, June 12. – Photos submitted reality TV shows. Every show begins with a preshow at 6:30 p.m., with the regular show beginning a 7 p.m. There is no charge for the show, except that free-will donations are accepted at intermission. Food and beverages are also served at the concession stands. If anyone is interested or wants to get
involved, the Hydroflites team encourages those who wish to get involved with the show to contact them. They are also willing to train kids how to ski. Visit www.hydroflites.com for more information. The location of each show is at the Chetek ski site located one mile east of
PAGE 20 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - JUNE 25, 2008
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Three-on-three Family Days basketball
Pictured (L to R): Josh Harlander, Waylon Buck, Dayton Rivera and Ray Kurkowski made up the team that won first place in the three-on-three basketball tournament in the seventh- to eighth-grade division during Family Days. – Photos submitted
2008 12th-annual junior high invitational results AA Northwood 3-0 Shell Lake 2-1 Osceola 2-1 Grantsburg-7 2-1 Solon Springs 1-2 Amery 0-3 AAA Grantsburg 3-0 Blooming Valley 3-0 Barron 2-1 Tri-City Rebels 1-2 St. Croix Falls 0-3 Luck 0-3 Siren-Webster 0-2
These five were the fourth- through sixth-grade winners during the three-onthree basketball tournament on Saturday, June 21. Back row (L to R): Chloe Wanink, Lenin Guzman and Mckenzie Otto. Front row: Austin Ennis and Alexis Boossy.
Jake Sommer of St. Croix Falls was the overall AAA baserunning champion with a time of 9.4 seconds.
These three high school boys (L to R): Alec Mortel, Roger Steen and Cole Mortel won their division in the three-on-three basketball tournament. The tournament was held Saturday, June 21, hosted by the Frederic Booster Club.
Baserunning teams who finished in the top three included (L to R): third place, Jesse Riennicke and Eric Blaser of Luck; first place, Brandon Shutt and Austin Hochstetlet of Blooming Valley; and second place, Jake Sommer and Rob Hellig of St. Croix Falls.
The Grantsburg AAA team took the overall championship last weekend, June 20-22, during the 12th-annual junior high invitational at the Siren Ballpark. – Photos courtesy www.sirenballpark.net
Milltown Softball Milk Tournament correction
During the Milltown Softball Milk Tournament held June 13-15, the Swerkstrom Excavating junior team took second place. They came from the losing bracket to bring home the second-place trophy. It was listed incorrectly as TL Enterprises taking this prize in the June 18 edition of the Leader. Swerkstrom actually took second place and TL Enterprises took third. – Photo submitted
JUNE 25, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 21
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Luck Legion takes two over Grantsburg
First game goes seven innings Luck 2, Grantsburg 1 by Brenda Sommerfeld LUCK – The Luck versus Grantsburg Legion first game on Tuesday, June 24, took longer than the usual five innings. The two teams stayed tied 1-1 until Luck scored their second run in the bottom of the seventh winning it 2-1. Jamison Gross scored Luck’s first run during the third inning. He got to first with Grantsburg fielder choosing the runner coming to second. Gross then stole second and third base and made it home on Grantsburg’s fielders choice of taking out Mitch Larson at first. Brady Klatt crossed home plate with the winning run, after his, Logan Hacker and Taylor Horsehager’s singles. Grantsburg’s one and only run came in by Ben Larson. Larson had hit a single. Brent Meyer hit a single and made it to second while Larson crossed home on a Luck outfielder’s error. Both teams had five total hits and both team’s pitchers had five strikeouts during the game. Luck 5, Grantsburg 2 LUCK – The second game went the normal five innings with Luck beating Grantsburg 5-2. Both teams took their big scoring inning during the first inning ending it 4-2. Luck’s Jamison Gross, Mitch Larson and Harry Severson-Dickinson were the first three batters and the first three runs. Severson-Dickinson hit a double bringing in the other two. Bryson Clemenson brought in Severson-
Luck Legion player Jamison Gross slides safely into second base against Grantsburg on Tuesday, June 24. – Photos by Brenda Sommerfeld Dickinson and Clemenson came in on a fielder’s choice. Grantsburg scored their two in the first inning. Dylan Marohn and Trent Bonneville crossed home plate on errors by the Luck team.
Severson-Dickinson went 2-2 for Luck, while Gross went 2-3. Grantsburg’s Bonneville and Marohn each were 1-2 in this game.
Logan Hacker hurled the ball for the Luck Legion team on Tuesday night.
Grantsburg splits wins with Osceola Luck gets one over Cumberland
Luck 8, Cumberland 2
Grantsburg 5, Osceola 0 by Brenda Sommerfeld GRANTSBURG – With Grantsburg’s starters on the field, they had no problem shutting out Osceola, 5-0, during the first game on Thursday, June 19. Osceola’s one and only hit off pitcher Trent Bonneville came in the first inning. Bonneville walked four but was backed up by his defense, not letting any runs come in. Grantsburg, on the other hand, brought five runners home during their four innings. Two came in right away in the first. With two outs, Bonneville and Thane Larson were brought in on Brent Myers’ double. Myers was then left stranded while the next batter was thrown out at first. After a quick second inning, Grantsburg scored two more in the bottom of the third. Austin Eskola walked to first after being hit by a pitch and was brought home by Bonneville as the next batter. Bonneville made it to second and decided to try for third where he was called out by the tag. Larson scored the second run, being brought in by Jake Ryan’s double. Brad Berner scored the fifth run in the fourth while Dylan Marohn was tagged out on a rundown between first and second base.
Osceola player is called safe at third after Grantsburg’s third baseman drops the ball. – Photo by Brenda Sommerfeld Osceola 12, Grantsburg 2 GRANTSBURG – Osceola took off with a big lead and kept it for a 12-2 win over Grantsburg during the second game on Thursday, June 19. Grantsburg started the first inning with a 1-1 tie. Russ Thoreen started out pitching. Thoreen scored the one run on errors by Osceola’s infield. Osceola took the game over in the second with five runs and secured it in
the next three innings, scoring six more. Four hits were all Osceola earned, while many made base by walks from the three different pitchers Grantsburg put on the mound. Gavin Meyer scored the second run for Grantsburg, being brought in by Seth Odegard.
by Marty Seeger LUCK – The Luck Legion baseball team came out firing in the first game of their doubleheader against Cumberland on Thursday, June 20. Two runs scored in the first inning with a leadoff walk from Jamison Gross, which eventually set up Harry Severson-Dickinson with a two-run shot far beyond the left field fence. Luck smashed another eight total hits in the second inning to score another six runs, making it an 8-0 lead. Gross, Mitch Larson and Severson-Dickinson each singled in the inning and Collin Svoboda hit a double. Gary Eckholm, Bryson Clemenson and Logan Hacker each hit singles as well. The bats went fairly silent for Luck for the better half of the game, and although Cumberland scored a pair of runs late in the game, the first was an easy win for the Luck legion. SeversonDickinson led the team with two hits and four RBIs, and Svoboda pitched five innings with six strikeouts, five walks, and allowed just three hits. Cumberland 13, Luck 3 LUCK – Luck came out a different team in the second game against Cumberland, which came down to walks according to coach Wayne Dickinson. “The first game went well, the second was a case of too many walks,”
See Baseball/next page
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Despite Grantsburg catcher’s efforts, Osceola scores a run during their matchup on Thursday, June 19. – Photo by Brenda Sommerfeld
Baseball/continued Dickinson said. Luck walked six Cumberland batters in the first two innings of play, then another six in the third inning. Cumberland jumped out to a commanding lead and Luck managed to make it an 11-3 game in the in the bottom of the third inning, but Cumberland kept at it for the win.
Jamison Gross, Mitchell Larson, Gary Eckholm, Jake Meyer, Taylor Horsehager and Johnson all had a hit for Luck in the game for a total of six.
Luck Legion third baseman, Bryson Clemenson, connects with the ball in a game against Cumberland last Thursday, June 19. - Photo by Marty Seeger
Eagles earn one over Somerset BALSAM LAKE – The Eagles Legion squad split a pair of games with Somerset on Thursday, June 19, with a 12-1 loss in the first game followed by a 6-2 win in the second game. Unity was shorthanded players for both games
but managed to use what they had to pull out victory in the second game. Luke Nelson had a big two RBI triple to put the Eagles on top 4-2. Eric Goulet followed that with an RBI single. In the bottom of the second inning Dennis McKinney hit an infield single for an
LEADER S P O R T S S C O R E B O A R D LEGION BASEBALL
St. Croix Valley Legion League Team St. Croix Falls Luck Unity Grantsburg
Overall 5-6 7-1-3 3-6 3-7
Scores Thursday, June 19 New Richmond 4, St. Croix Falls 2 Luck 8, Cumberland 2 Cumberland 13, Luck 3 Grantsburg 5, Osceola 0 Osceola 12, Grantsburg 2 Somerset 12, Unity 1 Unity 6, Somerset 2 Friday, June 20 Braham 3, St. Croix Falls 1 Tuesday, June 24 St. Croix Falls 15, Somerset 1 St. Croix Falls 6, Somerset 3 Luck 2, Grantsburg 1 Luck 5, Grantsburg 2
Coming up Thursday, June 26 5:30 p.m. St. Croix Falls at Baldwin Unity at Grantsburg Luck at Cumberland Friday, June 27 5:30 p.m. Luck at St. Croix Falls Grantsburg at Cumberland New Richmond at Unity Monday, June 30 5:30 p.m. All-Star game at Cumberland
INDEPENDENT BASEBALL Southwest Group
Team Grantsburg Honkers Siren Steelers Webster Orioles
Overall 4-2 0-2 0-2
Scores Friday, June 20 Grantsburg at Hayward Saturday, June 21 Grantsburg vs Hayward Sunday, June 22 Brill at Webster
Coming up
St. Croix Valley Overall 4-8
Scores Saturday, June 21 Menomonie 4, Bandits1 Sunday, June 22 Hudson 3, Bandits 1
SLOW-PITCH SOFTBALL Falun Church League
Team Falun Churches Calvary Covenant Siren Assembly Siren Covenant/Bethany Webster Baptist Trade Lake Baptist Faith Lutheran Living Hope/Grace West Sweden/Zion Lutheran Trade River Free Frederic Free
Overall 5-0 5-1 5-1 4-1 4-1 3-2 1-4 1-4 1-5 0-5 0-5
Scores Thursday, June 19 Siren Assembly 14, Trade River Free 7 Siren Assembly 20, Siren Covenant/Bethany 1 Webster Baptist 3, Trade River Free 1 Friday, June 20 Falun Churches 38, West Sweden/Zion Lutheran 3 Trade Lake Baptist 15, Frederic Free 7 Calvary Covenant 9, Living Hope/Grace 8
Siren Ballpark Men’s League Team Sundown Church League Team Hole in the Wall Chell Well Pour House 1 Fur, Fins & Feathers Pour House 2 Century 21 Gjonnes Construction Da Crew
Overall 5-0 4-1 3-2 3-2 3-2 2-3 2-3 2-3 1-4 0-5
Scores
Saturday, June 28 1 p.m. Webster at Cumberland 6 p.m. Siren at Grantsburg Sunday, June 29 1 p.m. Knights at Siren Grantsburg at Stanberry Webster at Seeley Team St. Croix River Bandits
Coming up Friday, June 27 8 p.m. Bandits vs Rum River at Cambridge Saturday, June 28 1 p.m. Bandits vs Staples at Cambridge Saturday, June 29 12 p.m. Bandits vs TBD at Cambridge
Wednesday, June 18 Pour House 1 21, Gjonnes Construction 18 Sundown 17, Fur, Fins & Feathers 2 Church League Team 28, Da Crew 0 Hole in the Wall 20, Century 21 10 Chell Well 19, Pour House 2 19
Siren Ballpark Women’s League Team Chell Trucking/The Beehive Smith Family Eye Care Skol Bar Wizards Coyland Creek H Town Girls Mauer Construction
Overall 5-0 3-2 3-2 3-2 3-2 1-4 0-5
Scores Monday, June 23 Chell Trucking 18, H Town Girls 3 Coyland Creek 10, Mauer Construction 5 Wizards 15, Smith Family Eye Care 14
Area Man Reconnects with Roots A former Frederic athlete who has been forced to live in Madison in recent years said it was a real thrill for himself and his son to join the thousands of fans from Minnesota and n o r t h w e s t THE SPORTS Wisconsin who came to Miller Park to cheer on the Twins on June 14. “The atmosphere was positively electric,” he said of the 12-inning, 94 Twins victory. He indicated there seemed to be a real sense of brotherhood among the Twins fans as they celebrated the victory. Twins Manager Ron Gardenhire was quoted in the St Paul Pioneer press as saying a trip to Miller Park seems almost like a home game for his charges. Presumably there will be a few cheeseheads over in the Metrodome this weekend, but hopefully they won’t outnumber Twins fans. Meanwhile, the Brewers have also been playing great ball of late and it will be interesting to see if the Twins lately-dependable, young hurlers can again suppress the potent Brewer bats of the likes of Ryan Braun, Prince Fielder, Cory Hart, and Mike Cameron. If you can’t make it to the Dome you can listen to the Twins long after the sun goes down on the crystal clear airwaves of local radio station FM 104.9. (see extra points section) Ironman; not the movie What more can be said about the thrilling and heartwarming news that the lost young man, Keith Kennedy, was found alive and is steadily improving in the hospital.
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RBI to make it a 6-2 final. The Eagles Tuesday, June 24 game scheduled at Osceola was cancelled due to a lack of players on the Unity team.
Obviously heartfelt kudos must go out to the workers and volunteers who dedicated an entire week to the noble task of search and rescue. But one has to be utterly amazed that Kennedy was able to survive in the woods alone this time of year. If you’ve spent much time in the heart of the woods in the heat of June, July, August and early September you know it is not a pleasant place to be. Oh sure, perhaps an old growth forest with a full leaf canopy and a relatively brush-free floor might be a tolerable place for a woodland stroll, but these were not the conditions under which Kennedy endured. This past week I’ve been catching up on some wood cutting and splitting which should’ve been done in April and have found that the nettles, itchweed, prickly ash, mosquitoes, flies, and ticks make the woodland experience something that can barely be tolerated in 45 minute increments, even with a jar of water sitting on a nearby stump. Kennedy’s survival was truly an athletic feat in its own right. A night or two after the rescue, a man who had just returned from the woods was discussing the event with a local homemaker. To put the matter in perspective he suggested that she walk into the woods in a bathing suit in the middle of the day and see how long she was able to handle the conditions. Unfortunately, the homemaker merely shuddered and said “I can’t imagine what he went through,” thinking the comment was merely rhetorical in nature. In actuality, the man was hoping to see the homemaker in her bathing suit. Oh well. In any event, hat’s off to Keith Kennedy, the odds-on favorite to win the 2008 title of Ironman of the Year.
JUNE 25, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 23
O UTDOORS INTER! COUNTY LEADER
ATVs • BIRDING • BOATING • CAMPING • FISHING • HIKING • HUNTING • RECREATIONAL VEHICLES
Bluegill bite still on despite late start
While many of our lakes in the southern areas of Polk County are nearing the end of the peak spawning period for bluegill, there’s still time to chase those tasty critMarty ters before the week Seeger ends. It sounds a little fishy to be talking of spawning bluegills The this late in June, but with the fluctuation Bottom Line in temperatures we’ve been having lately, bluegills can still be found in the shallows in some area lakes. By taking a drive farther north, or simply finding some of the deeper lakes you still have a great chance at putting yourself on a bed of nice gills. “It depends on what lake you’re on...a lot of the shallower lakes are done, some of the medium sized to deeper lakes [the bluegills] are probably still on their beds,” says fisheries biologist Heath Benike. If weather temperatures remain steady with highs reaching near 80 degrees over the next few days, Benike says things should be wrapping up as far as fish spawning goes in this area. But a late spawn like this hasn’t happened for about 8 or 10 years according to Benike. “Its almost three to four weeks behind where it normally is this time of year, but most of that is water temperature dependent,” He said.
Typically, bluegill spawning takes place near Memorial Day weekend, plus or minus one week. Although it varies somewhat, with normal spawning patterns it only takes about two weeks for bluegills to complete the spawning cycle. It doesn’t take long for the females to come in and lay eggs, followed by an influx of males to guard them. For bluegills and bass alike, peak spawning takes place when water temperatures range between 65 and 70 degrees. And that’s about where our water temperatures are at right now, but some of the lakes in the area have been having trouble remaining at those constant temperatures due to the fluctuating weather. Although the weather conditions have had an impact on spawning for bluegill and bass, it doesn’t raise much concern for fisheries biologists such as Benike. He and others have been discussing what impact it might have, but they haven’t seen any failed bass or panfish numbers in recent years. In some cases, it could be beneficial for some lakes, as well as for fish that normally have spawned early in the spring such as walleye and northern pike. “A lot of lakes probably have too many bass, but we’ll see how things look this fall,” Benike said. DNR fisheries crews will be back out this fall to do surveys to test how the spring spawning seasons went, and since this type of weather hasn’t happened for about 10 years Benike said he’s interested to see how the bass and panfish spawning seasons faired in comparison to other years. Until that time, Benike says there is still plenty of opportunity out there to catch a nice batch of bluegill. In most cases, the farther north you go, the bet-
Chunky bluegills pushing a pound or better like this one can still be found on many area lakes. - Photo by Marty Seeger ter the chances are of finding them on spawning beds. Since water temperatures can vary dramatically from lake to lake, the deeper, cooler lakes are a great start. Benike said that after speaking with folks in areas as far north as Bayfield and Douglas counties, they are just getting under way as far as spawning bluegills are concerned, so those looking for some fast bluegill action can still find it farther north. On one occasion last week Benike said he checked a lake in the southern part of the area and found bluegills to be off the spawning beds, but talked to anglers 30 miles north who were finding some of the best bluegill fishing in years. Columnaris bacteria hitting lakes With water temperatures hitting the
65-70 degree range on our lakes, the columnaris bacteria could be appearing on a lake near you. But Benike says there is nothing to be concerned about at this point. The bacteria mainly affects bluegill, crappie, yellow perch and bullheads, which are already stressed from spawning. “It usually clears up within about seven to 10 days after it starts,” Benike said. The bacteria is not to be confused with VHS, which, according to the DNR tends to occur at temperatures less than 60 degrees. Benike said if anglers start seeing large numbers of dead nonpanfish species such as walleye, northern pike, carp or largemouth bass to contact the DNR or local fisheries biologists.
State parks in northern Wisconsin open SPOONER – All state parks, trails, and forests day-use and camping facilities are open in northern Wisconsin. The public is invited to come out and enjoy! “The northern part of the state especially did not get the heavy rain falls that areas in the middle and southern parts of the state got,” said acting lands leader, Tim Miller, “all of our parks here in the north are open and waiting for you to enjoy.” A few state parks in southern Wisconsin have been closed because of rain damage, however, most parks in the state are open for business. “We want to be sure that our park users arrive to the quality park experience they have come to expect from us,
so we have just a few properties not ready for visitors. The majority of parks are open and your reservation is good,” Miller said. Wisconsin State Park and Trail conditions as of June 17 Some other state trails and park facilities are also temporarily closed in southern and central Wisconsin. Check the Wisconsin State Parks Web site [www.wiparks.net] for the most recent condition reports before traveling. Parks • Devils Lake State Park is closed through at least June 25. The nearby Parfrey’s Glen State Natural Area is also closed.
• Rocky Arbor was closed to camping until Friday, June 20, at which time a limited number of campsites were open Friday and Saturday nights, June 20 and 21. Day-use facilities are open from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., Sunday through Thursday and will be open regular hours on the weekend. • Wildcat Mountain State Park is closed through June 29. • Kettle Moraine North. The horse trails are closed. • Governor Dodge State Park. Horse campground and horse and bike trails are closed. Trails • Elroy-Sparta Trail closed all sections due to mudslides.
• 400 Trail closed between Wonewoc and Reedsburg. • Glacial Drumlin Trail closed at Crawfish and Rock Rivers. With the exception of the properties listed, all other state parks and state trails remain open and operational. However, some trails, boat landings and beaches are also closed at some state parks. Users should call the state park property or check online at for current conditions. If people want to find out more about state parks they should check the Department of Natural Resources Web site at www.dnr.gov. – from the Wisconsin DNR
McKenzie fishing derby boasts big numbers by Marty Seeger ST. CROIX FALLS – The fifth-annual Neil McKenzie Youth Fishing Derby was held on Deer Lake Saturday, June 21, with perfect weather and loads of participation. Over 100 kids and 50 to 60 parents participated in the event, along with the help of 29 bass boats and six pontoons. The Amery Bass Club and the Buck and Bassers Club based in St. Croix Falls, were just a couple of the groups who made the event possible, as well as a big help from Paula and Eric Hermansen. Nearly 50 volunteers added their assistance to help make the
event possible. At least one musky, close to 40 inches, was caught by one of the guides and netted by a participating family. The fish was released, and a bass weighing just over 5 pounds was caught by Nathanael Gatten, who is a cousin of the late Neil McKenzie. Loads of sunfish and a handful of crappies were boated, and numbers of smaller bass were caught as well. The youth fishing derby is co-sponsored by the Polk County Sportsmen’s Club, and the friends and family of Neil McKenzie.
A pontoon filled with folks from the Clayton area enjoyed a beautiful day on Deer Lake last Saturday. - Photo by Marty Seeger
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More from the McKenzie fishing contest
A large group was on hand for the Fifth-annual Neil McKenzie Youth Fishing Derby held on Deer Lake Saturday, June 21. - Photo submitted
A four generation family participated in the McKenzie fishing contest Saturday. Back row (L to R) Judy Maier (Fox Creek), Lauryl Flatten (Balsam Nathan (L) and Adam Vitalis of Taylors Falls, Minn., waited patiently to get Lake), Merissa Edwards, Autom Afdahl and Bryn Afdahl. Front row: Jaxon and out on Deer lake for a day of fishing. - Photos by Marty Seeger unless otherwise Caden Edwards and Kiara Afdahl. The Edwards family is from Duluth, Minn., and the Afdahl family is from Hammond. - Photo submitted noted
Cullen Gatten of St. Croix Falls sported a big Ridge Sigsworth of Amery had smile as he got help taking his bluegill off the too many fish to carry on Saturday hook. morning.
Nathanael Gatten caught a 5-1/4Kids enjoy time at the minpound bass on Deer Lake, which was now races as a small frog the largest fish registered at the tourlooks from the ledge. nament. - Photo submitted
5th-annual Neil McKenzie Youth Fishing Derby results Ages 2-6:
Perch First place: Kenedi Brenne Second place: Jos Nickelson Crappie, rock bass First place: Drew Niles Second place: Adam Vitalis Sunfish First place: Layton Borst Second place: Colin Truttmann Bass First place: Gunner Hasselquist Second place: Kenedi Brenne
Ages 7-9
Perch First place: Hunter Brenne Second place: Alexus McKenzie Crappie, rock bass First place: Lillyan Sigsworth Second place: Tyler Peterson Sunfish First place: Lillyan Sigsworth Second place: The Edwards twins Bass First place: Daniel Hasselquist Second place: Ridge Sigsworth
Ages 10-12
Perch First place: Greta Amtsbauer Second place: Devin Jorde Crappie, rock bass First place: Max Praschak Second place: Jorgen Stevens Sunfish First place: Bailey Hansen Second place: Elise Coddington Bass First place: Nathanael Gatten Second place: Tanner Peterson
Ages 13-16
Perch First place: Nick Hoag Second place: Taylor Mallin Crappie, rock bass First place: Mikey Alexson Sunfish First place: Nick Hoag Second place: Taylor Mallin Bass First place: Steven Chaussee Second place: Allen Goodrum
JUNE 25, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 25
Burnett County criminal court Bryt L. Jeske, 27, Amery, OWI, $957.00, alcohol assessment, 10-day jail sentence, Huber release granted, license revoked 14 months. Troy R. Larrabee, 40, Webster, OWI, $957.00, alcohol assessment, 10-day jail sentence, Huber release granted, license revoked 14 months. Tyrone S. Awonohopay, 22, Cumberland, OWI, $1,020.00, alcohol assessment, 20-day jail sentence, Huber release granted, license revoked 16 months. Lindsay J. Anderson, 24, Balsam Lake, OWI, $894.00, alcohol assessment, five-day jail sentence, license revoked 12 months. Della J. Benjamin, 42, Sandstone, Minn., OWI, $1,587.00, alcohol assessment, 30-day jail sentence, Huber release granted, license revoked 16 months. Edward A. Greener, 46, Grantsburg, OWI, $1,967.00, alcohol assessment, 80-day jail sentence, Huber release granted, license revoked 27 months. Jeff A. Nelson, 40, Webster, operation of ATV adjacent to
roadway, $113.00. Davin G. Tyler, 42, Webster, exceeding speed zones, $160.80. Jason P. O’Brien, 23, Solon Springs, speeding, $221.20. Jon M. Shafer, 63, Webster, operating left of centerline, $113.00. Thomas A. Wells, 48, Danbury, OWI, $665.50, alcohol assessment, license revoked six months. Don A. Anderson, 69, Pine City, Minn., worthless check, $249.00. Susan M. Lane, 38, Frederic, operate without valid license, $186.00. Erye J. DeMarre, 30, Webster, bail jumping, two-year probation, $88.00; disorderly conduct, two-year probation, 200 hours of uncompensated community service, 252 hours community service in lieu of failure to pay fines, comply with sex-offender registry, $88.00. Delbert G. Benjamin, 23, Minneapolis, Minn., disorderly conduct, $249.00. Carmen L. Leoso, 24, Luck, disorderly conduct, one-year
probation, alcohol assessment, $88.00. Rebecca J. Rivard, 35, Siren, disorderly conduct, $249.00. Gordon T. Johnson, 21, Luck, disorderly conduct, $113.00. Michael J. Hellow, 23, Woodbury, Minn., disorderly conduct, one-year probation, $145.00 restitution, no conduct with victim, alcohol assessment, $88.00. Matthew S. Alwine, 24, Shell Lake, disorderly conduct, oneyear probation, no consumption of alcohol during probation, alcohol assessment, $88.00. Chasity A. Benjamin, 20, Danbury, resisting or obstructing an officer, $375.00. Brenda L. Drake, 36, Grantsburg, disorderly conduct, $375.00. Bradley R. Rogers, 24, Turtle Lake, resisting or obstructing an officer, $375.00. Janna L. Senholtz, 25, Rush City, Minn., criminal trespass to dwelling, two-year probation, $88.00; theft of movable property – party to a crime, two-year
probation, portion of $1,500 restitution, has 30 days to object of restitution amount, $88.00. John R. Hughes, 37, Webster, theft, one-year probation, $8,975 restitution, has 30 days to object to restitution amount, $88.00. Andrea E. Fiddle, 22, Webster, possession of THC, one-year probation, license suspended six months, alcohol assessment, $98.00. Wendy M. Armstrong, 28, Stacy, Minn., possession of amphetamine, LSD, psilocin, two-year probation, license suspended six months, drug treatment, $75.00; negligent handling of burning material, twoyear probation, $90.00. Patrick A. Kurkowski, 53, Siren, operating while revoked, $413.00. Shawn D. Jorgensen, 26, Oakdale, Minn., OAR, 10-day jail sentence, $413.00. Dennis J. LaSarge, 28, Webster, OAR, 10-day jail sentence, $413.00.
Burnett County sheriff’s report Accidents Town of Daniels, June 15: Velda P. Bittner, 77, Siren, was westbound on Daniels Hwy. 70 when she lost control of her vehicle, left the roadway and hit some trees. No injuries were reported. Town of Grantsburg, June 15: Paul D. Goulette, 44, Bayport, Minn., lost control of his vehicle while westbound on Hwy. 70. It was reported that the vehicle traveled 242 feet off the road before hitting a tree. The vehicle was very severely damaged. Goulette and an occupant of the vehicle, Carolyn M. Goulette, 70, Bayport, Minn., both required medical transport for injuries. The driver was issued
two citations: operating after suspension and inattentive driving. The driver and the occupant gave conflicting reports as to why the vehicle lost control. Town of Sand Lake, June 19: Robert H. Deal, 19, Siren, was eastbound on Gaslyn Road when a rabbit ran in front of the vehicle. Deal swerved to miss the animal and lost control and the vehicle overturned onto its roof. Both Deal and an occupant, Adam M. Evens, 19, Webster, required medical transport for injuries. It was noted that a compact spare tire was on the vehicle at the time of the accident and it is estimated that the vehicle was traveling at 55 mph at the time of the acci-
Burnett Co. marriage licenses John P. Sevelius, Siren, and Susan J. Barrett, Siren, June 16. Arthur W. Hancock, White Bear Lake, Minn., and Michelle M. Petertesso, White Bear Lake, Minn., June 17.
Asheton M. Brown, Webster, and Melanie A. Bump, Webster, June 18. Jonathan D. Gardner, Grantsburg and Kelly R. Randell, Grantsburg, June 23.
Burnett County deaths Vivian S. Kallman, 95, Grantsburg Village, June 10. Rodney H. Krueger, 53, Grantsburg Village, June 13.
Grace K. Mckinley, 92, Grantsburg Village, June 12. Shirley A. Anderson, 79, Shell Lake, June 1.
Polk Co. marriage licenses Kristina L. Langford, Balsam Lake, and Christopher R. Koethe, Balsam Lake. June 16. Melissa B. Prine, Des Moines, Iowa, and Joshua D. Boerboon city of Nevada, Iowa. June 17. Alison M. Fangmeier, Siren, and Dillon L. Tuynman, Luck. June 18.
Nancy J. Harlander, Clayton, and Eugene F. Nelson, Clayton. June 19. Emily S. Breheim, Clear Lake, and Neil A. Larson, Clear Lake. June 19. Leah L. Moe, Clear Lake, and Ian L. Isakson, Amery. June 19. Brittany L. Brua, St. Croix Falls, and Jason D. Bosak, St. Croix Falls. June 20.
Polk County divorces Divorces filed Heather Hibbard, Dresser, and Daniel Hibbard, Milltown. Married 1991, no children. Lisa and Scott Lee, Amery. Married 1988, three children. Divorces granted Ryan and Aundria Schadow married 2002, three children. Anthony and Gina Moline married 1995, two children. Michael and Teresa Long married 1998, two children. Michael and Jennifer Steglich married 1990, three children. Woodie and Elaina Morely married 1980, no children. Carlton Cousins and Alberta Olson married 1992, no children.
Kenneth and Tammy Wolf married 1992, two children. Joseph and Gay Ersfeld married 2004, no children. Todd and Sarah Baillargeon married 1998, four children. Donald and Marye Emerson married 1992, no children. Dannie and Carmen James married 1985, no children. David and Sandra Randall married 1981, no children. Bruce and Robin Thorud married 1998, no children. Timothy and Dannette Johnson married 2003, four children. Patrick and Lucinda Haugeland married 2001, no children.
dent. Arrests Town of Meenon, June 17: Melissa A. Mason, 34, Webster, was arrested for domestic battery and disorderly conduct. Town of Jackson, June 21: Timothy L. Mulroy, 32, Webster, was arrested on a Burnett County warrant. Town of Grantsburg, June 22: Christopher E. Fickbolm, 36, Grantsburg, was arrested for domestic battery. Lisa M. Cambell, 39, Hinckley, Minn., was arrested for battery. Other incidents Town of Oakland, June 17: Luanne K. Brainard, Red Wing,
Minn., reported two rods and reels taken from a boat tied up at Ike Walton Lodge. The incident is under investigation. Town of Anderson, June 21: Craig B. Syring, Grantsburg reported an attempted burglary to a shed. The inside of the shed was not accessed and nothing appeared to be missing. The incident is under investigation. Town of Swiss, June 22: Northwoods Hair Design on Danbury’s Main Street reported a break-in. Nothing appeared to be missing. The incident is under investigation.
Burnett County warrants Jonas A. Bearheart, 27, Cumberland, warrant – failure to appear, June 20. Shaun J. Belisle, 21, Webster, warrant – failure to appear, June 18. Eric E. Hamer, 20, Shell Lake, warrant – failure to appear, June 17. Christopher D. Holmquist, no DOB given, Grantsburg, war-
rant – failure to appear, June 19. John E. McKenzie, 43, Luck, warrant – failure to appear, June 17. Timothy L. Mulroy, 32, Webster, warrant – failure to appear, June 17. Ernest S. Swanson, 37, Grantsburg, warrant – failure to appear, June 17.
Burnett County civil court Capital One Bank vs. Kelly L. Skinaway, Danbury, $810.19. Bayfield Financial LLC vs. Daniel Wiggins, Webster, $1,821.40.
Livingston Financial LLC vs. Justin J. Arbuckle, Webster, $2,973.97.
Webster municipal court Alexander Abrams, Minnetonka, Minn., speeding, $83.80. Jared J. Anderson, Cushing, speeding, $83.80. Allyson L. Ashley, Maple Grove, Minn., speeding, $134.20. Ted F. Bedonic, Danbury, DOC, $203.50. Charles L. Boushek, Andover, Minn., speeding, $83.80. Randolph T. Briggs, Grantsburg, seat belt law violation, $58.60, speeding, $134.20. Marianne O. Doran, White Bear Lake, Minn., unsafe lane deviation, $83.80. Jason D. Hendry, Webster, speeding, $83.80. Mitchell R. Johnston, Roberts, speeding, $83.80. James B. Kroplin, Webster, underage drinking, $235.00. Larry Lee Larsin, Center City, Minn., speeding, $83.80. Maureen T. McGrath, Webster, failure to stop at stop sign, $83.80. Jared Phernetton, Webster, theft of money, $568.50. John P. Polski, Danbury, damage to property, $298.00.
Linda J. Rashick, Webster, speeding, $83.80. Megan N. Sartwell, Danbury, seat belt violation, $83.80. Kevin L. Seymour, McDowougly, Ga., speeding, $83.80. Ernest S. Swanson, Webster, garbage, $109.00. Robert G. Teske, Webster, OWI, $716.00. Randolph I. Williamson, Dairyland, criminal damage to property, $1,388.07. Jeremiah D. Wolf, Mosinee, speeding, not guilty plea. Kyle D. Yudes, Eau Claire, speeding, $83.80. Sherman O. Hess, Danbury, NSF check, $302.74, warrant issued. Anthony S. Lowe, Luck, OWI, $705.00, warrant issued. Rhonda J. Taylor, Webster, speeding, $134.20, OWI, $605.00, warrants issued. Sheila A. Tucker, Webster, NSF check, $309.23, warrant issued. Debra Wicklund, Webster, obstructing justice, $361.00, blew .03 on PBT, $172; warrants issued.
Garage Sales
PAGE 26 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - JUNE 25, 2008
Real Estate
Polk County criminal court Russell Manning, 40, Luck, operating while revoked. Signature bond set, $1,000. Katherine Cross, 26, St. Croix Falls, operating while revoked. Cash bond set $250. Julie Arthurs, 44, Amery, felony I and misdemeanor, possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia. Preliminary hearing set for July 22. Signature bond set $5,000. Brent Nelson, 28, Clear Lake , OAR. Cash bond set $250. Donald Burke, 61, Clayton, disorderly conduct. Cash bond set $150. Final pretrial on July, 18. Bradley Thorp, 27, Dresser, Disorderly conduct, domestic. Cash bail $150. Bradley Thorp, 27, disorder-
ly conduct, false imprisonment, bail jumping. Receipt $1,000. Signature bond set at $10,000. Adjourned, initial appearance on July 21. Michael Lamirande, 20, St. Croix Falls, resisting or obstructing an officer. Cash bond set, $300. Adjourned, initial appearance on July 7. David Knowles, 22, Amery, resisting or obstructing an officer. Signature bond set at $1,000. Not guilty plea. Final pretrial on Sept. 12. Dustin Kanan, 23, Osceola, disorderly conduct. Signature bond set at $500. Not guilty plea. Patrick Seline, 41, Amery, possession of drug paraphernalia. Signature bond set at $5,000. Not guilty plea. Preliminary hearing on July 22.
Katherine Seline, 45, Amery, possession of methamphetamine (felony I) and possession of drug paraphernalia. Signature bond set at $5,000. Preliminary hearing on July 22. Robert Sandberg, 47, Amery, disorderly conduct. Cash bond set at $150. Not guilty plea. Derek Dimmen, 19, Osceola, disorderly conduct. Cash bond set at $400. Notice of hearing review on July 18. Troy Halverson, 19, St. Paul, Minn., disorderly conduct. Cash bond set at $150. Russell Manning, 40, Luck, operating while revoked. Signature bond set at $1,000. Final pretrial July, 18.
Siren police report A push lawn mower was found over the weekend of June 20-22. The owner can come by the Siren Police Station to describe and claim the mower. June 13: An investigation was held into the hitting of a drive-up sign at Siren Dairy Queen. An added note to the report indicated that the man who hit the sign agreed to take
care of the damages. A two-vehicle backingmaneuver accident took place in the Holiday Station parking lot at 9:10 a.m. One of the drivers, 48-year-old Natalie Jo Goldfein, Chicago, Ill., was cited for failure to yield the right of way. Jesse M. Ganley, 32, Cushing, was the other driver. June 17: A letter was sent to a man from Bonduel regarding an unreturned movie from Siren Auto Stop. The man has until June 27 to return the movie or be charged with theft. June 18: Mark A. Christensen, 41, Siren, was picked up on a warrant at his
Siren residence. The warrant was for failure to pay and contempt of court. At 3:40 p.m., Ashley Dawn Rechtzigel, 24, Rosemount, Minn., was cited for speeding on Hwy. 70 by the fire station. June 20: An accident at 4:45 p.m. involved vehicles driven by Kimberly S. Flodin, 38, Webster, and Kevin J. Meeds, 27, Siren. According to the report, Flodin was coming up a hill on Hwy. 35. The Meeds vehicle in front of her, pulling a fifth-wheel flatbed trailer, had stopped, brake lights on, to pull into his driveway. Flodin was unable to stop, and hit the rear of the trailer. June 21: A stray golden retriever was found at the Crooked Lake Pavilion at 4:30 p.m. The dog had been running through the traffic on Hwy. 35/70 near the lake. It was taken to the humane society shelter. Tracey Lynn Crue, 53, Minneapolis, Minn., was cited for speeding at 5:35 p.m. at the junction of Hwys. 70 and 35.
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Notices/Employment
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Notices
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JUNE 25, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 31
B U R N E T T
C O U N T Y
H E A D L I N E S
Webster summer school draws a crowd by Carl Heidel WEBSTER - So, what happens when you mix a wolf, trying to get a pig supper, with Bingo in Spanish, and mixing music into your voice narration? What happens is something called summer school, a summer school that draws kids the way honey draws flies. According to Jeff Walsh, principal of Webster’s Elementary School, the K-8 summer school now in full swing in the Webster schools has an enrollment of over 200 students in a wide offering of classes. And it’s not just kids. There are 15 teachers, five bus drivers, a staff of three in the kitchen; and all this is operating under the watchful eye of Lynn Stubbe, the summer school coordinator. Walsh explained that the program was made possible with a 21st Century Grant of $75,000 for this year. He said that the schools will get the same amount for each of four more years after this – four more years of enrichment for students during the summer. Bailey Mitchell (front left) does the coloring while Daisy Dorn (right) checks The Webster schools have operated the work and Bizzy Moser (back) checks on the photographer. – Photos by remedial summer schools in the past, Carl Heidel according to Walsh, but this is the first time they’ve had the funds to provide Walsh gives the Tiger’s share of the enrichment. With this added boost to their education, students are more likely to retain and carry over what they’ve credit for the success of the school to learned from one school year to the Stubbe. “Lynn has done a terrific job,” next. he said. The enrichment reaches beyond acaThe summer program consists of two demics, however. Children in the pro- weeks of classes, a week off, and then a gram also get two meals, breakfast in final two weeks. Classes are now in the the morning and lunch at noon. second week, Mondays through Thursdays, with Fridays set aside for field trips. Check the photos, and enjoy some of the fun.
Teacher Carrisa Kammeyer helps Curt Rand (front), Julio Claixto Cesar Rosas (center) and Jess Petersen Mason Getz gets himself into the (hidden in back) with a computer Tiny Tigers warm-up song. assignment.
Teacher Stephanie Jannsen uses a Bingo game to teach her students Spanish.
Ask Liam Trott and he’ll tell you it’s a lot easier to do a good job coloring if you put your tongue out.
Lynn Stubbe, coordinator of the Webster schools summer program.
Thoroughly engrossed in the song they are singing are Tiny Tigers (L to R) Narrators in the readers theater are (L to R): Rosalin Wilcox and Robert Winter, Clara, and AJ, with Kailee in the back right, participating in Webster’s Fleishacker. summer school.
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St. Croix Falls Relay for Life RIGHT: As part of the opening ceremony at the St. Croix Falls Relay for Life on June 20, this young lady had her hair cut 12 inches and donated it to Locks of Love. Amazingly, she did the same thing (donated 12 inches to Locks of Love) just two years ago.
Photos by Tammi Milberg Joyce Nelson, cancer survivor, and Darryl Nelson, her husband and caregiver, were the honorary chairs for the St. Croix Falls Relay for Life held June 20-21.
Ann Rep. Hraychuck spoke at the relay about family and friends who have battled cancer. She also read a poem about miracles.
St. Croix Falls Mayor Darrell Anderson welcomed everyone to the relay. Anderson’s wife, Terry, is a cancer survivor.
Debbie Hill is the chair and organizer of the St. Croix Falls Relay for Life. She gave a welcome address and emceed the event, Friday – Saturday, June 20-21.
The circle of life made it all the way around the track, with an amazing 21 teams holding hands. This was a goal of Joyce Nelson, as the relay honorary chair, to have the circle go as big as the track instead of inside the track, and it happened.
Hangin’ out on the deck
Tim and Cindy Newlin of St. Croix Falls sent these pictures of a bear making himself comfortable on their second-story deck. — Photo submitted
‘Follow the Leader’
Currents N O R T H E R N
June 25, 2 008 2nd Se ct io n B Int e r-C o unty Lead er
News and views from the Northwest Wisconsin community
40 years of caring
Good Sam celebration July 1 by Tammi Milberg ST. CROIX FALLS–On July 1, the St. Croix Valley Good Samaritan Society marks 40 years of caring with a dinner and music from 3 to 7 p.m. It is an opportunity to celebrate the 40 years of caring, thank community supporters, invite the public in and look to the future. It all began in 1967, when a community meeting was held including members of the St. Croix Falls Memorial Hospital, St. Croix Falls and Taylors Falls chambers of commerce, and others who determined an elderly care facility was needed in the area. At the time there were waiting lists for the nursing homes in Amery, Luck and Frederic. Polk County persons in need of nursing home care were being sent out of the county. Dr. Dean Ericksen, physician at the hospital, reported at the meeting that residents should not have to be sent away a great distance to receive home care. Others shared his sentiment and so, it began. A committee of members to steer the nursing home project included Dr. Jerome Bretl, Cliff Wilson, John Edling, Jack Vezina, Art Bishop and Mike Myhre. Nursing home firms were researched and the consensus was to select the model of the Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society. The society was founded in 1922 by Dr. August “Dad” Hoeger, a Lutheran pastor from North Dakota, who built the first of the society homes to care for victims of polio. These homes also provided therapy and recreation rooms. An architect for the society drew a floor plan for a colonial style, red brick building in a crow-foot design for five wings, observable by a central nursing station. The tasks of funding a location and fundraising were also going on. The community needed to raise $68,000 to build it. Within months, the goal was surpassed and the community raised $74,000. The location, across the street from the fairgrounds and elementary school, was selected and the city of St. Croix Falls donated the land and utilities. Ground breaks On Aug. 23, 1967, the ground was broken for the construction of Good Sam. The construction took just 101/2 months for the river valley area’s own nursing home to be completed. The society appoints an advisory board of local members for each facility to keep in touch with the interests of the community where the home is located. The original members of the advisory board were: Ericksen, Velzie Woolson, Clarence Johnson, George Laier, Burdette Bjorklund, Edling, Bretl, Bishop, Wilson and Rev. Thomas Chinn. They were all present at the groundbreaking. Open House On June 30, 1968, 800 people attended an open house
This is an archive photo of Good Sam taken in 1968, when the facility opened its doors. Photo submitted in St. Croix Falls for the completed St. Croix Valley Good Samaritan Society. Dignitaries attending the event included founder of the society, Hoeger, St. Croix Falls Mayor Burdette Mueller, Taylors Falls Mayor Willard Nygren and Dresser Village President Ray Norlander. At the open house the building was dedicated, followed by coffee and lunch. The first resident moved in the next day, July 1, 1968. Need grows, Good Sam responds It didn’t take long for Good Sam to become a muchused, much-needed facility. In less than 10 years of operation, an eight-apartment building was constructed at the west end of the building. This happened in 1974 and, at that time a multipurpose room was also added. •The growth was not just building size, but also care directed. In 1976, the function of Good Sam changed from intermediate care to skilled care. •In 1981 and 1982, a big construction project took place when a new kitchen, with a walk-in cooler and freezer; and new storage room addition were added. •Years later, in 1989, a building a remodeling project added a new dining room, new resident lounge and administrative space for computerization and record keeping. •In 1991 a gazebo was built in the courtyard. •The Dove Room was added in 2000 to be a place for families to gather around a loved one who is near death. •In 1993, a dedication of a new wing adding 27 beds, two lounges for residents, an additional nursing station and a medical exam room, as well as enlarging the chapel and dining room, took place. It took place during the same year the home marked its 25th anniversary, so the home held a combined celebration for the
two major events. The project was $2.1 million and made the home able to handle a capacity of 95 residents. •In 1998 a dialysis unit was added that provided dialysis to Good Sam residents as well as patients from the community. Time to diversify In a day and age when nursing home facilities are going belly-up, Good Sam continues to prosper. This is due, in part, to diversification. Good Sam Administrator Wade Reddy said that since the marking of Good Sam’s 30 anniversary things have changed. “It’s not just a place celebrating another anniversary,” he said. “Things are very different than they were 10 years ago.” Reddy began his administration career at Good Sam in May 1997. He said that since then, senior care and services are changing at Good Sam based on response to the community and consumer demand. Good Sam staffs CNAs, LPNs, RNs, OT and PT. “We have added a nursing lab, which trains CNAs,” he said. “It involved a start-up fee, but we are training our employees as well as other CNAs in the area who take our classes and help our facility thrive. We are looking at things different than we used to.” The home has a shared speech therapist with St. Croix Regional Medical Center. They are also looking ahead to hospice and telehealth, which is a new technology helping in diagnoses. “Good Sam is really becoming a transition care (transition to home) facility,” he added. “We have people who have surgery, come here and go home.” Reddy stated that Good Sam serves approximately 270 people per year and 75 percent of that is transition care. In addition to establishing their own CNA training facility, and looking at making changes with technology, Good Sam is also involved in assisted living.
See Good Sam, page 2 The Berg family donated seven acres of property and buildings in Taylors Falls to Good Sam to develop an assisted living center across the river. Pictured (L to R) are: Karen Berg, Terry Berg, Sandy Berg, Brian Berg, Edith Berg, Wade Reddy, and Alton Berg. – Photo courtesy of Good Sam
The gazebo in the courtyard at Good Sam this spring. – Photo by Ginger Lamotte
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Good Sam/from page 1 “We had a chance to partner with another health care facility in the community - St. Croix Regional Medical Center,” Reddy said. “The hospital signed the contract with the Good Samaritan Society to do the management of River Town Heights and Forest Heights Apartments, which are for seniors and individuals with low income, of HUD housing. We are taking a Christian approach.” This took place in Jan. 1, 2008. River Town Heights provides housing for those 18 years or older with a disability. Forest Heights provides housing for low-income seniors 62 years and older with a disability. The society also received donated land in Taylors Falls from the Berg family. The property is a seven-acre parcel on Mulberry Street consisting of a furnished farmhouse, complete with a baby grand piano in the living room, a barn and a walking path. The hope is to construct an assisted living facility on the property and use the furnished farmhouse as a retreat house. “I like the idea of Good Sam caring for people on both sides of the river. People of Taylors Falls help give to Good Sam and it’s nice to give back,” Reddy said. “We want to extend senior assisted living and we wondered,
The morning report team, including RNs, therapists, social services and quality assurance persons, meet at Good Sam daily. – Photos by Tammi Milberg unless otherwise noted can we do it in Minnesota? We now have a chance to try.” Good Sam evaluates their yearly reports and bottom lines. The strengths and weaknesses are also evaluated. Reddy said that Good Sam has a weakness of getting volunteers from the community to help with projects. He said that recently, Good Sam has tapped into that resource by taking a proactive approach and just asking for volunteers.
One of the recreation areas at Good Sam is called The Lodge and is decorated in cabin décor.
“It’s working,” he said. “If you wait for people to get involved, you may wait a long time before any help arrives. We find that if you ask people, they are willing to help. An example of this is the people who helped with the landscaping at the assisted living apartments. Volunteers from Bethesda Lutheran Church, the master gardeners, and others helped with the landscaping and now, the people living in these facilities are maintaining the gardens and taking ownership. “We have a lot of laughter here at Good Sam,” said Reddy. “We have our stresses, but it’s a much more relaxed group than even 10 years ago.” The founding families for Good Sam are: Art and Dee Bishop, Bernie and Grace Bjorklund, Jerome and Ann Bretl, John and Rayola Edling, Phyllis Ericksen (Dr. Dean Ericksen, husband, deceased), Clarence and Audrey Johnson, Orval and Edna Mae Johnson, Iver and Jan Kammerud, George and Carol Laier, Luella Woolson (Velzie, husband, deceased) and Cliff Wilson.
Resident Ken Hanson works on the new step machine which helps residents with exercise, keeping pressure off the joints.
The Dove Room is a room for families to gather with their loved one who is near death.
Wade Reddy, administrator for Good Sam, gives the morning devotional.
JUNE 25, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 3
Poems by Luke Bollant, eighth-grade Scholastic Award Winner from Siren Middle School
Kobe Tretina
Writer’s Corner
What is it about that line? Everyone should be dominant. When they are on the line and need to shoot the basketball, they never knock the shot down.
I had four tickets for the T -wolves/Lakers game, So I took Adam, Taylor, and Eli with me. We sat in row two. Right away Kobe threw it down for two. The T -wolves suck, so the Lakers dominated. But they could have beaten them with me. The best play: Kobe hit and And-1 tray ball and yelled, “Get off me!” He made the free-throw for the four point play; the Lakers were up 22. It was a blowout, so everyone left the game. At game end, the Lakers won 117-76, so me, Taylor, Adam, and Eli exited our second row seats and headed for home.
Lambeau Field; Represent Once the tour of Lambeau Field began, We descended through the tunnel That the players traverse through before the game. When we reached the field, I laid on it. I envisioned all the greats who played on that same ground:
PoCo Penners The PoCo Penners meet the second Friday of the month at 2 p.m. at the county boardroom in the government center in Balsam Lake. Contact Brenda Mayer at 715-485-3571 or Iris Holm 715294-3174 for more information. - submitted
I just love to play basketball. And I love to watch Baron Davis play, But I don’t get why I always choke at the free-throw line.
Brett Favre, Bart Starr, Reggie White, And many other amazing players. As the tour ended and I exited the stadium, I wondered How it would feel to actually play In that massive, multi-million dollar stadium? I can only sit and hope someday I’ll find out.
Free-Throw Sestina I like to watch basketball. It’s so cool to watch them play. They are so dominant. I love it when Baron Davis throws it down, they launch from the free-throw line. I sometimes can’t believe how good they are. I someday I want to be as good as they are, So I keep practicing basketball. When the game is on the line, I always step up and make the play. Maybe someday I will be able to jump from the freethrow line and throw it down. When I can I will be dominant. But if I want to be dominant, I will have to get as good as the pro’s are. And learn to knock the threes down.
Next year I want to throw it down, I hope even from the free-throw line. All I want to do is yam that basketball Just like the pro’s that are dominant, but I guess that’s just how they are. And someday I will make that play. Just like the pros that always make the play, and like the ones who always knock the clutch shot down, but if I want to be as good as they are, I’ll have to be clutch when the game is on the line. If I can do that, I’ll really be dominant. But until then, I’ll just keep practicing and shooting that basketball. I love to play basketball, and to watch the pro’s play. When Baron Davis plays, he is dominant. And he can throw it down from the free-throw line, but I guess that’s just how the pro’s are.
Northwest Regional Writers The Northwest Regional Writers meet at 1 p.m. the second Friday of the month either in Frederic or Grantsburg. Each month we have a topic to write about and read to the group. The following writing was read at the last meeting. Call Mary Jacobson at 715-349-2761 for more information about the organization.
Submissions should be typed, double-spaced on one side only of 8 -1/2 x 11 white paper, leaving a minimum of 1-inch margins all around. Handwritten submissions will not be accepted. Submissions should be no more than 800 words. Submissions may be delivered to The Leader’s offices in Frederic or Siren, mailed to Box 490, Frederic, WI 54837 or e-mailed to the-leader@centurytel.net. We prefer e-mailed copy. If hand-delivered or mailed, please write "Writers’ Corner" somewhere on the front of the envelope. If e-mailed, please use "Writers’ Corner" as the subject and include the submission as body text of the e-mail. No attachments, please. Your submission to Writers’ Corner grants The Leader one-time rights to publish the item in the weekly newspaper. The author retains the copyright and all future publication rights. The Leader may edit submissions for grammar and punctuation, clarity and length. If you have any questions about this new feature, please contact us at the-leader@centurytel.net or call 715-327-4236. - Editor
Pedals and Forks: Jenell's Main Dish by John Preissing LUCK – Hills and dales produce great scenery and challenging bicycling. Not only did our recent Saturday morning foray provide plenty of both, it also led us to the delightful Jenell’s Main Dish in downtown Luck. We were impressed by the great food and great service of Jenell’s, but let us share a bit about our trip there. We chose the route to Luck for two compelling reasons; first, we wanted to try their fare downtown and second, one of us (John) had a daughter with a couple of soccer games in Luck. We were blessed with some of the regular crew and with some guest celebrity riders. Jeff Evenson and John Preissing were joined again by Mike Myers. Tom Hinrichs, a semi-regular, joined in as well. We seem to attract pharmacists, because we were also lucky enough to have Chris Witzany from Grantsburg’s Wood River Pharmacy with us. The route to Luck was a very complicated one, aided by the clear information from some of the riders. Basically, we left Grantsburg along Crosstown/Hoffman Roads east, until turning south on Williams Road. We followed Williams, across Hwy. 48, where it changed over to Bass Lake Road. Eventually, Bass Lake Road changed to Cedar Point Road, after it crossed CTH O. When CTH O met with CTH Z we took CTH Z east and south, going around the south end of Big Trade Lake. It is a beautiful area of lake homes. It is interesting to see that there are a number of homes for sale on the lake. We offered up ideas on the subprime mortgage crisis and its local impact. Finally, when CTH Z intersected with CTH B, we turned left, heading to downtown Luck. This road is a series of rolling or steep hills. We
Tom Hinrichs, Jeff Evenson, Chris Witzany, Mike Myers and John Preissing, at Jenell’s restaurant in downtown Luck. - Photos by Jeff Evenson
highly recommend it for the training and vistas. Fortunately, we all survived the ascents. All in all, the route to Luck is quite verdant this time of year, with a mix of lakes, rivers, bridges, hills, dairy farms, and tree-lined roads. Once again, the Trade Lake-to-Luck route is one of the most scenic. Lest you think all went well, let me disabuse you of this notion. In fact, we suffered from one of the classic five banes of bicycling – a flat tire. Normally, a flat tire would be a slight delay, but in this case it took five guys, three pumps, two inner tubes, and 30 minutes to get it right. Hinrichs suffered the flat. We frankly thought that his offer to walk back to get a ride and to fix the tire with help came a little too quickly. A couple of pointers from this for biking together are in order – never a leave a man down, bring at least two tubes, and have a working pump. Eventually, we did arrive at Jenell’s Main Dish. For some of our group it was a first time to Jenell’s, for others it was a repeat experience. All of us were touched by the historic photos which dot the walls of the restaurant. Chief amongst them, were the classic 1973 state basketball championship photos. Well done. Also, when was the last time you saw a 50-plus-yearold male customer saunter in with a fishing lure for an earring? Certainly, another feature that we immediately liked about Jenell’s was the fast service and pitchJohn Preissing, Chris Witzany and Tom Hinrichs ers of water the never ended. We were waited on by the congenial Jenell, herself. repairing Tom’s bike.
A great thing about new biking partners is learning about their food preferences. Tom, very health-conscious, ordered a taco salad. And Witzany ordered a club sandwich and chocolate shake. Apparently, Jeff and I forgot to mention to them about the breakfast rules. No matter, we overlooked this transgression and waited to hear their appraisals. Hinrichs liked his salad, a generous and healthy portion. According to Witzany, the club sandwich had just the right combination of cold, crunchy and warm. “A well-made club sandwich is a treat,” offered Wiitzany. From the rest of us, it was apparent that the shake was delectable, too. We may have revise our breakfast only rules in the future . . . Historically, Evenson has ordered a steak or hamburger patty with eggs and toast. However, it wasn’t until this week that he got back on that habit. He said it was well worth it. “The steak was a good portion, with a bit of marbling, and well prepared.” He also liked his eggs, over hard. Myers ordered his standard pancakes and bacon, this time with two eggs, all found under No. 9 on the menu. One comment was that the syrup tasted authentic and not of the corn-based variety. The bacon was a bit too crisp for his liking, but the pancakes more than made up for it. Finally, eschewing his biscuits and gravy standard, Preissing went with No. 1 – two eggs, hash browns, bacon and toast. He likes to add hot sauce, which was exceptional here; there were four different choices. Due to the range of food choices, the quality, and down-home ambience, we rated Jenell’s four out of five forks. In addition to a full menu, Jenell’s has a great range of shakes, and one can order takeout too. The restaurant, which dates back to the 1940s, has seating for 75. Next time that you are looking for good food and a good ride, come to Luck. You’ve been forewarned about the scenic hills. Our way back was a unique experience. First of all Preissing did not join us, but stayed in town to watch his daughter’s soccer games. He had also popped a spoke just upon arriving in town, so his plan was fortuitous. The rest of the group returned by essentially the same route. However, the wind, another of the five banes of bicycling, reared its head. Witzany, the hardiest of our crew, was encouraged to look into a road bike for our next trip. See you on the road!
PAGE 4 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - JUNE 25, 2008
River Road Ramblings
collected by Russ Hanson
Rambling into Summer by Russ Hanson Midsummer day has come, and following the tradition of our Swedish cousins, we have had our first fresh strawberries from the garden. Our new potatoes are late this year. Cousin Arne, in Skee, Sweden, grows them a 5-gallon pail he brings in the house at night in early spring just to have new potatoes on the longest day of the year. Farther to the north than us, the Swedes appreciate the long summer days after the long, dark winter. If you visit Scandinavia, midsummer is the best time to go and enjoy their celebrations. Margo has been at her parents in West Bend for the past two weeks. She takes her mom, Myrtle, out from the Alzheimer’s home for afternoon drives and coffee or ice cream. Myrtle does not know her as a daughter, but seems to accept her as a sister or friend. She still asks about Russ and Scott – even though she doesn’t know us when we visit. Myrtle sees us and her son and husband as strangers – people who make her nervous as we claim to be relatives. While Margo is away at her parents, I am a little more laid back at the cabin on the lake in housekeeping and meals. While she is here, we have orderly routines, balanced meals, laundry day and dishes are washed and floors vacuumed whether they need it or not. We are a Better Homes and Garden family. Within a few days of being on my own, my own schedule takes over. Wash the dishes when you need some; do the laundry when you need something to wear; eat when you are hungry and what you are hungry for; shop for food when everything in the refrigerator and in the cupboard is gone, the popcorn is running low and you have had the last condiment salad (you mix mustard, ketchup, relish, pickles and French dressing in a cereal bowl). My favorite quick supper is a big bowl of popcorn with lots of real butter, lots of salt and lots of melted cheese. I alternate this with a big bowl of caramel popcorn covered with my own recipe of maple syrup boiled with butter—it is only right when it is sticky enough that you feel you should take a bath after you eat it. I like a late breakfast that doubles for a farm dinner. My favorite is a duo of sourdough toast slices slathered in butter and jelly (my fruit portion); a couple of butter-fried brown eggs fresh from the pampered chickens at Quiet Meadows Ranch; a gathering of morels, fresh or frozen, from mosquito- and tick-ridden searches in the old cow pasture; a rasher of double-thick, old-style bacon with the rind; a pan of fresh cinnamon
Sparing no expense to make Margo happy, the Rambler bought a handyman special camper for her birthday. A little remodeling and airing out to undo its previous conversion to ice-fishing shack should have it road ready for January comfort in Texas. She will see it the first time next week when she gets back from visiting her parents. – Photo by Russ Hanson rolls drizzled with sugar frosting and a beaker of double-caff. coffee with a well ripened banana for good health. Of course, that is too much work for most days. Margo worries about the three C’s; calories cholesterol and caffeine, so she thinks of breakfast as decaf coffee, skim milk on bran cereal with 12 raisins and a half of banana each, and maybe half a piece of 386-grain bread skimmed with low-sugar jelly. My breakfast most mornings meets my frugality, taste and ambition; a large glass of diet pop, the kind that is 67 cents for a huge bottle at chain stores, and a mixture of frosted oatmeal and chocolate sided cookies, the kind that are 98 cents a package at the same store. For an afternoon snack, I like leftover popcorn reheated in the microwave. I always eat on the porch overlooking the lake so I can watch all the wildlife. Margo’s birthday arrived while she was still away so I am surprising her with a tremendous gift; one she has wanted for several years. I can’t wait until she gets back next week to see it! I splurged and bought us a different camper for going south this winter. Last year we tried two weeks in our tiny pop-up tent camper. Margo whined because there was no furnace and it got down to the 20s inside a few nights in Texas. Even though she had on five layers of clothes and many blankets she still got cold. As an old Scouter, used to winter camping, and having a liberal layer of personal insulation built in, I don’t notice the cold weather much. Because of my claustrophobia, I have to have sleep on the inside of the camper bunk, away from the low overhead canvas wall and ceiling. It does probably get a little bit colder for her against the thin canvas wall. Her fingers turn white, but that is just her Raynauds disease—an overreaction to cold and not to be taken seriously. In the Na-
tional Forest campgrounds, she gets nervous about being separated from the bears by only a canvas wall. A good husband listens to his wife and responds to her whims and imaginary concerns, no matter how frivolous he thinks they are. I was driving through Luck a couple of weeks ago and saw this nice little hard-shell camper along the road for sale. It was a 1971 Aristocrat Lo-Liner 15 foot (13 feet of living space) that had been remodeled into an ice fishing house. It had real walls and was insulated and had a small gas furnace! Just the ticket to please Margo! I figured the large ice-fishing hole in the floor might be useful. The inside was already gutted so it would give us more space for our own stuff. I negotiated the price down to $75 – an excellent price for a camper ready to roll; a match for my retirement budget; yet expensive enough as a birthday gift so Margo will know I really appreciate her! I hooked on to it with the truck and pulled it home without problem. Of course, it didn’t have a title nor license plate so I had to take the back roads. The seller said he got it from his godfather a few year ago who had gotten it from his son a few years earlier who got it from his friend a few years earlier who got it from an old man who had already passed on a few years earlier and none of them had licensed it – just used it for a lakeside bedroom or fishing shack. The motor vehicle department didn’t have any info about the trailer ID number and told me to fill out some paperwork, show a picture ID, pay $58, have it road inspected and all past omissions will be forgiven. It does have a working gas furnace. The three burner stove works but a wooden door replaces the original oven door. The previous owner said the oven didn’t work, so he used it for bait storage. The wooden door should work if I
wrap it in aluminum foil before we start baking bread. I think the large ice-fishing hole in the floor can be made into a toilet (there wasn’t any in the camper) with one of those porta-potties or five gallon pail toilets they have for hunters with a flat RV tank strapped below the camper. Because it is in the middle of the kitchen area, I will disguise it as a table with a tabletop attached to the fold-up toilet lid. Two lawn chairs should make up for the missing bench seats. The setup in the rear for the narrow bunk bed is still there. I think Margo can get used to the top bunk with the ceiling close over her face – I am far too claustrophobic to be up there. A plus is that warm air rises so it will be the warmer bunk and bears can’t reach up that high either. I have the windows and door opened up now, airing it out. By the time Margo gets back the mildewed, fishy smell should be gone – especially if I tear out the moldy old carpet, patch the corner where the roof leaks, and air out the foam cushions. Sometimes I am so happy my dad taught me to be a handy person! There is no spare tire or wheel and the wheel bolt pattern is quite odd-sized, so I will carry a spare tire, tube and jack in case the 36-year-old tires might be a little less than prime. I have spared no effort in getting Margo good at changing tires so that won’t be a big deal. I can’t wait for her to come home to see her new birthday camper! I have named her “Winnabelle.” When you see Margo next time, I bet she will be smiling! Take my advice guys, spare no effort to please your wife. ••• Vernon Peterson’s new book “A Marriage on the Rocks” goes to the printer this week. It is a fascinating mix of family, local politics, collecting, travel, commentary and local history. It was an honor and a pleasure to help him get the book together. I think it will be out in a month. My mom read a proof version and said “I couldn’t put it down – I stayed up until I read it all!” Say “Hi” to Vernon this weekend at his antique, rock, and collectible sale on Peterson Rd. off of Hwy. 70 just west of Siren. Sales of “History of Cushing, WI, Vol 1” are going well. We made our first payment to the Inter-County Leader for the printing. You can pick one up at U.S. Bank in Cushing, At-Las Antiques in Atlas, the Leader office at Frederic, and the Visitor Center at Hwy 8 and 35. By mail, send a check to SELHS, Box 731, Cushing, WI 54006 for $17.58 ($15 for the book and $2.58 for postage). We are collecting information for “Cushing Vol 2” and “Trade River Valley Vol 2” this summer. Contact riverroadrambler @gmail.com or call 715-488-2776 or by mail, 2558 Evergreen Av, Cushing, WI 54006.
Ruby's Pantry "Got Milk" More than 15,000 gallons of organic milk distributed NORTHWEST WISCONSIN - In the spirit of June being Dairy Month, Ruby’s Pantry obtained and distributed 15,000 gallons of organic milk in communities from Forest Lake north to Hinckley in Minnesota and from St. Croix Falls north to Danbury in Wisconsin this past Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, June 17 - 19. The milk over $107,000 in retail value, was donated to Ruby’s Pantry for distribution in this area. It was shared with churches, food shelves, kids camps and the general public. On Tuesday in Pine City, Minn., 2,160 gallons of milk were dropped at the Pine Area Food Shelf. Notice was given at noon on the local radio station and by churches with the distribution starting at 2 p.m. By 4 p.m. all 2,160 gallons were given away. A total of 1,440 gallons of milk were also delivered to Wyoming, Minn., and Stacy, Minn., churches, who had people come and pick
up at the churches and also delivered to families in need. On Wednesday in Luck, 1,440 gallons of milk were dropped off at 11:30 a.m. at the school bus garage and by 12:45 p.m., all of the milk was gone. Notice was given to the local radio station in the morning and calls were made to the local churches. In the evening the mayor of Harris and others delivered 720 gallons of milk in Harris, Minn., door-to-door to families in need. On Thursday the communities of Danbury, St. Croix Falls, Hinckley and Cambridge were delivered 1,440 gallons each. In Danbury, one pallet of 240 gallons of milk was given away right off the truck before it could be unloaded, as people lined up at 8:30 a.m. Over the three days, many other communities benefited from the milk, as churches, camps, civic organizations and food shelves picked up milk directly from the distribution center to distribute in their communities. Ruby’s Pantry calls this program Mission Express, as they are given very little advance notice when these perishable products become available in large quantity,
requiring immediate distribution. The milk was donated, but Ruby’s Pantry incurred costs of $1,500 in trucking to bring it into their distribution center from southern Wisconsin, plus fuel for a refrigerated trailer for storage, as well as fuel for delivering into the local communities. Lyn Sahr, founder and executive director of Ruby’s Pantry says, “We will spend $2,000 anytime to be able to distribute $107,000 in milk or any other food product into our northwestern Wisconsin and northeastern Minnesota rural communities, where there is a great need during the present economic times.” Ruby’s Pantry is in its fifth year serving the area with donated surplus food and goods fighting hunger and disease. It is a community outreach program of Home and Away Ministries, Inc. with its distribution center and offices at 39404 Grand Ave, North Branch, Minn. 55056. For more information please see their Web site at www.rubyspantry.org, e-mail goodnews@ rubyspantry.org or call 651-674-2537. - from Ruby’s Pantry
JUNE 25, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 5
The Granary was Pappa’s domain by Edith M. Anderson The granary was Pappa’s domain. Its three steps leading Bernice to the first landing were just inside the door and made a Abrahamzon comfortable spot, on a rainy or cold day, to sit and work, contemplate, dream up carpentry projects, or merely to watch the world go by. In those days one could usually recognize the neighbors’ horses, buggies or the few cars. As I was “Pappa’s girl” in the 1910s, I was interested in all that went on in this hub of the outdoor work on the farm. A good solid granary was about the fourth building on a farm, as it collected and stored necessities for year-round work as well as being a status symbol. Dry grain made an atmosphere that seasoned its unpainted interior into beautiful wood. Stout timbers and posts made it strong. Here, on the heavy planks that made a long workbench, was the metal vise, hammers, handsaws, screwdrivers, leather punches, tin snips and boxes of rivets, nails, bolts and screws that made many of the needed repairs. On the walls above were harness buckles, various straps, pieces of soft metal, flat belts, the remaining part of a sheepskin, etc., all hung from nails. Wooden boxes with one of the cover boards left on, nailed to the wall, made dandy collect-alls. At the far end of the workbench were the tools of and for wood. There was a nice wooden vise, and above it were smaller wooden screw clamps, wooden shovels and rakes, scythes, wood chisels and several sizes of planes. I admired the design of the square threaded 2-inch, wooden spirals in some of the screws and tools and wondered how they were made. Under the workbench was a strange collection of larger items. Every couple of years I was trusted to straighten up the place, and later they’d ask me before spending a lot of valuable time sorting through the maze. Before the threshers came there was always the rush job of cleaning out the grain bins upstairs and downstairs, taking out the well-seasoned wide boards that were replaced as the grain rose in the bins, and patching rat and mice holes with pieces of license plates from cars. Then it was a thrill, as a child, to watch the threshing crew on the stacking grounds around the corner, noticing which of the men volunteered their husky backs to carry the big white grain sacks over their shoulder and grumble about the steep steps and low clearance. Those men remembered each farm by the design of its granary steps! They would have been happy to see grain from the combine dumped directly into leak-proof pickup boxes, then augered into the bins only a few years later. On the upstairs wall was a square of boards with long numbered spikes, in squared rows, holding corn cobs from which several kernels had been taken, planted in wet sawdust in a wide flat box where twine was strung to make squares for matching the kernels with the cobs. The box would be set behind the cookstove, watered well, and later the sprouted kernels were counted to determine germination of each cob. On the upstairs floor, by the edge of the open stairway, (so one could stand comfortably below) was a hand feed-grinder. One of my jobs was to grind corn for the chicks, sifting it for the smaller ones. A natural foods buff tried it for whole wheat flour, but found it was too hard to turn! Now the great-grandson plays “feed mill” with the antique. Downstairs was a wooden grain spout, from the ceiling above, to the bin next to the feed grinder, which was powered by a big gas engine just outside the door. I was to sweep the grain from the corners of the upstairs bin into the hole in the floor. This saved a lot of work carrying and lifting the grain. On the walls downstairs were old numbers, written in soft lead pencil or carpenter’s flat pencil, of grain yields for the year, dates of record yields, grain sold or graded, planing dates, etc. Some kept such records inside the grain seeder cover. I weighed myself on the platform scale, a luxury, while grain was weighed. On rainy days Pappa, who had been trained by his father as a tailor, would mend burlap sacks and the valuable white grain sacks. He’d also half-sole our
BEHIND THE
SIGNPOST
leather shoes as he had the cobblers stand and tools. With a hand drawshave he would make the edges of the new soles nice and smooth. But there was always the warning, “Be sure there won’t be any nails sticking through” as squeaky new soles, and nails that hurt, were sorrows of childhood. Pappa would do a beautiful job of splicing the huge hay rope when it broke or frayed. The block and tackle of wood and hemp was his favorite helper with odd jobs he could then do alone, such as hanging animals while butchering, fencing and holding heavy work. At one end of the wide wooden entry platform were some unused steps. Here I’d try my hand at girl’s carpentry, but I never could talk Pappa into letting me have a handsaw that worked! I could have used those skills later as a housewife! In the open space under the granary, between the split-rock pillars, was a grand collection of leather, flat iron, angle iron, etc. that “he might need sometime”, (and chicken droppings) but I found a spot in which to hide and playhouse, a world all my own. On the back of the granary was a lean-to, predecessor of a garage. Here was stored the Studebaker surrey, with a fringe on top, the one-horse cutter, bobsled tipped on its side, wooden scoot, etc. Outside its open end was a large kerosene barrel from which it was my job, especially after school in early twilight when the evening star was out, to carry some kerosene into the kitchen in a gallon can. Here, too, was the household dump of glass, a few tin cans, and miscellaneous. Years later, when we wanted to move a farm driveway, I cleared away the remains and found bits that brought back memories and which would now be valued collectibles. But in those days one didn’t save “old stuff.” Growing under the eaves of this shed, with its gently sloping roof, was a tree that was the favorite place for the young roosters and pullets to roost. The evening when heavy frost was in the air, it was the annual job to get the grandchildren or other young boys (or girls) to climb up onto the roof, and then into the tree, to hand down the sleeping (and at first unsuspecting) pullets to be shut into the coop for the winter. Only when it was unbearably hot were the kids allowed to play in the precious wheat bin. Then we could shed as many clothes as we dared and bury our bare legs and arms into the wheat which was so cooling and soothing. Oats were sticky, but wheat was so refreshing. We lived too far from a swimming spot. My dad, John A. Moline, was a “square peg in a round hole” as a farmer, but he eventually paid off the mortgage that Mamma feared so much, accumulated a little money from selling tree stumpage, and arranged the family lifestyle so he could retire at 73. He moved the old horsehair cushion from the old surrey (ruined by mamma’s chickens), and fitted it atop a wooden bench he made from memory like those used in his childhood home on Oland, Sweden. He set it on the front porch! He had graduated from the granary! Now, in the closing years of the 1940s he could gaze at the trees across the road without thinking of board feet of lumber and piles of stovewood. Now he could sit and enjoy his favorite spot, full time, and think about his grandchildren, pet the dog and cats, talk to Mamma Jenny – and watch the world whiz by. (This story received first place in Polk County Contest, 1984.) Edith Anderson wrote the West Sweden news for many, many years. Living on the corner within view of Grace Lutheran Church, we kept close tabs of the events in her area. She often contacted the editor of The Inter-County Leader with news tips. She worked on family histories and was a member of the NW Regional Writers Club. She enjoyed local history and was a reliable historian. Every Monday morning she could be found sitting by her typewriter typing the latest news. She was a very good friend. Sometimes Virginia Larson subbed for Edith. It seems impossible but now both friends are gone. They contributed so much to their community. Wonderful memories! Blessings on them. Until next week, Bernice
Check out the Leader’s new e-edition @ www.the-leader.net
Do you remember ? Compiled by Bernice Abrahamzon
50 Years Ago Webster Days were set for July 15-16-17, with Tip top Shows, children’s day, children’s talent show, big parade, etc.-The Frederic Police chief had an ad on the front page of the Leader saying “Keep your dog tied.”.-Advertised specials at Route’s Super Market, Frederic were watermelon at 49¢, lettuce at two heads for 29¢ cantaloupe at 2 for 49¢ and vegetable soup at 2 cans for 25¢.-The Siren Jubilee was set for two days, July 19 and 20, sponsored by the Siren Community Club, with rides, carnival and concessions, plus a KSTP Barn Dance.-Local Girl Scouts spent a week at Camp Nawakwa.-Specials at the Frederic Farmers Co-op Store included 10 lbs. of potatoes at 39¢, Star lard at 3 lbs. for 55¢ and liver sausage at 49¢ lb.-Dorothy Anderson was queen of the Siren Jubilee.-A cement block business would soon be in operation in Lewis.-The Frederic swimming pool was open to the public.-North Luck Cash Store advertised modern cabins for rent.-G.C. Duffy was the Frederic agent represented Standard Gasoline.-Wallin Implement, Centuria, had a good line of new John Deere machinery.-The movie “Bambi” was playing at the Frederic Theatre.
40 Years Ago Specials at the Frederic Co-op Store included sugar at 88¢ for a 10-lb. bag, Campbell’s soups at 6 cans for 99¢, potatoes at 10 lbs. for 67¢ and free large ice-cream cones.-Route’s Super Market, Frederic, advertised a 10-oz. box of potato chips at 33¢, wieners at 12-oz. package for 47¢, wiener buns at 29¢ for 10 ct. and fruit cocktail at 4, 16-oz. tins at $1.A square dance was held Friday, June 21, in the parking lot of the Farmers State Bank, Frederic.Specials at the Clover Farm Store included Family Day’s specials of 4 lbs. oleo at $1, cabbage at 9¢ lb., bread at 4 loaves for $1 and freed coffee and doughnuts on Friday and Saturday.-Ray’s Firestone, Frederic, advertised avocado green tumblers in four sizes (your choice) with 7-gallons Spur gasoline.-A wedding dance was held June 22 at the West Sweden Hall.-A farewell open house was held for Pastor and Mrs. Everson who were moving to Madison after June 30.-Andrea Rudell was the new queen of Frederic Family Days.-Direct distance dialing came into use this week.-Milltown Baptist Church would celebrate its golden anniversary.-The 7th-annual July 4th breakfast would be served at the Clam River Clubhouse.
20 Years Ago The Siren School Board was told that a new athletic track was needed.-Siren School adopted a smoke-free policy.-A record turkey harvest was reported in Wisconsin.-Stitch-n-Time, Webb Lake, celebrated its 10th anniversary sale in late May.-Playhouse 46 presented the play “Cheaper by the Dozen” June 9-12 and 16-19, at the Unity School.-A wedding dance was given June 4, at the Luck Country Club for Debbie Miller and Thomas Erickson.-Obituaries included Madge Kleckner, Hannah Rohne and Roy Bibeau.-It was said, “Rain may be last hope for farmers.”-Herman Rohde passed away.-Jim Palmberg was back for all your insurance needs at Indiahead Insurance Agency, Inc., Frederic.-Polk-Burnett Electric celebrated 50 years of business.-Additional obituaries included Leslie Winslow, Maxine Vette and Evelyn Howell.Jeanette Ramstrom retired at the Cushing School.-A quilt show was held June 18 at Frederic.-A burglar got six months and a drug dealer got 120 days.-A new post office in Frederic was in sight.-Frederic Village trustees passed ordinances for curfew, bicycle, skateboard use.-The Frederic Lioness Club was sponsoring a tour of homes.
PAGE 6 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - JUNE 25, 2008
TOWN TALK/COUNTRY CHATTER Hi, everyone! Blacky here from Humane Society of Burnett County. As some of you may have noticed, I did not have a column in the paper last week. It wasn’t because I was out chasing squirrels and forgot; my computer ate my homework. Twice! Blacky Boy, was I mad. I think I know what the “XP” stands for in Windows XP - eXPletive! I’m relieved now, though. Everything is funcYAPpenings tioning as it should, and my hard work is no longer disappearing at the push of a button. Missing a week means I have twice the news to tell you about. I have some unhappy news, so I will get that out of the way first. Remember the car wash fundraiser I was going on about? Well, it has been canceled. We did not have enough volunteers available to work it, so we won’t be in Luck next month scrubbing cars for the animals. I suggested maybe if someone sprayed down the cars with something tasty, us dogs could lick the fenders clean, but that idea didn’t go over so well. All I got were a lot of blank stares. Hmmph, I was just trying to help. We’ve got a couple of other ongoing fundraising things at the shelter, however. We’ve got some really cool pet ID tags, leads and leashes available for a donation. There are a bunch of different styles, and they are heavy-duty tags. I’m thinking of getting my brothers each one. They manage to chew theirs off in the yard when they get a new one, then the lawn mower turns them into missiles! I’m sure I don’t want to be around when one goes through a window - someone’s going to be pretty upset! Another item we’ve got is a soup and salad cookbook, dedicated to the memory of the writer’s cat. It is called “Soups, Salads, Memories of Milo,” and was produced by
SHELTER
Kathryn Renee Vaclav, who has local ties to the area. It has a lot of good recipes in it, and stories that will make you chuckle. The shelter is offering this book for a small donation of $10. If you don’t cook, maybe get it for someone who does and then invite yourself over for dinner! Speaking of dinner, I am told we are running low on dog food. Running around the play yard like a goofball can make a dog hungry, and we’ve got plenty of goofballs to feed at the shelter. We’ve got more cats in, too. And kittens. Thanks to donations of materials and labor, our cat friends now have an outdoor kennel of their own to play in. It is pretty nice, but it needs some furniture in it - a climbing tower perhaps? I’m happy to see the cats be able to be safely outdoors, getting some fresh air and sunshine like the dogs. Finally, and I know this is kind of short notice because of my absence last week, the shelter will be holding some training sessions this Friday, June 27, at noon, at the shelter. If you are interested in volunteering to do some kennel work, office work, or cat care and socialization, this is what this training session is all about. The staff is pretty overwhelmed and could use some reliable folks to help out on a regular basis. If you’re into yard work or cutting the grass, you could sign up for that, too. A lot of people still don’t know where we are located, so I’ll tell you. The shelter is just north and east of the Burnett County Government Center at 7347 Midtown Road. If you turn the wrong way you’ll wind up at the dump, and that’s not nearly as much fun as a building full of dogs and cats. Think about it, then jump in your car and see if some shelter duty is for you. Thanks, everybody, and I’ll see you here next week! HSBC is saving lives, one at a time. www.hsburnettcty.org 715-866-4096.
Siren
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Can you believe it, old Mother Nature finally got things going in the right direction last week. Lots of great summer weather, warm and dry. There was lots of time to get outdoors and get some of that outside work done. Why, even those black critters have been on their best behavior, not a sign of them all week. You don’t suppose they are just planning something big, do you? The community band will be playing in the Crooked Lake Band Shell on the Fourth of July at 8 p.m.. Why not set that evening aside and plan on coming in and enjoy some of our community musicians, they do a great job. Sympathy to the family of Grace McKinley who passed away June 12. Sympathy to the family of Florence J. White who passed away June 13. Fern Woods, Willa Cole and Terry Glenna hosted a bridal shower for their niece, Samantha Woods, and her future husband, Mike Cain, at the Moose Lodge, north of Siren, on Saturday, June 21. Samantha is the daughter of the late Wilber “Sonny” Woods of Grantsburg and the granddaughter of the late Wilber and Clarice Woods. Art and Bev Beckmark spent last weekend up in International Falls, Minn., for a family reunion with four of her five sisters. Donna Rutledge of Salem, Ore., is no longer able to attend, as she is in a nursing home. Bev and sisters MaryLou Olson of St. Cloud, Minn., and Janice Butler of Duluth, Minn., enjoyed the weekend with sisters
Hunter This spring a guy in Minnesota shot his 8-year-old son while hunting turkey. He was allegedly drinking and smoking marijuana. He allegedly didn’t have a license and allegedly was on someone else’s property. The Minnesota DNR cautioned everyone not to wear red, white or blue when turkey hunting. The issue is to identify your target! I can’t imagine not being able to identify a turkey at 12 yards. All I could think of is my own sons and grandchildren, and how important it is, and was to protect them from harm. When our first son, Frank, was 4, he went to my folks to visit for a week. His grandpa, Frank, took him for a ride in the country near their house. They spotted a fox den along an abandoned railroad track, and Dad decided he would dig out a pup to show his grandson. He didn’t have a shovel, so he stuffed his socks in two holes and told Frank to sit by the other one while he went for a spade. The house was about two miles away, and when he returned, he found Frank walking down the
Bev Beckmark
Betty Miechkota and Peggy Frykman of the Falls, caught up on family news. Brothers-in-law Al Butler and Art Beckmark spent Saturday walleye fishing on Rainey Lake with Betty’s son-in-law, Jeff Hamilton. All enjoyed a surprise when Peggy’s daughter, Jamie Zawchemuk of Bremerton, Wash., put in her appearance. LeRoy and Violet Beckmark will be celebrating their 65th-wedding anniversary on Sat., June 28, at the Siren Bethany Church in the afternoon. The sixth-annual Scramble for Luther Point will take place on Mon., June 30, at the Siren National Golf Course with a 10 a.m. shotgun start and a supper at the Luther Point Camp at 5 p.m. This event is $70 per person, payable to Luther Point. There will be a cash prize of $10,000 for a hole-in-one. The annual Glover family reunion took place at the home of Naomi Glover this past Friday, June 19 through June 22. Family members there were Deanna and Mark Krause and kids, Daryl and wife Tammy and their daughter, Laycee, Ellen Numedahl and her daughters, Ashley, Cheryl and friend, Rob Wheeler. Even brother-in-law Jim Glover put in an appearance. Congratulations to Loren and Maxine Olson on their 50th-wedding anniversary. Stop in on Sat., June 28, at the Siren Senior Citizens Center and help them celebrate from 1 to 4 p.m.
ditch, crying. He told his grandpa that “a fox came out of the hole and tried to eat me” (he was not bitten). This was the stupidest thing I could imagine; leaving a 4-year-old by himself. I never forgave my Dad for that. ••• Dad, there is a sweet little boy dressed in camouflage wandering around there somewhere. His name is Hunter and he loves the outdoors. If you take him by the hand for walks in the woods; I will forgive you.
Brooke Biedinger
IRREGULAR columnist
Dewey - LaFollette 468-2940
Karen Mangelsen
Judy Albee was among several ladies from Faith Lutheran Church in Spooner who attended the LWML convention in Eau Claire during the week. Congratulations to Mary Harrington who was elected to the position of district mission grants director. Sue Mroszak, Beth Crosby and Judy Albee visited Judy and Greg Leonard Wednesday evening. Thursday evening visitors of Judy Albee were Beth Crosby and Beverly Brunclik. Linda and Mark Terrian, Donnie and Melba Denotter, Nettie and Duane Otis, Lida and Don Nordquist, and Karen and Hank Mangelsen were among a large number of people who attended the wedding of Darwyn Brown and Pam Hinks Friday night. It was held at the Covenant Church in Siren. Everyone enjoyed the reception and dance at The Experience afterwards. Claude McCarty and Roger Mroszak went to the Burnett County auction Saturday. Nina, Lawrence, Donna and Gerry Hines, Don and Lida Nordquist, Marlene Swearingen and Hank and Karen Mangelsen attended the wedding of Chris Harrison and Carly Heise Saturday in Richfield, Minn. Chris is Nina and Lawrence’s grandson. Gene and Donna Crosby and Judy Albee were supper guests of Beth and Gerry Crosby Saturday. Marv and Gladys Knoop visited Sue and Roger Mroszak Sunday afternoon. Duane Albee, Beverly Brunclik and Donald Albee visited Judy Albee Sunday evening and they played some cards.
Walk with a Doc CUMBERLAND – Strap on a pair of comfortable shoes and start making steps towards a healthier you. Cumberland Memorial Hospital and Cumberland Clinic will be working together to bring you a new and exciting program titled Walk with a Doc. Walk with a Doc is a summer program combining a 45-minute walk led by one of the Cumberland Clinic’s Family Practice physicians with a brief talk and questions/answers on health topics that are important to you. On Tuesdays, July 15 and Aug. 19, meet at the Cumberland Memorial Hospital/Clinic Main Lobby at noon, to begin the program Walk with a Doc. During the 45-minute walks, participants can enjoy the community surroundings, walk to a pace comfortable for the level of fitness and ask questions of the physician. Please RSVP as the number of walkers will be limited. Call 715-822-2741 to reserve your spot today. – submitted
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JUNE 25, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 7
TOWN TALK/COUNTRY CHATTER 4-H horse camp held by Hannah Ince, Horse Project Youth Reporter ST. CROIX FALLS – The 2008 Polk County 4-H Horse and Pony Project Horse Camp was held June 10 through 13, at the Polk County Fairgrounds in St. Croix Falls. Although it rained a lot, it was four days of fun. Campers brought their own horses to camp, or horseless horse members were provided a horse at camp. The sessions that the camper worked with their horses were: English, showmanship, timed events, obstacles and fun games, trail class and Western horsemanship. Other sessions were goat tying and roping, horse judging, team building, halter making, horse health, horse nutrition, saddle fitting and trail riding first aid. Fun competitions held at horse camp were horse confirmation judging, hippology (the study of horses) and horse bowl. To find out more about 4-H and the horse and pony project, please contact the Polk County UW-Extension office at 715-485-8600 or go to www.uwex.edu/ ces/cty/polk.
653-4281
Lewis
Bernice Abrahamzon
The Lewis U.M. Church had a bake sale at the Leader parking lot on Saturday, June 21. Some of the ladies met on Wednesday at the church to make some apple pies and freeze them for Saturday’s sale. A homemakers club also had a bake sale and both sales had a good result. The weather cooperated with Frederic’s Family Days events. A lot going on all over town. Plenty of food all over town. Congratulations to all the groups that worked so hard. The morning reading club met Thursday to discuss the book “A Thousand Splendid Suns.” An earlier book by the same author is “The Kite Runner,” and is available at the Frederic Library (when this writer finishes it!) LaVonne Boyer finished her review of the annual meeting this Sunday and thanked the congregation who se-
lected her to represent the Lewis church. The group called DOG will meet Wednesday night at church, so the monthly board meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday night. (No food.) Beautiful peonies and iris in the sanctuary on Sunday. Happy Birthday to LaVerne Leep. Her daughter, Carol Mangelsen, was visiting church along with granddaughter, Emmy Midbrod. Nice to have visitors, including others. The Inter-County Leader is having a picnic for present and past employers on Aug. 10 at Coon Lake Park. It’s a noon potluck. (Cutlery and plates provided.) It also happens to be the weekend of the third-annual tent revival in Lewis.
Tori is a 10-week-old female brown tabby kitten with long hair. She is as cute as they come. She is also playful and she absolutely loves attention. Our cat adoption room is filled with kittens of all ages and colors. We have calico, buff tabby, tortie, classic tabby, mitted tabby, torbie, white with orange tabby, black and white and Arnell tabby and White. Everyone is healthy Humane and ready to make your heart their home. Society Last week we reported three small dogs, Otto, Zeus and Cinnamon, all needing a dental cleaning and new homes. We are happy to report this week, that they have all found homes. Each one met an adopter that was perfect for them and will be going home with a new smile. Dog camp at Arnell is being offered for the first time this summer. Dog trainer Claire Scriba will be teaching the art of “dog listening” in four camp sessions, to kids 10 years or older. Arnell Junior Campers will learn to talk “dog.” They will learn how to read dog language and how dogs read humans. Through Dog Talking and Dog Listening, campers will learn how to teach dogs in a positive, cooperative way. It will be serious, fun work. There will be a two camps per day, one in the morning, 10 a.m. to noon, and one in the afternoon, 2 to 4 p.m. Arnell Dog Camp dates are: Monday, July 21, Friday, July 25 and Saturday, July 26, and Monday, Aug. 4, Friday, Aug. 8 and Saturday, Aug. 9; three days a week, morning or afternoon. There will only be four campers allowed in each session, so sign up today to be guaranteed a
spot. Junior campers will be asked to sign a good behavior contract and make a donation to the shelter as an entrance fee. Parents must be willing and able to pick up their child within 10 minutes if the good behavior contract is broken. Dog camp is an excellent opportunity for children interested in animal welfare and working with animals. Scriba is a fantastic teacher of children, as well as dogs. She runs the Arnell Puppy Classes all year and shares her house with therapy dogs. Campers must sign up by July 7. Space is limited to 16 campers, so stop by the shelter to fill out an application. Shelter hours are Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The annual Arnell garage sale was a huge success this past weekend. The weather was picture perfect and sales from the donated items will be a great help to the animals at the shelter. Gratitude is extended to everyone who donated their used treasures to our sale. Our sale is a success because of you. Arnell Memorial Humane Society, Amery 715-2687387 (PETS) or online: arnellhumane.org
HAPPY TAILS
AWAIT
Cloverton-Markville Many kudos to Ruth Schmidt, who organized a wonderful Cloverton reunion again this year. Over 40 people came to eat and catch up on old times. Those who came from quite far away included Barbara Shaw from El Paso, Texas. Barb brought her mother, Margaret Austin, who was raised in Kingsdale, Minn. Mary Jane and Virgil Jensen came up from Milltown. They were driven by Todd Swenson who lives in Osceola. Virgil graduated from high school in Cloverton, Minn. Shirley Homes, from Danbury, brought her mom, Maxine Smyth Holter. Maxine lives in Finlayson, Minn., now. Charlie Snelson from Columbia Heights, Minn., came up also. His brother, Jesse and wife Janet, drove from Spooner. Jesse was in the last graduating class of the Cloverton High School. The third surviving Snelson child, Elva Snelson Hughes, lives in Webster and she joined her siblings in having a good time. Those in the area who came for the fun include Phyliss and Tony Aspen from Dairyland. Phyliss is Emma Fornenego’s first cousin. Peter Fornengo’s sister, Tracy Umolak, was present also. Sharon Nolan Panek and her husband, Doug, came up from Frederic. Sharon’s brother Phil, and his wife, Helen, came over from Webster. Sharon lived east of Cloverton from 1947 – 1961 and is also a graduate of Cloverton High. Some weekenders also came for the festivities. Judy and Charlie Canesi came up from Ramsey, Minn., while Mary, Ron and Max Moser came from West St. Paul, Minn. Those of us who live right here in Cloverton and were able to make the event included Marlene and Don Mishler, Peggy Coveau, Emma Fornengo, Fran Levings, Dave Fornengo Jr. and Jan and Ed Proffit. Don Mishler was raised here, lived for several years in the Cities, and then retired back here a few years ago. He is also a graduate
of the Cloverton school. Again, thanks to Ruth Schmidt. The day was also her 83rd birthday. Thanks also to Peggy Coveau and Marlene Mishler for setting up, serving the food and cleaning up after the event. If any names were left out of this report, I apologize, and I’ll get you next year. The same day, June 14, Mel and Eleanor Elliott picked up Clara Lilly and they went to Forest Lake, Minn., for the 50th-wedding anniversary party for Elaine and Don Kelch. Elaine is the daughter of longtime Cloverton resident Dorothy Dumas. Margaret and Bill Damman also attended. Margaret is the daughter of another former Cloverton person, Helen Feldt. She and Bill are in Pequot Lakes, Minn., for the summer. In other news, we are happy to have Maynard Monson back after his long visit with his daughter, Avis Williams in Maple Grove, Minn. Maynard said a highlight of his trip was the graduation of his granddaughter, Megan, from the police academy. She has been hired by the St. Paul Police Department. Shirley and Jerry Blokzyl attended a baptism for greatgranddaughter Madysen Rogolski in New London, Minn. The event was followed by a big cookout. Shirley’s daughter, Tracy Martin, came from Harris, Minn., for lunch recently. Jim and Helen Allen attended the funeral of his brother, Frank, in St. Paul, Minn., last week. Patty Koehler’s mom, Bette Lee, visited from Green Bay last week, then Patty drover her home and spent time with her family over there. Jan Streiff’s biggest news is that garden planner, Betsy Danielson, came out and planted perennials. They met a few days later for breakfast at the Hay Creek Outpost. My husband, Dave Baker, and his son, Nic, spent Father’s Day on an overnight hiking/camping trip up on the North Shore.
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PAGE 8 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - JUNE 25, 2008
TOWN TALK/COUNTRY CHATTER Webster Senior Center
866-4334 The Webster senior meeting was held on Monday afternoon and the board was informed that a letter had been received from the Otto Bremer Foundation confirming the approval of the grant we had applied for which will be used for our planned building projects. The Northwest Cleanup hazardous waste collection crew was stationed in front of the center on Tuesday, and quite a few people took advantage of the opportunity to dispose of their hazardous products. A good number of diners enjoyed the chicken and dumplings meal on Wednesday, and Harold Peterson, Bruce Behrens, Gene Johnson, Earl Boelter and Bob Gleason all stayed after and played pool for a while. Fifteen ladies enjoyed playing dime bingo in the afternoon and also enjoyed the refreshments served by Theresa Gloege. I think the cake was called “Better Than Robert Redford,” or something similar, anyway – it was chocolate and fantastic! Deb took two days vacation time on Thursday and Friday, going to Somerset, for the three-day Country Splash and Nicki Quernemoen sub-cooked for her. The “regular” group of men played pool at the center on Thursday evening, but the ladies didn’t play cards as some of then attended the Webster Lioness Club installation of officers dinner meeting at Ike Walton Lodge. Phyllis Wilder, a member of the Frederic Lioness Club and also District 27-E1 president, installed the following officers for 2008-2009: President – Jean McLaughlin, first vice president – Gladys Beers, second vice president – Louise Cos-
ton, secretary – Mary Poretti, treasurer – Billie Graveson, directors – Effie Wester, Theresa Gloege and Mary Heier, and skirt twister – Marcy Larson. Outgoing past president Marlene Kufalk was presented an appreciation gift pictureframe plaque, and door prize winners of floral plants that were donated by the Green Thumb Nursery, Spooner, were Susan Hanninen, Mary Poretti, Mary Klar and Karen Hansen. Phyllis Wilder was presented with a beautiful hanging planter. Plans were made for their annual July 4 pie and ice cream social and bingo activities. The “Happy Birthday” song was sung to Jane Wardean, Mary Heier and Effie Wester for their June birthdays. Special thanks go to Bob Gleason and Sandy Wohletz for driving the Danbury area home-delivered meal route on Friday. Les and Mary Garbe are retiring as Danbury’s home-delivered drivers effective July 1, and we would like to thank them for their dedication and years of service to the Burnett County Aging/Nutrition Program. We wish Mary good health and our continued love and prayers to both of them. Bob and Sandy have volunteered to take over the route for them. Don’t forget that the Aging/Nutrition Program annual picnic is scheduled for noon on Tuesday, July 15, at the Siren Crooked Lake Park No. 2 pavilion that is just north of the one we have used in the past. Please call 866-5300, or the nutrition site nearest you, to sign up prior to the picnic. Our get-well wishes and prayers go to Donna Lehman, Vi Swanson, Eunice Tollander, Kathy Beyer, Sally Anderson, Helen Gatten, and Mary Lou Peterfeso who is having
Luck Senior Citizens Center Our monthly potluck/birthday get-together will be Friday, June 27, at 6 p.m. Molly Rushfeldt, Polk-Burnett County Honey Queen will be our guest speaker. Everyone welcome. Sympathy is extended to the family of Ane Marie James. Ane Marie passed away June 14. Her memorial service will be at West Denmark Lutheran Church on Saturday, June 28, at 11 a.m. Mark this on your calendar, Tuesday, July 1, 1 p.m. “At
the movies with Silpa.” Come have lunch, then stay for the movie with free popcorn. Everyone welcome! Got some flowers today, so I can plant them in the window boxes tomorrow. Be sure to check it out when you come to the center. Don’t forget our summer days and hours. Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. That’s all for now, keep smiling!
Orange Fran Krause
LaVonne O’Brien
Sandy Johnson and family spent the weekend with John and Reeny Neinstadt. They, along with Natalie Bray and family, attended Reeny’s nephew Troy Coveau’s wedding at Forts Folle Avoine Saturday afternoon. John Neinstadt and Bud Flagstad attend Nick Doriott’s benefit on Saturday. On Monday, Natalie and family and John and Reeny drove to Eau Claire and returned home Tuesday. Jack and Lavonne O’Brien attended Wally Childer’s graduation party at Big Lake, Minn., on Saturday. Bobbi Jo O’Brien was selected Miss Congeniality at the Frederic Queen Pageant. Anita, Kathleen and Sharon O’Brien entertained Jack and Lavone and Mike and Tylyn O’Brien for dinner at Adventures on Sunday. Pat and Nancy O’Brien attended granddaughter Ericka O’Brien’s graduation party at Wayzata, Minn., on Sunday. Sunday night supper guests of Rick and Judy Witzany were Bob and Jane Witzany and Jack and Jeri Witzany. They helped Jack celebrate his birthday. Mark and Deanna Krause and family were at the Glover family reunion on Saturday at Naomi Glovers.
SCF Senior Center The Tuesday afternoon domino winners were: Donna Schlosser in first place, Deloris Benson in second place and Don Anderson in third place. 500 card winners were: Don Benson in first place, Marion Davison in second place, Bruce Medchill in third place and Jeanne Thomfohrda in fourth place. Citizenship Being a good citizen is a big responsibility. It entails caring about your community and doing your part to make it better, cleaner and safer. Being a good citizen also involves being a polite, considerate neighbor. There are many different ways you can improve the community you live in, and lots of opportunities to share your time and skills. Vote. Offer to help an elderly neighbor with yard work. Have a neighborhood block party. Take care of the environment. Conserve. Follow the golden rule. Write letters to local politicians about your concerns for your community. Volunteer. A community is like a ship: everyone ought to be prepared to take the helm. Thursday evening 500 card winners were: Elroy Petzel in first place, Bernice Olson in second place, Cliff Qualle in third place and Don Benson in fourth place. Come and join us for the garage and bake sale on Friday and Saturday, June 27 and 28.
Mary Klar hip surgery this week. Our sympathy and prayers also go out to Theresa Gloege in the recent death of her sister, Rita LeMere of Turtle Lake; Les and Mary Garbe in the passing of Mary’s mother, Dorothy Grace of Hinckley, Minn.; and to the family of Velma McAndrew, Danbury, in her recent passing. On Sunday, July 20, 1969, the Apollo 11 landed on the moon, and astronaut Armstrong’s statement of “That’s one small step for a man; one giant leap for mankind,” as he stepped onto the moon’s surface will be remembered forever in history. But not many people know about the first meal eaten there. Buzz Aldrin’s church had provided him with a tiny communion kit that he had taken aboard the spacecraft. He sent a radio broadcast to earth asking listeners to contemplate the events of that day and to give thanks. Then with radio blackout for privacy, Aldrin poured wine into a silver cup and read, “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit.” (John 15:5). Silently, he gave thanks and partook of the bread and cup. God is everywhere and our worship should reflect this reality. Wherever we go, God is intimately present with us. No matter what our situation is, God’s fellowship is only a prayer away. “Just a closer walk with Thee, grant it, Jesus, is my plea, daily walking close to Thee, let it me, dear Lord, let it be.” – Anon. “If I ascend into heaven, You are there.” – Psalm 139:8. See you at the center!
Birth announcements Born at Amery Regional Medical Center: A girl, Charlotte Elizabeth Stewart, born June 5, 2008, to Carrie Stewart, Amery. Charlotte weighed 7 lbs., 8 oz. ••• A girl, Kylie Ann Nystrom, born June 6, 2008, to Ashley and John Nystrom, Luck. Kylie weighed 7 lbs., 8 oz. ••• A girl, Courtney Nicole Kist, born June 6, 2008, to Tracy Kist, Frederic. Courtney weighed 4 lbs., 15 oz. ••• A boy, Zachary Joseph Newbauer, born June 7, 2008, to Molly and Joseph Newbauer, Clayton. Zachary weighed 7 lbs., 2.5 oz. ••• A girl, Hazel Grace Raschick, born June 10, 2008, to Karie Pennings, Clear Lake. Hazel weighed 7 lbs., 14 oz. ••• A girl, Kailynn Renee Thompson Larson, born June 10, 2008, to Courtney Thompson and Eric Larson, Amery. Kailynn weighed 7 lbs., 15 oz. ••• A girl, Lyv Christie Geving, born June 16, 2008, to Callie and Tracy Geving, Amery. Lyv weighed 6 lbs., 9 oz. ••• A girl, Evelyn Kay Braaten, born June 16, 2008, to Anna and Ryan Braaten, Amery. Evelyn weighed 6 lbs., 12.5 oz. ••• A boy, Kameron Shane Rand, born June 17, 2008, to Kelly Rand, Webster. Kameron weighed 9 lbs., 1 oz. •••
Born at St. Croix Regional Medical Center:
A boy, Kaiden Brent Donald Hahn, born June 6, 2008, to Cassie Schrock and Jason Hahn, St. Croix Falls. Kaiden weighed 7 lbs., 4 oz. ••• A boy, Owen Kinnunen Marciniak, born June 6, 2008, to Sara and John Marciniak, St. Croix Falls. Owen weighed 8 lbs., 15 oz. ••• A girl, Casey Gerogia O’Geary, born June 11, 2008, to Lawrence and Marty O’Geary, Centuria. Casey weighed 6 lbs., 1 oz. ••• A girl, Ana Jo Ulrich, born June 12, 2008, to Justin and Melissa Ulrich, Dresser, Ana weighed 9 lbs., 1 oz. ••• A girl, Brooke Ava Jansen, born June 12, 2008, to Josh and Emily Jansen, Dresser. Brooke weighed 8 lbs., 2 oz. ••• A girl, Addison Jaymes Peasley, born June 13, 2008, to Cara Peasley, Grantsburg. Addison weighed 9 lbs. ••• A girl, Savannah Marie Jensen, born June 14, 2008, to Brian and Amanda Jensen, St. Croix Falls. Savannah weighed 8 lbs., 12 oz. ••• A boy, Carson Allen Hubred, born June 15, 2008, to Jacob and Susan Hubred, Amery. Carson weighed 7 lbs., 14 oz. ••• A girl, Brooklynn Rylee Becker, born June 16, 2008, to Jeremy and Tasha Becker, Dresser. Brooklynn weighed 7 lbs., 6 oz. •••
Born at Burnett Medical Center
A boy, Sylys Benjamin Rivera, born June 16, 2008, to Kimberly Benjamin, Shell Lake. Sylys weighed 7 lbs., 15 oz. and was 21 inches long. Sylys has two siblings, Domininc and Landyn. Grandparents are Jennifer Benjamin of Shell Lake. Great-grandparent is Marian Benjamin of Shell Lake.
•••
JUNE 25, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 9
The Good Ole Days We all remember wonderful things from our childhood. The Fourth of July brings especially fond memories. I think of the times I sat on the hill to watch the Barb fireworks by the Armory in New Blodgett Richmond. I even sat there one night to see Sputnik go across the sky. How exciting that was. I used to sit on that hill to watch softball games and think the men that played were real heroes. I remember staying out till nine o’clock and playing Annie, Annie, Over, or King of the Hill or just sitting counting stars. One night I fell asleep and everyone just left me there. My mother was frantic and my father was not happy that I had missed curfew. My friends thought it was so funny. I remember finding my bother’s clothes all over the house and not finding him. We thought he had left the house without his clothes. We looked for a long time (or what seemed like a long time) and all of this time he was hiding behind the couch. There was one time I got in the backseat of the car and scrunched way down. I rode all the way to work with my dad and he never knew till I got there. Of course, all the way to work was all of five blocks. As I remember I walked home. As we got older, we had dances at the town hall and hung out at Johnson Drugs. I have never found a chocolate soda or a cherry coke that tasted as good as the ones made there. They were best when a special boy paid for them. My mother got a toy poodle and we named him Pierre. I used to walk him and everyone stopped to talk to us. I felt so proud that he was our dog and attracted so much attention. Little did I know, he never learned the difference between the lawn and the carpet. One summer we all piled into the car. It was a 1949 Chevy, I think, and we drove to Colorado. Of course, my brother and I were in the back seat and it took forever to get there. I remember stopping at the Black Hills and watching the “Passion Play” far off in the
Caregiver’s GIFTS
hills. I thought it was horrible when they hung Jesus on the cross, and I cried all the way back to the motel (a new concept at the time...it had always been hotels or lodges before the modern motel with it’s metal shower and moldy smelling beds). We traveled on to the caves, that I was not impressed with enough to even learn the names of. It was dark and damp and I hung on to my father’s hand for dear life. The next stop was Wall Drug where we bought a bumper sticker that said we had been there and some polished stones that, believe it or not, I still have today. I just remembered, my grandmother, Mae Ullrich, who owned the Yellow Lake Lodge in Webster, came with us. Grandma Nonny sat between my brother and myself so we would not be screaming that I was touching him or he was on my side. It was hot, and with the windows up the smoke that filled the car, because both my parents smoked, practically choked us to death and caused endless stops because I was carsick. How is it that I don’t have lung cancer from second-hand smoke that made the air in the car a dull grey and obscured the scenery? We sang “Ninety-Nine Bottles of Beer on the Wall” and “Row, Row, Row, Your Boat” until my grandmother could stand no more. We finally made it to Colorado and settled in Denver for sight-seeing. We went to the top of a hotel that was miles high, and I got a nosebleed on the 10th floor because of the altitude. I am not a great one for looking out high windows or over railings that could fall through if I leaned against them, so this was not a great experience for me. We visited an old Western town called Center City. There were real cowboys and Indians and we could have a sasparilla (actually root beer) in a real Western tavern. This tavern wasn’t anything like my grandpa Charlie’s back in Webster (later known as Queens). There were no gas pumps in which to watch the bubbles go to the top, and I was not allowed to take quarters from customers and put it in my huge Coke-bottle bank. On the way home I think my brother, Bob, and I slept most of the way. The scenery was dull by then and we just wanted to be home. We still stopped at the same motels with the same musty smells, but seemed to make it home in record time. Our luggage was strapped to the top of the car because the trunk was full of souvenirs that we had to have, like my authentic cowboy hat that was crushed by the time we got home, and the wildflowers that we had to pick along
the side of the road that were long dead. Of course, we all proudly wore our T-shirts that said we had been to Wall Drug. I don’t remember much about my childhood other than terrorizing Mrs. Tripp, our baby sitter. I used to throw darts on the floor near her to scare her and accidently hit her leg once. The damage was minor but I remember the major punishment I got. Mrs. Boor was our sitter for many years, and helped Mom with parties long after I had grown up. I remember the egg fight Bob, my brother, and I got into in the kitchen and the same with the spaghetti. I now wonder why my parents let me live. I remember there were many times we were threatened with promises of being sent to the orphanage because we were such bad children. That came up when we left food on our plates, too. There were children starving in some remote foreign country and it was all our fault. My parents were going to send us where children were fed only bread and water and we would be made to sleep on the hard, cold floor. Today kids would laugh at those threats. Getting their iPods or computers taken away for a few days is misery, but still does not prompt children to behave because they know their parents don’t really mean it. Give me the dime store anytime instead of super stores of today. Give me the toy I always got my fingers stuck in, and could not pull them out no matter how hard I tried, and the paddleball I was never good at instead of todays Wii and Nintendo games. I am too old and my reflexes are far to slow to play those games anyway, I am wise to the finger toy and am still not good at the paddleball, but they were simpler and didn’t require a grandchild to show grandparents how to set them up. Give me the old days when neighbors were friends and used to sit on the back porch with us at night and help us catch fire flies. There are those who won’t “remember” these things and I am glad for the modern conveniences we have today, but the Good Ole Days were fine with me. Times when church was a must every Sunday, the flag going by meant we had to stand with our hands on our hearts and Mom’s apple pie was the best in the world. Remember with me. See you next month. Barbara Blodgett Director of Interfaith Caregivers of Burnett County icburnettcounty@centurytel.net
PAGE 10 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - JUNE 25, 2008
POLK COUNTY LIBRARY NEWS Milltown Public Library Bigger and better than ever before The library’s used book sale during Milltown’s Fishermen’s Party is going to have more books, movies and audio books than ever before, all at cheap prices. Bring a wheelbarrow! The sale runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 28. Help! SOS! Want to get the best books and movies first? Volunteers who donate at least one hour of labor to help set up the sale on Friday, June 27, will be invited to a preview sale from 6 to 7 p.m. that same day. No limits on purchases! Sign up now to help out on Saturday during the sale to also receive admission to the preview sale. Summer reading program Catch the reading buzz at the Milltown Public Library this summer. Kids 18 and under can win awesome prizes by registering for the summer reading program. The more you read, the more you can win. Every Friday we’ll give away valuable gift certificates to use at local businesses, and at the end of the summer, we’ll hold a grand prize drawing for an iPod and other exciting prizes to be announced later. Also, every participant who turns in 10 reading record sheets will get a cool T-shirt. There will also be a weekly contest called Who Wants to be the Next Entymologist? Summer reading program events: Free admission • Tuesday, July 1, 7 p.m.: Love and Langer Magic Show • Thursday, July 10, 11 a.m.: Bruce the Bug Guy
• Saturday, Aug. 2, 1 p.m.: “A La Carte” puppet show by Circus Minimus Gamers club Play with the new Wii until 7 p.m. on Thursdays. This is only open to high school and middle school teenagers who have a library card with under $10 in fines. During summer vacation, the Wii will be available from 3:30 until 7 p.m. every Thursday. Book club The next gathering of the Milltown Book Club will be Monday, July 7, at 7 p.m. This is a forum for everyone to talk about the books they love and hate, recommend books and share their passion for reading. At our July meeting, we’ll spend some time talking about books that involve water. Refreshments will be provided.
Library notes Summer reading is going along busily with 241 children signed up for Catch the Reading Bug. It is not too late to sign up as the program runs all summer. On Wednesday, July 2, Magic and Balloon Animals will appear at 10:30 a.m. Elaine and Lora are excited to be able to talk about our Big Read coming up in the fall. We will be telling you more about it in the upcoming months. This is
June summer reading schedule Thursday, June 26, 11 a.m. at the Clear Lake Elementary School - In Capable Hands Juggling Duo. Seventh-annual Friends of the Library plant and book sale The plant and book sale will be held June 27, from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Many types of annuals and perennials will be for sale as well as used books. Antarctic experience presentation The Antarctic experience presentation
will be held Thursday, June 26, 4 p.m. and Sunday, June 29, 11 a.m. with David Beyl. Regular library hours Monday: Noon - 7 p.m.; Tuesday: noon - 6 p.m.; Wednesday: 3 - 9 p.m.; Thursday: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.; Friday: noon 5 p.m.; and Saturday: 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. We can be reached by phone at 715263-2802 or by e-mail at clearlakepl@ifls.lib.wi.us.
Story hour Milltown Public Library offers story time every Tuesday at 10 a.m. yearround. Story times are free and are designed for children under 6 and their caregivers. Each story time lasts 30 to 45 minutes and includes time to browse and check out books. Hours Library hours are Monday and Tuesday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Closed The library will be closed Friday, July 4, and Saturday, July 5.
Amery Public Library “Shelter Half,” by Carol Bly More well-known for her short stories, essays and books on writing than for her fiction, recently deceased Minnesota author Carol Bly, has hit a home run with her last book, a novel set in the small towns of Minnesota she knew so well. Carol Bly had appeared at the Northern Lakes Center for the Arts and was a wonderful speaker as well as writer. Shelter half refers to the part of a tent that soldiers are issued in which you need another soldier’s half to complete the tent. Bly writes about the interconnectedness of small town life, how we need each other to be fulfilled. Bly makes the reader care about every character in this novel, even the bad ones and many are recognizable to small town residents. Put this one on your must-read list this summer and recommend it to your book group, you won’t be disappointed.
Clear Lake Public Library
the 80th year of the Amery Public Library, and we will celebrate by moving and having a Big Read on “The Great Gatsby,” which was written in the library’s opening era. Watch for more upcoming events on this subject. Friends of the Library book group will be reading “The Chosen,” by Chaim Potok and will meet on Monday, July 21, at 7 p.m. Stop in and pick up a copy of this classic about two young Jewish men being raised during World War II in very different ways. The Teens Read book group meets on Monday, June 30, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. to discuss “A Great and Terrible Beauty,” by Libba Bray. Pick up a book at the circulation desk and join us, if you are a teen, for snacks , drinks and exciting book talk. Otaku Club meets every Tuesday for teens who love manga and anime. Stop in and check out the manga selections if you are a teen or older. Gratitude is extended to everyone who helped at the Amery Art Fair, selling shirts and the upcoming Ameryopoly game. Library hours Monday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Tuesday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Wednesday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Friday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Osceola Public Library
Mary Score from the Clear Lake Elementary School recently brought her second-grade class to the library for a tour. Staff member Lisa Inlow also read stories to the students. They welcome the opportunity to offer tours and special story times to your group. – Photo submitted
St. Croix Falls Public Library Summer reading 2008 at the St. Croix Falls Public Library The library is a primary resource for fun and creative learning opportunities for school age children over the summer months. This is an invitation to participate in this summer’s Catch the Reading Bug. Catch the Reading Bug programs will begin July 1. Kids register for Catch the Reading Bug at the library. Tuesday, July 1, 3 p.m. – Magic Show Thursday, July 10, 6 p.m. – Live Bugs, Really! Wednesday, July 16, 6 p.m. – Swamp Things Wednesday, July 23, 6 p.m. – Wormy Wednesday, July 30, 6 p.m. – Buzzzz Wednesday, Aug. 6, 6 p.m. – Spidery Wednesday, Aug. 13, 6 p.m. – Minibeasts Fest Upcoming book sale The Friends of the Library will also be holding a huge book sale this summer during Wannigan Days, July 18 and 19. We are accepting donations of gently used newer titles for this sale at the library. How are we doing? What do we do next? The library board meeting for July will take place on Tuesday, July 8, at 5:30 p.m., followed by a 6:30 p.m. meeting of the library board, the Friends of the Library and the capital campaign committee. Saturday talk about the book club The book club will meet on Saturday,
July 26, at 9:30 am, at the Buzz. The current selection is “Growing Up,” by Russell Baker. ‘’Growing Up’‘ is touching and funny, a hopeless muddle of sadness and laughter that bears a suspicious resemblance to real life...Like all the best humor, Baker’s is grounded in truth and mellowed by a sense of the sadness in things...His laughs are distilled from the juices of life. He draws from a time and a world very much in the American grain: memories of listening to grownups rocking on the porch and sonorously reciting clichés or of Depression evenings in Baltimore spent around the kitchen table with endless talk and cups of coffee. – New York Times Technology Free wireless is available at the library. Also, visit the library Web site www.stcroixfallslibrary.org to get information on the building project, programs at the library and much, much more! Story hour Listen to stories, create great art and have fun with other kids and parents every Wednesday, 10:30 a.m. Hours, contact The library is open from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. every day except Saturday 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Closed on Sunday, 715-483-1777. The library will be closed Friday, July 4 and Saturday, July 5. Check out the library Web site and explore the links – Go to www.stcroixfallslibrary.org
Frederic Public Library
E-edition - this complete issue is online now. www.the-leader.net
JUNE 25, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 11
POLK COUNTY LIBRARY NEWS Centuria Public Library Reading Bingo Everyone is ready to play Reading Bingo at the Centuria Public Library. The Bingo cards are ready to pick up and the prizes are waiting to be given away. Come and join the summer fun at the Centuria Public Library. On Tuesday, July 1, readers of all ages can begin reading some of the great books to be found in the Centuria Library, place their sticker on the Bingo card to reach the goal of getting a Bingo, and bring the finished card into the library to be put in a drawing box to get a chance to win a great prize. There will be weekly prizes and a grand prize at the end of the summer. The first 10 children to turn in a finished Bingo card will receive a free daily pass to any Wisconsin State Park, Forest or Recreation Area. Coming soon – book sale at the Centuria Public Library Memory Days are fast approaching in the community of Centuria and the Centuria Public Library is getting ready to have a fantastic book sale on Saturday, July 12, from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Many books will be available for sale on that day and the library staff will provide bags and boxes for you to load up with
the great books at bargain prices. The library is accepting book donations for the sale, which can be brought to the library from Monday, June 30, through Thursday, July 10. Wii games and face painting at the Centuria Public Library In conjunction with the Memory Days celebration, the Centuria Public Library is having face painting in the afternoon on Saturday, July 12. Come visit the library, buy a few books at the book sale and sit down and have Barbie Luepke paint a summertime flower, bug, or other delightful symbol on your face, arm, or leg. The face painting begins at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday. Beginning at 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 12, the Centuria Public Library will have a Wii game set up for youth ages 10 to 15 to come in and play. A game schedule will be set up for individuals to sign up on in order to schedule their game. Prizes will be given to all who play. Regular library hours Monday: Noon - 5 p.m.; Tuesday: noon - 7 p.m.; Wednesday: noon - 5 p.m.; Thursday: noon - 7 p.m.; Friday: closed; and Saturday: 10 a.m. - noon.
Osceola Public Library Gratitude extended Gratitude is extended to the Libri Foundation for the 65 new children’s books awarded to the Osceola Public Library. Book discussion “Cannery Row,” by John Steinbeck will be discussed on Tuesday, July 22, 6 p.m. Drawing characters based on his memories of real inhabitants of Monterey, Steinbeck interweaves the stories of Doc, Henri, Mack, and his boys, in a world where only the fittest survive, in a novel that focuses on the acceptance of life as it is – a story at once humorous and poignant. Catch the reading bug Summer reading program schedule Thursday, June 26 – 3 p.m.: Bluebirds. Find out more about these lovely birds
and learn how to build your own bluebird house. Wednesday, July 2 – 6 p.m.: Family story time: Ants in My Pants with special guest from the Valley Dance and Fitness. Thursday, July 3 – 3 p.m.: Family picnic at the Millpond Park. Stop in and check out the next entomologist challenges. These weekly challenges are fun, take-home activities for our young patrons. Complete them all and win a prize. Hours, contact Our hours are Monday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday noon to 5 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Phone number is 715-294-2310, and our Web address is www.osceolapubliclibrary.org.
Dresser Public Library Dresser Public Library is located at 117 S. Central Ave., Dresser, WI 54009. The Dresser Public Library Board of Trustees will hold its monthly meeting June 30, at 6:30 p.m., at the library. Library hours Monday 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Tuesday noon5 p.m., Thursday 10 a.m.–noon and 1–7 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m.–12:30 p.m. New books New books are arriving weekly for all ages. Stop in and spend some time browsing for these new books, as well as old favorites.
Coming up July 1: Library “Ant-ics!” July 10, Thursday: Jeremey Williamson from Polk County Land Conservation will be here with lots of buggy critters and water invertebrates. July 15: Join us as we go to Dresser’s Central Park on a bug hunt. Contact the library at 715-755-2944 which is our telephone and fax number or e-mail us at www.dresserpl@ifls. lib.wi.us. Our Web site, www.dresserpubliclibrary.org has information about story times, days closed, reference links, library policy and community information.
Polk County Library Federation Need some summer entertainment and you still have a VCR? The Polk County Libraries have a huge selection of VHS movies. We have children’s classics like “Toy Story,” “Old Yeller” and “101 Dalmations” and dramas such as “A Beautiful Mind,” “Black Hawk Down” and “Catch Me if You Can.” Do you love the great movies from the ‘40s and ‘50s? We have titles like “How Green Was My Valley,” “National Velvet,” “The African Queen,” “The Bridge on the River Kwai,” “From Here to Eternity” and “High Noon.” Many of our videos are educational, so if your child
needs to brush up on some things before the summer is over, check it out at your library. If you haven’t started a summer reading program it’s not too late. Pick up a book and relax, enjoy your summer! For further information, contact the library at 715-485-8680. The director is Colleen Gifford, assistant director/youth services is Molly Kessler, and the library clerk is Stephanie Fansler. The Polk County Library Federation is open Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Balsam Lake Public Library Gratitude is extended to Boy Scout Conor MacKinnon for building raised garden beds for our summer reading and story time children and to ProLawn from Balsam Lake for donating the soil. Come visit and watch our garden grow! Summer reading program Catch the Reading Bug Join us from 9 - 10 a.m. on the third Saturday of every month for bugs and gardening fun. Please come to the library and get a brochure on all our summer activities or call 715-485-3215. Free wireless Internet access Find out what you need to know to connect. Story time Please join us for story time is at 11 a.m. every Wednesday at the library. All ages are welcome to join us for stories, crafts, music and snacks. Book club “Peace Like a River” by Leif Enger is the selection for July. Set in the Minnesota countryside and North Dakota Badlands of the early 1960s, “Peace Like a River” is a moving, engrossing, beau-
tifully told story about one family’s quest to retrieve its most wayward member. Equal parts tragedy, romance, adventure yarn, and meditation, “Peace Like a River” is an inspired story of family love, religious faith, and the lifelong work and trust required of both. Leif Enger’s first novel is a work of easy generosity and uncommon wisdom, a book to be shared with friends and loved ones. Book club meets Wednesday, July 16, at 2 p.m. Everyone is welcome. Book sale Balsam Lake library annual book sale will be Saturday, July 5, during Freedom Fest Days, and we have a whole back room full of books, movies and books on tape for sale, something for everyone. The library will gratefully take donations of books, videos, and DVDs until the Thursday, July 3. Balsam Lake Public Library, (under the water tower) at 404 Main St., Balsam Lake. Hours are Monday 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Tuesday 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Wednesday 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Friday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m.-2 p.m. E-mail: balWeb site samlakepl@ifls.lib.wi.us www.balsamlakepubliclibrary.org.
Frederic Public Library Catch the Reading Bug The children’s summer reading program is in full swing, but kids are welcome to join the activities at any time. Each week kids fill out and return activity lists that include reading and other things to do, and kids who complete eight checklists will earn cool T-shirts. Don’t forget to make time for weekly events including family movies on Mondays at 3 p.m.; preschool story times on Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m.; and a tweens book club that meets every other Thursday at 3 p.m. For more information, please contact the library. Story time does not take a vacation during the summer Preschoolers and early elementary children are invited, with their caregivers, to story time at the library on Wednesday mornings at 10:30 a.m. for an hour of books, activities, and fun. If you are interested in reading to the children this summer, we welcome you. Please talk to a librarian to choose a date, and we will supply the materials. Free wireless access available The library offers free wireless Internet access for patrons who bring in their laptops installed with wireless cards - no
more waiting to use the public access computers. Help keep our local food shelf filled Do a good thing for the local food shelf this summer by bringing in items such as canned goods, flour, sugar, rice and pasta, cereals and fresh vegetables and fruits each time you return your materials to the library. It’s also a great way to teach your children about community spirit. What is the morning book group reading? The Thursday morning book group will meet at the library on July 17 at 10 a.m., to talk about “Assassination Vacation,” by Sarah Vowell, an amusing yet fascinating tour of American history and its connections as the author sets out to learn more about the first three presidential assassinations. Copies of the book are available at the library, and new members are always welcome. Hours and information Frederic Public Library, 127 Oak Street West, 715-327-4979, e-mail fredericpl@ifls.lib.wi.us. Regular hours are Monday through Friday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; and Saturday 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Luck Public Library Catch the Reading Bug is the theme for this year’s summer reading program. The programs will be held Wednesdays at 5 p.m. at the library. Come for stories, games crafts and reading Bingo. Pick up your Bingo cards at the library. See you Wednesdays. The library is now taking book donations for the Lucky Days book sale. Bring in books, games, puzzles, audio tapes, music tapes or CDs and videos. Remember your donations are tax deductible and we will give you will be given a donation slip for your items. Donations will be accepted until Friday, July 18, at 4 p.m. Also the library will be having its second-annual yard sale. Donate what you don’t sell at your sale to the library. It’s tax deductible and for a good cause. Also we would love those one of a kind treasures you no longer have room for. Luck Library will take anything, and is looking for six special items for its raf-
fle. If you have anything to donate, call Marilyn Berg 715-472-2806 or the Luck Public Library 715-472-2770 to make arrangements for drop off. Buy a brick and support the library and historical society. Our first order is in and will soon be in place in front of the new building. However, it is not too late to buy a brick. $100 will get your name in stone (or brick) in front of the new library/museum. You can pick up forms at the library. Luck Book Club will be meeting at the library for the month of June. They will be discussing “Lisey’s Story” by Stephen King at 6:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome. Hours Monday 1 – 5 p.m., Tuesday 1 – 8 p.m., Wednesday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Thursday 1 – 8 p.m., Friday 1- 5 p.m., and Saturday 10 a.m. to noon.
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Vallee de Croix honors Sweet Adeline of the Year STILLWATER, Minn. – Each spring, the Vallee de Croix Chapter of Sweet Adelines International recognizes one of its members for extraordinary efforts and achievements. The chapter is proud to announce this year’s Sweet Adeline of the Year – Angela Blackwood. Blackwood has been a member of Vallee de Croix for seven years, after coming to a rehearsal as the guest of a friend. She says, “I enjoyed my time as a guest so much that it wasn’t a hard decision for me to sign up for an audition.” She has been intensely involved in chorus activities from that moment on, and brings her dynamic enthusiasm to every venture, particularly the showmanship team, for which she’s been a leader for several years. She has always loved music, and sang in choirs into college, but learning the rich blends of barbershop’s ringing chords has been a true joy for her. Regarding the learning aspects of Sweet Adelines International, Blackwood says, “This organization really does focus on education, and I’ve cer-
Angela Blackwood, Vallee de Croix Sweet Adeline of the Year. – Photo submitted tainly benefitted from that.” Raised in St. Croix Falls, where some of her family still reside, Blackwood earned a computer-science degree from
UW-River Falls. She now lives in Woodbury, Minn., with her husband, Tony, and their “best pup” Tucker. Blackwood is employed by Andersen Windows as an application developer in information technology. Tony also sings barbershop, and is a member of the Barbershop Harmony Society and lead singer of the 2007 Land O’ Lakes District Quartet Champions, Vocality. Tony and Angela met when his former quartet sang in the Vallee de Croix 2001 fall show. With some secret, but delighted cooperation from the chorus, he surprised her at the next year’s fall show. Just as the chorus finished singing “I’ve Got a Crush on You,” and the audience was still applauding, Tony walked out on stage, dropped to his knee in front of Blackwood, and delivered a formal marriage proposal. With this joyful beginning, they have now been happily married for more than four years. Vallee de Croix is grateful for the enthusiasm and contributions of members like Blackwood, who go above and be-
yond what is asked of them, to give generously of their time and energy. About the award itself, Blackwood says, “It’s an incredible honor to be presented with this award. This chorus is like a family to me and the friendships that I have with the women of Vallee de Croix have greatly impacted my life. To be recognized in this way by these women is quite humbling.” Membership in the Vallee de Croix Chorus is open to women of all ages interested in singing four-part a cappella barbershop harmony, and enriching their lives with new friendships and exciting musical performances. Practices are held at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 609 South 5th Street in Stillwater on Monday evenings at 7 p.m. Auditions are held as applied for. For more information, call Laurie at 651-439-7102, or Judy at 715426-7975, or visit their Web site at www.valleedecroix.org. - submitted
Service members rush to walking blood bank by Lance Cpl. Cindy G. Alejandrez, 1st Marine Logistics Group AT-TAQADDUM, Iraq – Service members answered the call to donate blood for two severely injured Iraqi policemen during a walking blood bank here on June 16, and in the early hours of June 17. Nine eligible donors each gave almost a pint of blood during the first drive, and 13 donated during the second drive. The blood reached the operation room 20 to 30 minutes after the blood bank was opened, said Petty Officer 3rd Class Charles H. Casler, 22, from Siren, a hospital corpsman with Medical Company, 1st Supply Battalion (Reinforced), 1st Marine Logistics Group. The number of service members and civilian contractors who volunteered to give blood exceeded the amount necessary, so many had to be turned away, added Casler.
Because Camp Taqaddum Surgical does not have the resources to keep patients for extended care, the casualties, who were injured in two separate incidents, were stabilized and transported to a medical facility in Baghdad for further care. Petty Officer 1st Class Mike J. Loesch, a 42-year-old, from Cheraw, S.C., who is the walking blood bank supervisor, Medical Company, 1st Supply Battalion(Reinforced), 1st Marine Logistics Group, draws blood from Petty Officer 3rd Class Charles H. Casler, 22, Siren, a hospital corpsman, Medical Co., 1st Supply Bn., 1st MLG, at Camp Taqaddum Surgical, June 18. – Photo by Lance Cpl. Cindy Alejandrez- 1st Marine Logistic Group, Public Affairs
JUNE 25, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 13
Regional Hospice is looking for volunteers SPOONER — The Spooner/Grantsburg office of Regional Hospice is looking for a few compassionate people who would like to donate their time to help those in the last months of life. Hospice volunteers visit patients, do minor errands and housekeeping, and allow a full-time caregiver to have some respite. For those wanting to support hospice that feel their strengths are in other areas, Regional Hospice needs help with office work, fundraising and public relations. All prospective volunteers go through a five-week training program, which includes information on communication Regional Hospice volunteers do more than visit patients. Missy Buss, Fredskills, bereavement, medical issues and eric, and Jan Myers, Danbury, are showing selling raffle tickets at the Web the specific skills needed by visitors to a Lake St. Patrick’s Day parade. — Photo submitted patient’s home. Jeanette Laqua, Siren, has been a vol- able to help people to live until they die.” one come in and relieve me. People Carole Sorenson, Spooner, says, “My don’t understand how hard it is to care unteer with Regional Hospice for 12 years. “I think I get more out of it than I husband and my son both had hospice for someone while you are so hurting give to people. It’s a good feeling to be care. It really was helpful to have some- and tired. Being a hospice volunteer is
my way of giving back. I find so much comfort and peace from helping the caregivers to get a break. I find a sense of purpose in this work.” Hospice volunteers get great satisfaction from the work they do. The volunteers also learn important skills. According to Mary Lou Gabriel, Spooner, “Hospice has taught me many lessons. The most important one I have learned is to be a better listener and also to enjoy each day because it is a gift.” The next Regional Hospice volunteer training class begins Monday, Aug. 11, in Siren. Anyone interested in the class or in more information about Regional Hospice is encouraged to call the Regional Hospice office at 715-635-9077 or Kathy Hansen, volunteer coordinator at 715-205-6425. — from Regional Hospice
Frederic Eastern Star installs new officers FREDERIC – The Season of Blessings 2008-2009 year of Frederic Chapter Order of the Eastern Star began June 14 with open installation of officers. Presiding as installing officers were past grand matron Pat Rasmussen and Ron Rasmussen, worthy grand patron. Harold Christenson, Bev Engebretson, Ron Pete, Janet Arndt, Mary and Jerry Bristol assisted at the installation. First-time worthy matron and worthy patron – Pat and Bill Beetcher, have chosen two specific charity projects: Crisis Comfort Care Kits and the food shelves in Frederic, Siren, Webster, Grantsburg, Spooner, St Croix Falls, Luck and Rice Lake. Frederic OES draws members from the areas in which the food shelves are located. A silent auction, in conjunction with the annual harvest dinner on Oct. 19., will provide funding for the
Presiding grand matron Pat Rasmussen, Pat Beetcher – worthy matron, Bill Beetcher – worthy patron, Ron Rasmussen – worth grand patron. – Photo submitted
food shelves. Supplementary funding has been applied for from the Polk-Burnett Chapter of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. These specific projects are in addition to the many other charities to which donations are made. Frederic chapter meets the first Tuesday of the month at 7:30 p.m., March through December. Eastern Star is a fraternal organization for men and women – a part of the family of Freemasonry. It is dedicated to charity, truth and loving kindness. Membership is open to affiliated master Masons and women with a Masonic connection. More information regarding eligibility may be obtained by contacting Duane or Mary Norgard 715483-1727, Alice Hedberg 715-689-2248, Tom Fedje 715-689-2645 or Pat Beetcher 715-349-8021. – Submitted by Mary Norgard
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Frederic Family Days • 2008 • Winners Family Days parade float winners Band – Siren Marching Band Community Float – Pilgrim Lutheran Church Chamber Float – Luck Chamber Youth Organization or Marching Unit – EFree Puppets Antique Car – Harold Sommerfeld – 1956 Ford Pickup Horses – Indian Creek 4-H Special Award – Therapy Dogs Family Days kiddie parade winners Group 1st – Sydney Domagala, Tessa Domagala and Talon Connor 2nd – Leigha Olson, Carson Simon and Isaiah Simon
3rd – Kinzie Matz, Taylor Alseth, Taylor Schneider, Sarah Wells, Aubree Fisher, Gavin Schneider and Maddie Donnell. Preschool group 1st – Sidney Peterson and Grace Wondra 2nd – Emily De Moe and Morgan De Moe Preschool singles 1st – Jade Donnell 2nd – Emma Koska K – 1st grade 1st – Oscar Lahti 2nd – Gabriel Koska 3rd – Elaine Lahti 2nd – 3rd grade 1st – Rylee Hoffman
Family Days fishing contest winners Blue (ages 3 – 5) Darius Pizzulo, 0.5 lb. Green (ages 6 – 8) Ethan Alexander, 1.4 lb. Red (ages 9 – 11) Taylor Schneider, 0.61 lb. Gold (ages 12 – 14) Alex Miller, 0.41 lb. Family Days treasure hunt winners Winner: Shari Matz (found in garden in front of Pilgrim Lutheran Church) Junior winner: Sydney Domagala (found under stage at Coon Lake Park) Family Days talent show winners Ages 0 – 6 1st – Adam Nick (2) – singing “ABCs,”
“Row, Row, Row,” “Twinkle, Twinkle” Ages 7 – 10 1st – Hannah Marlock – playing trumpet – “On Wisconsin” 2nd – Hannah Erickson – playing “Sonatina” by Clemente 3rd – Taylor Schneider – hip-hop dancing “Electro Funk” Ages 11 – 13 1st – Anna and Nicole Burkhart – singing “Our Song” Ages 14 – 16 1st – Carly Gustafson and Shelby Jurek – tap dancing “Ramalama Daisy” 2nd – Cathryn O’Connel – singing “We Live” – information submitted
JUNE 25, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 15
Frederic Family Days • 2008 • Parade
Flags led the parade on Sunday afternoon, June 22, which started at the Frederic Elementary School and ended at Coon Lake Park.
A Save the Pool float took part in the parade in Frederic on Sunday. Fundraisers will be starting soon for the construction of a new pool, bathhouse and concession stand.
Photos by Brenda Sommerfeld unless otherwise specified
RIGHT: Ken Java put smiles on the faces of kids by giving them a ride in his homemade antique model tractor and wagon. - Photo by Gary King
Frederic’s Volunteers of the Year, Delores and Eleanor Duncan, were in Sunday’s Family Days parade. - Photo by Gary King
Frederic’s antique fire truck makes one grand appearance each year -in the Family Days Parade. At right, a young man holds on tight to his candy stash. - Photos by Gary King
A Shriners clown walks his monkey during the Frederic Family Days parade on Sunday, June 22.
The Rowdy Red Hat Mamas made their way through town on their float Sunday afternoon.
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Frederic Family Days • 2008 • Queen pageant
The 2008 Frederic royalty is: back row (L to R): First Princess Orianna Tesch, Miss Frederic Candace Buck, Second Princess Kelly Daeffler and Miss Congeniality Bobbi Jo O’Brien. Front row: Little First Princess Haley Ennis, Little Miss Frederic Alexis Doyle and Little Second Princess Elaine Lahti.
Photos by Brenda Sommerfeld
Excitement and surprise really showed in Candace Buck’s face as she was crowned Miss Frederic 2008.
Orianna Tesch won the newly added Most Photogenic award this year. The audience decided this award by putting dollars in jars each containing a contestant’s name, before the competition began.
Alexis Doyle was crowned Little Miss Frederic during the pageant on Saturday, The Little Miss Frederic candidates lined up for pictures with their escort Andrew Tinman June 21. before their event during the Miss Frederic pageant. Back row (L to R): Kaitlin Bartlett, Alexis Doyle, Haley Ennis and Elaine Lahti. Front row: Katie Peterson, Teresa Neely, Andrew Tinman, Maria Scanlon and Megan Williamson.
The 2007 Miss Frederic, Melanie Chenal, waves farewell as she prepares to crown the Miss Frederic of 2008.
Gospel Express of Minnesota/Blue Notes provided special entertainment during the Miss Frederic competition held Saturday, June 21. They must have known something no one else did as they surrounded the later-crowned Miss Frederic, Candace Buck.
“Cotton-Eyed Joe” was the theme and song that the seven contestants and Miss Frederic 2007 opened the Miss Frederic competition with on Saturday, June 21.
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Frederic Family Days • 2008 Kiddie Parade
Contestant No. 7, Candace Buck, performed a vocal solo entitled “One Song Glory” from the Broadway musical “Rent” during the talent portion of the Miss Frederic pageant on Saturday, June 21.
Kelly Daeffler performed a vocal solo called “I Can Hear the Bells” from the Broadway musical “Hairspray” for her talent part of the Miss Frederic competition.
These doggies liked kitties as they walked through the kiddie parade on Saturday afternoon. Photos by Brenda Sommerfeld
Bobbi Jo O’Brien presented a tap dance to “Jailhouse Rock” by Elvis Presley during her talent portion of the Miss Frederic competition. O’Brien was later awarded by fellow contestants as Miss Congeniality.
Contestant Ana Miller presented a jazz dance to “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend” from the movie “Moulin Rouge” as her talent in the Miss Frederic competition.
Orianna Tesch performed an “Evaluation of Dance” routine, taking the audience back through decades of dances as her talent for the Miss Frederic competition.
Adrianna Otte performed a vocal solo entitled “How You Live” by Point of Grace during the talent portion of the Miss Frederic competition.
This poodle costume was one of the many costumes children wore during the kiddie parade on Saturday, June 21.
Sarah Lexen performed a piano and vocal solo entitled “Only Hope” by Mandi Moore from the movie “A Walk to Remember” as her talent for the Miss Frederic competition.
Photos by Brenda Sommerfeld
Minitractors were ridden down Main Street during the Frederic kiddie parade.
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Frederic Family Days • 2008 Dan Rovney of rural Luck won Best Overall and Best of Show for his 1928 Ford Roadster during the Frederic FFA Alumni tractor and car show. The show was held on Saturday, June 21. The event was sponsored by the Frederic Depot and the Gandy Dancer Trail as one of the Frederic Family Days events.
This was the first year that rides were available to families during the Frederic Family Days celebration. The carnival was open Friday, Saturday and Sunday. LEFT: Frederic Police Chief R.J. Severude took part in the dunk tank fundraiser for Marty Niles at the park on Saturday, June 21.
The Frederic Fire Department held a pork roast dinner on Saturday, June 21, during the celebration of Frederic Family Days.
LEFT: The Frederic Historical Society had help from Miss Frederic contestants as they served strawberry shortcake from the Frederic Depot during Saturday’s events.
Photos by Brenda Sommerfeld unless otherwise noted
Tori Niles enjoys the swings at the park during Frederic Family Days events. The Family Days Antique Tractor and Auto Show was held Saturday. - Photo by Gary King
One Family Days tradition is the lineup outside Frederic Stop convenience store when manager Danny Jones fires up the grill and starts to cook brats for the store’s special offer of a brat and a drink for $2. Jones, (shown on right) also known as “the hardest working man in Frederic,” reports that he sold 1,250 brats during the three-day special over Family Days. Isn’t that close to the population of Frederic? - Photos by Gary King
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Frederic Family Days • 2008 • Fishing Contest
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The new boardwalk at Coon Lake provided opportunities for contestants in the annual Family Days Youth Fishing Contest held Saturday and sponsored by the local Scout troop. Above, one contestant reels in a panfish from the boardwalk. At left, a young participant enjoyed catching a fish but didn’t want any part in carrying it to the registration stand. At right, Damian proudly holds up his catch. Results of the contest on page 14. - Photos by Gary King
Frederic Family Days • 2008 • The Park
Davina and the Vagabonds performed at the Coon Lake Park Pavillion following the Family Days parade on Sunday. The crowd-pleasing performance included jazz and blues renditions of well-known favorites. Those who missed their Family Days performance can see them at Lucky Days in July. - Photos by Gary King
JUNE 25, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 20
Italian cooking classes taught in Siren RIGHT - Carmela Tursi Hobbes, Italian chef/author from the Twin Cities, taught two Italian cooking classes for The Acorn Pantry in Siren Friday and Saturday nights, June 20 and 21. She will teaching there again Aug. 22 and 23. Other classes this summer being offered by new owner Holly Mangelsen include a baking class July 12 taught by Peggy Tolbert and a knife skills class Aug. 15. — Photos by Nancy Jappe LEFT - Chris Byerly (L) and Janis Wegner tried out their skills during the Italian cooking class taught by Carmela Tursi Hobbes in Siren June 20.
LEFT -Fresh focaccia with sliced prosciutto was prepared by students in Carmela Tursi Hobbes’ Italian cooking class for The Acorn Pantry in Siren Friday, June 20. Shown getting (giving) the proper instruction were (L to R): Tursi Hobbes, Janis Wegner, Sarah Funk, Chris Byerly, Mary and Al Glorvigen and Rosemary Christ. Ten persons were on hand for the class.
JUNE 25, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 21
EDUCATION VIBRATIONS Grantsburg Honor Roll A honor roll Grade 9 Emily Cole, Andrew Falk, Lauren Finch, Angela Gaffney, Haley Johnson, Rosalie LaMere, Alyssa Landsberger, William Lauer, Alexa-Jo Maslow, Gavin Meyer, Tiffany Meyer, Brent Myers, Cory Niles, Seth Odegard, Dianna Olson, Lydia Pfluger, Mckenzie Ryan, Carissa Skifstad, Erin Stavne, Emily Swenson and Cherissa Vollendorf. Grade 10 Casey Crawford, Cody Crawford, Heather Davison, Lindsey Fallstrom, Jessika Ilgen, Kelsey Lien, Cerenity Louis, Christopher Olson, Dustin Ryan, John Schneider, Kallie Thoreson, Leah Ticknor, Aimee VanTatenhove, Sarah Wald, Emma Walker and Larissa Wilhelm. Grade 11 Ingrid Ames, Lydia Benge Briggs, Nicole Davis, Justine Diffee, Bobbie Durand, Mitchell Evenson, David Larsen, Jennifer Lisiecki, Nathan McConnell, Jessica Moyer and Tyler Myers.
Grade 12 Maarja Anderson, Ausha Arnold, Megan Branstad, Allison Briggs, Melissa Burton, Adam Dahl, RaeAnn Harmon, Kirsten Ilgen, Kevin Johnson, Ashley Larson, Alison McKinley, LaShawn Nohrenberg, Emily Prazak, Alyssa Ryan and Laura Skifstad. B honor roll Grade 9 Derek Bertelsen, Adam Cordell, Kayla Fairbrother, Lisa Gaffney, Noah Gausman, Marika Grundtner, Jessica Hoffman, Anna Horky, Kyle Johnson, Jacob Lee, Steven McKinley, Laissa Miller, Jonathan Radtke and Tyler Sanvig. Grade 10 Steven Alderton, Jessica Banks, Carinna Coy, Cara Downard, Austin Eskola, Robert Finch, David Gaffney, Jennifer Langevin, Allen Lindus, Michelle Lund, Anne Palmquist, Joshua Phillipps, Ethan Prazak, ShyAnn Ricci, Michael Roper, Cody Tromberg, Bailey Volgren and Matthew Wood.
Grade 11 Bradley Berner, Trent Bonneville, Misty Bruzek, Benjamin Cole, Connar Goetz, Tessa Hane, Steven Hanson, Gretchen Hedlund, Jason Jensen, Kayla Johnson, Kirsten Kaiser, Thane Larson, Lauren Leonard, Samantha Oman, Cara Peasley, Darryl Richter, Lauren Stavne, Derek Stevens, Abbey Vaksdal and Tina Zimmermann. Grade 12 Kassia Alderton, Jennifer Anderson, Dana Burnham, Lauren Campbell, Sasha Chell, Zachary Corbin, Michael Corty, Michelle Davidsavor, Amanda Durand, Alysia Fehrman, Madison Graves, Robert Hansen, Vanessa Kleiss, Chandra Krout, Anthony LaMere, Nicholas Larsen, Brandon Mogel, Katty Peterson, Alan Schwartzbauer, Zebedee Shadis, Donald Syring and Simone Workman.
Academic News MENOMONIE – Following are students who received the Chancellor’s Award for the spring 2008 semester. The award is presented to students who have a grade-point average of 3.5 or above. UW-Stout, Wisconsin’s polytechnic university is a special mission university in the UW System. The university has a long-standing reputation of serving business, industry, education and the helping professions through its specialized educational programs. Enrollment this year is approximately 8,400. Amery Wayne Gould, management; Tarisa Helin, human dev. and family studies; Darren Hose, art education; Kimberly Kunkel, hotel, restaurant and tourism mgmt.; Steven Swager, information technology mgmt.; Adam Wassberg, information technology mgmt.; Patrick Wears, applied science; Balsam Lake Courtney Hilleshiem, psychology; Centuria Hans Nielsen, art; Michael Schmidt, business administration; Frederic Dana Ackerley, early childhood education; Phillip Lundborg, manufacturing engineering; Grantsburg Benjamin Seume, business administration; Luck Kristine Clarke, art; Ashley Hall, family and consumer sciences edu; Jessica Harr, psychology; Tatum Pilz, gen. business admin.; Jacob Stonesifer, business administration; Osceola Nicole Anderson, special education; Ashley Daly, marketing and business education; Hailee Mierow, art; Mallory Swenson, retail merch. and mgt.; St. Croix Falls Janna Krueger, retail merch. and mgt.; Anh Le, applied math and computer science; Carl Martens, art. submitted ••• MADISON – The University of Wisconsin-Madison has recognized students named to the dean’s list for the spring semester of the 2007-2008 academic year. Students who achieve at a high level academically are recognized by the dean at the close of each semester. To be eligible for the dean’s list, students must complete a minimum of 12 graded degree credits in that semester. Schools or colleges typically require students to rank in the top 10 percent of their class or achieve a grade point average of 3.75 or higher in order to receive this honor. Here are the students from the local area who have received this honor:
Amery William Ray Badman, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences; Rachel Kroog Elbing, School of Education; Sarah Elizabeth Elbing, College of Letters and Science; Megan Marie Frey, School of Nursing; Daniel Lance Hegg, School of Business; Erika Ana Leadholm, School of Education; Adam Mayer Morris, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences; Kristin Anne Swenson, College of Letters and Science; Kelli Joyce Teig, School of Human Ecology. Frederic Ryley Evan Karl, College of Engineering; Sandi Le Ritchey, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences. Grantsburg Kelcy Elisabeth Johnson, School of Pharmacy; Whitney Caroline Johnson, College of Letters and Science. Luck Abigail Rita Armour, School of Education; Nathaniel Alan Armour, School of Education; Evan Hall, College of Letters and Science; Philip James Kass Miles, School of Education. Milltown Jamie L. Larson, School of Medicine and Public Health. Osceola Ryan Elliot Carlson, College of Engineering; Arin Michael Ellingson, College of Engineering; Joseph Luke Elmquist, College of Engineering; Peter Lawrence Fillipi, College of Engineering; Elizabeth Christine Peterson, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences; Jeffrey Adam Thiel, School of Education.
St. Croix Falls Allison Elaine Virchow, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences. Danbury Trever Tavish Greene, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences.– submitted ••• STEVENS POINT – The University of WisconsinStevens Point conferred degrees on more than 1,100 graduates during the university’s 2008 spring commencement ceremonies. Graduates, their guests and faculty were addressed by UW System President Kevin Reilly. Chancellor Linda Bunnell welcomed the participants and Provost and Vice Chancellor Mark Nook recognized honor students and award winners. Amery Melissa A. Thompson, wildlife ecology-research and management, biology, B.S., magna cum laude. Osceola Erin E. Jasperson, communication-media emphasis, B.A., cum laude.– submitted ••• ST. PAUL, Minn. – Lauren Howe, of Siren, was named to the dean’s list at Hamline University’s College of Liberal Arts for the spring term of the 2007-2008 academic year. Members of the dean’s list achieve a grade point average of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale. Howe, who is majoring in international management, is a graduate of Siren High School and the daughter of Jeffrey and Karen Howe. – submitted •••
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Festival Theatre presents... Michael Learned on stage ST. CROIX FALLS – Four-time Emmy Award winning actress Michael Learned is making a gift to Festival Theatre as the honored guest at a fundraising event on Friday evening, June 27, starting at 7:30 p.m. The event is called “Talking With . . . Michael Learned” and the evening will begin with staged readings from the Jane Martin play “Talking With” which premiered at the Actors Theatre of Louisville’s Humana Festival in 1982. Learned will perform several pieces from the play and she will be joined by other Festival Theatre actors including Marilyn Mays and Jenni Aldridge. Following the performance, an interview setting, ala David Letterman, will provide the audience with an opportunity to learn more about Learned’s journey as an actress, the types of projects she has worked on in the last years (such as her national tour with Tom Bosley performing in “On Golden Pond”), her performances at the Stratford Festival and Guthrie Theatre, and what she loves about Wisconsin. Questions from the audience will be taken as well prior to a wine and cheese social
Final weekend of "Charlie Brown" at Festival Theatre
Michael Learned hour. Best known for her television roles as Ma Walton on “The Walton’s” and Mary Benjamin on “Nurse,” Learned is excited to help support the fundraising efforts of Festival Theatre in keeping professional theater alive and well in the upper St. Croix River Valley. Tickets are $25 each and all proceeds support the Theatre Series of Festival Theatre, now in its 19th season. For additional information or to purchase tickets for “Talking With . . . Michael Learned,” call 888-887-6002 or 715-483-3387. - submitted
Lisa Bark as Lucy Van Pelt with her brother, Linus, played by Christian DeMarais. - Photo submitted ST. CROIX FALLS - “This is one of the very best shows I’ve ever seen at Festival Theatre,” said Lisa M., who saw the Broadway musical “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” on opening night. Festival’s first show of the 19th Theatre Series has opened to accolades. Directed by Marilyn Mays with choreography by Doug Dally, the performances are stellar by all six young professionals playing Charlie Brown, Lucy, Snoopy, Linus, Patty and Schroeder. Music director Steph Schmidt provides lively and wonderful accompaniment that leaves the audience in awe. Set and lighting design and Jason Smith and Mark Web, respectively, are colorful and clever, but it is the costume design by Mary Sicora and fanciful props by Marilyn Mays that come close to stealing the show. The miniature grand piano played by Schroeder and Patty’s “rabbit hunting” safari hat and glasses are exceptional visual gags. Ryan Nelson plays Charlie Brown perfectly as the tender, lost-soul blockhead that Charles Schulz perfected in 50 years of creating his world-famous “Peanuts” comic strip. Nelson’s singing is awesome and he leads a cast of energetic actors who seem to redefine the great gift of comic timing. As Lucy, Lisa Bark performs the full dimension of the “world’s crabbiest 6-yearold.” Her obsession with marrying Schroeder and their Beethoven number is a classic. The showstopper consensus, however, seems to belong to Perry Thrun in his
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portrayal of the beagle with the biggest bravado and sense of imagination in canine history. As Snoopy, Thrun brings the beagle to new heights and his leaps, dreams, songs and dance are simply enchanting – especially in the no-holdsbarred version of “Suppertime” which Thrun nails. Jenni Aldridge (Patty), Thomas Rusterholz (Schroeder) and Christian DeMarais (Linus) all prove there’s not a weak link in the cast. “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown,” which is sponsored by The RiverBank, runs through June 29 and it’s a great show for all ages. Remaining shows are: Thursday, June 26, at 2 p.m*. Thursday, June 26, at 7:30 p.m. No performance Friday, June 27 – (Instead, we welcome Michael Learned to the stage for a special event!) Saturday, June 28, at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, June 29, at 2 p.m.* Final performance *2 p.m. shows are best for young children; each matinee is followed be a talk back session to meet the actors and ask questions. Festival Theatre now offers youth Flex Passes at $75 for 10 tickets – that’s a savings of $50! Regular Adult Flex Passes are $185 for a savings of $65. Single Tickets are $25 for adults and $12.50 for youth. Flex Pass subscriptions can be used for this production. Call the box office for tickets at 715-483-3387 or 888-887-6002. You can also order online 24 hours a day by using the Festival Theatre Web site: www.festivaltheatre.org – submitted
JUNE 25, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 23
Interstate Park news Nature story time at the park
Join naturalists Julie Fox or Barb Walker at Wisconsin Interstate Park at 10 a.m. every Thursday through August for a story and activity for younger children and their parents. The short activity following the story will reinforce the story’s nature-related theme. Please dress the children for outdoor play. Check at the park office upon arrival for the program location. Naturalist programs at Wisconsin Interstate Park Friday, June 20 3 p.m. – Find Those Fascinating Ferns. Ferns are ancient plants that reproduce without seeds. Join the naturalist for a walk on the Ravine Trail to learn how ferns grow, and to view a variety of beautiful ferns found at Interstate Park. Meet at the amphitheater located behind the Beach parking area. Saturday, June 21 2 p.m. – Junior Ranger. Free booklets with fun activities for parents and their children entering grades K-3. Meet the naturalist on the lake side of the Beach House. 2:30 p.m. – Wisconsin Explorer. Free booklets with fun activities for parents
and their children entering grades four and up. Meet the naturalist on the lake side of the Beach House. 4 p.m. – Molten Lava and Melted Ice: The Gee Whiz Geology of Interstate Park. A hike which begins at the Pothole Trail sign. 7:30 p.m. – Good News, Bat News. People need bats and bats need you. Find out why and how and learn more about these fascinating yet often misunderstood mammals. Meet naturalist Julie Fox in the auditorium of the Ice Age Center. Thursday, June 26 10 a.m. – Nature Story Time. Join naturalists Julie Fox or Barb Walker for a story and activity chosen especially for children pre-K through kindergarten and their parents. Check at the park office upon arrival for program location. 2 p.m. – Ancient Abandoned Riverbeds. Take a trip back in time on the Meadow Valley Trail. Meet naturalist Barb Walker at the Meadow Valley Trail sign near the Beach parking lot for a short hike up the valley. Interstate Park is located in St. Croix Falls on Hwy. 35 just one-half mile south of Hwy. 8. For more information call Fox or Walker at 715-483-3747. submitted
Sign-up deadline nearing for 20052007 livestock disaster programs MADISON – Wisconsin Farm Service Agency State Executive Director Ben Brancel announced that livestock producers have until July 18, to enroll in the 2005 - 2007 Livestock Compensation Program and Livestock Indemnity Program, the two programs that provide aid to livestock producers who suffered eligible livestock or livestock feed losses between Jan. 1, 2005, and Dec. 31, 2007, because of a natural disaster. Wisconsin producers have received $3.3 million in LCP and LIP payments to date. “The deadline to enroll in the 2005 2007 Livestock Compensation Program and Livestock Indemnity Program is rapidly approaching,” said Brancel. “I en-
courage all eligible producers to enroll soon because sign-up ends on July 18.” The LIP provides payments to eligible livestock owners and contract growers who incurred the death of livestock because of a natural disaster. The LCP provides payments to eligible livestock owners and cash lessees who suffered feed losses or increased feed costs because of a natural disaster. More information about LCP and LIP is available online at: http://disaster.fsa.usda.gov. For more information on FSA programs, visit your local USDA Service Center or the Web site, agency’s http://www.fsa.usda.gov. - submitted
St. Luke's confirmands
Date set for Frederic pool fundraiser kickoff FREDERIC - As one local citizen stated, “We built it before, we can build it again.” Mark your calendars for Saturday, Sept. 6. Friends of the Pool are hosting a kickoff fundraiser celebration at the Coon Lake Park in Frederic. Expect music, games, softball tournament, food, raffle, maybe a pumpkin toss and much more. The Friends of the Pool committee is completing the application to gain taxexempt status that will allow access to
grants that can really help their fundraising efforts. Help is needed. If you are interested in being of part of this group, please join Eight students were confirmed was on June 1. Pictured from left to right Sara us at their next Friends of the Pool meeting Wednesday, July 16, at 6 p.m. at the Underwood, Autumn Schmidt, Nick Rognrud, McKenna Rognrud, Ray Frederic Public Library. Officers will be Kurkowski, Breanna Jensen, Lauen Domagala and Emily Byerly. – Photo submitelected at this meeting. You can help, ted even if you cannot attend meetings. So make a splash and dive in. E-mail them at fredericpool@yahoo.com or send donations to Friends of the Pool, P.O. Box 274 Frederic, WI 54837. - submitted
2008 Interstate Livestock Show llama results announced
WESTconsin Credit Union awards scholarships AMERY – W E S Tc o n s i n Credit Union recently awarded Bobbi Christenson of Amery and Ryan Ayer of Clear Lake, $1,000 scholarships to be used toward their post-high school Bobbi Christenson education. The scholarship was awarded through WESTconsin’s Amery office. Christenson attends UW-River Falls, where she is studying agriculture education. Ayer will attend UW-Madison, where he will study chemical engineering/premedicine.
This spring, WESTconsin Credit Union awarded 19 scholarships of $1,000 each to members and their children graduating from high school or pursuing a posthigh school degree. ScholarRyan Ayer ships were awarded to members in communities served by WESTconsin’s eleven offices in Amery, Baldwin, Barron, Hudson, Menomonie, New Richmond, Prescott, River Falls and Spring Valley. - submitted
POLK COUNTY – Following is a list of the winners for 2008 Interstate Livestock Show llama competitions held at the Polk County Fairgrounds on June 14: 8-12 Youth Showmanship: 1) Ashley Kurth, 2) Whitley Olson, 3) Maggie Carter and 4) Ryan Kirth. 13-15 Youth Showmanship: 1) Adam Pflipsen, 2) Nathen Pflipsen.
ATV riders go 300 miles
Wayne and Bonnie Anderson of Frederic (on the left) and Steve and Rosemary Burkman of Grantsburg get ready to roll 300 miles on a twoday ATV ride. – Photo by Wayne Anderson
ArtBarn continues run of "Dancing the Cows Home" OSCEOLA – St. Croix ArtBarn Theatre will continue to present Sara De Luca’s popular childhood memoir about dairy farming in Polk County in the ‘40s and ‘50s, “Dancing the Cows Home,” Wednesday through Saturday, June 2528, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $12 adults,
8-12 Youth Obstacle: 1) Ryan Kurth, 2) Ashley Kurth, 3) Maggie Carter and 4) Whitley Olson. 13-15 Youth Obstacle: 1) Adam Pflipsen and 2) Nathen Pflipsen. Little Britches Obstacle: Allison Kirth. 13-15 Youth Judging: Adam Pflipsen. - submitted
$10 seniors and $8 students. Call 715294-2787 or visit www.stcroix artbarn.com. ArtBarn is located at 1040 Oak Ridge Drive, one block east of Hwy. 35, next to the Osceola middle and high schools. - submitted
Swedish Club features musical evening AMERY – The Swedish Club features a musical evening at its Tuesday, July 1, meeting at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church on Deronda Street in Amery. The public, as well as members, are encouraged to bring an instrument that you play or to bring a favorite Swedish
recording. A CD and tape player will be available. Others can come to listen and learn about Swedish music. The time is 7 p.m. Further information check the Web site at www.foreverswedish.org. submitted
POLK/BURNETT – Polk and Burnett county four-wheelers hit the trails again this year. The area chapter of the ATV Safe Riders rode 300 miles on an overnight ride June 14-15 from Danbury to Iron River. Members from as far away
as Illinois joined the local group. Next year’s ride is scheduled in the Trego area. For more information on ATV riding visit www.saferideratvtours.com or call 715-327-5525. – by Wayne Anderson
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OBITUARIES Vernon James Gutzmer Vernon James Gutzmer, 73, of Crystal Lake, Ill., died Sunday, June 1, 2008, in McHenry, Ill. He was born Sept. 19, 1934 in Luck to Walter and Laura Gutzmer. He was an ironworker for the Local Union 63. He collected old coins, pocketknives and antique watches. He is survived by his wife, Ardell Gutzner nee Sorenson. His children, Ron (Mary Anne) Gutzmer, Dave (Patti) Gutzmer and Brenda (Jim) Heaney; grandchildren, Dionne Gutzmer, Jeni (Chuck) Weisner, James Heaney, Laura Gutzmer, Matt Gutzmer, Michael Gutzmer, Mark Gutzmer, Nicole Gutzmer, Shari Gutzmer and Annalise Gutzmer; five great-grandchildren; sisters, Lorretta Peterson, RuthAnne (Curt) Knieff, Joyce (Paul) Kessler; brothers, Leroy Gutzmer, Jack (Carole) Gutzmer, Jim (Holly) Gutzmer and Chuck (Beverly) Gutzmer; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Gerald Gutzmer. A memorial service will be at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations to the National Multiple Scerosis Society, Greater Illinois Chapter, 525 W. Monroe St., Suite 900, Chicago, IL 60661, or the American Diabetes Association, Chicago Office, 30 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 2015, Chicago, IL 60602, would be appreciated. The Davenport Family Funeral Home and Crematory in Crystal Lake, Ill., was entrusted with arrangements.
Theodore (Ted) Alan Gregory
Ane Marie James Nichley
Theodore (Ted) Alan Gregory of Green Valley, Ariz., and formerly of Minneapolis, Minn., died on June 17, 2008, after a long and valiant battle with cancer. He was 77 years old. He was born in St. Paul, Minn., he was a graduate of Staples High School and of Macalester College with a degree in economics. His lifelong career was with Investors Diversified Services in Minneapolis where he retired in 1987. He loved to travel and to spend time with his family at his weekend home on the Yellow River. He was a gifted athlete and outdoorsman who enjoyed many sports and had a special passion for golf and fishing. He is survived by his wife, Darlene; his children, Michael and Paul (Amanda); and his stepchildren, Mark (Lori) and Marilee; his grandchildren, Laura, Catherine, Teddy, Kate and Luke; step-grandchildren Kylie and Sam; and many relatives and friends, along with his dog and constant companion, Fleur. In lieu of flowers please send donations on Corondelet Hospice, 630 N. Alvernon Way # 361, Tucson, AZ 85711. A Celebration of Life service was held Tuesday, June 24, at St. Francis-in-the-Valley Episcopal Church in Green Valley.
Ane Marie James Nichley died June 14, 2008, at Regions Hospital in St. Paul, Minn., a few hours short of her 91st birthday. Ane Marie was born at home in West Denmark, near Luck, on June 15, 1917, to Jens Ansgar and Frederikke Johansen. She attended Little Butternut School in West Denmark and was baptized and confirmed at West Denmark Lutheran Church. She loved her church by Little Butternut Lake and all of nature surrounding it. Ane Marie worked as a housekeeper, waitress, dietary aide, cook, baker and apartment manager, while finding time to be a good homemaker and mother. She loved education, spending her last 15 years learning about alternative energy and windmills. On her 90th birthday West Denmark Lutheran Church started the Ane Marie Alternative Energy fund. She married E. Don James in Solvang, Calif., in 1940. She was widowed in 1961. She married William Nichley in 1976 and they returned to Luck in 1979. She was widowed again in 1995. She loved family and always made people feel special. Her days were filled with visiting, church, songfests and friendships. She attended Family Camp at West Denmark and the Fall Meeting at Danebod as often as she could. Ane Marie is survived by her children, Ron (Cathlee) James, Fred (Cathern) James, Pam Ebeltoft, Penny (David) Teeters, her daughter-in-law Clare Elizabeth and partner Marcia Campbell; her brothers, Christian Johansen and Valdemar (Wally) and wife Evalee; her sister, Johanna (Thorvald) Hansen; her grandchildren, Heather, Cindy, Kevin, Karen and husband Paul, Ken, Kristen and husband Rich, Rob, Jonathan, and Michael; 11 great-grandchildren, many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. A memorial service will be held at West Denmark Lutheran Church in Luck on Saturday, June 28, at 11 a.m. Memorial donations may be given to the West Denmark Lutheran Church (Ane Marie Alternative Energy Fund or General Fund on the memo line) or to Church and Life c/o Wanda Clark, 423 Woodland Ave. #202, Crookston, MN 56716, (In memory of Ane Marie James on the memo line).
Mary J. Anderson Mary J. Anderson, 84, a resident of New Richmond, formerly of Siren, died May 13, 2008, at New Richmond Meadows Nursing Home. Mary was born Nov. 16, 1923, in LaFollette Township. She was adopted in infancy by A. William and Hilma Gerhardt, growing up in Park Falls. Mary married Lloyd Anderson and lived in the Falun area until Lloyd’s death. She then moved to Siren, where she lived on Crooked Lake until moving into the Senior Citizens Apartments in Siren. In the early 2000s, she moved to Capeside and finally to New Richmond in 2007. She was preceded in death by her adoptive parents; and her husband, Lloyd. She is survived by her sister, Nora Searles of Hertel; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends; special friend, Larry Caucutt of Siren and the family of her late husband, Lloyd. Memorial services will be held Saturday, June 28, at 1 p.m. at the Siren Covenant Church with Pastor Guertin officiating. Music will be provided by Joan Daniels and Nancy Daniels. Interment will follow at Viola Lake Cemetery. The Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home, Webster, was entrusted with arrangements.
David W. Bearheart David W. Bearheart, Cumberland, died June 19, 2008, at University of Minnesota Fairview. He was 50 years old. He was born June 8, 1957, in Cumberland, to Richard and Josephine (Hart) Bearheart. David graduated from high school and attended Augsburg College. He worked many years as an AODA counselor for the Millacs Band of Ojibwa. David also worked as a housekeeping supervisor for the Grand Casino at Mille Lacs, Minn., for many years. He is survived by daughter Georgia Rae Bearheart, Onamia, Minn.; grandchildren Kayana and McKellin; sisters Marjorie (Stewart) Eagleman and Julie Bearheart, both of Cumberland; four stepchildren; aunt Isabelle Hart, Luck; and many nieces and nephews. Funeral services were held Sunday, June 22, at Maple Plain Tribal Center with Melvin Eagle and Jay Saros officiating. Burial was in Maple Plain Tribal Reserve Cemetery. Pallbearers were Jaried Bearheart, Jonas Bearheart, Kelly Eagleman, Aaron Bearheart, John Bearheart, William Hindsley and Tommy Hart. The Skinner Funeral Home, Cumberland, was entrusted with arrangements.
JUNE 25, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 25
OBITUARIES Vivian (Johnson) Kallman
Jerry Ones
Claudine Marie Wilson
Vivian Sylvia Johnson Kallman, Grantsburg, died June 10, 2008, at the Grantsburg Continuing Care Center. She was 95 years old. Vivian was born Aug. 21, 1912, to Axel and Grace Johnson at her grandparents home in the Township of Sterling. She grew up on a small farm near Atlas in Laketown Township. She attended the Alabama Grade School, not quite finishing out her eighth-grade, because of the illness of her mother, whom she watched over. At the age of 18, she worked out helping the Gronlunds, who were neighbors. It was during this time, while visiting at the Kallmans, who were also neighbors, she met her husband-to-be, Leonard Kallman. They were married on April 28, 1935, at the Trade River Ev. Free Church parsonage. To this union four children were born, May Jane, a stillborn baby boy, Robert and Christine. The first years of their marriage were spent on a farm near Trade River, where they were involved with farming and a trucking business. She was kept busy cooking meals, washing, ironing and keeping the hired hands sleeping quarters cleaned. She helped milk the cows and feed the chickens. After selling the trucking business and going back to farming full time, she began working as a nurse’s aide at the Grantsburg Hospital, where she worked until she was 77 years old. In 1969, her son Bob took over the farm and he and Leonard built a new house for them on Trade River. They enjoyed 20 years there before she moved to Court Yard Square after Leonard’s death. Vivian was a devout Christian, serving the Lord in many capacities. She served as Sunday school teacher, president of the Womens Society at Trade River Free, as well as treasurer. She spent some summers as cook at the Ev. Free Church youth camp at Chetek. She enjoyed the Bible studies at Shady Knoll. She looked forward to serving the at senior center, quitting on her 90th birthday. She is survived by her children, Mary (Roger) Danielson, Robert (Barbara) Kallman and Christine (Roger) Erickson; four grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; two sisters, Vadah Orr and Vernice Gardner; three sisters-in-law, Ruth Boatman, Ann Kallman and Mary Alma Johnson; many nieces, nephews and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Leonard; baby son; brothers, Verlyn and Voyle. Funeral services were held at the Trade Lake Baptist Church on June 14, with the Rev. Roger Inoye and the Rev. Andy McDaniel officiating. Music was provided by David and Carol Alhquist, Pastor McDaniel and Ann Bell as pianist. Casket bearers were great-grandsons, Aaron Bistram, Adam Bistram, Beau Danielson, Cole Danielson, Ricky Danielson, Jason Johnson and Ryan Johnson. The Edling Funeral Home, Grantsburg, was entrusted with arrangements.
Jerry Ones, age 57, of Frederic, and formerly of Osage, Iowa, died Wednesday, June 18, 2008, near Osage. Jerry was born June 24, 1950, in Osage, the son of Justin and Clara (Kroneman) Ones. He attended and graduated from Osage High School in 1968. Jerry was united in marriage to Julie Heitmann in 1972 at Rock Creek Lutheran Church, and they made their home in Nora Springs, Iowa. They later divorced. Jerry was employed at Tatum’s Hardware Hank in Nora Springs. He then was the owner and operator of Ones Plumbing and Heating. In 2004, he moved to Frederic, to be closer to his children and grandchildren. Jerry enjoyed bowling, playing pool, taking walks, and spending time with his children, grandchildren and family. Jerry is survived by two daughters, Angie Ones and boyfriend, Daniel Mortensen of Frederic and Jessica Tollander and husband, Ryan, of Siren; son, Jeremy Ones and wife, Renee, of Frederic; six grandchildren, Jaryd and Jori Braden, Macy, Morgan, and Kylie Tollander and Benjamin Justin Ones; mother, Clara Ones of Osage; and a brother, Laird Ones of Osage. He was preceded in death by his father, Justin Ones. Funeral services were held Sunday, June 22, at the Rock Creek Lutheran Church in Osage, with the Rev. R. Dawson Tornes officiating. Burial was at the Rock Creek Cemetery. The Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage was entrusted with arrangements.
Claudine Marie Wilson, age 81, resident of Frederic Nursing and Rehab in Frederic, died June 2, 2008, with daughter, Toni Sclavi and grandsons, Bruce and Brad Sclavi at her side. She was preceded in death by Flossie and Lester Wilson; her brothers, Teddi, Leland and Bobby. She is survived by her daughter, Toni Sclavi; six grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; sisters, Gwendolyn, Betty and Patty; brothers, Billy and Gaylen. Funeral services will be private. The Rowe Funeral Home of Frederic was entrusted with arrangements.
Velma L. McAndrews Velma L. McAndrews, 69, a resident of Webster, died June 15, 2008, at North Memorial Hospital. Memorial services will be held at a later date. The Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home, Webster was entrusted with the arrangements.
Raymond R. Stachowski Raymond R. Stachowski, 75, of Osceola, died Monday, June 16, 2008, at his residence. He was born March 15, 1933, in Foley, Minn., to Bernard and Veronica (Stoltz) Stachowski. As a teenager, Raymond worked on farms in South Dakota. He later worked for Honeywell for 38 years until retirement. He married Beverly Christo in 1957. Beverly died in 1995. He later married Mary Bibeau in 1999. Raymond was a lifelong member of the Catholic faith. He served on Parish council for many years. He enjoyed living on Bone Lake for 20 years. His hobbies and interests were having a nice yard, doing odd jobs around the home, collecting caps from everywhere and everyone and being a Packer football fan. The past three years, he and Mary lived near Osceola, where he enjoyed his new home, nice yard and neighboring farm and also the many good neighbors, friends and family. He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife; sister, Margie Beutz; and brother, Ronald. He is survived by his wife, Mary; son, Richard; grandson, Brian; great-grandson, Anthony; great-granddaughter, Jordan Stachowski; sisters, Dorothy (Leonard) Rastetter, Lorraine Nalivaiko, Shirley (Elmer) Buetz and Janice (Steve) Lind; brothers, Bernard and Norbert (Carol) Stachowski; brother-in-law, Edwin Buetz; sister-in-law, Joan Stachowski; eight stepchildren and several stepgrandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Mass of Christian burial was at St. Joseph Catolic Church in Osceola on June 19, with Fr. Shaji Pazhukkathara and Deacon Dick Peterson officiating. Music was provided by Peggy Olson and Mike Olson. Casket bearers were Matthew Lind, Michael Buetz, David Rastetter, Craig Stachowski, Gary Stachowski, Keith Stachowski, Kenny Stachowski, Kevin Stachowski and Kurt Stachowski. Interment was at Crystal Lake Cemetery in Minneapolis, Minn. The Grandstrand Funeral Home, Osceola, was entrusted with arrangements.
X
Charles Wilberg Charles Wilberg, 79, died suddenly June 20, 2008, from a stroke, at Regions Hospital in St. Paul, Minn. Charles was born June 29, 1927, to Charles J. and Elsie Wilberg in Taylors Falls Hospital. He was educated in Taylors Falls Schools and attended the University of Minnesota. Charles was a farmer by choice and farmed his grandparents’ farm with his father. In 1963, with his wife, Gloria, five children and his father, he moved to Osceola. He enjoyed farming and served on various boards in Chisago and Polk counties, including the Polk County Board. The world’s weather and foreign affairs were always his concerns. Charles is survived by his wife; sons, Charles J. (Karen) of Antioch, Ill., David and Robert of Osceola, Thomas of Carlsbad, Calif.; daughter, Mary (Bruce) Westervelt of Madison; three grandsons, Robert, Michael and David of Madison. Cremation was requested and there are no services planned, but a Remembering Charles Wilberg Day will be in August. Charles was also a documented donor to The Tissue Society for burn victims.
Courtland D. “Court” Torgeson Courtland D. “Court” Torgeson, 78, of Siren, died June 18, 2008, at his home. Courtland was born Nov. 26, 1929, in Charles City, Iowa, to Alfred and Edith Torgeson. He served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He enjoyed being outdoors hunting and fishing and also took time to read. Courtland was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister, Char. Courtland is survived by loving companion of 25 years Laurel Heckman; his daughter, Debra (Tim) Yonkers and their children, Jacob and Jared; daughter, Susan (Greg) Thompson and their children, Melissa, April and Matt; friends, Lisa, Eric and Pete; niece, Cheryl Stewart; nephews, Andy Stewart; and his black Lab, Peachie. A Remember Court Day will be held at a later date. In memory of Court, the family asks anyone who is able to please donate blood to the American Red Cross. Memorials are preferred to Regional Hospice, 819 Ash Street, Spooner, WI 54801. The Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home, Webster, was entrusted with arrangements.
PAGE 26 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - JUNE 25, 2008
CHURCH NEWS St. Dominic and Immaculate Conception parishes install lay leaders of prayer GRANTSBURG – A history of the Catholic Church in Northwest Wisconsin reveals that this area has been mission territory since French explorers and traders first arrived. The Catholic Church in the United States still classifies this area as “mission territory.” St. Dominic Parish in Frederic and Immaculate Conception Parish in Grantsburg are a part of the Diocese of Superior. This diocese is a far-flung diocese, being made up of 16 counties. The boundaries of the diocese include the Minnesota/Wisconsin border on the west; the Wisconsin border on the north; the southernmost boundary includes St. Croix County; and the eastern boundary includes Vilas and Oneida Counties, covering a total of 15,715 miles. As with most mission areas in the church, there are times when the members of the parishes assume additional responsibilities to enhance the services and vitality of their parishes. This becomes more important as travel between parishes becomes more difficult for the priests available to the parishes. In order to serve the needs of the faith
Sue Wallin, Father Dennis Mullen, and David Malinovsky, two parishioners commissioned for ministry at the St. Dominic’s Church. – Photo submitted
Luck Lutheran welcomes members
communities in this diocese, the bishop of Superior has instituted a program where qualified individuals are commissioned by the bishop to meet some of the spiritual needs of their parish. These individuals may be called upon to preside at prayer services, including Sunday celebration in the absence of a priest, prayer services for the sick and dying, wakes, graveside services and even baptisms. The individuals are personally selected, based upon years of study of doctrine and liturgical practices. They then enter a period of training before being commissioned by the bishop. St. Dominic has recently had two parishioners commissioned for this ministry, Sue Wallin and David Malinovsky. Immaculate Conception has had one parishioner commissioned, Gayle Janson. These three individuals were installed by Father Dennis Mullen during a ceremony at their respective parishes on June 1. Father Mullen expressed the parishes’ gratitude to these individuals for giving so selflessly of their time and talent. submitted
Luck Lutheran honors graduates
Fifteen new members were welcomed to Luck Lutheran Church on Sunday, Graduating seniors received their handmade Luck Lutheran quilts. Shown (L June 22. Shown are Ted and Grace Anderson, Devlyn, Holly, Devyn, Payton, Cashton and Gavyn Ellefson, Cynthia Kreutzian, David, Julie, Brooke and Luke to R): Emily Smith, Britta Giller, Breanna Dietmeier, Brett Holdt and Pastor Mark Hall. Thaemert. Missing: Pastor Chuck and Mary Jo Arndt. – Photos submitted
Siren Assembly holds service at new band shell
Siren Assembly of God held its Sunday morning service at the new band shell in Crooked Lake Park. Craig Jorgensen and New Life Ministry led worship. Pastor Andy Bollant spoke on spiritual warfare. The congregation gathered for a church picnic following the service. – Photo submitted
JUNE 25, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 27
CHURCH NEWS When traditions are not good
the causes for such breaks, we would do well to reflect on our affairs as we pass through. As Ecclesiastes also indicates, “for by the sadness As a part of the memorial service, the fuof the countenance the heart is made glad,” (7:3). neral home had distributed literature speakSomeone may ask, “How could sorrow make ing of the deceased and matters of death and a person glad?” The answer is by causing one life. On one card was a quote from the to look on the affairs of life and put matters in Roman orator Cicero: “The life given us by order. Even on a daily basis, how sweet is the nature is short; but the memory of a wellrest of one who can look back on a day filled spent life is eternal.” What a sobering but with goodness, service to God and seized opappropriate thought to consider on the ocportunity. For those who have suffered some casion of a person’s passing. Garret setback, how valuable to know that God is Solomon wrote of the value of living life, Derouin near, that His hand is holding us in the mowith its proper focus, now, while it may be ment of trial, and this because we have comlived – “For to him that is joined to all the livmitted ourselves to Him already. ing there is hope: for a living dog is better than THE And from the end of life, how wonderful to a dead lion. For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither PREACHER’S be able to look back and know that our days have been spent well. An apt Middle Eastern have they any more a reward; for the memory of proverb says, “Don’t let old age be the winter them is forgotten. Also their love, and their haof your life. Let it be the harvest.” This reflects tred, and their envy, is now perished; neither Biblical truth, as shown when the apostle John have they any more a portion for ever in any was told, “Write, Blessed are the dead which die thing that is done under the sun,” (Ecclesiastes 9:4-6). The author is not suggesting that there is not in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they greatness ahead for the righteous; rather, he is stress- may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them” ing that when one passes, all opportunities to accom- (Revelation 14:13). And so we remind ourselves that plish goals and to achieve aims are gone. Life cannot life should be lived with a view toward the unending be lived again once it has ended. How unfortunate to reaches of eternity. In thinking once more of Cicero, have thoughts of “If only I had…” or “I wish I could and a quote on a funeral home card, even a non-Chrisgo back and….” Life truly is short, but the memories tian knew the truth – “The life given us by nature is of our own lives will be with us for eternity. No doubt short; but the memory of a well-spent life is eternal.” the rich man and Lazarus had thoughts upon which (Written by Rick Brumback) If readers have questions or simply wish to know they could reflect concerning their own, spent lives (Read Luke 16:19-31). But how much better to be like more about the Church of Christ, we would like to invite them to call 715-866-7157 or stop by the church Lazarus than the other fellow! So, it is imperative that it be lived well during our building at 7425 W. Birch St. in Webster. Sunday Bible days. Sometimes tragedy, illness, or other “interrup- class begins at 9:30 a.m. and worship begins at 10:30 tions” cause us to step back, breathe deeply and re- a.m. We also meet Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m. Ofconsider the paths we follow. While we may not relish fice hours are Tuesdays through Fridays, 9 a.m. noon.
A Well-Spent Life
Some church women prepared a turkey dinner for a fundraiser. They cut the turkey in half and baked it in two parts in the church’s huge oven. One new Sally Bair member asked, “Why not cook it whole?” That was the way it had always been done, someone told PERSPECTIVES her. No one knew the reason why except one little, old lady. “My grandmother did that because the church oven wasn’t big enough for the whole turkey,” she said. “They had to cut it in half so it would fit.” Heaven help anyone who went against this silly tradition. Not all traditions are silly. Many have evolved from good beginnings, like planting a tree on Arbor Day or holding a parade on July Fourth to celebrate the nation’s freedom. But there is a danger in making man’s traditions so important that the focus on Christ and his teachings are obscured. In Jesus’ time on earth, the Jewish leaders taught not only the Ten Commandments, but also hundreds of additional rules that became traditions. But Jesus followed the spirit of the law rather than the letter of the law. For instance, because he healed people on the Sabbath, he kept the spirit of the law but violated the legalistic traditions of the Jewish leaders. In Colossians 2:8, Paul warns the church against “following human tradition (men’s ideas of the material rather than the spiritual world).” When we allow traditions to control our spiritual lives, we miss out on the fullness of God’s glory. We also restrict our faith, stifle the Holy Spirit’s work, and turn people off to the Gospel. Today many of us continue to follow strict traditions made by man, even in our own churches. In some, the people sing three hymns, listen to three Bible readings and a 15-minute sermon, and leave the building by noon—while observing a common dress code and behavior. Meanwhile, many people go home hungry for a touch from God, wondering, “Is that all it is?” Such limited traditions tend to inhibit the work of the Holy Spirit. Sadly, the Holy Spirit (Ghost) has become just that—a ghost who is unheard from, unfelt, untouched and unseen. He is limited in his job—that of empowering believers for the work of God’s Kingdom. Thankfully, today millions of people all over the world who are hungry for God’s presence and power are trading their old traditions for his unrestricted love, joy, and peace through the Holy Spirit. Lord, we thank you that “what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away.” (Hebrews 8:13) Give us a hunger to experience your fullness in a fresh, new way. In Jesus’ name, amen. (Mrs. Bair may be reached at sallybair@gmail.com or http://bairbonesblog.blogspot.com.)
ETERNAL
PEN
Grace Lutheran Church celebrates 135 years WEST SWEDEN – Grace Lutheran Church of West Sweden will celebrate its 135th anniversary Sunday, June 29. The 9:15 a.m. worship service will focus on the church’s heritage in music. Pastor David Almlie will be officiating with Pastor Carol Ann McArdell as the guest speaker. A group photo of those in attendance will be taken after the worship service followed by a brunch. Looking back into the history of Grace Lutheran Church: the official organization took place June 24, 1873. Up to this time members worshipped at Zion Lutheran, Trade Lake. Christmas Julotta 1884 was the first service held in the present building. By 1935, the transition from Swedish to English was accomplished. The horse barns, erected in 1877, were removed in 1938. In 1909 a Sun- Grace Lutheran Church of West Sweden will celebrate its 135th anday school room was added to the niversary Sunday, June 29. – Photo submitted east and in 1954 a basement was Other additions include the purchase of a baby grand added. In 1998 a large new entryway addition was completed, handicapped accessible with an elevator, in piano by contributions to the memorial fund. The church has also been able to display a silver service due time for the 125th anniversary. Since that anniversary, the church has been able to to WELCA and the craftsmanship of Milton Anderson. make many improvements, many due to a large be- WELCA has also financed the placement of a dish sanquest from a generous benefactor, including the addi- itizer in the kitchen. Through these and other improvements, Grace tion of a new pipe organ, paving the parking lot, recarpeting the entire church, new vinyl flooring in the Lutheran Church has been able to continue to serve its kitchen, tiling at both entrances, a new door at the members. The community is invited to join in the celebration. south entrance, the addition of playground equipment submitted and most recently, shingling the roof.
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CHURCH NEWS Without the guidance of a father, boys can be led astray Q: Why is early supervision and discipline of a son by his father so important? Dr. Dobson: Let me illustrate this principle with a recent finding from the world of nature. Other than dogs, which I have always loved, the animals that fascinate me the most are elephants. These magnificent creatures are highly emotional and surprisingly intelligent. I suppose that's why it is disturbing to see them suffering the encroachment of civilization. That is happening in the Pilanesberg National Park in northwestern South Africa. Rangers there have reported that young bull elephants in that region have become increasingly violent in recent years - especially to nearby white rhinos. Without provocation, an elephant will knock a rhinoceros over and then kneel and gore it to death. This is not typical elephant behavior and it's been very difficult to explain. But now, game wardens think they've cracked the code. Apparently, the aggressiveness is a byproduct of government programs to reduce elephant populations by killing the older animals. Almost all of the young rogues were orphaned when they were calves, depriving them of adult contact. Under normal circumstances, dominant older males keep the young bulls in line and serve as role models for them. In the absence of that influence, "juvenile delinquents" grow up to terrorize their neighbors. I know it's risky to apply animal behavior too liberally to human beings, but the parallel here is too striking to miss. Let me say it one more time: The absence
of early supervision and discipline is often catastrophic - for teenagers and for elephants. Prisons are populated primarily by men who were abandoned or rejected by their fathers. Motivational speaker and writer Zig Ziglar quotes his friend Bill Glass, a dedicated evangelist who counseled almost Dr. James every weekend for 25 years with Dobson men who were incarcerated, as saying that among the thousands of prisoners he had met, not one of them genuinely loved his dad. Ninety-five percent of those on death row hated their fathers. In 1998, there were 1,202,107 people in federal or state prisons. Of that number 94 percent were males. Of the 3,452 prisoners awaiting execution, only 48 were women. That amounts to 98.6 percent males. Clearly, as author Barbara Jackson said, "it is far easier to build strong children than to repair broken men." Some years ago, executives of a greeting-card company decided to do something special for Mother's Day. They set up a table in a federal prison, inviting any inmate who so desired to send a free card to his mom. The lines were so long, they had to make another trip to the factory to get more cards. Due to the success of the event, they decided to do the same thing on Father's Day, but this time no one came. Not one prisoner felt the need to send a card to his dad. Many had no idea who their fathers even were. What a sobering illustration of a dad's importance to his children.
FOCUS ON THE
FAMILY
Contrast that story with a conversation I once had with a man named Bill Houghton, who was president of a large construction firm. Through the years, he had hired and managed thousands of employees. I asked him: "When you are thinking of hiring an employee, especially a man, what do you look for?" His answer surprised me. He said, "I look primarily at the relationship between the man and his father. If he felt loved by his dad and respected his authority, he's likely to be a good employee." Then he added, "I won't hire a young man who has been in rebellion against his dad. He will have difficulty with me, too." I have also observed that the relationship between a boy and his father sets the tone for so much of what is to come. He is that important at home. ••• Dr. Dobson is founder and chairman of the board of the nonprofit organization Focus on the Family, Colorado Springs, CO 80995, www.family.org. Questions and answers are excerpted from "Solid Answers" and "Bringing Up Boys," both published by Tyndale House. COPYRIGHT 2008 JAMES DOBSON INC., DISTRIBUTED BY UNIVERSAL PRESS SYNDICATE, 4520 Main St., Kansas City, Mo. 64111; 816-932 6600.
Brought to you by:
Frederic Evangelical Free Church Frederic
PAGE 29 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- APRIL 2, 2008
PAGE 30 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - JUNE 25, 2008
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JUNE 25, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 31
Yellow River Echoes at Forts Folle Avoine
Miss Siren Pageant set
(L to R) Rachell, Tillie and Anna camped out at Forts Folle Avoine Historical Park during Yellow River Echoes.
Contestants pictured back row (L to R): Deanna Phernetton and Meghan Baasch. Front row: Sarah Howe and Natasha Kosloski. – Photos submitted
Susan samples a handwoven tie on a pair of leggings. Many historical crafts were demonstrated at Forts Folle Avoine this past weekend during Yellow River Echoes.
Shown is a bowl of copper. Copper was one of the original trade goods of this area. This copper is from Michigan’s upper peninsula.
A lively game of lacrosse was played in the Ojibwa village this past weekend during the Yellow River Echoes at Forts Folle Avoine.
Photos by Sherill Summer
The Yellow River Echoes – A Living History Fur Trade Experience must include fur traders. Here David Klessig describes the fur trade as it would have happened during the early 1800s inside the XY building at Forts Folle Avoine.
SIREN – The 2008 Miss Siren Queen Pageant will be held at the Siren High School auditorium on Saturday, June 28, 7 p.m. This year’s pageant theme is Fabulous, and the emcee is 2007 Junior Miss Siren Tiara Hanson. Tickets can be purchased at the door. There are four contestants vying for the title of Miss Siren. The Miss Siren candidates will be judged in areas of private interview, current event discussions, opening number dance routine, casual wear, talent, evening gown and on-stage questions. Contestant no. one is Meghan Baasch. Baasch is the daughter of Gregg and Jackie Baasch, and she is sponsored by Best Western Northwoods Lodge and Spring Creek Construction. Contestant no. two is Sarah Howe. Howe is the daughter of Jeff and Karen Howe, and she is sponsored by the Syren General Store and Nouveau Salon and Spa. Contestant no. three is Natasha
Candidates for 2008 Little Miss Siren are: back row (L to R) Madalyn Nicols (daughter of Jason and Karen Nicols) and Rylee O’Brien (daughter of Bob and Heather O’Brien). Front row (L to R) Asia Belisle (daughter of Tracee and Bryan Belisle) and Ellyn Lindquist (daughter of Kent and Jenelle Lindquist)
Kosloski. Kosloski is the daughter of Gary Kosloski and Cheryl Johnson, and she is sponsored by the Acorn Pantry and Kosloski Trucking. Contestant no. four is Deanna Phernetton. Phernetton is the daughter of Scott and Kim Phernetton, and she is sponsored by the St. Croix Tribe and Gunner’s Bike Shop. The Little Miss Siren coronation will also take place during the pageant. There are four little miss candidates this year. The pageant is being funded and sponsored by the following businesses: Best Western Northwoods Lodge, The Pizza Place, Siren Telephone Company, U.S. Bank, Vasatka Systems, Bremer Bank, Benson Law Office, Fishbowl Insurance, Larsen Auto Center, Adventures, Siren Children’s Center and Austin Lake Greenhouse. – submitted
PAGE 32 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - JUNE 25, 2008
JUNE
WED. - SAT./25 - 28 Osceola
• “Dancing the Cows Home,” at the ArtBarn, 7:30 p.m., 715-294-2787.
THURSDAY/26 Amery
• NW Graziers beef pasture walk at the Jeff and Susan Burch Farm, 9 a.m.-noon, 715-2688778.
Coming events
Webster • Brats, BBQ & pie, bake sale & craft sale at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
SUNDAY/29 Cushing
• Pig roast benefit for Avis Lindblad at Skonewood Retreat Center, 3-6 p.m. • Lee Elmer Family Band, 7 p.m.; Ann Beal on piano at 6:45 p.m., at Skonewood Retreat Center.
• Polk County Democratic Party meeting at the Village Pizzeria on Main Street, 5:30 p.m., dinner, 7 p.m. meeting. Call Jan Kelton-Wolden at 715-327-5637 for more info.
Frederic
Balsam Lake
• Special music by Milton Johnson at Pilgrim Lutheran Church at the 9 a.m. worship service. • Pleasant Valley School alumni & friends potluck picnic at the school grounds, 1 p.m. Scandinavian/folk music at 2:30 p.m.
• First Aid Class at the Polk County Red Cross office, 5:30-8:30 p.m., preregistration required, 715-485-3025.
Frederic
Milltown
• 500 cards played, 6:30 p.m., at the senior center. • Support group for people with bipolar disorder and depression at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 7:30 p.m. Call 715-327-4436 for more info.
• Milltown Lutheran Church service in the park 10 a.m. • Knights of Columbus root beer stand, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., 715-648-5318.
Webster
Hertel
• 6th-annual Golf Tournament with proceeds to Forts Folle Avoine, 715-866-8890. • Lions Chicken Barbeque at the old Webster High School, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Transportation task force meeting at the Tribal center, 5-7 p.m., 715-349-7600, ext. 1229.
Luck
• Meeting of the Luck Area Historical Society to be held at the new museum, 7 p.m.
Milltown • Rep. Hraychuck listening session at the village hall, noon-1 p.m., 888-529-0028.
St. Croix Falls
Butterflies have been visiting Shirley Beecroft’s garden lately. – Photo submitted
FRIDAY/27
MONDAY/30 Frederic
• Spades, 1 p.m., at the senior center.
Rice Lake • 39th-annual Hungrey Hollow Steam & Gas Engine Club Show at the fairgrounds, 7 a.m.5 p.m., 715-234-8423.
Amery
• Bingo at the senior center, 1 p.m.
Clear Lake
SATURDAY/28
• Exercise, 10 a.m.; Skipbo, 11 a.m.; 500 cards, 6:30 p.m., at the senior center. • Historical Society meeting at National Parks Headquarters, 7 p.m., 715-483-3580.
• Seventh-annual Friends of the Library plant and book sale, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., 715-263-2802.
Webster
• Pokeno played, 1 p.m., at the senior center.
Balsam Lake
Luck
• Unity Class of 1978 reunion at the ballpark, 1:30 p.m. • Free water ski show in front of Paradise Landing on Balsam Lake by Twin Cities River Rats, 7 p.m., www.tcriverrats.com.
• Transportation task force meeting at the community center, 1-3 p.m., 715-349-7600, ext. 1229.
FRI. & SAT./27 &28 A&H
• 10th-annual Trash & Treasures Sale at Lakeside Lutheran Church, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
St. Croix Falls • Garage & bake sale, Fri., 9 a.m.-6 p.m; Sat., 9 a.m.-2 p.m., at the senior center.
FRI. - SUN./27 - 29 Milltown
• Fishermen’s Party. Children’s Carnival at the park.
Solon Springs • Voyageur Daze, www.SOLONSPRINGS.NET.
715-378-2235,
Turtle Lake • 16th-annual St. Croix Chippewa contest Powwow at Mak’oode Arena, St. Croix Casino, Fri., 7 p.m.; Sat., noon & 7 p.m.; Sun., noon.
Frederic • Birthday potluck at the senior center, 6 p.m. Polk-Burnett Honey Queen will be present,
Siren • Humane Society volunteer training at the shelter, noon, 715-866-4096.
Webster • An evening in Tuscany, dinner at the Fort, 5:30 p.m. wine & appetizers on the deck; 6:30 p.m., five-course dinner, call 715-866-8890 for reservations.
SAT. & SUN./28 & 29 Danbury
• Danbury Lions Softball Tournament Class C & D, followed by parade. Call Klaus 715-2443403.
Frederic
• National Championship watercross race, Sat. eliminations 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Sat., finals, 10 a.m.-4:40 p.m., 715-327-8679, www.fredericwatercross.com.
Hudson • 2008 Women’s Club Artful Garden Tour, Sat. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sun. 1-4 p.m., 715-3867787.
Milltown Queen contestants
Miss Milltown contestants are, (L to R) Julia Larsen, Alicia Minander, and Kaylynn Olson. — Photos submitted Girls running for Little Miss Milltown are Alexandra Walton, Megan Glenna, Margaret Butler, Julia Cox and Amelia Johnson.
A&H
• Sunflower Daze at Sacred Hearts Church, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Clam Falls • Pie & ice-cream social, bake goods, craft & plant sale at the Lutheran church, 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Clear Lake
St. Croix Falls • Art Group, 9:30 a.m., at the senior center.
Siren • 6th-annual Luther Point Scramble golf fundraiser at Siren National Golf Club, supper at Luther Point, 9 a.m. registration, www.sirenglen.com.
JULY
TUESDAY/1 A&H
• Transportation task force meeting at the senior center, 1-3 p.m., 715-349-7600, ext. 1229.
Amery
• Swedish Club meeting at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 7 p.m., www.foreverswedish.org.
• 35th-annual demo derby at Park Chalet, |2 p.m., 715-263-2784.
Clam Falls
Dresser
• Coffee hour at Clam Falls Lutheran Church, 9 a.m.
• Pig roast at Peace Lutheran Church, 5-6:30 p.m.
Frederic
• Food, fellowship at noon. Bingo & cards to follow & afternoon coffee at the senior center.
Osceola • Community Homestead’s Annual Pig Roast/Folk Dance Fundraiser, 3-9 p.m., 715294-3038.
Siren • Royalty pageant at the high school, 7 p.m.
Spooner
Alicia Minander is 16 years old and a sophomore at Unity High School. She is originally from Florida, but moved to Wisconsin three years ago. She is the daughter of Marilyn and Dennis Milander. She has four sibilings and she is the youngest of all of them. One lives in Tennessee, one in Florida and two in Eau Claire. Her brother from Eau Claire just returned from Iraq and is still on call. Her extracurricular activities are dance line, cheerleading and helping the elderly. Her hobbies are playing with her bunnies and cat. Minander loves to sing, dance and swim. She loves all animals and hopes to become a veterinarian. Her favorite color is blue and favorite food is lasagna. Kaylynn Olson is the daughter of Myron and Delight Olson. After school she plans on going to college and getting a degree in either human re-
Luck • Music in the Park at Centennial Pavilion, Lee Elmer and Friends, 6:30 p.m.
St. Croix Falls • 40 years of caring celebration at Good Samaritan, 3-7 p.m.
Siren • Transportation task force meeting at the senior center, 5-7 p.m., 715-349-7600, ext. 1229.
sources or counseling. After college, she might start thinking about settling down to have a family. Her hobbies include hanging with friends, helping others and managing for school sports. She is involved in many activities such as FFA, Leos and Ecology Club, soccer and she is also a Sunday school teacher. Julia Larsen is the daughter of Evelyn Larsen. She hopes to go into the environmental studies or some related science or math field when she graduates. She likes to read, listen to music and hang out with her friends.