December 8

Leader

Kottke returns to SCFalls page 2

Model granddaughter

Currents feature

Conquering K2

Editorial, page 8 WED., DEC. 8, 2010 VOL. 78 • NO. 16 • 2 SECTIONS •

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50 to 60 jobs for Osceola

Ringers wanted

Kapco Metal Stamping purchases part of Polaris plant PAGE 3

Charges amended up to attempted homicide Osceola man’s threats to tavern owner lead to modified felony charge PAGE 4

Schools compared

Finances, test scores, students and staffing compared for local school districts PAGE 10

To fluoridate water or not?

Siren Village Board hears input on issue PAGE 5

Pirates volleyball coach earns national honors See

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Watch our e-edition each week for stories and photos that don’t make our print edition. Go to www.the-leader.net and click on “E-edition” to subscribe.

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The Salvation Army of Burnett and Polk counties is asking for volunteer bell ringers to help them reach their goal of $100,000 (so far, approximately $25,000 has been raised) to help those less fortunate in area communities. Bell ringing will take place through Jan. 1. Contact the Salvation Army/ Serenity Home at 715-485-1221 to set up a time that works for you. Special photo

Acting normal with Mary Mack

Webster native is a quirky rising comedy star, in spite of what she says

by Greg Marsten Leader staff writer NEW RICHMOND – Webster native Mary Mack held her annual Holiday Comedy Night on Friday, Dec. 3, in New Richmond, and while the title of the show was “Mary Mack’s Guide to Acting Normal: Holiday Edition,” in reality, she’s far from it.

She doesn’t seem like your typical former music teacher, accomplished polka band musician or Dodge Neon owner.

Well, that one is up in the air.

But she also doesn’t have the air of a world-class comedian, folk humorist and songstress/mandolinist.

She proves the point by saying things like “Oh for neat,” and her constant self-deprecation.

She likes to make fun of herself and is hilarious when she does.

Yes, it’s safe to say that Mary

Local comedian Mary Mack threw her hat into the air - a la Mary Tyler Moore - after wrapping up her annual holiday show in New Richmond last FriSee Mary Mack, page 4 day, Dec. 3. - Photo by Greg Marsten

Your opinion?

If you had to pick, what should be the last program to be cut as the government tackles the national debt?

1. Social Security 2. Medicare 3. Military Go to our online poll at www.the-leader.net (Weekly results on page 8)

Deaths

• Robert Lee Hinschberger • Barbara L. Bursch • Madeline H. Hanson • W. Marschall Icard Sr. • John G. Loescher • Donald Hiller • Edna Haaf • Helen G. Puls • Michael L. Green • Judy A. Vincent • Charles Lamson • Judy J. Basacker • Maribelle Anderson Obituaries on page 18-19B

INSIDE

Briefly 3A Editorials 8A Letters to the editor 9A Sports 13-20A Outdoors 21A Town Talk 6-8B Coming Events Back of B Currents feature 1B Behind the Signpost 5B Letters from Home 3B Cold Turkey 3B Just for Laughs 3B River Road Ramblings 4B Obituaries 17-19B Students of the Week 23A Focus on the Family 20B Church directory 21B Copyright © 2010 Inter-County Cooperative Publishing Association Frederic, Wisconsin

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Kottke returning to St. Croix Falls

ST. CROIX FALLS - Experiencing a Leo Kottke concert in the intimate setting of St. Croix Festival Theatre has proven so popular he’s become nearly an annual guest. Kottke will return to the Festival Theatre stage on Saturday, Jan. 22, for a 7:30 p.m. show. “We’re very pleased to be presenting Leo again,” said Danette Olsen, Festival Theatre’s director. “I’m in awe at the popularity of Kottke in concert. But, in truth, our venue is perfect for acoustic guitar and the craftsmanship of the fingerstyle guitar wizardry that Leo brings to the stage. We sold out months in advance of his February 2007 and January 2009 concerts, so I urge fans to purchase tickets right away if they would like to see this show!” Tickets are $50 per seat. For more information or tickets call the Festival Theatre box office at 715-483-3387. Tickets can be purchased at the Festival Theatre Web site festivaltheatre.org.

Dining and lodging options for out-of-town guests can be found on the visitor page of the Festival Theatre Web site. - Special photo

Rare raccoon

A Leader reader sent in this photo of a uniquely colored raccoon that was caught by a trail camera recently in northern Polk County. Although it appears to be an albino, it’s difficult to tell without seeing if the eyes of the animal are pink. Michelle Carlisle, Polk County wildlife biologist, said the raccoon appears to be in a cinnamon color phase, which is very rare. Photo submitted

Polk County judge election - 20 11

Attorney Jeff Anderson announces for judge seat

POLK COUNTY - Attorney Jeffery L. Anderson of Dresser has announced he will be a candidate for Polk County Circuit Court judge in the spring of 2011. He is running for the seat vacated by retired Judge Robert H. Rasmussen.

Anderson has been practicing law for more than a decade and is a member of both the Wisconsin and Minnesota Bar Associations. He has successfully handled thousands of court cases representing juveniles and adults in criminal and civil proceedings in 10 counties in the state of Wisconsin and four counties in the state of Jeffrey Anderson Minnesota.

“I have been a part of just about every type of case that’s likely to come before me as a judge,” he said.

Anderson said he will bring his broad range of legal experiences and lifelong commitment to his community to Polk County’s court system by impartially, fairly and diligently upholding laws. Anderson knows he can make a positive difference by collaborating with all aspects of the court system, from child protective services to court personnel, to make Polk County a safe and pleasant place to live.

Anderson is a fourth-generation resident of Polk County. He was born and raised on a dairy farm in Cushing and graduated from St. Croix Falls High School with honors. After graduating from Hamline University, he went to law school at Oklahoma City University. He earned his Master of Law at Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, graduating with honors. He is certified to practice before the Wisconsin Eastern District Federal Court and is a court commissioner for Polk County.

Anderson and his wife, Dessy, reside in Dresser with their two young children. He enjoys spending time at Interstate Park with his family, fishing, helping with the family dairy farm and traveling with friends. - from the Anderson campaign

James Rennicke cites experience in announcing for judgeship

POLK COUNTY - James Rennicke of rural Luck announced his candidacy last week for the Polk County Circuit Court judge seat being vacated by Robert Rasmussen.

“I believe I’m the most experienced candidate running for the position,” Rennicke said. From homicide cases to civil matters, Rennicke said he offers extensive experience in trial work, appearing many times in federal court, court of appeals and authoring several briefs for presenJames Rennicke tation to the United States Supreme Court.

He has the highest certification possible with the state’s public defender’s office and works with them in several counties. He worked as an arbitration judge with Hennepin County’s alternative dispute resolution program for 10 years.

“My time as an arbitration judge was helpful in allowing me to experience the judge’s duties in the court system,” he noted.

At 53, Rennicke has been practicing law since graduating from Hamline University Law School in 1982. He said that he’s seen innovative programs, aside from the restorative justice program, which could be beneficial - and even economical should Polk County explore their implementation.

“Hard work and common sense equal efficiency,” Rennicke states. “If it’s good for Polk County’s budget, it’s good for Polk County’s residents.”

Rennicke lives with his family in the town of Johnstown, his children attend Luck School, where they are active in sports and music. He spent several years as an AYSO soccer coach and helps with his children’s 4-H programs. His wife, Lydia Rennicke, is a local artist and coached the Luck School Chess Club for many years. They are members of Georgetown Lutheran Church.

Persons may contact Rennicke at www.rennickeforjudge.org. - with information from the Rennicke campaign

Like a snow globe

Photographer Kelly Bakke captured the Gandy Dancer Trail in all of its winter glory. “I enjoy sharing my photos with people,” she noted.

Double coverage

These two Viking fans “double-covered” Santa during a special appearance of the jolly old fellow at Rivertown Holiday held this past Saturday, Dec. 4, at St. Croix Falls. More photos of the event can be found in our Currents section. - Photo by Julie Herrick

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• Briefly •

Do you have a story about your most memorable, most challenging - perhaps even your worst–Christmas that you’d like to share with our readers? Email your story to theleader@centurytel.net by the end of the day Friday, Dec. 17.

••• BURNETT COUNTY - There will not be a Burnett County Board of Supervisors meeting on Dec. 16 as had been planned, according to Burnett County Clerk Wanda Hinrich.

••• NORTHWEST WISCONSIN The Indianhead Community Action Agency’s Head Start program is inviting community members, professionals and Head Start parents to take part in a discussion of health-related services provided to Head Start children and their families. The meeting will be held Friday, Dec. 17, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. at the Bloedow Room of the Rusk County Public Library in Ladysmith.

This advisory group comes together to talk about local health issues, planning, operation and evaluation of the health services in each Head Start program.

ICAA Head Start operates in a six-county region which includes Clark, Burnett, Rusk, Sawyer, Taylor and Washburn counties.

For more information contact Karen Sarauer at 715-532-5594, or karen.sarauer@indianheadcaa. org. - with submitted information ••• ST. CROIX FALLS - Amy Mathews of the D.Y.I. Network and host of numerous television shows, including “Sweat Equity” and “Blog Cabin,” will be in St. Croix Falls on Friday, Dec. 17, at 1 p.m. in city hall. She has pledged her support toward ensuring success of the St. Croix Falls / Habitat For Humanity Sustainable Village project. Besides helping with the construction end she plans to assist in securing positive promotion and publicity.

The St. Croix Falls / Habitat project is a very unique partnership and sustainable village community concept that would be a firstin-the-nation. The project is a partnership with Habitat to construct five energy-efficient homes per year on city-owned land, beginning in 2012. - with information from city of St. Croix Falls ••• LUCK - The Luck Senior Center is now open from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday. - submitted ••• CORRECTION: The benefit for Warren Wampfler and his family is set for Tuesday, Dec. 14, at the Siren Schools cafeteria/commons area, starting at 4:30 p.m. Wampfler suffered a stroke this fall and is making progress but has a long recovery road ahead of him. Last week’s story had the date of the benefit correct, but the day wrong. We apologize for the error.

Osceola to gain back 50 to 60 jobs with purchase by Grafton company

DECEMBER 8, 2010 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 3

Kapco Metal Stamping buys part of Polaris operation

OSCEOLA - A total of 50 to 60 jobs will be created when Kapco Metal Stamping, a Graftonbased company, moves into the village, according to information from village Administrator Neil Solstis.

In a memo to county and other area officials, Solstis said Kapco has purchased the Osceola stamping and press operation from Polaris, the company that announced this past spring it was phasing out its Osceola plant, eliminating over 500 jobs.

Representatives of Kapco met with Polaris employees last week and have scheduled a community meeting for Wednesday, Dec. 8 (today) at the high school auditorium.

The purpose of that presentation is to provide information on Kapco and the process they will

be using to fill the 50 to 60 positions that will open in Osceola.

The company plans to lease 60,000 square feet of space in Polaris’ Osceola facility.

The transition date between Polaris and Kapco is March 1, 2011.

“As our business grows we are hopeful we can hire even more people in the Osceola area,” said Neil Willenson, vice president of community relations for Kapco.

The agreement between Kapco and Polaris calls for a Kapco to be a tier one supplier for Polaris, supplying parts for all terrain vehicles, snowmobiles and motorcycles.

After hearing the announcement by Polaris earlier this year that the company would be closing its Osceola plant, Kapco president Jim Kacmarcik decided to make an offer to acquire the Polaris metal stamping assets, consisting primarily of equipment.

Many of the jobs may go to Polaris employees but positions will be open to other applicants as well.

Kapco also plans to add another 30 employees to its workforce of 260 in Grafton. Some of the Polaris work will end up at that plant.

“We are pleased to confirm the sale of Polaris Industries’ steel stamping assets to Kapco, a strong company that will seamlessly integrate into our operations as a supplier,” said Bennett Morgan, president and chief operating officer of Polaris. “It was very important to Polaris to maintain as much job continuity and security as possible and Kapco is committed to Osceola and the state of Wisconsin.”

Once established in Osceola, Kapco intends to have a sales force that will market their capabilities to the Twin Cities area, which they currently do not serve, Solstis noted. - Gary King with information from biztimes.com

New name for Rural American Bank

New name will be Frandsen Bank & Trust, beginning March 31

LUCK – Rural American Bank-Luck will merge with Frandsen Bank & Trust and will be changing its name to Frandsen Bank & Trust, effective March 21, 2011.

Charvey Spencer, president, explained that Rural American Bank is one of four community banks owned by Frandsen Financial Corporation. Spencer stated, “Our name change is taking place in conjunction with plans to consolidate charters and operations at Frandsen Financial Corporation.”

He added, “The Rural American Bank name has served us well for many years, but with the merger, our two institutions will combine their strengths to offer comprehensive agricultural, commercial and consumer financial services to our urban and rural customers alike throughout 31 banking offices in 26 communities throughout Minnesota, Eastern North Dakota and Western Wisconsin.

This is a big advantage for our customers to be able to bank anywhere where there is a Frandsen Bank & Trust bank location.”

Rural American Bank customers are unlikely to notice any difference beyond the new name, as this is not a change in bank ownership. Frandsen Financial Corporation has owned

Rural American Bank will become Frandsen Bank & Trust, effective March 31, 2011. - Photo by Greg Marsten

the bank since 1981.

The consolidation of charters will provide a variety of operating efficiencies and help to facilitate smoother and faster delivery of existing and new technologies to their other banks and to customers. In addition, besides Luck and Dresser, customers will also be able to do banking at any of the 31 Frandsen Bank & Trust offices located throughout the region. Customers will also now have access to a full-service wealth management and trust division with over $200 million of assets under management.

The combined bank will also have a significantly larger lending limit.

Spencer will continue to serve as president and will continue to be responsible for all business in the Luck and Dresser areas.

“Bank customers will continue to be served by our current officers and staff, and are unlikely to notice much change beyond the new Frandsen Bank & Trust name,” commented Spencer. He continued, “Some of the internal operating efficiencies resulting from this consolidation will ensure that we maintain our commitment to delivering quality personal service to our customers, no matter where their business may take them.”

An interstate, multibank holding company, Frandsen Financial Corporation operates 37 full-service community banks in Minnesota, Wisconsin and North Dakota with assets totaling more than $1.3 billion. - with submitted information

percent of Bachelor students graduated with debt, up 5-points from their 1996 counterparts.

Susan Fischer is the Director of Financial Aid for the UW-Madison. She says one reason for the uptick is that since 1996, the government has simply provided more opportunities for students to borrow.

“That in part, drives the debt load,” explains Fischer. “People who can borrow more, are borrowing more. In 2008-09 for example, Congress increased the amount of unsubsidized Stafford Loans that students can borrow,

and they’re doing it. Whether or not they have financial need.”

UW-Madison data shows that its 2008 Bachelor-grads had an average debt of nearly $20,750, about $600 above the Pew Center’s national average for public institutions.

Study shows more college students have more debt today

by Brian Bull Wisconsin Public Radio STATEWIDE - Recent college graduates have borrowed at a much higher rate than their counterparts did more than a decade ago, a trend also happening at one of the state’s major universities.

Pew Research says for all Bachelor graduates, 66-percent of the Class of 2008 borrowed to pay for their education, compared to 59-percent of the Class of 1996. And 2008 grads had an average debt of $23,000, while their 1996 counterparts averaged

Razing the Enterprise

$17,000. Both figures are in 2008 dollars.

Rick Fry is the Pew Research Center’s lead on the report. He says more students have chosen to finance their educations by engaging in borrowing.

“When they do borrow, they’re borrowing larger amounts, so they’re more in debt on average, upon graduation.”

The Pew findings show for public institutions, 62-percent of 2008 grads had debt, up three percentage points from 1996. A similar increase happened at the UW-Madison. Its data shows 49-

Your community connection

The 108-year-old former Luck Enterprise building came tumbling down on Tuesday, Dec. 7, to make room for neighboring Bon Ton Saloon expansion. The razing was quite an event, and drew a healthy crowd at times, in spite of near-zero-degree temperatures.

Many historically significant items were removed prior to the demolition, and may show up in local museums in the coming months. The razing was the work of Jacque Hawkins of Luck, and took about three hours. - Photos by Greg Marsten

Santa Day is set

FREDERIC – Santa will be in Frederic looking forward to meeting children on Saturday, Dec. 18. He will be at the Frederic Public Library from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., at Larsen Auto from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., and starting at 1 p.m. he will be at the Frederic Senior Center. Frederic royalty will be present to help Santa give bags of candy to children.

Darwyn and Pam Brown will be giving free sleigh rides the same day starting at Larsen Auto from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Larsen Auto is just south of Frederic on Hwy. 35. Throughout the winter season, call the Browns at 715-566-2343 to make arrangements for a sleigh ride.

Finally, the Soo Line Depot and Museum will be also be open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. — from Frederic Area Chamber of Commerce

Charges amended up to attempted homicide

PAGE 4 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - DECEMBER 8, 2010

Mary Mack/from page 1

Yes, it’s safe to say that Mary Mack - formerly Mary Budge - is one of the biggest things to come out of Burnett County since the cheese curd - and she doesn’t give you “love handles.”

Her annual holiday show was a chance to catch up with the rising comedian as she embarks on a new tour, with new material and lots of all-new socks - some of which she passes out to audience members, guessing their sizes, and speculating when they’ll come unrolled.

“You’ll grow into those,” she whispers to a youngster, fortunate enough to sit in the front row of the historic Old Gem Theatre.

Doe-eyed and dressed like Annie Hall gone ice fishing, Mack has the quirky charm of a Christmas morning pet - fresh out of the box and stumbling around the bows and paper. Like that new present, she is seemingly funny in everything she does: Who else can morph an impromptu “Happy Birthday” sing-along for a fan into a Scottish bagpipe chorus?

It’s her off-beat wisdom and unique rural, “North of Highway 8-isms” that makes her comedy so cutting edge with locals and so brilliant and unusually captivating to everybody else. But it’s not just her acts, or her albums or even her postshow meet and greets where she seems to know at least somebody in every line. She still connects to her local roots and seems to sincerely miss that lifestyle at times.

“Oh, I love playing with Mr. Zimmer!

It’s just one day a year, but I try to make it,” she muses about the retired Webster band teacher. Her musical skills are real, and she is also a songwriter, even handing out lyric sheets for the crowd to join along, with parenthetic notations that say, “Pause here for quick talking.”

Her Internet presence is formidable, as well. Her Web site, marymackcomedy.com, features various sporadic video blogs, therapeutic musings and skits about everything from her interviews for an intern to boxing lesson coupons to an impromptu monologue about roadkill critters, with their secret lives of intrigue, behind the taxidermist’s staged museum displays.

“Oh no! I forgot to take my watch off!”

She quotes a boxing muskrat, set behind the glass of a famous Hayward tavern/museum. “At least they died for a good purpose: To go boxing in this little ring.”

Mack is so unique, it’s hard to quote her without sounding like you’re giving her act away, and she returns with an entirely new act, talking about everything from her love of hot dog buns to her often melancholy Christmas stories of her charmingly rural mother and large family.

But it was admittedly different this year during holiday show. She admits that it’s tough to relate holiday stories, since so many were about her late father, Michael Budge, who passed away this past June.

She’s quick to point out that the holiday event is admittedly different without him.

“So many of the stories have been about him in the past, and it’s just not the same,” she said, letting her Hollywood grin part for just a few moments.

But it’s hard to tell where her act ends and her “real” begins. Which makes her constantly hilarious, even when she’s not trying to be funny. That line-crossing is evident when she makes a brief foray into relationship troubles during her holiday show, which is quickly detoured by her own trepidation.

“Am I getting too serious? It’s uncomfortable, isn’t it? OK, geez.” She tells the crowd, testing her own limits with comedy and heartache, and sometimes stepping back from it.

Her charm makes her draw fans like white shirts to spaghetti sauce. She’s like the coolest ice shack on the lake. It doesn’t matter if the fish are biting, you just want to hang out there.

Mack has a huge local following, and next to a certain professional baseball player, is part of Webster’s pride and joy.

But she is also very grounded, in spite of her lack of a good fastball, and seemed shocked to learn that, yes, she still holds a cross-country record at Webster High.

“Are you serious, I do? That was like ...

‘93 or something!” She said, later fudging

S e r v i n g

Osceola man’s threats to tavern owner lead to modified felony charge

Mary Mack is probably the only comedian and folk humorist who is both a former music teacher and a polka band alum, for what that’s worth. - Photo by Greg Marsten with the dates, sliding them more and more current, making her about 8 years old at the time. She also refused to speculate that some major national running publication will probably track her down some day, due to her Tiger prowess.

“I actually started missing cross country recently,” she admitted, almost out of character and showing that, yes, she has a normal life outside the few hours on the stage people know her by. She owns a home in the Twin Cities, a fixed-upper she bought off foreclosure, and has been lost on trying to sell it, like millions of others.

“But whattayado?” She said, rolling her eyes in her trademark Cheshire cat face.

“That’s the way it goes.”

That elfin-style, Scandinavian grandmother meets ‘70s cartoon voice, combined with her melodic folksy singing and staccato mandolin mastery turbocharges her lack of super-hipness and makes her the kind of talent just waiting to be cultivated.

Her resume is impressive, with numerous TV stints on “Comedy Central” and, of course, NBC’s “Last Comic Standing,” where she was one of the breakout stars on 2008. She has recorded several albums, appeared in every major comedy venue in the U.S. and Canada and has won countless awards for her stand-up act.

There’s got to be a TV role for her, opposite almost anyone. She can say things with a straight face that others laugh at just by reading. She admits to making it a goal to make listeners go to the bathroom, just a little bit, and finds creative ways to talk about often difficult subjects, like the passing of a relative or human growth and development, as she waits patiently for her “birthing hips” to come in.

“I never did ‘fill out’ all the way,” she admits ... blaming it on a lack of fast food as a child. “I could’ve been somebody with more Happy Meals!”

It’s that kind of appreciation for irony that makes Mack such a genuine talent ... and a true threat to the cheese curds legacy.

B u r n e t t

a n d

by Greg Marsten Leader staff writer OSCEOLA – A 48-year-old Osceola man is now facing a charge of attempted second-degree homicide in a case that originated on Thanksgiving night, Nov. 25, at an Osceola tavern.

At a Dec. 1 hearing involving Steven W. Conkle, the Polk County district attorney’s office filed an amended charge of attempted second-degree homicide after a deeper evaluation of incidents involving his arrest .

According to the initial police report, Conkle was involved in an altercation with a bartender and the owner at the Cascade Bar in downtown Osceola on the evening of Nov. 25. Conkle had allegedly left in huff in a white Suburban, and was tracked down a short time later in the village, but refused to stop for the Osceola Police Department, eventually spinning out into a snowbank, and then continuing on to another location off Cascade Street, where he was finally stopped.

The report also states that Conkle refused to follow orders and had to be forced from the truck, allegedly telling the officers that he was headed back to the bar to kill the owner. Conkle did not have a valid driver’s license and refused to give the officers his name and date of birth, as well. They claimed he had a strong odor of intoxicants, and later registered a .22 BAC on the portable breath test, which is nearly three times the legal limit.

However, when officers searched the Suburban, they discovered an uncased, loaded .22 rifle with the safety off. Beside it were empty beer cans. During the Dec. 1 hearing, it was revealed that Conkle had 12 rounds in the rifle, with the safety off.

Police went to Conkle’s father’s home in the village, and he apparently said that his son had come home in a rage, asking for his father’s shotgun, that he had just been beat up at the bar and was on his way back to even the score. The man refused to give him a shotgun, so Conkle reportedly grabbed his .22 rifle out of the

gun case, loaded it and left in the truck.

Conkle was apparently upset and disruptive that evening at the tavern, and police interviews confirmed reports that he had been belligerent, violent and was touching women inappropriately. The bartender had apparently asked him to leave several times, which is when he hit the bar, broke some items on a wall and even busted a gas meter outside. He is alleged to have then scuffled with the owner, tearing his shirt and stating that he would come back later, “to kill everyone in the bar and burn the bar down.”

After authorities arrested him and the tavern owner arrived to confirm his identify, Conkle is alleged to have mouthed the phrase “you’re dead [expletive deleted]” to the witness from the rear of the squad car. Conkle was taken to the Polk County Jail where he refused a breath test, which led to the officers seeking a search warrant for a forcible blood draw at a local hospital.

Conkle originally faced a litany of charges including three felony counts: fleeing police, intimidating a witness with force, and first-degree reckless endangerment, which was later amended up to attempted second-degree homicide. He is also facing four misdemeanor charges: operating a firearm while intoxicated; disorderly conduct; criminal damage to property and operating while intoxicated, his second offense.

He made two appearances last week before Judge Molly GaleWyrick, who set a strict, $3,500 cash bond stipulation for his release. His preliminary hearing was held on Dec. 1, where the modified charges were presented, although he was not bound over, due to the amended charge. His initial lawyer referred to the case as a “drunk driving case run amok,” but the district attorney’s office took his threats seriously enough to amend the reckless endangerment charge up to attempted homicide.

Conkle was appointed a public defender on Dec. 6, and the judge granted his attorney more time to review the amended charges before his next hearing and he has not been bound over for trial.

A review was tentatively set for Jan. 10, and he is believed to still be in custody at press time on the original bond.

No jail time for former Polk County employee

Sentence includes restitution, counseling and probation

by Greg Marsten Leader staff writer BALSAM LAKE – After a plea agreement with prosecutors, former Polk County Treasurer’s office employee Heather L. Culver was sentenced to two years of probation and ordered to pay a small fine on top of restitution for the money she admitted to stealing. Culver, 33, was caught on video pilfering small amounts of cash over several weeks earlier this year.

In a plea agreement announced a month ago, four of the six original misdemeanor charges of theft from a business setting under $2,500 were dropped against Culver, in exchange for a guilty plea on two of the counts, plus several other stipulations, including community service. Originally, the district attorney’s office had moved for her to serve a month in jail, and argued that she faced multiple charges because there were multiple offenses, some of which were caught on video after June, but may have included noted cash shortages dating back as far as March.

Polk County Treasurer Amanda Nissen had noticed the shortages this spring and

P o l k

c o u n t i e s

alerted the sheriff’s office, which set up clandestine recording equipment during an investigation, and caught Culver taking amounts as small as $5 and as much as $35 during six different occasions.

However, the till was short on several occasions prior to the video camera installation, totaling nearly $400.

Culver insisted that she had not stolen any cash prior to the June and July shortages caught on video, and Judge GaleWyrick noted that the “burden of proof” amounted to only the video incidents, and thus used only those amounts in the restitution at sentencing. That amounted to just $175, plus fees of $17.50, totaling $192.50, plus fines of $265.60 for each count, totaling $723.70 altogether.

Culver will also be on probation for two years, must perform 250 hours of community service and must undergo counseling. She has until Jan. 24 to pay the remainder of her fines.

During the sentencing hearing, Culver apologized to the court and her fellow employees for breaking the bonds of trust of the office, saying she “truly regretted her actions.” Culver lives in Webster and had resigned from her position in the Polk County treasurer’s office within days of the charges surfacing in July. She had worked for the office in several capacities for just under 1-1/2 years.

s i n c e

1 9 3 3

Continue to fluoridate or not is the question faced by the Siren Village Board

DECEMBER 8, 2010 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 5

by Nancy Jappe Leader staff writer SIREN - Two visitors spoke out during the Dec. 2 Siren Village Board meeting regarding the importance of not stopping fluoridation of the village water supply.

Notice of a pending decision on this issue was sent out to customers with their water/sewer bill and a letter sent to the Siren School District, the Burnett County Health Department and area dentists. At the end of the meeting, the board tabled the issue for later consideration.

The Siren water supply has been fluoridated for some time now. The board is facing a mandate to chlorinate the water supply by 2013. There is no mandate to fluoridate the water supply, a process that now costs the village about $1,000 a year.

At the Nov. 16 meeting of the board’s streets and utilities committee, discussion involved cutting out the fluoridation as a way to help the village cut down on costs.

A different scale and chemical room will need to be provided for the chlorination process as the two processes, fluoridation and chlorination, are not compatible. The committee made a recommendation to discontinue fluoride treatment of the water supply effective Jan. 1, 2011.

“Oral health is a top health-care priority in Burnett County,” Burnett County Public Health Supervisor Carol Larson told the board, adding that fluoridation is critically important in this crisis for children and adults. Larson pointed out that tooth decay is the most prominent childhood disease, especially in this county, where the poverty level of families is higher than the average for Wisconsin–14.1 percent in Burnett County compared to 10.5 percent in the state as a whole.

Larson referred to the number of students at Siren School who receive free and reduced-cost lunches, a number that has gone up from 59.5 percent in 2008-2009 to 67.6 percent in 2009-2010. She mentioned the number of students with untreated tooth decay and the fact that there aren’t enough dentists available in the community and the St. Croix Chippewa community.

The Siren Dental Clinic owned by Dr.

Members of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse group came to the Siren Village Board meeting Thursday, Dec. 2, to talk about the Siren block party planned for post-prom April 30, 2011. The idea is to have the post-prom party in town this year, saving time and the wear and tear of a long bus ride to another community. The village board responded favorably to the ideas presented by the students. – Photos by Nancy Jappe

Sheldon Olesen – who also made comments during the public-comments section of the board meeting – sets aside one day a year to be open to students for free oral care. Olesen talked about the benefits of fluoridation in the water supply, ending with the comment, “Fluoridation benefits everyone.”

The board also received a letter from Dr. Gary Kaefer, Webster, stating that “community water fluoridation is an effective, safe and inexpensive way to prevent tooth decay,” and adding that “older Americans are keeping their teeth longer and fluoride will continue to be important for preventing tooth decay in this age group.”

Village board members talked about the sewer/water utility. Water and sewer currently are both in the black; however the water utility is getting closer to red each year. The village used to subsidize the sewer with help from the general fund but this has not been done for many years.

Sewer rates were increased dramatically in 2008 and 2009, but the water rates have been steady since 2003.

One option would be to look at raising the tax to cover the cost of fluorida-

Students involved in AODA in the area were at the Dec. 2 Siren Village Board meeting to talk about post-prom 2011, with students staying in the community for their supervised fun rather than taking a long bus trip to an out-of-town attraction. The students were accompanied by AODA advisors Ethan Bergstrom from Frederic and Ashley Close from Webster.

Santa Day at Dresser Saturday

Four trustee seats open for April election

by Tammi Milberg Leader staff writer DRESSER – The village of Dresser trustees approved a donation of $200 at the Dec. 6 board meeting to the Dresser Lions Club for Santa Day. Santa Day will be held in the Dresser Community Hall this Saturday, Dec. 11, from 1 to 3 p.m.

In other business, the board approved the Christmas tree pickup program for the month of January. The board also approved placing the delinquent utility accounts and special charges on the 2010 tax roll. The amount of delinquent charges totals $25,547.98.

The board officially approved the mill rate for 2010 at $6.89753 per $1,000 of assessed value. An operator’s license was approved for Aaron Ellefson to serve fermented malt beverages and intoxicating liquors. The board also approved a $100 Christmas bonus to all part-time and fulltime employees, including library staff.

The union contract for employees was

settled and funds can now be released to union employees. A 2.5-percent wage increase for 2011 for nonunion employees was approved, excluding the library because the library sets their own salaries.

The board also approved a 49 cents per hour raise above the 2.5-percent increase for officer Ryan Haass. A motion carried to have nonunion employees receive up to $500 reimbursement on the employee health deductible for the premium period of Nov. 1, 2010, to Oct. 31, 2011.

Officer Haass indicated in his police report he received a $200 donation for rescuing a pug dog and he used the money to purchase gloves and animal-handling equipment for future animal rescues.

The board has four seats open in the election this April. The seats held by Rick Flandrena, Greg Andrie, Jim Thanig and Rusty Norlander will expire in April.

There have not been any filings or notices of noncandidacy at this point by the four trustees, nor has there been any filings by challengers. Filing papers must be turned in by 5 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 4, for those wishing to be on the April ballot for village trustee. Noncandidacy papers must be filed by Dec. 24, 2010.

tion/chlorination. There is also the possibility of only chlorinating once in a while, which would make a difference in the cost, according to village administrator/engineer Marty Shutt.

Rudy Mothes asked Shutt to investigate the cost of having both fluoridation and chlorination, holding off on stopping fluoridation. “It’s going to have to come to an increase somewhere,” Dave Alden commented.

Decisions made by the board No one from the public appeared with any questions regarding the 2011 operating budget, which was later approved by the board by roll call vote. The budget came in with revenues and expenditures totaling $1,011,793 each. The mill rate for the village came in at $5.89 per $1,000 of equalized tax valuation. Dave Alden gave a vote of appreciation to the staff for its work in preparing the budget.

The village caucus will be held at 2 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 6. Three positions are to be filled in the April 2011 election, those held

by Dave Alden, Josh Henry and Tom Anderson.

The board accepted a recommendation from the streets and utilities committee to adopt construction standards for the village. It approved a recommendation from the police and public safety committee to adopt an ordinance in the Code of Ordinances dealing with synthetic marijuana in the village. The use of synthetic marijuana has not been a problem in Siren, but has been in Milwaukee, Madison and La Crosse, according to Police Chief Chris Sybers.

Other recommendations approved by

Burnett County Public Health Supervisor Carol Larson spoke to the Siren Village Board in favor of continuing to fluoridate the village’s water supply. The board faces a mandate to chlorinate the water supply by 2013, and at question is the expense of doing both chlorination and fluoridation.

Dr. Sheldon Olesen, owner of Siren Dental Clinic, appeared at the Dec. 2 Siren Village Board meeting to speak in favor of continuing the fluoridation of the village water supply.

“Fluoridation benefits everyone,” Dr. Olesen said.

the board at this meeting included: increasing the fee for a Class “A” beer license to $75; accepting 2011 employment contracts for police officers Aaron Bentley and Joe Mulrooney; contracting with North Lakes Mechanical Consulting Services Inc. for UDS inspections in 2011; allowing direct deposit for payroll checks for village employees; and adopting bylaws for the village, subject to approval by the Benson Law Office.

December committee meetings Board committee meetings for December are as follows: buildings, grounds and parks - Wednesday, Dec. 22, 11 a.m. personnel and finance - Wednesday the 22, at 9 a.m.; and roads, streets and utilities – Tuesday, Dec. 14, 10 a.m. No meeting of the public safety committee has been scheduled.

OMC receives new emergency response equipment

OSCEOLA - Osceola Medical Center and Osceola Ambulance Services were awarded a state grant recently to purchase emergency radio and evacuation equipment.

The grant, from the Wisconsin Hospital Emergency Preparedness Program, allowed the agencies to purchase radios and an evacuation chair to help better serve the community, according to Rich Haider, emergency preparedness coordinator of OMC. The radios will enhance communication from the field to OMC’s emergency department, giving OMC time to prepare before the patient’s arrival. “These radios will give us more preparation time for the emergency,” said Dr. René Milner, an emergency department physician at OMC. “This equipment will also ensure the patient receives the best care.” Osceola’s medical providers will have better communication with these two Motorola portable radios.

OMC and Osceola Ambulance also received a Stryker evacuation chair to assist medical providers with patient transportation on multifloor buildings. When stairs are involved, the Stryker chair can be tipped back to engage a belt system that allows the chair to be used on stairs.

According to Robyn Foster, the ambulance service director, “the chair’s belt feature allows one person to safely glide the patient down a set of stairs without any lifting, making the overall situation better and safer for the medical providers and

their patient.”

According to Haider, this grant helped provide OMC and the ambulance with evacuation and communication equipment that will allow better, more accurate care in emergency situations. - from OMC

EMT Kirk Ramautar and Osceola Ambulance Service director, Robyn Foster, show Osceola Medical Center’s ED doctor, René Milner, how the use the new emergency equipment that was provided by a state grant. Photo submitted

Balsam Lake Board approves generator purchase

PAGE 6 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - DECEMBER 8, 2010

Extreme weather last summer an example of potential need

by Greg Marsten Leader staff writer BALSAM LAKE – At their regular monthly meeting on Monday, Dec. 6, the Balsam Lake Village Board approved the purchase of a 40-kw mobile generator for the emergency lift station and other sewer and water backup operations, should the need arise, as it almost did this past summer.

Extreme weather pummeled the Balsam Lake area several times, leaving the village vulnerable to power outages that could potentially go for days and could leave residents without the ability to either use lift station sewage pumps or draw fresh water with the existing backup generator system. The current setup is both underpowered and overtaxed, according to officials. The new Kohler unit met the village standards and was the lowest bid of three sealed bids, coming in at $24,675.

When quizzed as to how long the village could maintain the lift station and water pressure with the existing generator if pressed, and without the ability to borrow adjacent village equipment, public works Director Darryl Ince admitted it would be tough to last even one day.

“We’d be in a world of hurt,” Ince admitted with a shrug.

Trustee Dave Knutson said this past summer’s extreme weather was an example of the need to purchase a new unit and said “it would have been nice to have the backup unit this summer.”

There was some discussion about looking for a used unit or even a military surplus generator, but Ince informed the board that they looked into that and it’s not the best idea for them. He said that various villages and entities are often set up quite differently, due to varying demands, voltages and service requirements, making retrofitting or even

Several members of the Balsam Lake Village Board weighed the issue of a possible merger of sorts with Centuria for law enforcement coverage at their regular meeting Monday, Dec. 6. Pictured (L to R) are: Village President Guy Williams, public works Director Darryl Ince, Trustee Caroline Rediske, village clerk Lori Duncan [behind], and Trustees Mike Voltz and David Knutson. - Photo by Greg Marsten borrowing equipment difficult, since it must be set to the specific requirements of the municipality.

“Besides, in an emergency situation, you don’t want to have [generator] trouble,” Ince said.

The generator purchase had originally been approved last spring for up to $20,000, but the estimates came in exceptionally high, nearly $30,000, and the village waited. That waiting may have paid off with eventual lower bids, but it also may have left the village vulnerable at times since.

On a related issue, Ince also brought up a request to alter the village’s water billing cycle to bimonthly, instead of quarterly.

He cited the ability to find water problems, such as where a part-time resident has a water leak, as well as possibly easing the billing burden somewhat with the change.

He also suggested the village consider purchasing a handheld remote-reader metering system, allowing meter reading and billing appropriations all in one fell

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swoop, easing and speeding up the billing process. However, the system would come with an approximately $8,000 price tag, but it would save employee time in the long run, he said.

The board took no action on either item, but did approve the generator purchase.

In other board action • The board unanimously approved a resolution to vacate and discontinue a portion of Fourth Avenue and an adjacent portion of Pearl Street, west of Old Main Street. The land is owned by Polk County and used as part of the county’s public works facility, and was part of the original village plat. Under the resolution, the vacated land goes to the adjacent property owners equally, which in all cases would be the county.

• The public protection committee gave an update on the progress of reviewing and adjusting conflicting law enforcement policies in regard to current ordinances and also had an update on a recent proposal to consider a police merger with the village of Centuria, either on an interim basis or permanently.

Last month, the board approved the suspension of the village police department pending the realignment of those policies in regard to the ordinances. In effect, the board disbanded the police department in the interim.

Village President Guy Williams asked the board of their opinions on the Centuria merger idea and whether the village should formally approach Centuria’s board for consideration.

“I think it’s worth looking into,” stated Trustee Chris Sondrol, who also serves on the committee weighing the merger idea.

The board did not come to a consensus on the Centuria police merger idea, but did seem in favor of having the village attorney look into the option and weigh the legal issues.

“But I think our [law enforcement] policies are a No. 1 priority,” stated Trustee Mike Voltz, and the board seemed to concur.

They took no official action on the matter, except to approve the legal inquiries.

• The board rescinded recent action involving how to compensate their representative to the Regional Planning Commission and then instead approved a clarified version of the compensation agreement. Under the new policy, the representative will receive $25 per meeting, plus mileage, not to exceed $400 annually in payments. The issue was unclear to several trustees on previous action, and whether it was an annual flat fee or a per diem.

• The board approved putting out a request for proposal on a new village plow truck to replace the current unit, which is over 20 years old and is getting expensive to maintain and find parts for replacement.

Ince said he has looked into specs for a replacement truck and thinks it will cost approximately $100,000 for a complete unit, and it may take three months for the truck to be ordered, plus several months more to outfit it for municipal duty with plows, sanding units, radios and the like.

Because the village is laden with numerous cul-de-sacs and small curvy streets, they require a shorter-wheelbase plow truck, which adds to the build time for a shorter chassis.

The new plow truck was not part of the 2011 budget, but apparently there is money available for such a purchase.

“We’ve been saving for 25 years!” Knutson joked.

• The board approved a village caucus date of Monday, Jan. 10, 2011, at 7 p.m. at the fire hall.

• Williams informed the board of a “mystery enquiry” about a vacant lot in the village industrial park. He said the light-manufacturing business owner was possibly looking to build a 25,000-squarefoot facility with no unusual utility demands. The owner wished to remain anonymous and is also looking into Clayton and Turtle Lake as possible locations.

Williams said that may present an issue, since Clayton may be “giving the land away” if the business builds new.

“We should be thinking along the same lines,” Trustee Mike Voltz suggested, and Williams concurred, stating that the owner was “very interested.”

Little was revealed about either the venture or the person, except that he/she is Wisconsin-based and banks locally.

Williams said they were hoping that any new construction would be valued in excess of a million dollars, which would help offset TIF obligations in the industrial park.

Williams said the person was previously in talks with Turtle Lake, but that village eliminated their administrator position in a cost-saving move, which may have also cut the business ties with the owner.

The board took no action, expect to confirm their willingness to stay in negotiations.

SPOONER — The Natural Resources Conservation Service has announced that the Wisconsin sign-up for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program and Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program will be open until Jan. 14 for 2011 funding.

The EQIP program is the primary program available to farmers for farmland conservation work, offering flat rate payments for over 70 conservation practices.

WHIP offers cost sharing to restore wildlife habitat for targeted species.

Several new practices are available in EQIP this year. Composting facility can be used to help reduce manure pathogens and odors as well as benefit water quality.

Two new forestry practices, tree and shrub pruning as well as forest slash treatment are now available.

Common practices signed up for in the past in Burnett and Washburn counties include grassed waterway, pasture/hayland

planting, well abandonment, nutrient management and prescribed grazing.

For more information contact the Spooner Service Center at 715-635-8228, Ext. 3.

Sign-up for wildlife habitat The Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program provides technical assistance and cost sharing to restore wildlife habitat. Depending on the site, streams, prairies and other types of habitat including habitat for pollinators may qualify to be restored.

Two new practices, wetland restoration and wetland creation, are new for this sign-up and have multiple benefits, including habitat for migratory birds.

For more information, visit www.wi.nrcs.usda.gov, or contact the Spooner Service Center at 715-635-8228, Ext. 3. — from USDA

C h e c k u s o u t o n t h e We b @ t h e - l e a d e r. n e t

Fair, timber sales, recycling making money

DECEMBER 8, 2010 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 7

County may get seat on historical society board

by Gregg Westigard Leader staff writer BALSAM LAKE – Three Polk County

operations are doing well financially in 2010. Financial reports on the fair society, the recycling center and the latest county forest timber sales were all presented at the property committee meeting Monday, Dec. 6. All the reports showed good results for the current year. The committee also discussed having a county board rep-

Second candidate for Rasmussen seat

April 5 ballot

BALSAM LAKE – Attorney Jeff Anderson is the second person to register as a candidate for the Polk County Circuit Judge seat to replace Judge Robert Rasmussen. Anderson, who lives in the town of Osceola, will join James Rennicke on

the April 5 ballot. Candidates have until Jan. 4 to register their candidacy with the state and submit their nomination papers.

If additional candidates enter the race, the field will be narrowed to two in a Feb. 15 primary. The new judge will take office Aug. 1.

See page 2 for announcements by Anderon and Rennicke. - Gregg Westigard

Cremation fees raise county funds

by Gregg Westigard Leader staff writer BALSAM LAKE - County revenues come from unusual places. In Wisconsin, cremations cannot take place until the county medical examiner or coroner has reviewed the cause of death and signed a cremation permit. Polk County Medical Examiner Jonn Dinnies told the public protection committee Tuesday, Dec. 7, that the number of permits has risen each year,

and that through the end of November he has already issued more permits than the 183 issued in 2009. The cremation permit fee of $150 covers the medical examiner’s expenses in reviewing the request for the permit. Dinnies said his office has already collected more than $6,000 over the estimated budget of $20,000. He said that the increase will cover higher office expenses with the budget excess going to the county’s general fund.

Polk County needs judges

County a judge short before Rasmussen’s retirement

by Gregg Westigard Leader staff writer BALSAM LAKE – Polk County has a need for 3.2 judges according to the director of state courts.

The county had two circuit court judges, Molly GaleWyrick and Robert Rasmussen, until Judge Rasmussen retired Nov. 30.

A new judge will be elected in April and will take a seat on the bench Aug. 1. But the county will still be one judge short.

And until August, Polk County will have a caseload that is not manageable according to Judge GaleWyrick. She expressed her concerns to the members of the public protection committee Tuesday, Dec. 7.

The judge said an immediate partial solution to the problem of moving the caseload is to use the court commissioners to help now with resolving child support cases and in the future with other court duties. Judge GaleWyrick said that even an initial two hours per month of help from the family court commissioner would ease her workload and add minimal cost ($1,680) to the county. The com-

resentative on the historical society board.

Timber sales The high bids for the latest round of timber sales in Polk County forestlands came in at $148,559 for five parcels, 41 percent over the minimum. The parcels up for bids are in Johnstown, McKinley and Sterling and include both hardwood lumber stands and pulpwood. All the harvests are part of the county’s long-range plan for management of the county forests. Ten timber companies submitted bids.

County forester Jeremy Koslowski was commended for putting details of the timber sales on the county Web site. DNR Forester Paul Heimstead said that Koslowski moved the process into the new century.

Fair The Polk County Fair Society also had a good year. The fair body made about $51,000 from operations last year when long-term items are excluded. Gerianne Christensen, treasurer of the society, presented the final (preaudited) financial report for the past year. Revenue for the year, excluding a no-interest loan for a property purchase, was $246,312. Expenses, excluding major improvements and repayment on an old loan, were $195,670, leaving a gain of $50,642.

The new property purchase is the land just north of the main gate area, the yellow house. With that purchase made, Christensen said the fair can move ahead with putting its long-range plan in place.

Gate receipts were up $2,500 to $99,343 for the end of July fair. The society made over $1,000 from hosting the Energy Fair in August.

mittee approved that request and will look at other uses for court commissioners in the future.

GaleWyrick said the state will assign other judges, including retired judges, to come into the county for short periods over the coming months to help with cases. She added that even when the new judge is elected and seated, there will still be a significant learning curve.

The judicial need, as determined by the court system, is established by comparing the number and type of cases filed in 2009 to the number of judges and court commissioners assigned to the county. There are six counties in the judicial area that includes Polk. Of the other five, Barron, Bayfield, Burnett, Chippewa and Douglas, Douglas has a slight shortage, and the others have no shortage or a slight surplus.

The state establishes how many circuit court judges each county will have as well as the number of assistant district attorneys to work with the district attorney.

The state pays the salaries of the judges and the district attorneys. Polk County received a second assistant district attorney after years of requests. It received its second judge in 1991 and has been requesting a third court yearly.

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Historical society The Polk County Historical Society would like to have a clearer relationship with the county and would like to have a county board representative on its board of directors, JoAnn Hallquist told the committee. She said that the society gets some county funds to operate the county museum in Balsam Lake (the old courthouse).

Hallquist said old minutes show that there was a supervisor attending board meetings in the 1970s.

Committee members appeared to be in favor of building a formal relationship between the county board and the society, similar to ones that exist with the fair society and the tourism board. But the committee said the next step should be a formal action from the historical society board stating what type of presence it wants. The county could then take action.

HOMESTEAD EMBROIDERY & GIFTS

OUR YEAR ON MAIN STREET LUCK

Recycling The recycling center finances are also ahead of projections through the end of November, property director Deb Peterson told the committee. Sales of recycled goods as of Nov. 30 were $302,744, way ahead of the projected revenue of $176,000. Peterson said an additional $10,000 to $15,000 in revenue is expected.

At the same time, expenses were $61,000 under budget. Peterson said the price paid for products has been high, and the volume of recycled goods brought in by the public has been increasing. Profits from the recycling center have stayed within the center for future improvements.

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PAGE 8 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - DECEMBER 8, 2010

COMMUNITY

VIEWPOINTS

SEND YOUR VIEWS AND FEEDBACK TO: INTER-COUNTY LEADER, BOX 490, FREDERIC, WI 54837 OR E-MAIL the-leader@centurytel.net

• Words by the editor •

• Joe Heller •

Conquering K2

• Web poll results •

Last week’s question

To take part in our poll, go to theleader.net and scroll down to the lower left part of the screen • See front page for this week’s question

• Where to write • President Barack Obama 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. Washington, D.C. 20500 www.whitehouse.gov/contact/ Governor Jim Doyle P.O. Box 7863, Madison, WI 53707 wisgov@mail.state.wi.us

Congressman David Obey (7th District) 2462 Rayburn Office Bldg.

Washington, D.C. 20515 or Federal Building, Wausau, WI 54401 (715) 842-5606

Rep. Nick Milroy (73rd District) Room 221 North, State Capitol P.O. Box 8952, Madison 53708 E-mail: rep.milroy@legis.state.wi.us

Rep. Ann Hraychuck (28th 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. Mary Hubler (75th District) Room 7 North, State Capitol P.O. Box 8952, Madison, WI 53708 or 1966 21-7/8 St., Rice Lake 54868 (715) 234-7421• (608) 2662519 rep.hubler@legis.state.wi.us

U.S. Senator Herb Kohl 330 Hart Senate Office Bldg.

Washington, D.C. 20510 (715) 832-8492 senator_kohl@kohl.senate.gov

Senator Robert Jauch (25th District) Room 19 South, State Capitol P.O. Box 788, Madison, WI 53707 E-mail: Sen.Jauch@legis.state.wi.us Senator Sheila Harsdorf (10th 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

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

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

T H E

Authorities don’t mess around anymore when it comes escalating the war on drugs when something new pops up.

This time it’s K2 - not the second highest mountain peak in the world but a synthetic marijuana that uses manmade chemicals to imitate the affect of THC by fooling receptors in the brain sensitive to cannabis. In fact it jacks up the effect one would get by smoking natural marijuana by more than 10 times in some cases, scientists say.

It’s not a new drug - it was created 15 years ago by a scientist for research purposes - but it’s one that resurfaced with new popularity just this past summer in bigger cities across the U.S. Authorities in Burnett and Polk counties have run across the new drug just once each in the past few months as it slowly makes its way into rural America.

But government is moving fast to stem the manufacture and use of K2.

Polk County Sheriff Tim Moore and Sheriff-elect Pete Johnson gave a PowerPoint presentation to staff and students at Unity Schools earlier this fall, warning of the dangers of the drug.

One state legislator is pushing for a law banning the substance and state Sen. Bob Jauch of Poplar said this week he’s also drafting legislation to ban the chemicals used in K2.

Superior, Eau Claire, Milwaukee and other larger communities in the state have banned it already.

Of course, critics make the point that by making it illegal we’re simply driving it underground and creating more need for more enforcement, incarceration and the costs that go with it.

But that’s overlooking one of the roles of government - to protect us from untested, unregulated and potentially dangerous chemicals.

K2 is packaged and sold as incense or potpourri, but it’s laced with a chemical that not only mimics THC but produces side effects such as delirium, vomiting, agitation and cardiovascular stress - symptoms not usually associated with marijuana.

Jauch said the drug is “poison” and making it illegal will allow law enforcement to stop its production, not unlike the statewide law against meth did.

Jauch suggests there may be a nationwide ban on the drug before they’ll have to do anything statewide.

That’s nearly an emergency response in terms of government action.

Editorials by Gary King

• Area news at a glance •

Group recommends smaller county board BARRON -A group researching whether the Barron County Board should downsize from its 29 supervisors plans to recommend that it do so by two. The Barron County Redistricting/Resizing Work Group plans to make that recommendation to the county board at its Monday, Jan. 3, 2011, meeting. The county board was polled about downsizing at its Nov. 9 meeting. Twenty-six members were in attendance, and all but one preferred that the board remain at 29. “But the reality is, they are slowly transitioning down,” county Administrator Jeff French said in his report to the work group Friday of a Wisconsin Counties Association open forum on the matter, which he recently attended. But work group member and Supervisor Dale Heinecke, who said he’s served on a town board for 30 years and the county board for 1-1/2 years, asked why the group was “spinning its wheels” on the matter. “Nobody is complaining,” Heinecke said. “What I’ve seen of the county board, it is functioning very well. If it wasn’t functioning well, people would be hollering about it.” Heineke was the only one in the work group who opposed downsizing to 27. - chronotype.com

Duffy: Earmarks must be reformed ASHLAND -The U.S. Senate rejected a proposal to ban earmarks on Tuesday with a vote of 39 in favor and 56 against the GOP-sponsored bill. The move comes after the U.S. House adopted a voluntary ban on earmarks in the 112th Congress. At the same time, retiring Congressman Dave Obey has said a ban on earmarks limits congressional power and puts it in the hands of the executive branch. However, 7th District Congressman-elect Sean Duffy maintains Congress will still have power to fund necessary projects. He noted there are other ways Congress can appropriate funds.

Duffy highlighted the grant process as one way for local governments to access much-needed dollars instead of utilizing earmarks. He said he would be willing to assist communities in the application process. - Ashland Daily Press

HGTV star coming to Somerset SOMERSET - Carpeting By Mike in Somerset welcomed HGTV star Taniya Nayak to its store Tuesday, Dec. 7, for a customer meet-and-greet and consulting session.

Owner Mike Faust of Carpeting by Mike, in conjunction with Mohawk flooring, brought the home improvement and designer celebrity to the area. Faust and Nayak partnered with Mohawk flooring on a sweepstakes, and Nayak will be in the area to conduct a $10,000 makeover on contest winner Lacey and Nathan Scottum’s Osceola home. The host of “Bang For Your Buck,” “Destination Design,” and “Designed to Sell” spent some time at Faust’s store as well. Besides her work on HGTV, Nayak also does interior design work for celebrities including Jessie Metcalf of “Desperate Housewives,” Joe Perry of Aerosmith and others through her design firm Taniya Nayak Design, LLC. On Wednesday, Nayak will be at the Scottums’ house to begin the big project. - New Richmond News (rivertowns.net)

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• Letters to the editor • Lyme endemic area

Editor’s note: This letter was written to warn hunters of the dangers of Lyme disease but still may be helpful in that some hunters may have contracted Lyme disease or co-infections as the result of their hunting experience.

Due to the long and warm season we recently experienced, there was a second hatching of ticks. These ticks can vary in size from a poppy-seed size nymphal tick to a sesame-seed size adult tick. The ticks can carry other infectious agents besides the spirochete that causes Lyme disease, including ehrlichiosis/anaplasmosis, Babesiosis, Bartonella and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.

When cleaning your deer, it is suggested that precautions be taken such as wearing rubber gloves, and checking yourself carefully when finished. Should you discover that a tick is attached, removing it correctly is most important.

1.) Do not burn or use any any substance on the tick.

2.) Do not grasp, squeeze or twist body of tick.

3.) Grasp tick close to skin with tweezers.

4.) Pull tick straight out.

5.) Use antiseptic on skin.

6.) Disinfect tweezers.

7.) Wash hands throughly.

8.) Always seek out prompt medical attention, as wait-and-see approach in treatment may be risky.

We are living in a highly Lyme-endemic area, and more often than not, the tick that attached itself to you is likely to be carrying Lyme disease. It is also likely that a coinfection may also be present. Taking a wait-and-see approach to deciding whether to treat the disease has risks. If not treated promptly and adequately with antibiotics, more severe neurological heart, joint, skin, eye and other symptoms may appear weeks, months or even years after the tick bite.

Three weeks of antibiotics has been recommended by some, and others suggest six weeks, just to “make sure.” The new protocol of two 100 mg. of doxicycline, in my recent experience, does not work. I was bitten by a poppy seed-sized tick in August, and at the end of September was admitted to our ER with both Lyme and ehrlichiosis. ( I had been given the low dose of doxicycline the day after I had removed my tick.)

What are some signs to look for? Certainly not the bull’s-eye rash, for that happens in just a few cases. Other rashes may appear too. However, if you feel like you

DECEMBER 8, 2010 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 9

are coming down with the flu, are experiencing, chills, with or without fever, sleepiness and/or fatigue, headache, sore throat, joint pain, muscle aches, etc., (and you have been in the woods recently), consider the possibility of Lyme disease and seek out medical help as soon as possible.

Wishing you a Lyme-free holiday season.

Ann Krisik Amery

Justice system a joke

“The greatest threat to the safety of the public here in Polk County is OWI.” When I read that last month, I just laughed. A concern yes, but the greatest, I think not. Then I realized that the joke is on us. Let’s form another committee.

In the following weeks I read about a person convicted of a stabbing; out on probation. Then there was a sexual assailant of a minor; out on probation. Then an armed robber; out on probation. The list continues weekly, with virtually every conviction in Polk County resulting in probation. The few instances of a serious conviction resulting in actual jail time, Huber is granted. In other words, the serious criminals just have to show up for bed check. Armed robbery convict with Huber privileges!

Then there are all the misguided undeveloped brains of the under-25-year-old criminals who are routinely released such as the armed robber we had who was out on probation less than six months after the crime. Oh, yeah, call me and will most gladly and illegally share his name and address.

The latest dealings we had with Polk County justice system simply exemplifies our joke justice. A shoplifter ran out the door with over $100 in liquor and sped off down the road only to run into the ditch.

The sheriff quickly arrived, impounding an empty vehicle. Final outcome; no occupant, no charges! Nothing! Zip! It seems to me that the greatest threat to the public safety is our entire justice system. Maybe with a new sheriff and one new judge, things will improve. I have my doubts. Too many others remain in place. Our justice system is a joke and the only ones laughing are criminals and juveniles. From now on, maybe I will not be dialing 911. No empty vehicles, no probation, no Huber, no undeveloped brains.

Rick Scoglio Apple River

Operating while intoxicated can ruin your holidays December is National Drunken Driving Prevention Month

SPOONER — Sometime during this holiday season, you may be tempted to drive while impaired. But if you resist this temptation by designating a sober driver or finding alternate transportation before you celebrate, you will avoid the risk of an operating while intoxicated conviction that now carries stiffer penalties.

Under a law enacted earlier this year, first-time OWI offenders convicted with high alcohol levels and repeat drunken drivers now have to prove they’re sober before they can start their vehicles. These drivers must provide a breath sample by blowing into a tube attached to an ignition interlock device, which detects alcohol. They also must blow into the IID tube periodically while driving. Courts will order installation of an IID for a minimum of one year on every vehicle owned by or registered to offenders who are convicted of first-offense OWI if their blood/breath alcohol was .15 or higher, are convicted of a second or subsequent OWI offense or refused a chemical test to measure their alcohol level at the time of arrest.

Convicted OWI offenders who do not

comply with a court-ordered installation of an IID or who disconnect or tamper with an IID to avoid detection will be subject to fines of $150 to $600 and up to six months in jail as well as a six-month extension of the required IID period. Proof of IID installation will be required before an occupational driver’s license is issued.

Offenders must pay the expense of installing and maintaining an IID as well as a $50 surcharge. For offenders with an IID restriction, their prohibited alcohol limit is .02 instead of .08.

The new law also increased jail time for many OWI convictions. For instance, first offense OWI is now a criminal offense if there was a passenger under age 16 in the vehicle.

“We hope that people will choose to drive sober so that we can reduce the number of preventable traffic deaths to zero in Wisconsin,” says Captain Jeff Frenette of the Wisconsin State Patrol Northwest Region. “However, last year in Wisconsin there were approximately 45,000 drunken driving convictions, and alcohol-related traffic crashes killed 238 people and injured nearly 3,800. So if you make the irresponsible choice to drive while impaired, you certainly risk a humiliating and expensive drunken driving conviction, or even worse, serious injuries or death.” — from Wisconsin State Patrol

More color

To add to all of the colorful information Greg Marsten packed into a feature story about the Luck Enterprise building, that newspaper office served as a model for the central setting of a novel published in 1915.

Ray Stannard Baker, a nationally famous muckraking journalist and Pulitzer Prize-winning biographer of Woodrow Wilson who grew up in St. Croix Falls, wrote that novel, “Hempfield,” under the pen name of David Grayson.

Although Baker referred to several of his David Grayson books as novels, all but one essentially were collections of essays and observations presented in fictional form.

“Hempfield” is a story about a faltering weekly newspaper, the Hempfield Star, owned by a spunky young woman named Anthy Doane in a New England village called Hempfield.

Baker, who then lived in Massachusetts, drew from a short stint as a “devil’s apprentice” at a newspaper office in St. Croix Falls as well as from a visit to the Luck Enterprise office in writing “Hempfield.”

While Baker doesn’t mention that visit, or the novel, in his two-volume autobiography, his brother Harry Baker provided information about it for a 1953 Milwaukee Journal story.

“When Ray was preparing to write ‘Hempfield,’” Harry related, “… he came up here and asked me to take him to a good country print shop, so that he might familiarize himself with what makes up such a shop. So I called up O. W. Lund of the Luck Enterprise, because I considered his printing office one of the best, if not the best, in this part of Wisconsin. Mr. Lund’s reply was a cordial invitation to drive up and look the shop over, which we did.

Ray was much interested and I believe the ‘local color’ he obtained there was written into ‘Hempfield.’”

At the time that story appeared Harry’s son John was on the Milwaukee Journal staff.

“I have a very vivid first impression of the printing office,” Baker wrote in “Hempfield,” as narrator David Grayson.

“First we see things with our eyes, see them flat like pictures in a book, and that isn’t really sight at all. Then some day we see them with the heart, or the soul, or the spirit–I’m not certain just what it is that really sees, but it is something warm and strong and light inside of us–and that is the true sight.”

In “American Chronicle,” the second

volume of his autobiography, Baker confessed that he “never wrote more easily or freely, or with greater delight” than when he began writing as David Grayson.

Buz Swerkstrom Atlas

Led to safety

You hear or see a State Patrol and your first reaction is to check your speed, slow down quickly and maybe sweat a little.

They are a feared and respected part of our everyday lives. They’re catching the bad guys and keeping our roads safe from speeders and wayward drivers. And sometimes they get a bad wrap for doing their job.

Early evening a week ago, Monday, Nov. 29, I was coming home from work in Hinckley, and the weather was poor to say the least, rain and snow, wet sloppy roads. I passed a couple of cars that had gone in the ditch and slowed my speed down even more. As I crossed the river into Wisconsin, I was thinking that I was going to make it. Only 20 more miles to go. Then all of a sudden my windshield wipers went crazy and quit working.

Needless to say I could not see a thing, but I managed to get to the shoulder. I decided to drive slowly making my way along the edge of the road with my fourways on trying to get closer to Grantsburg and a cell signal to call my husband. I was never so scared in my life.

A car came toward me going west and then turned around and came up behind me, I thought “a Good Samaritan.” Then the lights came on and here it was a State Patrol. I checked my speed and slowed from a crawl to a stop and started to sweat. He came and asked what was going on, I explained, and then he told me to follow him, and at nice slow pace I followed his taillights through the murky night as he led me to safety to the nearby Holiday station. His only request was “Just don’t hit me.”

I did not get his name, but I thanked him. Those troopers are there to help as well and keep the peace. He led me to the safety of the Holiday station, I got a hold of my husband and got home. An experience I’ll never forget.

So now when ever I see a State Patrol I’ll always think of the one that help me to safety on the cold, horrible night. Thanks again!

Donna Erickson Atlas

Koblish to perform in St. Croix Falls

ST. CROIX FALLS - David Koblish will perform his music ministry titled “Under His Wings” at Calvary Church of the Nazarene in St. Croix Falls on Sunday, Dec. 12, at 11 a.m. All are welcome to attend; a freewill offering will be taken.

Koblish is a soloist and recording artist, now of Minneapolis, Minn., who grew up in northern Wisconsin. He remembers singing often with his five brothers when young, as well as hiking through a field to find a large stump, climbing up on it and singing at the top of his voice the song, “Standing on the Promises of God.” He

has been singing full time since 1973, giving concerts in churches of all denominations, at Bible conferences, crusades and evangelistic services.

Koblish has ministered musically in conferences throughout Asia, South America and Europe with the international ministry of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. He has sung his songs in over 35 languages in order to more effectively communicate the gospel.

His Web site is www.davidkoblish.org.

For further information, call the church at 715-483-3696. — submitted

Severson named vice chair of health and health-care reform committee

OSCEOLA - Rep.-elect Erik Severson, R-Osceola, released the following statement following news that he was chosen to be vice chair of the Assembly Committee on Health and Health-Care Reform. Severson is the emergency room director at the Osceola Medical Center and will be serving in his first term in the state Assembly.

“I am honored to be chosen by Speaker-elect Jeff Fitzgerald, R-Horicon, to serve in a leadership role on this important committee,” said Severson.

“I am looking forward to bringing my

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

unique experience in the health-care field to this committee and the Assembly as a whole. Health care is becoming a larger and larger part of our lives and we need a new direction. I will work hard to serve the people of the 28th Assembly District in this important role.”

Severson was elected to the state Assembly on Nov. 2 and will begin his first term when the Assembly convenes on Jan. 3. - from the office of Rep.-elect Severson

N E W S P A P E R

Local schools compared

PAGE 10 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - DECEMBER 8, 2010

Finances, test scores, students and staffing compared for local school districts

by Mary Stirrat Leader staff writer NORTHWEST WISCONSIN – In recent months area school districts gave final approval to their 2010-11 budgets, and the first installment on property taxes to help fund those budgets are due at the end of January. Schools take the largest part of our property taxes, with our cities and villages taking a close second, followed by the county.

What follows is enrollment, financial and academic information comparing school districts in Polk, Burnett and Washburn counties. The information and explanations are taken from SchoolFacts 10, a publication of Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance.

State averages are for K-12 districts. In parentheses are state averages less Milwaukee Public Schools. The school year reflected by the information is noted.

Enrollment In 2010 there were 859,083 full-time equivalent students enrolled in Wisconsin public schools, down about 2,000 from 2009. This is the lowest level since 1996. Figures here are for the 2009-10 school year State average - 2,236 (2,008) Frederic - 539 Grantsburg - 962 Luck - 537 St. Croix Falls - 1,181 Shell Lake - 602 Siren - 500 Spooner - 1,310 Unity - 1,169 Webster - 728

Per student expenditures Per pupil spending ranges from $10,040 in Stratford (877 students) to $26,355 in North Lakeland (a K-8 school with 166 students). Comparative spending, which factors out transportation, debt services and capital expenditures, ranged from $8,450 in Oostburg (1,034 students) to $20,172 in North Lakeland.

Total expenditures per student, 2009-10 budgeted State average - $12,366 ($12,096) Frederic - $13,359 Grantsburg - $11,977 Luck - $12,739 St. Croix Falls - $11,436 Shell Lake - $14,272 Siren - $14,736 Spooner - $13,937 Unity - $12,093 Webster - $13,102

Comparative spending per student, 2009-10 budgeted (does not include transportation, capital and debt and miscellaneous spending) State average - $10,465 ($10,242) Frederic - $10,701 Grantsburg - $9,495 Luck - $10,562 St. Croix Falls - $9,610 Shell Lake - $11,415 Siren - $11,723 Spooner - $10,919 Unity - $10,152 Webster - $10,418

Instructional costs Instruction makes up the majority of school expenditures, and salaries and fringe benefits make up the majority of instructional expenditures. In the comparisons below, the first number is instructional spending, followed by salaries and fringe benefits for instruction, as budgeted for 2009-10.

State average - $7,224, $6,067 ($7,131, $6,009) Frederic - $7,260, $5,513 Grantsburg - $6,702, $3,907 Luck - $7,614, $5,828 St. Croix Falls - $6,908, $5,692 Shell Lake - $7,348, $6,106 Siren - $7,807, $6,117 Spooner - $7,852, 6,432 Unity - $7,003, $5,819 Webster - $6,976, $5,634 Revenue sources The majority of school funding comes in the form of either state aid or property taxes. Below are the amounts of property tax and state funding received by school districts for each student for the 2009-10

school year. Property tax per student is listed first, followed by state funding.

State average - $5,144, $6,927 ($5,326, $6,706) Frederic - $6,449, $6,638 Grantsburg - $4,258, $7,305 Luck - $6,169, $5,869 St. Croix Falls - $6,382, $5,599 Shell Lake - $7,428, $6,003 Siren - $9,051, $5,030 Spooner - $11,201, $3,981 Unity - $8,737, $4,060 Webster - $10,986, $3,098

Total tax levy, taxing mill rate The state sets the total amount of revenue a school may acquire each year and the tax levy, assessed as property taxes, is a large part of that amount. The taxing mill rate is the amount of property taxes assessed for the local district, and the amounts noted are for every $1,000 in equalized property value. Figures are for 2009-10.

Tax levy State average - $11.5 million ($10.7 million) Frederic - $3.5 million Grantsburg - $4.1 million Luck - $3.3 million St. Croix Falls - $7.5 million Shell Lake - $4.5 million Siren - $4.5 million Spooner - $14.7 Unity - $10.2 million Webster - $8 million Taxing mill rate per $1,000 in equalized property value State average - $9.18 ($9.10) Frederic - $10.82 Grantsburg - $9.33 Luck - $9.51 St. Croix Falls - $9.80 Shell Lake - $10.96 Siren - $9.41 Spooner - $8.41 Unity - $9.10 Webster - $5.42

Fund balance Fund balance is the money a school district keeps for cash flow and emergency purposes. Shown here is combined general fund, TEACH (technology) fund, gifts, and special project funds. The second number is the percentage of annual expenditures held in fund balance. Figures are 2009-10 budgeted State average - $4 million, 15.3 percent ($3.8 million, 16.6 percent) Frederic - $703,000, 11.5 percent Grantsburg - $1.9 million, 18.1 percent Luck - $580,000, 9.2 percent St. Croix Falls - $3.1 million, 24.9 percent Shell Lake - $1.2 million, 15.7 percent Siren - $1.3 million, 18.7 percent Spooner - $5.2 million, 31.4 percent Unity - $3.8 million, 29.7 percent Webster - $3.1 million, 36 percent Income and wealth The income and wealth of district residents affects the affordability of school taxes. Property wealth, along with district spending, determines the amount of state aid a district receives. Also, higherincome families have more private resources to use for their children’s education, which can lead to higher test scores.

Average adjusted gross income - 2008 State average - $49,164 ($50,722) Frederic - $36,564 Grantsburg - $37,311 Luck - $38,892 St. Croix Falls - $43,127 Shell Lake - $34,469 Siren - $32,176 Spooner - $35,882 Unity - $37,320 Webster - $33,579

Property value per student 2009-10 State average - $560,976 ($585,190) Frederic - $596,000 Grantsburg - $456,000 Luck - $649,000 St. Croix Falls - $651,000 Shell Lake - $677,802 Siren - $962,000 Spooner - $1,332,528 Unity - $960,000 Webster - $2,026,000

Percentage of students eligible for free and reduced lunch 2008-09 State average - 39.2 percent (34.5 per-

cent) Frederic - 57.4 percent Grantsburg - 44.9 percent Luck - 47.7 percent St. Croix Falls - 37 percent Shell Lake - 48.3 percent Siren - 67.6 percent Spooner - 47.3 percent Unity - 51.6 percent Webster - 71 percent

Percent minority 2009-10 The number of minorities in a school district can sometimes impact district finances and test scores. Some minority students may have difficulty with the English language, which can lead to lower test scores. This can also raise district costs due to “English as a second language” courses. Minority students also tend to come from lower-income families and may lack some of the out-of-school resources that more well-off students have access to.

State average - 23.9 (17.2) Frederic - 7.3 percent Grantsburg - 10.8 percent Luck - 3.3 percent St. Croix Falls - 4.1 percent Shell Lake - 7.8 percent Siren - 27.7 percent Spooner - 5.7 percent Unity - 8.9 percent Webster - 19 percent Percent disabled 2009-10 The cost of educating disabled students is generally higher than for the nondisabled. As a result, districts with large percentages of disabled students generally have higher costs and fewer resources for other students. Depending on the disability, these students might not score as high on state-mandated exams.

State average - 14.5 (13.9) Frederic - 17.4 percent Grantsburg - 12.6 percent Luck - 14.9 percent St. Croix Falls - 11.7 percent Shell Lake - 15.5 percent Siren - 21.3 percent Spooner - 13.9 percent Unity - 15.3 percent Webster - 17.1 percent

Staffing ratios Staffing ratios can affect student performance as well as district costs. Some studies show that smaller class sizes in early grades can improve test scores slightly. Other studies have shown little relationship. More teachers and more staff result in higher district costs. Figures are from 2009-10.

Student-teacher ratios Even faced with declining enrollment, student-teacher ratios have generally fallen statewide over the last several years. Although smaller class sizes can provide students with more personal attention, they also drive up costs.

State average - 14.7 (14.4) Frederic - 14.2 Grantsburg - 12 Luck - 13.2 St. Croix Falls - 15 Shell Lake - 11.9 Siren - 12 Spooner - 14.9 Unity - 14.3 Webster - 13.5

Student-staff ratio The student-staff ratio measures the number of students relative to the entire staff employed by the school district, including administrators, teachers, specialists, support staff, and others. Since salaries and benefits are the largest school district costs, smaller staffing ratios result in higher per student costs.

State average - 8.3 (8.4) Frederic - 7.7 Grantsburg - 7.3 Luck - 7.9 St. Croix Falls - 8.3 Shell Lake - 7.1 Siren - 6.7 Spooner - 10.1 Unity - 8.5 Webster - 8.1

Staff numbers Staffing is grouped into three categories: administration, licensed instruction and support. The first number shown is the number of full-time administration, then the total number of staff for 2008-09.

State average - 9.2, 269.4 (8, 239.8)

Frederic - 3, 70 Grantsburg- 5, 131.2 Luck - 3.5, 68.3 St. Croix Falls - 4, 143 Shell Lake - 3, 85.2 Siren - 4, 74.9 Spooner - 5.3, 129.1 Unity - 4, 137.2 Webster - 3, 89.4

Salaries Salaries and benefits account for an average of 80 percent of school expenditures. Shown here are 2008-09 base salaries for teachers with a bachelor’s degree, followed by maximum salary paid by the district.

State average $32,079, $59,000 ($32,068, $58,957) Frederic - $31,660, 53,830 Grantsburg - $32,835, $54,450 Luck - $31,719, $52,199 St. Croix Falls - $39,842, $62,712 Shell Lake - $30,533, $51,619 Siren - $29,279, $51,057 Spooner - $33,922, $61,450 Unity - $34,271, $56,848 Webster - $29,000, $55,128

Test scores Test scores are one measure of a school district’s performance. The state administers the Wisconsin Knowledge and Concepts Exam to students in third through eighth and tenth grades. These tests cover reading and math. The fourth-, eighth- and 10th-grade tests also cover language arts, science and social studies.

Scores are from 2009-10.

WKCE scores fourth-grade reading Test scores are reported as the percentage of students who scored proficient or advanced.

State average - 81 percent (84 percent) Frederic - 84 percent Grantsburg - 93 percent Luck - 100 percent St. Croix Falls - 86 percent Shell Lake - 74 percent Siren - 76 percent Spooner - 74 percent Unity - 78 percent Webster - 90 percent WKCE scores eighth-grade math Test scores are reported as the percentage of students who scored proficient or advanced.

State average - 84 percent (86 percent) Frederic - 78 percent Grantsburg - 78 percent Luck - 88 percent St. Croix Falls - 83 percent Shell Lake - 83 percent Siren - 80 percent Spooner - 81 percent Unity - 81 percent Webster - 84 percent WKCE 10th-grade science Test scores are reported as the percentage of students who scored proficient or advanced.

State average - 72 percent (76 percent) Frederic - 84.6 percent Grantsburg - 78.1 percent Luck - 79.5 percent St. Croix Falls - 86 percent Shell Lake - 85 percent Siren - 72.5 percent Spooner - 80 percent Unity - 74 percent Webster - 70.2 percent

Average ACT score Most Wisconsin students who are planning to attend college take the ACT. While this exam provides another picture of district performance, it can be misleading because it is generally taken only by college-bound students. Wisconsin students averaged one of the highest scores nationally in 2007-08, at 22.3. A perfect score is 36. What follows are the ACT scores for 2008-09.

State average - 22.2 with 57 percent tested (22.5 with 47 percent tested) Frederic - 22.5 with 50 percent tested Grantsburg - 22.2 with 25.8 percent tested Luck - 21.2 with 63.6 percent tested St. Croix Falls - 21.8 with 45.5 percent tested Shell Lake - 21.5 with 57 percent tested Siren - 20.1 with 58.6 percent tested Spooner - 23.3 with 52 percent tested Unity - 21.7 with 36 percent tested Webster - 22 with 41 percent tested

T.R.A.I.L.S. youth conference and powwow this weekend

DECEMBER 8, 2010 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 11

by Katie Lechnir Outreach Site Coordinator LCO and St. Croix Tribes DANBURY - The St. Croix Chippewa Indian youth attend six different schools and live as far as 70 miles apart.

It is rare that all of these schools approve their students to take a day away from the rigors of academia, athletics and other extracurricular activities. It is rare that the St. Croix youth can all meet in one forum to reaffirm their identities as young Anishinaabe (first people); to seek guidance from their spiritual leaders; to hear their native language and to openly and candidly discuss, with noted authorities, the pressing issues facing them head on.

It is even rarer that other Indian and non-Indian youth from neighboring tribes have the opportunity to travel to St. Croix to talk and learn what’s happening on other Indian reservations and other small towns in rural northern Wisconsin.

This year’s 27th-annual St. Croix T.R.A.I.L.S. “Walking the Red Road,” conference will be held Friday, Dec. 10, and provides a unique opportunity for all youth, native and nonnative, to spend a day together listening to noted authorities on drug abuse, tobacco prevention, sustainable living, young men and young women’s issues and responsibilities. T.R.A.I.L.S. stands for Tradi-

tions Respecting American Indian Life Styles.

It is a day set aside just for them. It is a day spent on the Red Road, the highest ground for youth to walk in their lifelong search for meaning in traditions, language revitalization, and community responsibilities that look seven generations into the future.

The Red Road is a lifestyle of traditions and values,” said Mark Soulier, the St. Croix T.R.A.I.L.S. coordinator.

“It is about learning to be in healthy relationships and making good choices concerning your everyday life. It is also about exploring career opportunities and participating in cultural activities,” “There are a lot of cultural activities out there and people are just putting them aside because their lives are too busy to engage in their traditional beliefs,” Soulier added. “The Red Road prioritizes our goals, focusing on continuing education to make ourselves better.”

Soulier concluded, “The Red Road teaches respect for yourself, your family and your elders. It is about the little things like taking a meal to someone, babysitting for someone, driving someone that extra mile when they run out of gas. There is a simplicity of things that can be easily lost if we are not aware of them. That’s a part of the Red Road, too.”

This year’s St. Croix T.R.A.I.L.S. youth conference is focused on leadership skills. Youth will actually be facilitating the conference this year. The workshops will

Grantsburg adopts 2011 budget

Property tax mill rate up 1.36 percent

by Gregg Westigard Leader staff writer GRANTSBURG – The Grantsburg Village Board adopted its 2011 budget Monday night, Dec. 6, after a budget hearing which drew no members of the public.

The mill rate increase for the village is 1.36 percent. The total mill rate increase for village residents will be 4.27percent including school and county taxes. That means that the property tax bill on a $100,000 home in the village will increase $84, up from $1,969 to $2,053.

Of the total property, 45 percent of the money goes to the school district, 35 percent to the village, and 14 percent to the county, with the remainder going to the vocational school and the state.

The total village budget for 2011 is $1,527,919. That is down $112,919 from 2010, but much of that reduction is the exclusion of $70,000 in borrowed funds. That is the funding for street repairs. A similar amount will be added later for 2011 street projects. Residents are savings $30,000 in trash and recycling fees under a new trash collection contract.

The three largest areas of expense are public safety at

$414,957 (27.2 percent), debt service $356,551 (23.3 percent), and public works $337,038 (22.1 percent). The public safety budget has the largest increase, up $19,875. Half of that increase, $10,400, is due to the new ambulance service contract. Village employees are receiving a 3-percent wage increase for the coming year at a cost of $12,324 including retirement and employer costs.

Property tax bills will be mailed in December with payments due Jan. 31 and July 31.

Christmas Eve celebration to be held

LUCK – All are welcome to join in the candlelight Christmas Eve celebration which will be held at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church starting at 8 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 24. The service will move through the events of Jesus’ birth through songs sung by the choir and congregation.

St. Peter’s is on CTH B two miles north of Luck. — submitted

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Powwow The St. Croix Tribe invites you and your family to attend the 27th-annual St. Croix T.R.A.I.L.S. powwow on Saturday, Dec. 11. The powwow is held at the event center at St. Croix Casino-Danbury with grand entry beginning at 1 p.m. The powwow will continue until 10 p.m. on Saturday evening. The event is a family celebration.

There will be no alcohol or drugs allowed on the premises.

“This is a traditional powwow that we hold every year in honor of our youth,” said Soulier. “The crowning of the new T.R.A.I.L.S. princess and brave will take place at the powwow on Saturday.”

Traditional dancing and singing will envelop the day.

Your children will enjoy watching the traditional St. Croix Tribal descendants royalty contest. Native American clothing, craft and custom Native American jewelry will be for sale. Authentic Native American foods will be available.

A master of ceremonies will introduce a full regalia of women dancers in traditional buckskin, fancy shawl, jingle and ribbon dresses. Traditional male grass dancers will perform as well. The grass dance is based on a tradition of men knocking down tall grass to provide a place to gather. Trick dancing and fast dancing will captivate the crowds. The St. Croix Youth Singers and The Cumberland Singers are the host drum. Grand entries are scheduled for 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.

The St. Croix Casino -Danbury event center is located on Hwy. 35 in Danbury.

Elders and children under 5 will be admitted free. Raffle tickets will be on sale during the powwow. For more information on the youth conference and powwow, please contact Mark Soulier, the St. Croix T.R.A.I.L.S. coordinator, at 800-236-2195, Ext. 5310.

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The workshops will continue until 6 p.m. The conference and powwow are being held at the St. Croix Casino Danbury event center. If you know of a group of middle school and high school students, or if you are a parent who would like to bring their child to the conference, you are invited to attend. Please contact Mark Soulier at 800-236-2195 ext. 5310, or call his cell phone at 715-5202272. The events are sponsored by the St. Croix Tribal Council, St. Croix AODA Minochigadaa program, OJJDP Tribal Youth program, T.R.A.I.L.S. program and the St. Croix Casinos.

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Virtual school group pushes to lift limits on enrollment

PAGE 12 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - DECEMBER 8, 2010

County youth attend 2010 National 4-H Congress

by Kyle Nachreiner Wisconsin Public Radio STATEWIDE – Advocates for Wisconsin’s virtual schools are citing a new, national report as making a good case for lifting the statewide cap on enrollment.

The report, “Ten Elements of High Quality Digital Learning,” was presented recently at an education conference in Washington, D.C., by former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush and former Virginia Gov. Bob Wise. It endorses online education as a fix to many education problems. It also stresses accessibility as a way to improve online education for states.

Julie Thompson of the Wisconsin Coalition of Virtual School Families says accessibility is a huge barrier for the state’s virtual schools. She says many families are frustrated at the current enrollment limit of 5,250 students, which has resulted in waiting lists dragging on through summer. She says when openings do occur,

families and schools often have little time to act.

“We would like to see that window expanded significantly,” says Thompson, “So more families can hear about this option and more families can take their time to decide whether this option will work for their families and not be pressured into signing up in that short open enrollment window.”

Thompson says her organization has legislative allies who helped keep virtual schools alive in 2008, and some have expressed interest in helping out again. She says Gov.-elect Scott Walker has gone on the record as wanting to eliminate the cap.

“So that makes us very hopeful that there will be a good outcome in the near future.”

The enrollment cap was part of a legislative deal that legalized virtual schools a couple of years ago.

by Shawn Johnson Wisconsin Public Radio MADISON - Gov.-elect Scott Walker says he’ll use Utah as a model as Wisconsin develops one of the health insurance exchanges required under the new federal health-care law.

While Walker opposes the individual mandate in the health-care law, he signaled an openness to creating a Wisconsin health exchange where people and small businesses can use their combined purchasing power to shop for insurance.

During a recent speech in Madison, he elaborated on the kind of exchange he’d like.

“Not one that’s more like Massachusetts, but instead more like Utah where the government gets out of the way and allows employers to buy into a larger purchasing pool, to share that risk, to lower your premium cost and help drive down health-care costs.”

David Riemer, of the Community Advocates Public Policy Institute in Milwaukee, says it’s good news that Walker wants to develop an exchange. Riemer,

who’s worked for Democrats in the past, says Walker’s understanding of the Massachusetts and Utah exchanges is accurate in that the Utah plan has fewer regulations than the one in Massachusetts.

However, Riemer says no one should get into the position of thinking that that’s the most important decision to make in terms of making Wisconsin’s exchange work. He says a more important point is that any exchange has lots of participants who are of average health and have an incentive to choose lower-cost plans. As long as that happens, he says the plan will succeed.

“On the other hand, if our exchange ends up with too many sick people in it, if it’s too small, or if the people in it are insensitive as consumers to the cost of health insurance, then it’s not going to be very effective, no matter how much we try to look like Utah.”

Riemer is on a panel studying what Wisconsin’s exchange should look like.

States have until 2014 to set up exchanges or the federal government will do it for them.

by Brian Bull Wisconsin Public Radio STATEWIDE - A national report says there’s overall improvement in curbing high school dropout rates, including Wisconsin.

But the state’s chief education official says even more needs to be done to keep kids in school.

The report, developed by Johns Hopkins University, America’s Promise Alliance and Civic Enterprises, says that between 2002 and 2008, the national high school graduation rate went from 72 to 75 percent. During the same period, the number of “dropout factories,” schools that fail to advance 60 percent of students to the next class, fell by 13 percent.

Wisconsin’s graduation rate was near 90 percent, the best featured on the report. But Tony Evers, superintendent of the Department of Public Instruction, says that’s not good enough.

“Ten percent of our kids don’t graduate every year, we’ve still some large gradua-

tion gaps,” he says.

While white students in Wisconsin have a 93-percent graduation rate, AfricanAmericans have a 66-percent rate. Evers says the state is taking steps to narrow that gap.

“We’re going to be working with ACT, the testing company, to develop ways to get the word out within the AfricanAmerican community to really engage families around what’s expected at high school level,” explains Evers. “So that they have a clear idea what they need to be pointing their kids at as far as goals, moving into high school.”

Evers’ latest budget proposal includes a $20 million competitive grant program for schools with recurring dropout issues.

As for “dropout factories,” the report shows over the six-year period, Wisconsin went from 16 to nine. Evers says that comes from early intervention, parental involvement, smaller classes and improved data tracking for teachers at those schools.

Walker looks west for inspiration on health-care requirement

Jillian Schinzing, center, recently attended the National 4-H Congress Conference in Atlanta, Ga. Each year, the Burnett County Leaders Association awards and sponsors one student based on their accomplishments throughout their 4-H career. Schinzing was chosen to represent Burnett County and was one of 46 high school participants representing the University of Wisconsin Extension 4-H Youth Development at this annual youth leadership conference. The National 4-H Congress is the flagship event of the 4-H program.

The congress provides youth ages 14 to 19 a quality, educational and cross-cultural experience that exceeds what any state independently provides. It is designed to address the needs and issues of youth while helping to develop capable, competent and caring citizens. The program combines plenary sessions, seminars, discussion groups and a service learning experience. The nation’s most outstanding community leaders, speakers and educators present the most current and timely information available. To learn more about 4-H Youth Development programs in Burnett County, please contact Dani Miller at 715-3492151. — Photo submitted

BMC donation

DPI head not entirely satisfied with state’s graduation rates

The Burnett Medical Center Foundation celebrated its first year and the success of its two fundraising events by donating $5,000 for the purchase of medical equipment for the center.

Their generous gift made it possible for the hospital to purchase three hospital-grade recliners for use by visitors to loved ones in the facility as well as two oximeters for use in BMC’s Cardiac Rehabilitation program. Foundation members present were front row (L to R): Joe Lando and Dave Huff, demonstrating the comfort of two of the chairs; second row, Sally Craven, Betty Peer, Gordy Lewis, Troy Goetz, Jim Olson and George Benson; third row, John Sauerberg, Stan Peer, Don Erickson and Gary Nelson. Foundation members absent from the photo are Joan Allaman, Gary Kannenberg, Robin Olson, Elveda Morrill and John Addison. — Photo submitted POLK COUNTY - Laura Ytzen, 50, Frederic, was arrested and charged with OWI, fifth offense, on Dec. 5 after driving her car into the ditch near 160th Street north of Hwy. 35. She appeared intoxicated, was given a Breathalyzer, which registered .19. A preliminary hearing is set for Jan. 3.

Christopher Paulson, 25, Milltown, was charged with OWI, second offense, on Dec. 3. A police officer on patrol that night saw Paulson in a light-colored SUV spinning around in

circles at the intersection of Dairyland Avenue and Delores Street. Then it continued on, the officer following with emergency lights activated. Paulson did not stop and continued south on Hwy. 35, leaving the village, “operating all over the roadway,” according to the officer’s report.

The officer activated the siren, but still Paulson contined driving, fishtailing at times. It was snowing and the roads were snow covered and slippery. Paulson finally stopped the vehicle at 210th Street and Hwy.

OWI arrests

35.

Paulson told the officer he hadn’t intentionally been doing doughuts on the road, that he had been having trouble with the rear-end of his car. He also admitted to having had a few beers at home. The officer found two baggies in the car that looked and smelled as if they might have held marijuana. Paulson said there wasn’t anything in the car, but he had smoked some at home.

Paulson had previously been convicted of OWI and his license was revoked.

He was given a Breathalyzer, which registered .10, and was also charged with operating after revocation, third offense.

Jon Bilyou, 49, Amery, was charged with OWI,

Kathryn A. Nesgoda, 58, Grantsburg, died Nov. 11, 2010.

Lowell M. Aasmundrud, 75, Black Brook Township, Nov. 14, 2010.

Diane K. Kelly, 59, Luck, Nov. 14, 2010.

Walter B. Bower, 72, St. Croix Falls, Nov. 17, 2010.

second offense on Dec. 2 after a police officer saw him driving erratically on Cascade Street in Osceola.

He admitted to drinking at least three mixed drinks between and 10 and 11

p.m. He failed field sobriety tests. His PBT registered .15 and he was taken to jail. — with information from the Polk County Sheriff’s Dept.

Thomas T. Johnson, 25, Sterling Township, Nov. 19, 2010.

LaVerne L. Soper, 77, Amery, Nov. 19, 2010.

Willard B. Southard, 82, Frederic, Nov. 20, 2010.

Wallace W. Wessa, 85, West Sweden Township, Nov. 23, 2010.

Donald A. Sanders, 82, Amery, Nov. 25, 2010.

Alnora M. Siedow, 88, Vadnais Heights, Minn., Nov. 28, 2010.

Donald D. Siedow, 88, Vadnais Heights, Minn., Nov. 28, 2010.

Polk County deaths

WINTER SPORTS

DECEMBER 8, 2010 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 13

INTER COUNTY LEADER • INTER COUNTY LEADER • INTER COUNTY LEADER

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

Bill Morrin named AVCA National Coach of the Year

LEXINGTON, Ky.– The American Volleyball Coaches Association announced recently that Bill Morrin, head girls volleyball coach at Grantsburg High School, and Amy Steininger, head girls volleyball coach at Marion Local High School in Maria Stein, Ohio, have been selected as the 2010 AVCA National High School Coaches of the Year.

“Bill Morrin and Amy Steininger not only had outstanding seasons in 2010, they have stacked a bunch of great seasons on top of each other,” said AVCA Executive Director Kathy DeBoer. “Building a program is hard; sustaining a program is much harder. They have, between them, many years of sustained excellence.”

Morrin has been coaching at Grantsburg for 25 years, a time during which his program has strung together 22 consecutive conference championships, 17 consecutive regional championships and 14 sectional championships. He has marched Grantsburg to the state tournament 11 times, which has resulted in five runnerup finishes (1989, 1998, 2003, 2008, 2010) and two state titles (2001, 2009). He has amassed a career record of 841-84 in his 29 seasons as a head coach, which included an impressive 36-1 mark this season. Prior to his time at Grantsburg, Morrin coached at Webster High School from 1984-86, guiding the team to state championships in both 1985 and 1986. He began his coaching career at Washburn High School, where he led the program to the state tournament in just his first season at the helm.

“It’s kind of humbling actually,” Morrin said, and added that the announcement has brought a lot of former athletes and community members out of the woodwork to wish him congratulations. Morrin said that it’s also been a bit weird too, but in a good way.

“It’s kind of weird because you don’t look backwards. You keep looking forward to the kids that are coming through, and the young kids … you just keep working on those kids. But it’s been an awesome ride, that’s for sure,” said Morrin.

Morrin said it’s been gratifying to see how the volleyball program has affected athletes and their parents in a positive way over the years, and says running a successful program took a vision of hard work, getting kids to start playing volleyball, getting the community and players to buy into the program.

“And I think that’s kind of huge, and once you do that I think great things will

Extra Points

••• MADISON – Britta Petersen was

Grantsburg’s head volleyball coach Bill Morrin was selected as one of the 2010 AVCA National High School Coaches of the Year. – File photo by Marty Seeger happen,” Morrin said.

Lisa Pawlik (Indiana), Brian Rosen (North Morrin feels fortunate not only to have Carolina), Tad Sahara (Georgia) and Jodi had the opportunity to coach in Grants- Webster (Indiana). burg, but proud to have been able to coach The AVCA will formally present the Nahis two daughters to a state tournament, tional High School Coach of the Year and it’s a big reason he’s stayed on as awards to Morrin and Steininger at the coach in Grantsburg. His youngest daugh- 2010 Jostens Coaches Honors Luncheon in ter Kortney was part of this year’s suc- Kansas City, Mo., on Thursday, Dec. 16. cessful run at state, and he’s also proud to The luncheon is held in conjunction with have seen his son a part of a state basket- the 2010 AVCA Annual Convention. ball team.

As a result of winning AVCA National “It’s been a great ride and I couldn’t be Coach of the Year honors, Morrin and more proud of my own kids, and my Steininger will lead Team Swagger and other kids that aren’t mine!” Morrin said. Team Shatter in the third-annual Under After such a long run of success, Morrin Armour All-America Volleyball Match & says he isn’t sure whether he wants to re- Skills Competition, Saturday, Dec. 18, at tire. the Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City.

“I’d like to end up here, but I’m not sure “We’re not going to do any fundamenif that’s where I’m going to be. I have tals or anything like that, we’re just going some professional goals that I’d like to ac- to turn these kids loose and let ‘em have at complish before I retire,” Morrin said. it,” Morrin said.

Morrin and Steininger were selected There were 24 All-American high school from an outstanding group of nominees, volleyball players selected to the AVCA which included: Kari Bensend (Texas), team, as well as 24 second team All-AmerStephanie Bloom (Indiana), Tanya Bond icans. Morrin’s daughter Kortney was (Colorado), Jill Christensen (South listed as an honorable mention. – Marty Dakota), Kelly Drobek (California), Dale Seeger with submitted information Grupe (Kentucky), Yasmin Ortiz (Florida),

Coaching changes highlight winter sports scene Four new coaches set to lead teams

by Marty Seeger Leader staff writer FREDERIC – Winter brings change not only in weather but in the area sports scene as well, starting in Grantsburg, where Adam Hale takes the place of Penny Curtin on the girls basketball team.

Hale is fairly new to the Grantsburg school system after moving to the area last summer from Florida. Hale spent six years in Florida coaching football, and spent at least four seasons as a boys head basketball coach.

“Everything’s pretty brand-new up here,” said Hale, who grew up in Worthington, Minn., playing high school baseball, football, basketball and track. Before

Adam Hale

moving to Florida, he spent time playing two years of junior college basketball and four years coaching basketball in Minnesota in some form or another. In all, Hale has been involved with coaching for about 11 years.

Since the Pirates volleyball team played through to the state tournament this season, most of the athletes are starting out with limited practice. It’s been a challenging start for the new coach, but the long season should provide Hale with plenty of time to get to know the talent of his team.

“It’s a long season so hopefully we’ll polish up our basketball skills and gel a little bit as the year goes on, and hopefully get some good things going,” Hale said.

Jake Meyer

See New coaches/page 15

recently named to the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference’s Women’s Basketball Athlete of the Week. The Luck native led UWStevens Point to two straight conference victories last week while averaging 13 points per game. Against UWStout she had 10 points in 18 minutes along with Britta Petersen three rebounds, and against River Falls she led the Pointers with 16 points, 13 rebounds.

Petersen shot 60 percent from the field and was 2 for 2 from 3-point land. She currently leads the Pointers in scoring and blocked shots.

••• BURNETT COUNTY – The Burnett Youth Hockey Association will be having open skating on Saturdays from 6:30-8:30 p.m. throughout the month of December. The cost is $5.

There are rental skates available for those in need of skates. Also, a family skate will be offered on Sunday, Dec. 12, from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., for families with small children or elderly skaters. – submitted by BYHA ••• LEADER LAND – The Friday, Dec. 10, Frederic at St. Croix Falls boys and girls basketball games are being broadcast on 104.9 FM, beginning at 6 p.m. The Osceola at Cumberland boys basketball game on Monday, Dec. 13, can be heard on 104.9 FM, and the New Auburn at Unity boys and girls basketball games on Dec. 14 can also be heard on 104.9 FM beginning at 6 p.m.

••• AMERY – The Amery at Grantsburg boys basketball game on Dec. 10 can be heard on 1260 AM beginning at 7:30 p.m. The Dec. 14 Amery at Prescott boys basketball game can be heard on 1260 AM beginning at 7:30 p.m.

••• LEADER LAND – The Wisconsin at Marquette college basketball game on Dec. 11 can be heard on 1260 AM beginning at 1:30 p.m., and the Wisconsin-Green Bay basketball game at Wisconsin can be heard on Dec. 13 beginning at 7 p.m. The Bemidji State at Badgers hockey game can be heard on 1260 AM on Dec. 11 beginning at 7 p.m.

••• GREEN BAY – The Dec. 12 Packers at Detroit game begins at noon and can be heard on 105.7 FM. ••• WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Giants at Vikings game on Dec. 12 can be heard on 104.9 FM beginning at noon.

••• LEADER LAND – Local sports tidbits to share? Please contact the Leader by 4:30 p.m. on Mondays to go in Extra Points. – Marty Seeger ••• 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 2011 and hasn’t been mentioned, send us an e-mail or call and we’ll take it from there. – Marty Seeger

SPORTS RESULTS DEADLINES: WEDNESDAY - MONDAY: 1 p.m. the following business day. TUESDAY: 7 a.m. on Wednesday. Missed deadlines mean no coverage that week!

S P O R T S N E W S O R S C O R E S T O R E P O R T ? • P H O N E : 7 1 5 - 3 2 7 - 4 2 3 6 • FA X : 7 1 5 - 3 2 7 - 4 1 1 7 • E - M A I L : m s e e g e r @ c e n t u r y t e l . n e t

PAGE 14 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - DECEMBER 8, 2010

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Defense plays role in Eagles first conference win Unity 39, Frederic 28

by Marty Seeger Leader staff writer BALSAM LAKE – The Eagles are off to a 3-0 start after their win against Frederic on Tuesday, Dec. 7. It was both teams’ first conference game of the season and a battle for both teams into the fourth quarter.

“Both teams played solid defense,” said Frederic coach Ryan Lind, who saw his team down 9-8 after the first quarter. The Eagles quickly surged ahead at the start of the second quarter, but two quick baskets

by Brady Flaherty and Xavier Foeller gave the Eagles a 13-8 lead.

Frederic responded with two more baskets from Michael Tesch and another two points on a great save by Joe Draxler. The rest of the second quarter, was all Eagles, however, as the Eagles led 17-12 at the half.

Rush Hickethier had a solid second half that included a steal and a two points to give the Eagles a 25-17 lead. He scored eight of his 10 points in the second half, but Draxler answered the Eagles by draining a 3-pointer to put the Vikings back to

within five points. The score remained within reach for the Vikings for much of the third quarter but not getting the outside shooting may have been their downfall.

“We didn’t make many outside shots,” said Lind.

Unity managed to maintain an eightpoint edge throughout much of the fourth quarter for the win.

Flaherty led the Eagles with 16 points, Hickethier 10, Foeller, six, Brady Turner and Steven Krueger, three and Clay Peckman had one point.

The Vikes were led by Robert Kirk and Tesch with six points, Waylon Buck, four, Joe Draxler, three, Trae Gehl and Tony Peterson each had two.

“It was a pretty nice conference win. I thought we played pretty good team defense, but we still need the offense to be more consistent if we want to continue to win,” said Eagles coach Shaun Fisher.

Breck 78, St. Croix Falls 66 BRECK, Minn – The St. Croix Falls boys basketball team lost a close one at Breck, Minn., Tuesday, Dec. 7.

Unity’s Xavier Foeller dives for a loose ball as Frederic’s Waylon Buck gets a hand on it as well. The Eagles won in their first conference game of the season. – Photo by Marty Seeger

Four Saints scored in double digits including Nick Johnson, who led the team with 18. Zach Christenson had 13, and Nathan Gravesen and Ben Clasen had 10.

Jace Marek also had a nice night offensively with eight points.

St. Croix Falls will be hosting Frederic this Friday, Dec. 10, in their first conference game of the season.

Grantsburg’s Derek Bertelsen goes up for a shot against Siren defenders Elijah Hinze and Andrew Brown. – Photo by Brenda Martin

Grantsburg 62, Siren 40 GRANTSBURG – The Pirate boys defeated the Dragons 62-40 on Tuesday, Dec. 7.

“Great team effort,” Grantsburg coach Nick Hallberg said. “We rebounded and played defense.”

“It was quite a disappointing night for our Siren team tonight,” Siren coach Jon Ruud commented. “Grantsburg played very good team basketball on both ends of the floor. Their offense was patient and their defense showed a lot of hustle all night. Grantsburg played together on both ends of the floor.”

Siren started the game scoring six, two from a layup by Murdock Smith, and the other four were two shots by Elijah Hinze.

Grantsburg took scoring control from there with 15 points from five different players, ending the first quarter 15-7. The Dragons scored the first points in the second and third quarters, but never closed the point gap with the Pirates outscoring them 32 to 25 in those two quarters. Finishing with 15 more points in the fourth, Grantsburg dominated Siren’s eight final points, the Pirates winning 62-40.

“Big win,” Hallberg stated, “but it’s early yet. We’ll go forward now trying just to win the next game each night.”

“We would have lost to any team in our conference with the effort that we left on the floor tonight,” Ruud said. “I think that the most disappointing aspect of tonight’s game is how my team played as a bunch of individuals on the offensive end of the floor. Our patience was nonexistent, our shot selection was poor at best and our refusal to higt open players with passes was evident to anyone that was at the game.”

“We took a pretty big step backward tonight,” Ruud continued. “Our team will play with much greater discipline from this day forward.” – Brenda Martin, Leader staff writer

Luck girls stumble against Chetek

Webster beat by Clear Lake

Chetek/Weyerhaeuser 54, Luck 50

by Greg Marsten Leader staff writer LUCK – The Luck Cardinals girls basketball team lost a heartbreaker on Tuesday, Dec. 7, at home to the Chetek/Weyerhaeuser Bulldogs after leading almost the entire way.

The Cards started strong, courtesy of sophomore Avery Steen and senior Morgan Denny, who made for a good one-two offensive punch against the much bigger Bulldogs. The Cards only trailed for a few moments early in the first quarter and slowly stretched the lead as the night progressed. But that would later change.

The Luck girls also had solid shooting from the floor from senior Ashlyn Petersen, who managed 11 points on the evening, mainly in the first half. Denny knocked down 11 points, as well, but got into foul trouble early and ended up fouling out with just over five minutes remaining. Petersen would also foul out in the final moments.

Steen would lead all scorers with 25 points, and her sparkling offensive work under the net in the first half would draw key defensive attention from the Bulldogs

as the night went on, slowing her ability to get inside and forcing her to take more difficult shots from the perimeter.

There were some questionable calls against the Cards, one of which was a true momentum killer. Denny’s fouling out was a killer for the Cards in the final minutes as they watched a 10-point lead erode on a 9-0 Chetek run as the minutes evaporated.

The Bulldogs tied the score with two minutes left, and then took the lead 30 seconds later. Luck briefly tied the game again but the momentum was all Chetek’s, especially with the Cards being short-staffed. A few final free throws sealed the deal for the Bulldogs, and valiant last-minute efforts were not enough for the Luck girls who lost 54-50.

The Cardinals are now 2-1 overall and host the formidable Siren Dragons for their first conference matchup of the season on Friday, Dec. 10.

Clear Lake 58, Webster 36 CLEAR LAKE – The Webster Tiger girls lost a nonconference game to Clear Lake Tuesday, Dec. 7. The Tigers host Unity this Friday, Dec. 10, with tip-off scheduled for 6 p.m. – Marty Seeger, Leader staff writer Luck’s Avery Steen goes in for a layup against Chetek on Tuesday, Dec. 7. – Photo by Greg Marsten

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Grantsburg teams both score 44 in wins over Clayton First games of the season

Grantsburg 44, Clayton 33 Grantsburg 44, Clayton 37

by Brenda Martin Leader staff writer GRANTSBURG – The Pirate boys and girls basketball teams both won their games against Clayton for their season openers on Friday, Dec. 3. Both teams winning isn’t odd, but both winning with a score of 44 is something you don’t see every day. The boys defeated their Clayton opponent, 44-33, and the girls defeated the Bears 44-37.

“A good way to start the season,” boys head coach Nick Hallberg said.

Grantsburg’s Sam Schweiger beats a Clayton defender dribbling toward the Pirate hoop.

Pirate Seth Coy goes up for a bucket against Clayton on Friday, Dec. 3. – Photos by Brenda Martin

Grantsburg guard Trevor Thompson brings the ball down court.

New coaches/continued

Jake Meyer The St. Croix Falls boys basketball team is currently working with a new head coach this season, Jake Meyer. Todd Voss was the previous head coach, but is still involved with coaching seventh- and eighth-grade teams.

Meyer isn’t an unfamiliar face in St. Croix Falls as he was the head track coach last spring and has been one of the assistant football coaches for the past three years. This is his first time coaching basketball, and he has two new assistants, Brandt Leuman and Chad Hall. Meyer grew up in Amery and has been around coaching for some time, as his dad was the head football coach in Amery.

“I’ve been around coaching for a while,” Meyer said.

Meyer did some student teaching at Unity, ane is currently subbing in St. Croix Falls. He graduated from the University of Minnesota-Duluth, where he played football for one season.

“It’ll definitely be a learning year but we have a great group of seniors out,” Meyer said.

Shawn Perkins Unity has a new head wrestling coach in Shawn Perkins this season, but he isn’t entirely new to the system. Perkins is replacing former coach Mark Ferguson, who began coaching Eagles wrestling in the mid-‘90s. Perkins has been the Eagles assistant wrestling coach for the previous 10 years, and is the eighth-grade science teacher, but has a bit more responsibility this season as the head coach, with sched-

Once the Pirates got the lead in the first quarter 4-2, they kept it to win it. A few times during the game Clayton got close, but couldn’t cut it. The first quarter ended with the Pirates only up by one, 12-11, the second saw Grantsburg up by five, 25-20, the third, Pirates up by four, 31-27, finishing the game with Grantsburg winning by 11, 44-33.

Brent Myers was the lead scorer for the Pirates with 12 points, Derek Bertelsen fol-

Jake Meyer uling, online coaching tests, getting equipment ordered and several other tasks.

“Those added things seem to take up a lot of my time. I’m not concerned at all about the wrestling and the moves in the practice room – that I’m pretty comfortable with – it’s just everything else,” Perkins said.

As a native of Ellsworth, a known high school wrestling powerhouse, and former University of Minnesota-Duluth wrestler, Perkins knows what it will take to keep the Eagles wrestling program up and running, but is always hoping to recruit more to the program. He’ll be working with a new assistant coach this season in Neil Larson, and Dave Anderson is taking over the middle school wrestling program.

lowed with nine, Trevor Thompson six, Nolan Hanson and David Ohnstad each five, Daniel Biorn three and Connor Myers and Seth Coy two apiece.

“We played good defense, holding their two best scorers in check for most of the night.”

Clayton point guard Tyler Ketz was held to a total of 14 points, Zach Schradle seven, Matt Gretzlock six, Kyle Larson four and Josh Moskal two.

“There’s always room for improvement, but overall I was pleased with our effort on both ends of the floor,” Hallberg added.

The girls game was similar to the boys in the fact that once Grantsburg took the lead 7-6, they never allowed the Bears to get ahead.

“It was a good way to start off the year,”

first-year coach Adam Hale said. “I think we played good defense which led to some transition baskets.”

The Pirates led 9-6 after the first, 19-16 after the second, 31-26 after the third and 44-37 after the fourth quarter. Kortney Morrin led the team with a total of 17 points, Haley Larson scored nine, Macy Hansen and Sam Schweiger each five, Kylie Pewe four and Liz Gaffney and Nicole McKenzie two apiece.

“Sam Schweiger did a great job on holding their leading scorer to two points,” Hale commented. “Kortney Morrin hit a couple of big shots in the second half to help us hold on.”

Krystal Kohnen scored 11 points for Clayton, Mckenzie Kanipes and Masyn Lien eight, Brittany Bayliss six and Lindsey LaBlanc and Marissa Lee each two.

Shawn Perkins Carol Kline Carol Kline is the new Unity varsity girls basketball coach, after moving into the spot from the JV ranks last year. Kline is a high school special education teacher, and has 23 years of overall coaching experience, which doesn’t seem possible for her age.

“I started coaching real young,” Kline admits with a laugh. “Lots of sports, from soccer to volleyball, you name it!”

She has three years of basketball coaching under her belt, and is admittedly excited about the Unity opportunity, but also plans to utilize the school’s new junior varsity coach, Kayleigh Lutz, whenever possible.

“I just think that if you’ve got a coaching staff, well, you might as well use

Carol Kline them,” she said, later highlighting some of Lutz’s basketball experience from memory: She was a standout hoops player from Cameron, playing varsity ball for her full four years, and also at Winona State University, where she also excelled and was a team captain. Lutz also did some coaching at Cameron High School, and comes to Unity as a physical education teacher, with some other Minnesota teaching duties.

“I really think we’re very lucky to have her and all her experience,” Kline said.

“As for our team, we’re determined to bring our best game and play our best every night ... one game at a time.” – Greg Marsten

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Boys basketball Thursday and Friday recap

Siren 73, Clear Lake 64

by Marty Seeger Leader staff writer CLEAR LAKE – The Siren boys basketball team compiled another win with help from a 29-point effort by Elijah Hinze, and another 18-point effort from Andrew Brown.

This was Siren’s second game of the season at Clear Lake on Thursday, Dec. 2.

Luke Bollant added eight points, Murdock Smith, seven, Taylor Renberg, six, Seth Stoner, four and William Haines added one point. The Dragons travel to Luck this Friday, Dec. 10, which will be their second conference game of the season.

Frederic 63, Shell Lake 35 FREDERIC – The Frederic Vikings boys basketball team cruised to another lopsided victory against Shell Lake on Friday, Dec. 3. Waylon Buck had a 20-point effort and the Vikings defense held the Lakers scoreless in the first quarter as the Vikings stretched their lead to 15-0. Frederic led 30-7 at the half and didn’t look back.

Adam Chenal had 10 points for the Vikings, while Robert Kirk and Mike Tesch added eight. Trae Gehl had five points, Raif Poirier, four, Joe Draxler, three, Tony Peterson, two and Erik Stoner, one.

Luck 78, Bruce 46 BRUCE – The Cardinal boys basketball team shot 53 percent from the field en route to their first win of the season at Bruce on Thursday, Dec. 2. Alec Mortel led the charge with 22 points, 12 boards and two assists. He had 10 points in a 26-point second quarter that helped Luck to a 3920 lead at the half. The Cardinals also had 27 points in the fourth quarter, and shot 14 of 22 from the free-throw line.

Both Brady Klatt and Cole Mortel scored 14 points. Cole Mortel had eight rebounds and three assists and Klatt had

Jace Marek goes in for the shot against Cameron on Friday, Dec. 3. – Photo by Marty Seeger

Siren’s Elijah Hinze lines up a shot. – File photo by Brenda Martin

two rebounds and three assists. Logan Hacker pitched in 11 points, Evan Armour had six, A.J. Walsh-Brenizer, five, and John Denny, Karsten Petersen and Brodie Kunze had two points apiece.

Cameron 68, St. Croix Falls 56 ST. CROIX FALLS – A strong start and a strong finish weren’t enough for the Saints to overpower the Comets in their home opening loss on Friday, Dec. 3. The Comets are one of the favorites in the Central Lakeland Conference this season and proved why against the Saints as they led 39-23 at the half.

It was a good start for St. Croix Falls however as they shot out to a 13-7 lead in the first quarter. Marcus Campbell, Zach Christenson and Nick Johnson provided the scoring and the Saints put good pressure on the Comets offense to force a couple of key turnovers. Cameron eventually fought their way back into the game and the first quarter ended in a tie at 15.

The Comets quickly surged ahead in the second quarter outscoring the Saints 24-8, and Cameron managed to hold a solid lead throughout the third quarter. The Saints trimmed a 20-point Comet lead to a 12-point margin during the fourth quarter but couldn’t get any closer.

Christenson led the Saints with 19 points and Nathan Gravesen had 12. Johnson finished with 10 points, Campbell, seven, Jace Marek, six, and Jared Sprieter, two.

Webster 56, Amery 40 AMERY – The Webster boys basketball team won their second game of the season in a nonconference game against Amery on Friday, Dec. 3. The Tigers shot 20 of 29 from the free-throw line and stepped up defensively by keeping the Warriors in single digits in the first and third quarters.

Webster led 24-18 at the end of the first half and scored 15 points in the third quarter, taking a 39-27 lead heading into the fourth quarter.

Austin Elliot scored 23 points, including two 3-pointers in the third quarter. James Wethern scored 10 points, Greg McIntyre, seven, Josh Baer, six, Dan Dochniak and Joey Erickson, two and Brad Krause and Taylor Heinze each had one point apiece.

Robert Kirk takes a jump shot against the Shell Lake Lakers. – Photo by Becky Amundson

Luck’s Alec Mortel goes up for a layup against Bruce. – Photo by Jenna Clemenson

Unity 48, Somerset 32 SOMERSET – The Eagles are off to a good start after winning their first two games of the season. They defeated the Spartans at Somerset on Friday, Dec. 3.

Unity’s Rush Hickethier floats up to the basket after a steal. – Photo by Marty Seeger

“It was another good team effort. We are playing pretty good team defense right now and have done a decent job on the boards. We will need to continue to improve in order to beat the solid teams in this conference though,” said coach Shaun Fisher.

Unity’s defense held the Spartans to single digits after the first three quarters, before they allowed just 12 points in the fourth.

The Eagles were led by Brady Flaherty’s 23 points and Rush Hickethier chipped in 13 points. Brady Turner scored five, Xavier Foeller, three and Clay Peckman and Steven Krueger scored two apiece.

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Blizzard girls muster a tie with Cambridge

Lady Blizzard 1, Cambridge 1

by Greg Marsten Leader staff writer GRANTSBURG – The Lady Blizzard came from behind in the third period and managed to tie up the score against a solid Cambridge cooperative team in Grantsburg on Tuesday, Dec. 7. The Cambridge Blue Jackets are actually a cooperative made up of players from rural Isanti County, including the cities of Cambridge, Mora and Pine City, Minn.

“The Blue Jackets had a lot of depth on their team,” Blizzard head coach Tim Bennett said. “We played them tough all night.”

The contest was scoreless until Cambridge wing Erica Epsen scored on Tiffany Meyer just a few moments into the second period. That would be the only time a puck got past Meyer all night.

“Tiff played great tonight, and made some big, key saves when we needed them.” Bennett said.

The Blizzard were trailing, 1-0, but according to Bennett, moved the puck as well as they had all season, even without scoring.

“Our power play was excellent,” he said, noting the Blizzard had several scoring opportunities, most of which they made happen with their own puck handling and skating.

“Even though we didn’t get a goal from the power play, we really moved the puck well,” he said, also congratulating the Blizzard defensive line of Krysta Laqua, Tianna Stewart, Paige Johnson and Johanna Lauer, who “kept the Blue Jackets from the net.”

by Marty Seeger Leader staff writer

Ashley Dietmeier battles for the puck against the Northland Pines – Photo submitted

The Blizzard did manage to come from behind and tie up the score, courtesy sophomore Samantha O’Brien’s goal with 10:18 remaining in regulation time. She had assists from Kassie Lien and Tanesha Carlson.

That would be the only scoring of the night and the 1-1 score would hold even after going into an extra frame. Blizzard netkeeper Meyer would handle 34 of the 35 Cambridge shots on goal and her teammates managed 27 shots on the Cambridge goalie.

“I was really pleased with the team ef-

fort tonight,” Bennett said. “This was another great, exciting Blizzard game!”

The Blizzard girls are now 2-3-1 for the season, which includes their opening tourney against the state champion St. Croix Valley Fusion cooperative over the Thanksgiving holiday. Next up is a nonconference road contest against Black River Falls on Friday and then to Medford on Saturday.

Lady Blizzard 4, Northland Pines 2 SIREN – The Lady Blizzard hockey squad handled a strong Northland Pines

team on Saturday, Dec. 4, at the Siren arena, winning 4-2 in the nonconference match after trailing for much of the contest, and coming from behind with three goals in the final frame for the victory.

Blizzard sophomore Kassie Lien scored the first goal of the day with just two minutes remaining in the first period off an assist by senior Tanesha Carlson. The Blizzard girls couldn’t score again until the final period, while the Northland Pines Eagles managed back-to-back goals in the second period, taking the lead 2-1.

The Blizzard responded with a flurry of scoring in the third period, beginning with a reversal of the credits for their first goal. Tanesha Carlson got the tally at 14:26, while this time Kassie Lien got the assist and Samantha O’Brien received helper credits. That tied the score 2-2.

The Blizzard offense rallied again to take the lead three minutes later, this time on freshman Ashley Dietmeier’s score at 11:36. Assisting credits went to seniors Krysta Laqua and Mary Chernyaev. The Blizzard were now in the driver’s seat as the game wound down, and they took advantage, with Kassie Lien scoring again, this time unassisted, on an empty-netter as the final seconds ticked away, for her second goal of the day. She also had an assist earlier in the period.

Blizzard net minder Tiffany Meyer was stellar in the crease, allowing just two pucks to pass her way, and garnering a total of 26 saves in her 51 net minutes. The Blizzard offense made their shots count, getting fewer shots than the Eagles, but still managing to keep Northland Pines goalie Kim Van Brunt hopping, scoring three times on 29 shots on goal.

Viking girls stomp Lakers

Frederic 64, Shell Lake 35 SHELL LAKE– The Viking girls are off to a good start after their second straight win over Shell Lake on Friday, Dec. 3.

Corissa Schmidt led the charge with 23 points and Maria Miller added 14, while Jade Johnson contributed 11 points to go along with six steals. Sam Nelson had five assists and two points.

Vikings coach Troy Wink was happy to see a balance in scoring and thought the team played a good game, but the team is still working on improving.

“Our goal is to be better each game. We start conference play Friday at St. Croix Falls and that should be a very good game,” Wink said.

Other point totals against Shell Lake included Tara Anderson with eight and Vanessa Neumann’s six.

Siren 78, Clear Lake 29 CLEAR LAKE– The Dragon girls had an easy go at Clear Lake last Friday, Dec. 3, with Carley Emery scoring 40 points to go along with 12 steals, three assists and one block. Emery sunk six 3-pointers and shot 51 percent from the field.

Raven Emery scored 11 points, Ashley Guevara, eight, Danielle Keller, seven, Brittany Coulter, six, and Liz Brown and Carly Good each scored three points.

St. Croix Falls 59, Cumberland 36 CUMBERLAND – The Saints girls cruised to their first win of the season in a nonconference game at Cumberland on Thursday, Dec. 2.

Sydney Geisness led the team in a wellbalanced scoring attack with 20 points to go along with seven rebounds. Natalie Sempf led in rebounds with nine, and added 10 points. Other scoring included Caitlyn Olson with nine, Sarah Petznick eight, Jessica Rademacher, seven and

Jade Johnson gets off a jump shot against Shell Lake. – Photos by Larry Samson

Alexis Erickson, four points with five boards.

The Saints led 17-8 after the first quarter and held the Beavers to just two points in the second quarter.

Corissa Schmidt (No. 14) and Tara Anderson fight for a loose ball against the Lakers.

Turtle Lake 60, Unity 36 TURTLE LAKE – The Eagles lost by 24 points in a game at Turtle Lake on Thursday, Dec. 2, keeping it within reach in the first half before the Lakers pulled away in the third quarter. The Eagles trailed by three after the first quarter and were down 31-16 at the half. Unity was held to six points in the third quarter by the Lakers defense, but nearly all of the Eagles provided offense, including Crystal Donahue’s 10 points. Jessica Kutina scored six, Brittany Thomfohrda, Marisa Hacker,

Sarah Bader and Shauna Jorgenson scored four apiece, and Anna Ebensperger and Hailey Olson scored two apiece.

Luck 45, Bruce 30 BRUCE – The Cardinals girls basketball team shot just 19 of 50 from the field but stepped up defensively against Bruce on Friday, Dec. 3, to grab their second straight win. It was 10-2 after the first quarter and Luck held the Red Raiders to just six first half points.

Avery Steen scored 18 points and Morgan Denny led with 21, but coach Marty Messar said he’ll need to get others on the team into the habit of scoring as well. Taylor Joy had 10 rebounds in the game and Denny had seven boards. Camille Marsten had four rebounds.

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Unity grapplers handle Shell Lake

Unity 40, Shell Lake 30

by Greg Marsten Leader staff writer BALSAM LAKE – The Unity Eagles grapplers held off a Shell Lake charge and won their dual wrestling meet on Thursday, Dec., 2 at Unity, 40-30, with each squad taking a fair number of forfeits.

One of the more notable performances for the Eagles was at 171 pounds, when Unity junior Jordan Hughes was trailing, 11-10, to Shell Lake senior Brandon Anderson, with less than a minute left in the match. Hughes was able to fend off Anderson and get the pin just in time, winning the match, and swaying the points the other way for the Eagles.

That likely made a difference, as Unity ended up with 40 points to Shell Lake’s 30 points, giving them the win. Had Hughes lost, the score might have gone Shell Lake’s way. The Lakers actually gained more points on forfeits, getting four total, while Unity had just three forfeit victories.

Both squads forfeited at 103 pounds.

Shell Lake’s Dan Cassel had his squad’s only pin of the night, and that was in a very close contest at 130 pounds over sophomore Zac Baxter at 5:16.

Unity's Alex Lennartson and Shell Lake's Brian Marschall grappled at the Unity dual meet, with this match going Lennartson's way, 3-0.

Unity's Mac Baxter (left) battled with Shell Lake Laker Dan Cassel at 130 pounds, with Cassel emerging victorious. – Photos by Greg Marsten

At 135 pounds, Unity’s Luke Nelson won by forfeit. At 140 pounds, Unity’s Steven Anderson won by forfeit. One hundred forty-five pound Unity junior Kevin Bystrom won in a major decision over Dillon Hopke, 10-0. At 152 pounds, Unity senior Dylan Hendricks pinned Aaron Slinker at 3:40.

Also in the meet, 160-pound Tyler Anderson of Shell Lake won by forfeit, as did the Laker’s Caleb Schmidt at 189 pounds.

Unity senior Jake Johnson defeated Laker Marlo Fields, 9-5, at 215 pounds.

Unity heavyweight Alex Lennartson fended off a late charge by Laker Brian Marschall, and held on for the decision, 30, giving the Eagles another critical victory.

Eagle freshman Tucker Olson won by forfeit at 112 pounds, while both the 119and 125-pound weight classes went to the Lakers on forfeit, to Tyler Kozial and Sam Livingston, respectively.

Unity travels to Spring Valley for a dual meet on Thursday, Dec. 9, and then goes

to Barron on Saturday.

Eagle wrestlers take eighth in Ellsworth ELLSWORTH – The 2010 Unity Eagles wrestling team took part in the Ellsworth Invitational last weekend, and while the team placed eighth out of nine teams, they’ll have some individual strengths this season and could get stronger toward the end of the year.

“We’re going to struggle to fill the lineup. We’re looking at the end of the year, hopefully having a full lineup, but I know in the first few weeks we’re going to struggle with that,” said first-year head coach Shawn Perkins.

Right now the Eagles are working with around 20 wrestlers, but nobody to fill a spot at 160 pounds or at 103. Between the 125 and 152 weight classes the team will be two to three wrestlers deep, which is one of their strengths.

Perkins is no stranger to the wrestling program at Unity. He’s been the assistant coach there for 10 years now, and this sea-

Unity's Jordan Hughes tangled with Shell Lake's Brandon Anderson at 171-pounds.

Hughes came home with a pin, after trailing, 11-10, with just over a minute remaining in the contest.

son he has some talented wrestlers on the roster, including five returning wrestlers that qualified for sectionals last season, including three seniors, Dylan Hendricks, 152, Luke Nelson, 135, and Jake Johnson, 189. All are team captains that should provide strength, and Perkins hopes the team can build off of their success.

Nelson finished with third place at Ellsworth last weekend, winning two matches by pin and another by decision.

Sophomore Alex Lennartson also finished third in Ellsworth at 285, getting a 1-0 decision win over Luke Albarado of Ellsworth and a pin over Dillon Staples of Medford in the third-place match.

Others placing in Ellsworth were Hendricks in fourth place, Steven Anderson, 140, fifth; Zac Baxter, 130, Jordan Hughes, 171, and Jake Johnson, 189, sixth; Kevin Bystrom, 145, seventh and Tucker Olson, 112, eighth. – Marty Seeger, Leader staff writer

LFG wrestlers open up season in Grantsburg

St. Croix Central 57, LFG 22

by Marty Seeger Leader staff writer GRANTSBURG – The Luck/Frederic/Grantsburg wrestling season officially got under way last Thursday, Dec. 2, in a dual meet held at Grantsburg against St. Croix Central. The Panthers dominated LFG by compiling six pins.

LFG had a close match at the start of the match when Ben Ackerley took on Chris Halvorson at 140 pounds. Ackerley lost the match by a 7-4 decision. LFG forfeited three weight classes at 103, 112 and 152 pounds, and scored six points on a St. Croix Falls forfeit at 125 pounds, which is a spot held by LFG sophomore Evan Ryan.

At least three LFG wrestlers recorded wins against the Panthers including sophomore Ray Kurkowski, who pinned Wyatt Sain in 1:33 at 119 pounds. Also getting his

Ray Kurkowski won by pin over Wyatt Sain of St. Croix Central at 119 pounds. – Photos by Priscilla Bauer

Bent Johnson scored four points for the LFG wrestling team when he defeated Brian Gibb by a 12-3 major decision.

first pin of the season was Chase Dodds, a senior 135-pounder who pinned Elias Hofland in three minutes. Junior Brent Johnson also recorded a win by major decision over Brian Gibb by a score of 12-3 at 135 pounds.

The Cardinals have a nearly complete roster this season with the exception of a wrestler at 152 pounds. That could change as the season rolls on, but numbers look good as LFG currently has seven freshmen on the roster this season. They also have five sophomores, five juniors and six seniors including Dodds, Ackerley, Kenny Sanford and Jordan Shearer at 215, and Devin Douglas and Jesse Sanchez listed at 215.

Last season, only one wrestler advanced to the sectional and earned a trip to state.

Austin Eskola has since graduated, but LFG had four wrestlers that wrestled in regionals last season, and will be back again this year, including Ryan, Johnson, Joe Christensen and Shearer.

Saints wrestlers place fifth in Ellsworth

Team strength could carry St. Croix Falls into postseason

by Marty Seeger Leader staff writer ELLSWORTH – The Saints wrestling team could be looking at team strength this season as opposed to the individual successes they’ve experienced in previous years. The last time a Saints wrestling team has been able to advance into the sectional finals was four years ago, but getting back to that point is a real possibil-

ity this season if the team can improve steadily throughout the year. Last weekend the team finished fifth at a tough tournament in Ellsworth, and at least three wrestlers have injuries, but coach Dan Clark expects to be at full strength when they travel to the annual 24-team tournament at Wisconsin Dells this weekend.

“It’s a different kind of team than we’re used to having,” said Clark. “I think it’s a better team than we had last year.”

It’s been a long time since the Saints have started out a season without a returning state qualifier, but several will be eyeing the state tournament at the end of the year.

Juniors Ryan Nussbaum at 189 and Jake Rademacher at 160 have legitimate shots at a state appearance this season, as well as senior Spencer Walters at 125.

Those who wrestled well in Ellsworth last weekend included junior Eric Segelstrom at 152 pounds. Segelstrom placed fifth overall and Clark thought he improved the most since last season.

“He really wrestled well and had a good day,” said Clark.

This season the Saints have a solid wrestler at 103 pounds with freshman Drew Walker, who took second overall.

Also taking second place was Rademacher, who went 3-1 on the day

along with a pin. There were four fourthplace finishers including Dan Horn at 119, James Klassen at 125, Walters at 130 and Nussbaum at 189.

“It’s early in the year, [we had] a lot of mistakes, but a lot of mistakes we can correct,” Clark said.

In fifth place it was freshman Joe Rademacher at 171 and Nolan O’Brien at 215. Seventh place went to Brian Gilbert at 135, and both Phillip Bayle at 140 and Taylor Sempf at 145 took eighth overall.

The Saints have about 23 wrestlers this season and have depth at between 140 and 189 pounds.

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Eagle girls basketball off to a 2-0 start Unity 55, Cumberland 40

Goals: Ryan Curtis (2), Andrew Coy, Drew Alderman.

Assists: Max Norman, Andrew Coy. Saves: Taran Wols (8).

Blizzard 7, Baldwin 1

Goals: Ryan Curtis (2), Brett Richison (2), Vinny Larson (2), Max Norman.

Assists: Max Norman, Carter Lee, Drew Alderman.

Saves: Taran Wols (11).

Burnett Blizzard Bantam B Sunday, December 5

River Valley 6, Blizzard 1 Goals: Lance Lindvall.

Assists: Tristen Alden.

Saves: Taran Wols (15).

Burnett Blizzard PeeWee B Sunday, December 5

Rice Lake 12, Blizzard 1 Goals: Jasmine Marcyan.

Assists: Heather Struck.

Saves: Bayzhia Taylor (10).

READ LEADER SPORTS

Sarah Bader fights for the ball against Cumberland Tuesday night, Dec. 7. – Photo by Marty Seeger

Hacker’s Lanes

Sunday Youth (3 Games) Standings: Infinite 28, The Bowlers 26, Shooting Stars 23, The Three Amigos 21, Brothers & Arms 20, Boss 18.5, JDZ 14, Team Hambone 9.5.

Girls games: Corissa Schmidt (SS) 198, Avery Steen (SS) 162, Lauren Domagala (SS) 144.

Girls series: Corissa Schmidt (SS) 560, Avery Steen (SS) 434, Lauren Domagala (SS) 376.

Boys games: A.J. Walsh Brenizer (B) 220, Kyle Hunter (TB) 202, Casey Ekholm (TB) 198.

Boys series: A.J. Walsh Brenizer (B) 565, Logan Hacker (TH) 551, Kyle Hunter (TB) 548.

Team games: The Bowlers 536, Boss 499, Shooting Stars 462.

Team series: The Bowlers 1424, Boss 1379, Shooting Stars 1370.

Monday Afternoon Standings: Vultures 36, Bears 32, Zebras 27, Swans 26.5, Eagles 24.5, Night Hawks 24, Badgers 24, Cardinals 14.

Women’s games: Mary Young 225, Marge Traun 201, Barb Austad 199.

Women’s series: Marge Traun 511, Mary Young 498, Lila Larson 491.

Men’s games: Duane Doolittle 235, Steve Holt 231, Dale Johnson 230.

Men’s series: Dale Johnson 596, Duane Doolittle 576, Roger Messer 573.

Team games: Night Hawks 727, Vultures 710, Bears 692.

Team series: Vultures 1987, Night Hawks 1962, Eagles 1845.

Monday Night Ladies Standings: Mane Attractions 58, House of Wood 58, Hog Wild 57, Hacker’s Lanes 48.5, The Bottle Shop 47.5, Bye 4.

Individual games: Julie Hall (MA) 200, Rhonda Bazey (HW) 199, Susie Houston (MA) 195.

Individual series: Julie Hall (MA) 509, Rhonda Baze (HW) & Susie Houston (MA) 504.

Team games: Mane Attractions 650, Hacker’s Lanes 603, House of Wood 548.

Team series: Mane Attractions 1801, Hacker’s Lanes 1767, House of Wood 1599.

Tuesday Classic Standings: Great Northern Outdoors 110, Bottle Shop 88.5, Yellow Lake Lodge 85, SHWHORAW Co. 72.5, Pioneer Bar 72, Rural American Bank 35.

Individual games: Gene Ackland 258, Ed Bitler 257, Tom Coen & Maynard Stevens 241.

Individual series: Ed Bitler 709, Tom Coen 659, Ron Skow 615.

Team games: Great Northern Outdoors 718, Yellow Lake Lodge 652, Bottle Shop 645.

Team series: Great Northern Outdoors 1983, Yellow Lake Lodge 1755, Bottle Shop 1738.

Consecutive strikes (5 or more): Gene Ackland 7x – 258, Ed Bitler 6x – 257, Tom Coen 7x – 241, Maynard Stevens 7x – 241, Ron Skow – 5x 235.

Games 50 or more above average: Gene Ackland 258 (+69), Maynard Stevens 241 (+65), Ed Bitler 257 (+55), Josh Henry 225 (+58).

Series 100 or more above average: Ed Bitler 709 (+103) Splits converted: 4-9: Maynard Stevens.

3-6-7-10: Brett Daeffler. 4-5-7: Kelsey Bazey. 4-5: Daryl Bazey. 3-4-6-7: Josh Henry. 3-10: Butch Hacker.

Wednesday Night Early Men’s Standings: Pioneer Bar 33, Lewis Silo

Saturday, December 4

Blizzard 4, Spooner 2

by Marty Seeger Leader staff writer BALSAM LAKE – The Eagle girls basketball team defeated Cumberland in nonconference play on Tuesday, Dec. 7, and will have some momentum entering their first conference game against Webster this Friday.

Unity looked consistent throughout the evening, leading 19-11 after the first quarter and 32-24 at halftime. The Beavers managed to climb back into the game in the third quarter but the Eagles maintained a 5-point edge, and led by seven after the third quarter when Shauna Jorgenson hit a jumper for two points at the buzzer.

Cumberland got to within four points at the start of the fourth quarter, but the Eagles were in the bonus and shot well from the line to help pull away in the end.

A R E A

Youth Hockey

Burnett Blizzard Bantam A

B O W L I N G

30, A-1 Machine 27, Cummings Lumber 24.5, Skol Bar 16.5, Larsen Auto Center 13.

Individual games: Chris Rowell (PB) 276, Norm Hansen (A1) & Chris Rowell (PB) 236.

Individual series: Chris Rowell (PB) 658, Curtis Renfroe (SB) 638, Norm Hansen (A1) 628.

Team games: A-1 Machine 1004, Pioneer Bar 969, A-1 Machine 967.

Team series: A-1 Machine 2895, Pioneer Bar 2799, Lewis Silo 2730.

Thursday Late Standings: Hansen Farms Inc. 34, Hog Wild BBQ & Grill 25, Johnson Upholstery 24, Fisk Trucking 20, Stotz & Company 18.

Women’s games: Heather Wynn 143, Lee Mangelsen 227, Tom Bainbridge 226.

Women’s series: Heather Wynn 386.

Men’s games: Larry Stotz 254, Lee Mangelsen 227, Tom Bainbridge 226.

Men’s series: Larry Stotz 628, Larry Fisk 606, Dale Peterson 593.

Team games: Hansen Farms Inc. 971, Stotz & Company 885, Hog Wild BBQ & Grill 868.

Team series: Hansen Farms Inc. 2624, Stotz & Company 2510, Hog Wild BBQ & Grill 2449.

Friday Night Ladies (11/26) Standings: The Dozers 57, The Leader 50, The Pin Heads 49, Frederic Desgin 48, Pioneer Bar 42, Junque Art 38, Meyer’s Plus 33.

Individual games: Karen Carlson 222, Gail Linke 204, Jen Ellefson 195.

Individual series: Karen Carlson 563, Gail Linke 558, Jen Ellefson 474.

Team games: Junque Art 699, The Leader 586, The Dozers 580.

Team series: Junque Art 1877, The Dozers 1648, The Leader 1599.

Games 50 or more above average: Terri Pearson.

Splits converted: 3-6-7-10: Gail Linke. 58-10: Linda O’Donnell.

Friday Night Ladies (12/3) Standings: The Dozers 62, The Leader 55, The Pin Heads 54, Frederic Desgin 53, Pioneer Bar 44, Junque Art 40, Meyer’s Plus 35.

Individual games: Gail Linke 209, Karen Carlson 191, Margie Traun 182.

Individual series: Karen Carlson 538, Gail Linke 513, Margie Traun 509.

Team games: The Dozers 604, Junque Art 600, The Pin Heads 589.

Team series: Junque Art 1767, The Pin Heads 1725, Frederic Design 1634.

Splits converted: 5-10: Kim Owen. 5-810: Judy Bennett.

Saturday Night Mixed Standings: Handicaps, Alley Brats, LuckE, Lakers, Skowl, Dead Eyes, Hot Shots.

Women’s games: Deb Ingram 218 & 193, Lori Larson 188.

Women’s series: Deb Ingram 583, Linda Giller 471, Steph Marek 464.

Men’s games: Ron Skow 215, Terry Ingram 213, Rodger Wroge 200.

Men’s series: Terry Ingram 567, Ron Skow 555, Eugene Ruhn 551.

Team games: Luck-E 924, Skowl 916, Handicaps 910.

Team series: Handicaps 2706, Hot Shots 2703, Skowl 2684.

McKenzie Lanes

Monday Night Madness Standings: McKenzie Lanes 58, Alleycats 47, Eagle Lounge 45, Scottay’s Trucking 40, Mishaps 36, Triple Threat 34, Radio Shack 34, Pepie’s Gals 26.

Individual games: Julia Delougherty 193, Melanie Erickson 184, Debbie Swanson 183.

Individual series: Julia Delougherty 524, Debbie Swanson 522, Melanie Erickson 511.

Team games (Handicap): Scottay’s Trucking 635, McKenzie Lanes 618.

Team series (Handicap): Scottay’s Trucking 1790, Alleycats 1771.

Monday Night Ladies Standings: McKenzie Lanes 13, Wolf Creek Log Furniture 12, Milltown Appliance 11, Sam’s Carpentry 9, Bogus Pumpkins 8, Frederic Truck & Tractor 5, Metal Products 4, Edina Divas 0.

Individual games: Kathy McKenzie 199, Barb Wilson 195, Cindy Castellano 194.

Individual series: Cindy Castellano 579, Barb Wilson 540, Shirley Wilson 526.

Team games (Handicap): Sam’s Carpentry 865.

Team series (Handicap): Wolf Creek Log Furniture 2394.

Tuesday Early Mixed Standings: Jim’s Flooring 83.5, What the Ek 81, Lamar Stars 77, Lemon Heads 76, Mom’s Boys 76, Lane Crashers 63, The New Comers 57.5, Bye 0.

Women’s games: Brenda Lehmann 224, Linda Larson 177, Vicki Minnick 145.

Women’s series: Brenda Lehmann 553, Linda Larson 469, Vicki Minnick 387.

Men’s games: Zach Gurtner 235, Jeff Lehmann 224, Cory Crowell 215.

Men’s series: Glen Minnick 631, Jeff Lehmann 627, Zach Gurtner 618.

Team games: Jim’s Flooring 630.

Team series: Jim’s Flooring 1698.

Tuesday Women’s Standings: Kassel Tap 126.5, Custom Outfitter 124, Tomlinson Insurance 123, Hauge Dental 120, Gutter Dusters 107.5, Country Gals 104.5, LC’s Gals 91, Cutting Edge Pro 87.5.

Individual games: Toni Sloper 216, Jan Kruse 206, Kathy Braund 192.

Individual series: Jan Kruse 540, Kathy Braund 529, Karen Wiemer 523.

Team games: Custom Outfitter 829, LC’s Gals 828, Kassel Tap 810.

Team series: Custom Outfitter 2356, LC’s Gals 2353, Tomlinson Insurance 2346.

Tuesday Night Men’s Standings: Hack’s Pub 58, The Cobbler Shop 47.5, Centurview Park 41.5, Steve’s Appliance 40.5, Nel-Lo-Hill Farm 39.5, The Dugout 36.5, Dream Lawn 32.5, McKenzie Lanes 24.

Individual games: Steve Clark 254, Ryan Wiemer 253, Rick Fox 246.

Individual series: Ryan Wiemer 733, Craig Willert 682, Rick Fox 651.

Team games (Handicap): The Dugout 1232.

Team series (Handicap): The Dugout 3543.

R E S U LT S Wednesday Early League Mixed Standings: Cutting Edge 58, Amrhien Painting 52, Top Spot 51, Hack’s Pub 40, Pro Fav 40, Suzie Q’s 32, Holiday StationStore 31, Bye 16.

Women’s games: Dixie Runberg 178, Janice Fox 167, Jeanne Kizer 162.

Women’s series: Dixie Runberg 487, Janice Fox 439, Jeanne Kizer 438.

Men’s games: Eric Hoffman 215, Ricky Fox 214, Bob Chitty 211.

Men’s series: Bob Chitty 613, Ricky Fox 580, Merlin Fox 557.

Team games (Handicap): Amrhien Painting 682.

Team series (Handicap): Suzie Q’s & Amrhien Painting 1905.

Wednesday Night Men’s Standings: Harvest Moon 24, Davy’s Construction 18, McKenzie Lanes 16, Tiger Express 14, Dalles Electric 14, Edina Realty 14, Reed’s Marina 14, Hanjo Farms 12.

Individual games: Darren McKenzie 265, Dan Flaherty 258, Mike Oryan 243.

Individual series: Darren McKenzie 721, Dan Flaherty 696, Jim McKenzie 635.

Team games (Handicap): Tiger Express Harvest Moon 1010.

1022, Team series (Handicap): Tiger Express 2978, Harvest Moon 2797.

Thursday Night Ladies Standings: Eagle Valley Bank 27, Hack’s Pub 21.5, Bont Chiropractic 20.5, Hauge Dental 20.5, Truhlsen Chiropractic 20, Cutting Edge Pro 18, RiverBank 17.5, KJ’s 15.

Individual games: Annette Norlander 226, Denise Donaghue 211, Darla Bank 201.

Individual series: Jen Whalen 562, Penny Kammerud 552, Kathy McKenzie 522.

Team games: Hack’s Pub 856, Hauge Dental 812, Cutting Edge Pro 796.

Team series: Hack’s Pub 2404, Truhlsen Chiropractic 2274, Cutting Edge Pro 2236.

Black & Orange

Early Birds (End of first half) Standings: Yellow River Saloon 34-14, The Tap 26.5-21.5, Gandy Dancer Saloon 22.5-25.5, Black & Orange 13-35.

Individual games: Kay Casey (YRS) 169, Rita Tesch (YRS) 157, Sandy Price (T) & Donna Crain (B&O) 144.

Individual series: Kay Casey (YRS) 445, Rita Tesch (YRS) 423, Sandy Price (T) 387.

Team games: The Tap 827, Gandy Dancer Saloon 818, Yellow River Saloon 795.

Team series: The Tap 2433, Gandy Dancer Saloon 2360, Yellow River Saloon 2322.

Monday Night Men’s Standings: Glass & Mirror Works 26-18, Larry’s LP 23.5-20.5, Black & Orange 2321, Pope’s Construction 15.5-28.5.

Individual games: Vern Nottom (B&O) 220, Mike Zajac (G&MW) 218, Art Bliven (L) 204.

Individual series: Art Bliven (L) 576, Breck Eytcheson (G&MW) 571, Vern Nottom (B&O) 562.

Team games: Glass & Mirror Works 998, Pope’s Construction 940, Black & Orange 939.

Team series: Pope’s Construction 2788, Glass & Mirror Works 2757, Black & Orange 2711.

Games 50 or more above average: Mike Zajac 218 (+52); Vern Nottom 220 (+69).

Series 100 or more above average: Vern Nottom 562 (+109).

TNT Standings: Cashco 27-21, Larry’s LP 2325, Flower Power 23-25, Black & Orange 23-25.

Individual games: Audrey Pardun (B&O) 213, Jennifer Kern (L) 186, Sue Eytcheson (FP) 181.

Individual series: Audrey Pardun (B&O) 519, Sue Eytcheson (FP) 507, Jennifer Kern (L) 485.

Team games: Black & Orange 898, Cashco 891, Larry’s LP 837.

Team series: Cashco 2530, Black & Orange 2510, Flower Power 2462.

Games 50 or more above average: Audrey Pardun 213 (+67).

Wednesday Night Standings: Cashco 31-13, 10th Hole 2717, Northview Drive Inn 25-19, Lions 2222, Black & Orange 22-22, Vacant 5-39.

Individual games: Mike Zajac (C) 226, Tony Wilson (B&O) 198, Gerry Vogel (10th) 196.

Individual series: Jack Witzany (L) 540, Mike Zajac (C) 525, Mike Young (NDI) 504.

Team games: Cashco 995, 10th Hole 916, Northview Drive Inn 909.

Team series: Cashco 2657, Black & Orange 2562, Lions 2522.

Games 50 or more above average: Tony Wilson 198 (+59); Mike Zajac 226 (+56); Gerry Vogel 196 (+50).

Early Risers (End of first half) Standings: 10th Hole 27-21, A+ Sanitation 26-22, Gayle’s Northwoods Hair Design 22-26, Gandy Dancer 21-27.

Individual games: Phyllis Myers (A+) 178, Jan Carlson (GNHD) 169, Evie Engebretson (GNHD) 167.

Individual series: Jan Carlson (GNHD) 475, Evie Engebretson (GNHD) 459, Phyllis Myers (A+) 445.

Team games: Gayle’s Northwoods Hair Design 775, A+ Sanitation 713, Gandy Dancer 654.

Team series: Gayle’s Northwoods Hair Design 2154, A+ Sanitation 1943, Gandy Dancer 1843.

Thursday Night Ladies Standings: Webster Motel 23.5-20.5, Pour House 22-22, Vacant 22-22, Lip’s 20.5-23.5.

Individual games: Tooter Barnes (PH) 180, Barb Rivard (PH) 178, Daphne Churchill (L) 172.

Individual series: Jackie Churchill (L) 466, Barb Rivard (PH) 438, Tooter Barnes (PH) 437.

Team games: Lip’s 705, Pour House 691, Webster Motel 661.

Team series: Lip’s 2055, Pour House 2002, Webster Motel 1900.

Denny’s Downtown Lanes

Sunday Afternoon Mixed Standings: 3-M’s 59, George’s Angels 49, Team Siren 43, Spare Us 39, The Pacifiers 33, Bye 29.

Women’s games: Bea Moyer 176, “Touble” Barfknecht 159.

Women’s series: Bea Moyer 448, “Touble” Barfknecht 444.

Men’s games: Jim Loomis 208, Chuck Moyer 167.

Men’s series: Jim Loomis 493, Chuck Moyer 465.

Team games: Spare Us 477, 3-M’s 449.

Team series: Spare Us 1237, 3-M’s 1209.

Games 50 or more above average: Jim Loomis +53; Bea Moyer +50.

W

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PAGE 20 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - DECEMBER 8, 2010

I N T E R

E A D E R

S

P O R T S

Local gymnasts compete in first meets this week

by Brenda Martin Leader staff writer LEADERLAND – The Grantsburg Pirates and St. Croix Falls/Unity co-op gymnastics teams start competition this week. Grantsburg will have their first meet on Friday, Dec. 10, against the Superior and Rice Lake/Cumberland teams at the Twin Port Gymnastics Center starting at 6 p.m. St. Croix Falls/Unity will compete Saturday, Dec. 11, at Chippewa Falls.

Grantsburg Pirates Coach Kathy Lund, returning for her 13th year as Grantsburg’s head coach, is very excited for the season. “Our numbers of girls out this year is great,” she said. “It is a young team, but they are excited to compete. We are working toward having a full varsity and JV lineup.”

The Pirate gymnastics team starts the season with bigger numbers than last year’s team. Eight competed last year while 14 make up the roster this season.

Last year’s all-around gymnasts Michelle Lund and Jessika Ilgen graduated last year and Nikki Ticknor is not returning this year, leaving the team down two state honorable mention all-around gymnasts, Lund and Ticknor. Haley Johnson, Rachel Diffee and Breanna Fickbohm, however, do return from last year with academic all-state honors from last season.

Johnson is the team’s only senior; Diffee and Fickbohm are two of the five returning juniors, along with Jenna Barnez, April Campana and Saisha Goepfert, making the rest of the team underclass-

men.

Coach Lund has seven gymnasts that will be working as all-around competitors. “We are building not only this team but a future team too,” Lund said. “The juniors are really a good group that work well together and are stepping up and filling in.”

Sophomore Aimee Lerud joins the team this year after competing at an elite club level in the past. “She brings excitement to the gym and should do really well for Grantsburg,” Lund commented.

Goepfert comes back to the team as a junior, picking up where she left off as a freshman, according to Lund. She will be one of the team’s all-around gymnasts.

“Freshman Heidi Horky is showing great progress and will start varsity on the uneven bars and in vaulting,” Lund said.

While vaulting will most likely be the team’s best event once again, Lund believes they may struggle at the uneven bars as they have in the past. “We struggle every year to meet all the requirements for this event,” Lund stated. “Aimee Lerud will be our only gymnast to have full difficulty and all event requirements.”

Going into the meet Friday, Lund is unsure what will happen. “The beginning of the season is always hard, getting skills back, making routines,” she said. “We never feel ready for our first meet. Once this team gets some meet experiences, they are going to take off.”

Last year the team started scoring in the 110s and received a season high of 123.45.

With the help of Lerud and the upper-

classmen, the Pirates will increase last year’s team high over the next months.

St. Croix Falls/Unity Coach Dawn Peer is expecting this year’s team to be stronger than last year, because all of her key gymnasts have returned for this season. “It is the first year in a while that I am not considering this a building year, more of an improving year,” Peer said.

This is Peer’s ninth season as head coach, having the Unity gymnasts joining Peer’s St. Croix Falls team two years ago.

Last year, the St. Croix Falls/Unity team scored a 122.3 at the sectional meet, 1.15 points below Grantsburg’s high team score.

“I have a good base this year,” Peer said, “a lot of returning athletes who have experience and drive.”

All of the top gymnasts return to improve their scores this year. Last year’s top vaulting athlete was Kady Meyer who finished with an 8.275; top uneven bars ath-

Blizzard boys cruise over Barron

Blizzard 7, Barron/Chetek 1

by Marty Seeger Leader staff writer GRANTSBURG – Jake Langevin and Aaron Dietmeier got things going for the Blizzard boys in the first period at home against the Barron/Chetek Golden Bears Tuesday, Dec. 7. Langevin and Dietmeier scored the opening goals continued to batter the Bears into the third period, scoring four more goals.

In the second period it was Bryce Ryan who scored a goal to put the Blizzard up 3-0, before the Bears got on the board to make it a 3-1 game. But the Blizzard came out firing in the third period with consecutive goals from Joe Engelhart and a hat trick from Anthony Dietmeier on assists from Matt Larson, Ben Jensen and Engelhart. The Blizzard had 59 shots on goal to Barron/Chetek’s 24, including 27 in the first period.

The Blizzard will be playing Minneapolis East this Saturday, Dec. 11, beginning at 7 p.m.

LEADER SPORTS SCOREBOARD BOYS BASKETBALL

West Lakeland Standings Conf. Overall Team Unity Eagles 1-0 3-0 1-0 2-0 Grantsburg Pirates Webster Tigers 0-0 2-0 0-0 1-1 Luck Cardinals St. Croix Falls Saints 0-0 0-2 Frederic Vikings 0-1 2-1 0-1 2-1 Siren Dragons Scores Thursday, December 2 Siren 73, Clear Lake 64 Friday, December 3 Frederic 63, Shell Lake 35 Luck 78, Bruce 46 Grantsburg 44, Clayton 33 Cameron 68, St. Croix Falls 56 Webster 56, Amery 40 Unity 48, Somerset 32 Tuesday, December 7 Breck, Minn., 78, St. Croix Falls 66 Grantsburg 62, Siren 40 Unity 39, Frederic 28 Upcoming Friday, December 10 6 p.m.

Frederic at St. Croix Falls (DH) 7:30 p.m. Siren at Luck (DH) Unity at Webster (DH) Amery at Grantsburg Tuesday, December 14 6 p.m.

Webster at Siren (DH) 7:30 p.m. Luck at Frederic (DH) St. Croix Falls at Grantsburg (DH) New Auburn at Unity (DH)

GIRLS HOCKEY

WSFLGUS Blizzard 1-3-0 Scores Saturday, December 4 Blizzard 4, Northland Pines 2 Tuesday, December 7 Blizzard 1, Cambridge, Minn., 1 Upcoming Friday, December 10 7 p.m.

Blizzard at Black River Falls Saturday, December 11 2 p.m.

Blizzard at Medford Thursday, December 16 7 p.m.

Moose Lake, Minn., at Grantsburg

WRESTLING

Upcoming Thursday, December 9 7 p.m.

Unity at Spring Valley 7:30 p.m. LFG at Flambeau Saturday, December 11 8 a.m.

St. Croix Falls at Wisconsin Dells 9 am.

Unity at Barron LFG at Barron Tuesday, December 14 7 p.m.

Glenwood City at Luck Thursday, December 16 7 p.m.

Unity at St. Croix Falls LFG at Clear Lake

GIRLS BASKETBALL

West Lakeland Standings Conf. Overall Team Frederic Vikings 0-0 2-0 0-0 2-0 Siren Dragons Luck Cardinals 0-0 2-1 0-0 2-1 Unity Eagles Grantsburg Pirates 0-0 1-0 Webster Tigers 0-0 1-1 0-0 1-1 St. Croix Falls Saints Scores Thursday, December 2 St. Croix Falls 59, Cumberland 32 Turtle Lake 60, Unity 36 Friday, December 3 Luck 45, Bruce 30 Grantsburg 44, Clayton 37 Frederic 64, Shell Lake 35 Siren 78, Clear Lake 29 Tuesday, December 7 Unity 55, Cumberland 40 Clear Lake 58, Webster 36 Chetek/Weyerhaeuser 54, Luck 50 Upcoming Friday, December 10 6 p.m.

Siren at Luck(DH) Unity at Webster (DH) 7:30 p.m. Frederic at St. Croix Falls (DH) Saturday, December 11 5 p.m.

Siren at Prentice Tuesday, December 14 6 p.m.

St. Croix Falls at Grantsburg (DH) New Auburn at Unity (DH) Luck at Frederic (DH) 7:30 p.m. Webster at Siren (DH) Thursday, December 16 7:30 p.m Rush City, Minn., at Frederic Baldwin-Woodville at Unity

BOYS HOCKEY

Two Rivers Conference Team Conf. Overall Mora/Hinckley-Finlayson 1-0-0 1-2-0 WSFLGUS Blizzard 0-0-0 4-0-0 Minneapolis 0-0-0 2-1-0 Moose Lake Area 0-0-0 1-1-0 Pine City/Rush City 0-0-0 1-1-0 North Branch 0-1-0 1-4-0 Legacy Christian Academy 0-0-0 0-2-0 Scores Tuesday, December 7 Blizzard 7, Barron 1 Upcoming Saturday, December 11 3 p.m.

Blizzard at Minneapolis Tuesday, December 14 7 p.m.

Pine City/Rush City at Siren Thursday, December 16 7 p.m.

Blizzard at Amery

GYMNASTICS Upcoming

Friday, December 10 6:30 p.m. Grantsburg at Superior Saturday, December 11 TBD SCF/Unity at Chippewa Falls

lete was Ashley Johnson who finished with a score of 7.55; top balance beam athlete was Nichole McPherson who finished with a 7.7; and top floor exercise athlete was Johnson who finished with an 8.05.

Johnson also finished as the top allaround athlete with a score of 31.3.

“I continue to expect top scores from Ashley Johnson, Kady Meyer, Nichole McPherson, Alexis Meyer and Jenna Christensen,” Peer commented. “I am also hoping some add-ons to the team like Maria Sparks, Kasey Heimstead and Lexi Bates find their niche on the team.”

Though very optimistic about the coming year, Peer does have her concerns. “I am concerned about the changes in scoring,” she said. “It will take a while to make sure we have hit the new requirements and are taking advantage of all the skills we have in the appropriate spots.”

The team will get their first try at hitting the new requirements on Saturday, Dec. 11, at Chippewa Falls.

LEFT: Jake Langevin sails down the ice with the puck. – Photo by Brenda Martin

It’s opening week for The Swami who is determined to do even better in basketball season than he did in football.

His goal is to exceed an 80-percent success rate, which is the standard he’s set for himself and any other pretenders who dare stake claim to his prognostication domain.

This week’s predictions:

Grantsburg 73, Amery 45 - The Pirates clobber the struggling Warriors.

Siren 54, Luck 50 - The Dragons bounce back from Tuesday’s pummeling to pull off an upset.

The Swami

THE SWAMI

PREDICTS

Boys games

Webster 51, Unity 34 - The Tigers can defend and the Eagles have trouble scoring.

St. Croix Falls 48, Frederic 39 - The Saints reign.

Unity 50, New Auburn 41 - It’s been awhile since the Eagles were 4-1.

Luck 60, Frederic 42 - The Cards prevail in this age-old rivalry.

Grantsburg 63, St Croix Falls 39 The Pirates have yet to face a challenge.

Girls games

Unity 46, Webster 38

Frederic 60, St. Croix Falls 49

Siren 44, Luck 38

Prentice 66, Siren 56

Unity 41, New Auburn 29 Frederic 55, Luck 47

Grantsburg 57, St. Croix Falls 43

O UTDOOR S

DECEMBER 8, 2010 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 21

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

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

Ice fishing should heat up this weekend

Pulling up to a vacant boat landing usually means one of two things this early in the season. The fishing is either horrible, or the ice isn’t ready quite yet.

A biting cold along with a light breeze had Marty me reluctant to stray Seeger from the warmth of my vehicle, yet footprints were largely noticeable The on a blanket or powdery fresh snow that Bottom had fallen over the weekend.

Line I surmised that the fishing must be horrible, but tiptoed onto the ice anyway, and drilled a 6-inch hole 50 yards from the shore. A good 5 to 6 inches of ice had formed and observations of more foot travel leading away from shore had me feeling good about this particular Polk County lake, and I ventured out to try my hand at what I hoped to be my first taste of fresh panfish in nearly two months. Unfortunately it didn’t happen.

After walking, drilling, jigging and repeating, I marked only a handful of fish on the graph and none of them seemed interested. Although I did miss one fish, I called the outing off shortly before dark and headed for home, somewhat happy for the fact I didn’t need to clean fish.

What the outing did do for me, however, is rekindle the excitement of ice fishing again.

While the dust isn’t likely to settle just

Scenes like these will get more common on the area lakes as temperatures have been ripe for making ice this week. – Photo by Marty Seeger

yet on the bow and arrows in the basement, (because the season remains open until Jan. 9) the odds are less likely than landing a few panfish, pike or walleye.

While the die-hard anglers have already ventured onto thin ice on some of the local lakes, you can almost be certain that plenty of anglers will be heading out

this weekend.

“Everybody’s kind of getting a line on and checking rods, reels and making sure everything’s working. It’s been pretty busy,” said Mike Hendrickson of Big Mike’s Sport Shop in Siren.

Hendrickson says that the farther north you go, the better in terms of ice condi-

Big 10

Important dates for trappers, turkey and bear hunters

by Marty Seeger Leader staff writer NORTHWEST WISCONSIN – The deadline to apply for the 2011 spring wild turkey and bear preference points or kill permits is this Friday, Dec. 10. The applications for each of the two permit drawings is $3 through authorized license agents or through the DNR online licensing center, which can be found at www.dnr.wi.gov.

A preliminary total of spring turkey hunting permits available is set at 225,420. It is the same number available for the 2010 season. The total number of

permits available for bear hunters is yet to be determined. According to the DNR, the natural resources board will take proposed black bear quotas and harvest permit levels at a meeting held in January.

Fur tagging dates for trappers Trappers looking to register their pelts have an opportunity to do so on Friday, Jan. 3, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., at the Balsam Lake Wildlife Office in Balsam Lake.

Those in Burnett County are asked to call to set up an appointment to register furs.

Darrell “Dilly” Jensen, 78, of St. Croix Falls shot this big 10 pointer near Crex Meadows, where he’s been hunting for nearly 60 years.

tions, but most of the lakes are hardening up fast with the recent cold weather. He says the Clam is already boasting 8 to 9 inches, and Doctor’s Lake has about eight to 8-1/2 inches of ice. Bashaw Lake is about the same with 7 to 8 inches. On the larger bodies of water, such as Yellow Lake, you’re likely to find around 6 near Jefferies landing.

In lakes farther south in Polk County, you’ll likely run into thinner ice conditions, but many are seeing a jump in terms of angler activity.

“The anglers are just starting to come.

It’s starting to go really good now and I think this weekend they’ll really hit the lakes,” said Gene Hallberg, at Monty’s Sportsmen’s Haven in Milltown.

Hallberg said the 300- to 500-acre lakes like Big Round, Big Butternut and Long Trade are averaging around 5 to 7 inches, while the larger lakes like Balsam, Bone, Half Moon and Deer Lake are 4 to 6 in the bays and around 2 to 3 inches toward the center. But that still doesn’t guarantee the ice is the same everywhere you go.

“You’ve got to know lakes, you’ve got to know the springs and the rivers systems, and flowages. It all changes,” Hallberg said.

Taking a commonsense approach to ice fishing is half the battle for a safe and successful outing on the ice, so be sure to check with the local bait shop before going out this weekend.

While the DNR doesn’t monitor the thickness of the ice, they recommend at least 4 inches before walking out. With ATVs and snowmobiles they recommend at least 5 inches, but because the thickness of ice can vary considerably from lake to lake, they offer this advice: “Thick and blue, tried and true. Thin and crispy, way too risky.”

First buck At right: Brady Baker of St. Croix Falls took his first buck, a 13-pointer, during the 2010 gun deer season. He is the son of Cheryl and Paul Baker. – Photos submitted

Hunters taking nice bucks during the rifle and bow seasons

Mercedes Moody, 13, of Siren shot her first buck, a 9-pointer, on the Saturday evening of the gun-deer opener. – Photos submitted

Verne Kratzer of Eau Claire shot this 12point buck opening afternoon while hunting his land in the town of Sand Lake.

Paul Simonsen of Clam Falls had a successful 2010 hunting season. At left is his rifle buck, a 9-pointer with a 21-inch spread, and his second one is his bow buck at right, which is a 10-pointer with a 17-inch spread; his patience of deer management has finally paid off, going without a buck for at least four years.

NWRPC holds semiannual meeting

PAGE 22 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - DECEMBER 8, 2010

Northwest Regional Planning Commission Executive Director Myron Schuster talked about the state of the commission at the semiannual meeting Wednesday, Dec. 1, at the Grand Pines Resort, Hayward.

by Regan Kohler Washburn County Register HAYWARD – The Northwest Regional Planning Commission held its semiannual meeting Wednesday, Dec. 1, at the Grand Pines Resort, Hayward.

The NWRPC has been around for over 50 years, building the economy in northwestern Wisconsin by creating jobs, helping local government plan for the future, strengthening communities, developing affordable housing and protecting the environment. The semiannual meeting is held every December, with federal and state representatives, NWRPC members and other agencies talking about the previous year’s accomplishments and what is to come.

Wednesday morning, after Chair Doug Finn’s welcome and approval of the agenda, vouchers and contracts, NWRPC Executive Director Myron Schuster went through the 2011 operating budget. Schuster said the grand total of the 2011 expenses will be a little more than $3.8 million.

“The primary increase there is due to some grants that we received,” he said.

The total projected revenue is $3.8 million, and Schuster added that there should be a $54,000 surplus at the end of the year.

“We have no blue sky in this budget, but things that we have in there, [we] are very confident are going to happen,” Schuster said.

Marjorie Bunce, federal representative for U.S. Sen. Herb Kohl’s office, then spoke. Bunce said they are winding up with the congressional session in Washington, D.C., and working on appropriations, or spending, bills, to see if they should continue at the same level.

Bunce talked briefly about the nuclear agreement with Russia, to cut arsenals and reduce the weapons threat, which she said may come up for vote soon. She said this bill is bipartisan.

“The feeling is that it will pass,” she said.

An extension for unemployment benefits will begin running out, and Bunce warned that another extension may not be seen. She also talked about a possible tax cut the Democrats wanted to see pass, and a food security bill that was passed.

Bunce told everyone to contact Kohl if they have any trouble with federal agencies, such as Medicare or veterans benefits, as the senator will assist with casework.

“We have a pretty good success rate on our casework, but it’s not 100 percent,” she added.

Finn commented that NWRPC needs Kohl’s help “more than ever on projects.”

Bunce said that as far as funding earmarks, the Republicans have taken a vote to discontinue this practice, but the senator is waiting to see the options before he takes a final position on this.

Taylor County NWRPC representative Al Beadles told Bunce he hoped the moratorium on nuclear energy in Wisconsin will change. Bunce said that they are unable to tell what will happen at this point,

since lots of decisions will be made later, but the moratorium is not clear cut or final anyway.

The other state and federal representatives were unable to make it that day, so Schuster gave the state of the commission next. He said the NWRPC has to let people know it exists, and there was discussion at a recent meeting he attended about the earmarking process.

“The administration right now is very, very urban-oriented,” Schuster said. “It makes it extremely difficult for rural Wisconsin to be competitive for projects.”

Last year, Kohl was awarded by the National Association of Development Organization for helping rural Wisconsin with economic development projects. If there is no support like this, Schuster said, these areas don’t stand a chance for funding when they are up against urban centers.

“I’m sure you’re all aware of that,” he said. “We’re going to be doing some real uphill struggles.”

His latter comment, he attributed to the funding earmarks not being slanted in rural areas favor.

“We need, more than ever, a voice in Washington,” he said.

Otherwise, if they are not involved in dialogue, he said, all one can do is react, and NWRPC does not like to be in that kind of situation.

Schuster went through the accomplishments of the commission in 2010, one of which was a $1 million Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Grant. Schuster said the “largest grant awarded to any one agency was awarded to your planning commission.”

The Great Lakes restoration program is successful, he said, as well as the largest one in Wisconsin. Schuster said NWRPC told the Environmental Protection Agency about this, and that more should be done with the Great Lakes and tribal nations in those areas, especially the Upper Peninsula, so more money should be put in place. He said the federal level recognizes this program as a success.

Schuster talked about two successful companies that were created in the past year – Botanic Oil Innovations, which is located in Spooner’s enterprise center, and Wolf Wood, Inc., both of which were started with the help of the Wisconsin Business Innovation Corp. Regarding Wolf Wood, Schuster said that a technology from the Scandinavian countries was

by Shamane Mills Wisconsin Public Radio STATEWIDE – A new study says Minnesota generally has not lost jobs because of its 3-year-old smoking ban and there hasn’t been significant harm to business.

Meanwhile, Wisconsin’s statewide smoking ban, which is only six months old, has met with mixed results.

Pete Hanson, a lobbyist for the Wisconsin Restaurant Association, says feedback from members indicates Wisconsin’s ban has generally been good for business. He says many restaurants that made the switch wouldn’t go back even if they could, as they’re enjoying the smoke-free environment.

However, that’s not the case for some bar owners and their patrons, says Pete Madlund, executive director for the Tavern League of Wisconsin. He says bars across the state report losses anywhere from 20 to 40 percent since the ban began July 5.

“We always hope for a little bit of a bounce back eventually, but not to overcome the loss,” says Madlund.

The head of a group called SmokeFree Wisconsin, Maureen Busalacchi, says Wisconsin has not yet done a comprehensive study on the ban’s effect on sales and jobs at restaurants and bars.

“We do know that different businesses react differently when there’s change,” Busalacchi says. “So we’re not saying every bar is doing better in Madison or Dane County or even the state of Wisconsin. What we are saying is that, as an industry, it continues to flourish in our state.”

The Minnesota study, published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, found that bars and restaurants governed by partial or comprehensive smoking bans had slightly higher revenues than those that allowed smoking. It also found restrictions did not significantly affect employment.

Returns mixed so far on state’s ban on smoking

NWRPC Chair Doug Finn led the meeting last week along with Executive Director Myron Schuster.

Photos by Regan Kohler

DOT regional systems planning chief, Tom Beekman, talked about road projects, among other things, Wednesday morning.

discovered, where low-grade wood materials can be thermally treated for window and door industries, which adds value to them along with making them more energy efficient.

Other highlights included Schuster being re-elected to NADO’s board of directors and appointed to Be Bold Wisconsin’s steering committee by the Wisconsin Counties Association; WBIC creating and marketing a fireproof door core product, manufactured from paper-mill sludge; a Regional Comprehensive Planning Grant awarded to the NWRPC, which will see beginning development this year; Schuster’s presentation at the Federal Revolving Loan Fund Defederalization Conference in Cooperstown, N.Y., which got NWRPC mentioned on a national level; and a $500,000 Housing and Urban Development grant the commission received for expanding the enterprise center network, to build another center in Grantsburg.

“Your commission is in good shape,” Schuster said.

Finn added that much of the strength of NWRPC lies in its employees.

After a break, engineer Tim Myers gave a presentation on Gogebic Taconite, LLC, a new company looking to put an openpit taconite mine up north. Gogebic Taconite has purchased 22,000 acres in Ashland and Iron counties for the mine, where taconite, an iron-bearing sedimentary rock, would be mined for processing and turning into steel.

Myers said, “We’ve had experience in building large projects and getting people to invest in them.”

He projected creation of 10,000 jobs with Gogebic Taconite, plus an increase of money to Wisconsin by export of raw materials, tax benefits, housing construction and $3 billion directly to the economy.

Department of Transportation regional systems planning chief Tom Beekman gave his state agency report, discussing the legislation making the state stay away from earmarks, as voters have felt they are not good. He said outgoing Seventh Dis-

trict Congressman Dave Obey had done a lot for transportation. “[It’s] going to be a real difference,” he said of Kohl and Congressman-elect Sean Duffy taking over, as they may not have the same directory.

Beekman said there has been “dead silence” regarding prioritized road projects, so it’s in a lull, especially with the change in the political environment after the last election. He said there may be “significant, notable differences in how transportation funding is viewed at the state level.”

Beekman said Hwy. 53 safety issues at intersections are still being addressed, with the CTH V intersection in Haugen being a major one in the near future. He said they are rebuilding that intersection to eliminate more terrible crashes. He said that the studies of Trego and Minong intersections are nearly complete, and they are looking at a single-interchange proposal for Trego because they have two along the highway, at CTH E and Hwy. 53.

“We are doing everything possible to try and make those interchanges safer,” Beekman said.

He added that people need to accept the options out there for these improvements.

Beekman said the DOT may be moving forward with the Northern Lights train project, which would connect northwestern Wisconsin and parts of Minnesota to Superior and Duluth, Minn. He said they hope to have funding available by April, though they lost their project champion, Minnesota Congressman Jim Oberstar, after the last election.

After Beekman’s speech, Schuster ran through the schedule of 2011 NWRPC meetings. The next executive committee meeting will be Wednesday, Jan. 26, at the Spooner office at 9:30 a.m. The annual NWRPC meeting will be held Wednesday, June 29, at a time and place to be determined at a later date.

by Mike Simonson and Brian Bull Wisconsin Public Radio STATEWIDE - While the U.S. Labor Department has just announced that the nation’s unemployment rose to 9.8 percent, legislation to extend federal unemployment benefits remains stalled Capitol Hill, says Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee Dave Obey.

The Wisconsin Democrat challenges politicians who say extending the benefits will make job hunting less urgent for the long-termed unemployed.

“They don’t seem to understand that people are out of work not because they want to be, but because the economy has been so lousy.”

Obey says others are opposed to the extension until the Bush tax cuts are extended for all income levels, including people making more than $250,000 a year.

As for whether or not holiday cheer will factor into the debate?

“Not this crowd.”

Unemployment benefits began running out Nov. 30. Nationally, 2 million people will lose their unemployment benefits by the end of December if it isn’t extended, while 7-million will lose benefits in the next year.

Meanwhile, Wisconsin’s Secretary of Workforce Development Roberta Gassman says thousands of Wisconsin residents will be losing their unemployment benefits, following Congress’s inaction.

Gassman says the holidays are going to be difficult for many people who relied on the federal benefits to get by. Without the extension, Gassman says the numbers of those affected will keep climbing.

“We estimate it’s about 8,000 people a week that are going to be affected by the end of this year,” says Gassman. “Then the end of the month, December, it’s going to be over 40,000. And by March, it will be 89,000 people if Congress does not act. And we hope they do, during this lame duck session. If they don’t act, it will be 89,000 people who will have no unemployment insurance left.”

Gassman says her department is doing what it can to help people find work. She says no one wants to be on unemployment, and the benefits were modest amounts are intended to help sustain people until they get employment.

Loss of unemployment benefits will affect many across nation, state

Pick a Peck

DECEMBER 8, 2010 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 23

by Diane Dryden Washburn County Register SHELL LAKE - Here’s a coincidence, there are two families in the area who are named Peck.

OK, OK, I know that’s not too coincidental, especially in rural American, but both the Peck families are greatly involved with local theater and not only are they not related, they don’t even know each other.

Our first Pecks, Fred and his wife Joanne, live in Birchwood, and they both made their lifelong careers as U.S. Marines, he as a colonel and she as a lieutenant colonel. They are both deeply vested in the Northern Star Theatre in Rice Lake.

“During 1984-1987 I was in charge of the Marine Corps Public Affairs Office in Los Angles, better known as Tinsel Town,” said Fred. “And that office provided assistance to the entertainment industry. While I was there, I was a military technical advisor for a number of feature films and documentaries and even played a few cameo roles.

“For some reason, the most-talked-about film with which I was involved was ‘True Lies,’ with Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jamie Lee Curtis in 1994. The officer then in charge of the Los Angeles office called and asked me to find a half dozen senior officers who could appear in their fanciest dress uniforms in the final scene of the movie which was being filmed at the Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles. I rounded up four other Marine colonels and two Navy captains, and we spent from four in the afternoon until seven the next morning filming that ballroom scene which was supposed to be a fancy embassy ball in Washington, D.C. “Through no fault of my own, I ended up with Miss Lee’s hand in mine, and she said, ‘Good evening, colonel, so nice to see you again.’ I responded by kissing her hand and saying ‘Good evening.’ We did 14 takes of that scene and I got paid $454 to be in it. Everyone was very gracious to me and to my friends.”

Joanne had been a theater arts major with a second degree in music and vocal performance, and in 1999 they both auditioned at Western State College in Gunnison, Colo., where they were stationed. Fred ended up with the second lead and Joanne became a chorus member. Soon they found that the theater was consuming

their spare time, with not only parts in “We have a deli in the theater building Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” and serving meals and snacks for the showgoseveral musical comedies and dramas, ers, so that helps our bottom line. Natubut also a few acting classes found their rally since we have the facilities, we also way into Fred’s already busy schedule. rent our beautiful building out for wedHis favorite role still remains the one of ding receptions and any other kind of the devil who appears on Earth as Mr. group where food service may or may not Applegate in the famous play, “Damn be required.”

Yankees.”

This is an on-the-ball group, and they alWhen the couple moved to Wisconready have their 2011 season planned and sin in 2005, they began their current thepart of the 2012 to boot. Beginning next ater career by appearing in “Curtains” January will be “Snow White and the and “The Lonely Hearts Club of WashSeven Dwarfs” with Kids On Stage folburn County,” both at Shell Lake’s lowed in March by “The Pink Panther Erika Quam Theatre. This was followed Strikes Again” with Teens On Stage and by roles at the Red Barn in the funny then in April, “You’re a Good Man, Charplay called “Escanaba.” lie Brown” also with Tweens On Stage.

When the Northern Star Theatre in The production for May is “Suitehearts,” Rice Lake had a notice there would be then in June, a drama called “The Ark.” auditions for the five shows in the up“Altar Boyz” follows in July and “Ruthcoming year, the Pecks showed up, and less,” a musical spoof, follows in August 10 years later, they’re still invested in and finally “See How They Run.” “See” the theater and now even more so. finishes the season in October.

The Northern Star Theatre’s season Bitten by the bug, actor The play titled “The Producers,”with a begins in January and runs through Oc- Fred Peck of the Northern production staff of over 45 cast members, tober producing three children’s the- Star Theatre in Rice Lake was one of Fred’s favorite plays that he aters and then five plays that run the appears here in the play was in, and one night when one of the acgambit from drama to comedy to musi- “Clue: The Musical,” as Mr. tors was too sick to go on, the understudy cals. From the very first year they audi- Boddy. – Photo by Diane had to carry a basket with the script in the tioned, they been involved in some way Dryden bottom so she would know the lines. with every show, which led to seats on Every once in a while Northern Star will the production board for both of them, shake things up a bit by performing in the which enables them to paint scenery, create sets, clean round instead of the standard stadium seating just to the bathrooms and help pick out plays for the year, and give the play a different dynamic. oh yes, they still love acting and do it as much as they “I was 51 years old,” said Fred, “when I started actcan. ing, so it’s never too late to get started nor is it ever too “When our production year starts, our board looks at early. I spent my military career in the company of men maybe 25 scripts to see which we want and can afford. from age 18-26, and I was always fascinated to see them You don’t buy a play, but you do have to rent it, and be- change and grow, and now I’m watching young kids cause we are a humble 501(C)(3) company, we have a grow up in the theater and it’s just as exciting.” limited budget. We have to make sure the plays we pick For more information about the Northern Star Thewill fill the house, so we make a profit that can be used atre, their Web site is northernstartheatre.org for the following year’s investment in plays, costumes, Next week, the Spooner Pecks. scenery, heat and light and on and on.

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Notices/Employment Opportunities

PAGE 24 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - DECEMBER 8, 2010

Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (15 U.S.C. Section 1692), we are required to state that we are attempting to collect a debt on our client’s behalf and any information we obtain will be used for that purpose.

HELP WANTED The Siren School District Is Looking For A Temporary Part-Time Spanish Interpreter To Work With Spanish Speaking Students In The Siren School District The position is grant funded with hours and salary to be negotiated between the selected candidate and the district.. The position will involve tutoring the children in the ELL program, communicating with the teachers of these students and communicating with the parents of the students.. All interested parties may apply by sending a letter of application, resume’ and transcripts to Joseph Zirngibl, Principal, 24022 Fourth Avenue, Siren, WI 54872.. Siren School District is an Equal 526828 16L Opportunity Employer.

HELP WANTED Regency Home HealthCare Is Seeking Part-/Full-Time Day, Eve. And Night LPN/RNs To Provide Home Care For An Adult Individual In St. Croix Falls, WI Responsible for all client cares. Must have great attention to details, problem solving, excellent communication and clinical skills. Vent experience preferred, WI nursing license required. If interested, please submit online application at www.regencyhhc.com or fax resume attn.: Julie at 651488-4656.

527056 16Lp 6a,dp

NOTICE OF CAUCUS - TOWN OF LUCK

January 11, 2011 STATE OF WISCONSIN, POLK COUNTY, TOWN OF LUCK NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that a town caucus for the purpose of nominating candidates to appear on the spring election ballot, Tuesday, April 5, 2011, for the following offices to succeed the present incumbents. The term for town offices is for two years beginning on Wednesday, April 6, 2011.

OFFICE INCUMBENT Town Board Chairperson............................Dean Johansen Town Board Supervisor.................................Greg Marsten Town Board Supervisor...................................Larry Wright Constable....................................................Curtis Schmidt NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN, that a town caucus will be held on Tuesday, January 11, 2011, at 8 p.m. in the Luck Town Hall.

Lloyd Nelson, Clerk 526980 16-17L WNAXLP

(Dec. 8) STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT BURNETT COUNTY Petitioner: Elizabeth A. Michaels on behalf of JTM vs.

Respondent: Daniel G. Michaels Publication Notice Harassment Injunction Hearing Case No. 10-CV-335 A petition and motion for injunction hearing was filed on November 4, 2010, against Daniel G. Michaels.

A hearing on the petition to grant a harassment injunction will be held on December 14, 2010, at 8:45 a.m., at the Burnett County Courthouse, Siren, Wisconsin, in room #220, before Hon. Kenneth L. Kutz, Court Official.

527024 WNAXLP TO THE RESPONDENT: If you fail to appear at the hearing, the relief requested will be granted.

(Nov. 10, 17, 24, Dec. 1, 8, 15) STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT BURNETT COUNTY RURAL AMERICAN BANK LUCK, Plaintiff, vs.

JONATHAN J. MEMMER and RAYNA L. MEMMER, Defendants.

Case No. 10 CV 141 NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE By virtue of and pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the above-entitled action on June 22, 2010, in the amount of $173,272.26, I will sell the described premises at public auction at the Main Front Entrance of the Burnett County Government Center, 7410 County Road K, Siren, Burnett County, Wisconsin, on: Tuesday, December 28, 2010, at 10 o’clock a.m.

TERMS OF SALE: 1. 10% down in cash or certified funds at the time of sale; balance due within 10 days of confirmation of sale; failure to pay balance due will result in forfeiture of deposit to plaintiff.

2. Sold “as is” and subject to all legal liens and encumbrances.

3. Buyer to pay applicable Wisconsin Real Estate Transfer Tax. DESCRIPTION: That part of the NW 1/4, SW 1/4, Section 26, Township 37 North, of Range 18 West, lying South and East of the thread of Spirit Creek, excepting the Highway Right of Way described in Volume 222, page 254, Burnett County, Wisconsin Records, and except the South 330 feet of the NW 1/4 of the SW 1/4, of Section 26, Township 37 North, of Range 18 West, excepting the Highway Right of Way described in Volume 222, page 254, Burnett County, Wisconsin, Records.

Said land being situated in Burnett County, Wisconsin.

PIN: 07-034-2-37-18-26-3 02-000-011001.

STREET ADDRESS: 20532 Round Lake Road, Luck, WI 54853.

Dated at Siren, Wisconsin, this 27th day of October, 2010.

Dean Roland, Sheriff Burnett County, Wisconsin Steven J. Swanson Attorney at Law P.O. Box 609 105 South Washington Street St. Croix Falls, WI 54024 715-483-3787

526861 16L

526292 15-16L 5-6a,d

NOTICE The Regular Monthly Board Meeting For The Town Of McKinley Will Be Held On Tues., Dec. 14, 2010, At 7 p.m.

Agenda will be posted at the Town Hall.

Town of McKinley Deborah Grover, Clerk

NOTICE TOWN OF LaFOLLETTE MONTHLY MEETING The Monthly Board Meeting For The Town Of LaFollette Will Be Held At The LaFollette Town Hall On Monday, Dec. 13, 2010, At 7:30 p.m.

Agenda: Verification of Posting Clerk’s Minutes Treasurer’s Report Resident Issues Road Items Treasurer’s Bond On/Off Sale of Class B Liquor Election Intentions Pay bills and look at correspondence Linda Terrian, Clerk

526958 16L 6a

Virgil Hansen, Clerk

Agenda: 1. Call meeting to order 2. Clerk and Treas. Reports 3. Any corrections on the printed agenda in the newspaper.

4. Public input 5. Old Business 6. Employee report 7. Correspondence 8. New Business - Set date for January Caucus 9. Review bills/vouchers 10. Set next meeting date 11. Move to adjourn Andrea Lundquist, Clerk

(Nov. 24, Dec. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29) STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY BAC HOME LOANS SERVICING, L.P., AS SERVICER FOR THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON F/K/A THE BANK OF NEW YORK AS TRUSTEE FOR THE CERTIFICATE HOLDERS CWMBS, 2004-12 Plaintiff, vs.

INPONG LUANGRATH, et al Defendants NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE Case Number: 10 CV 237 PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that by virtue of a judgment of foreclosure entered on May 7, 2010, in the amount of $256,916.08, the Sheriff will sell the described premises at public auction as follows: TIME: January 13, 2011, at 10 a.m.

TERMS: 1. 10% of successful bid must be paid to Sheriff at sale in cash or by certified Check. Balance to be paid upon confirmation.

PLACE: Polk County Justice Center at 1005 W. Main Street, Balsam Lake, Wis. DESCRIPTION: Lot One (1) of Certified Survey Map No. 1753 recorded in Volume 8 of Certified Survey Maps on Page 101 as Document No. 523410, being a part of the Southwest Quarter of the Northwest (SW 1/4 of the NW 1/4) of Section Twenty-Two (22), Township Thirty-Two (32) North of Range Nineteen (19) West, Polk County, Wisconsin.

PROPERTY ADDRESS: 272 270th Street, Osceola, WI 54020.

TAX KEY NO.: 022-00533-0100.

Dated this 17th day of November, 2010.

Timothy G. Moore Sheriff of Polk County Chaz M. Rodriguez State Bar #1063071 Blommer Peterman, S.C. 165 Bishops Way Brookfield, WI 53005 262-790-5719 Please go to www.blommerpeterman.com to obtain the bid for this sale. Blommer Peterman, S.C., is the creditor’s attorney and is attempting to collect a debt on its behalf. Any information obtained will be used for the purpose. (261178)

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Notice is hereby given that the regular monthly town board meeting will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 14, at 6:30 p.m. at the Town Hall.

Monthly Board Meeting Monday, Dec. 13, at 7 p.m.

Milltown Fire Hall

BONE LAKE MANAGEMENT DISTRICT Commissioners Meeting Georgetown Hall Sat., December 11, 2010.

At 9 a.m.

Meeting Agenda

Siren police report

Nov. 12: Timothy O. Hollyday, 56, Hudson, was cited for speeding at 7:35 p.m. on Hwy. 35/70 and Park Street.

Nov. 18: Kai Chong, 20, Houghton, Mich., was cited for speeding at 1:10 a.m. on Hwy. 35/70 and South Shore Drive.

Nov. 29: A letter was sent to the responsible person regarding a juvenile who was observed smoking at the Siren football field Oct. 15.

The juvenile has a mandatory court date of Dec. 20.

Dec. 2: Notice of a third-offense truancy was sent out on a Siren student.

A court referral was registered for a juvenile who was involved in a disorderly conduct/battery situation.

Polk marriage licenses

Beth A. Mattson, Bloomington, Minn., Jonathan D. Mitchell, Coon Rapids, Minn., issued Dec. 2, 2010.

Gwendolyn C. Andersen, St. Croix Falls, Cameron D. Anderson, St. Croix Falls, issued Dec. 2, 2010.

FOR RENT

1-BR Apartment in Balsam Lake

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Call meeting to order.

Reading and approval of minutes Treasurer’s report Lake Management plan update Committee reports Commissioner meeting agenda for 2011 7. Old business 8. New business 526617 15-16L 9. Adjournment

Includes water, sewer, garb. pickup, coin laundry.

365/mo.

$

Lease. Plus deposit No pets, no smoking.

Management on-site.

(Nov. 24, Dec. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29) STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY BAC HOME LOANS SERVICING, L.P., AS SERVICER FOR DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY AS TRUSTEE ON BEHALF OF MORGAN STANLEY ABS CAPITAL I INC. TRUST 2006HE6, MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-HE6 Plaintiff, vs.

MELISSA C. KRUGER, et al Defendants Case No: 10 CV 46 NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that by virtue of a judgment of foreclosure entered on April 28, 2010, in the amount of $125,407.82, the Sheriff will sell the described premises at public auction as follows: TIME: January 12, 2011, at 10 a.m.

TERMS: 1. 10% of successful bid must be paid to Sheriff at sale in cash or by certified Check. Balance to be paid upon confirmation.

PLACE: Polk County Justice Center at 1005 W. Main Street, Balsam Lake, Wis. DESCRIPTION: Lot 12 of Block 2 of Horsmann’s First Addition to Village of Dresser, Polk County, Wisconsin.

PROPERTY ADDRESS: 379 Horsmann Avenue South, Dresser, WI 54009.

TAX KEY NO.: 116-00241-0000.

Dated this 18th day of November, 2010.

Timothy G. Moore Sheriff of Polk County Christina E. Demakopoulos State Bar #1066197 Blommer Peterman, S.C. 165 Bishops Way Brookfield, WI 53005 262-790-5719 Please go to www.blommerpeterman.com to obtain the bid for this sale. Blommer Peterman, S.C., is the creditor’s attorney and is attempting to collect a debt on its behalf. Any information obtained will be used for the purpose. (261323)

Parkway Apts.

715-485-3402

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ECKBERG, LAMMERS, BRIGGS, WOLFF & VIERLING, P.L.L.P. Nicholas J. Vivian (#1047165) Attorney for Plaintiff 1809 Northwestern Avenue Stillwater, MN 55082 (651) 439-2878

TOWN OF MILLTOWN

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that the Frederic Village Board will meet, at the Village Hall, 107 Hope Road W., in the Village of Frederic, for the purpose of conducting general village business. This meeting will be held on Monday, December 13, 2010, at 7 p.m.

Kristi Swanson, Village Clerk Frederic, Wis. 526645 16L

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Timothy G. Moore Polk County Sheriff

NOTICE OF MEETING TOWN OF WEST SWEDEN

NOTICE

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PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that by virtue of a judgment of foreclosure entered on May 6, 2009, in the amount of $131,487.11, the Polk County Sheriff shall sell the described property at public auction as follows: TIME: January 5, 2011, at 10 a.m.

TERMS: 10% of successful bid must be paid to the Sheriff at sale in cash or by certified check. Balance due within 10 days of court approval.

Purchaser is responsible for payment of all transfer taxes and recording fees. Sale is AS IS in all respects and subject to all liens and encumbrances.

PLACE: Foyer Area, Polk County Justice Center, 1005 West Main St., Suite 900, Balsam Lake, WI 54810.

DESCRIPTION: The West 832 feet of the South 312 feet of the Southwest 1/4 of the Southeast 1/4, Section 9-3518, Polk County, Wisconsin.

PROPERTY ADDRESS: 2141 220th Ave., Luck, WI 54853.

PUBLIC NOTICE

525314 WNAXLP

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE Case No: 09 CV 70 Case Code: 30404 Judge: Molly E. GaleWyrick

(Nov. 17, 24, Dec. 1, 8, 15, 22) STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY COUNTRYWIDE HOME LOANS SERVICING L.P. Plaintiff, vs.

STACY LYNN LARSON, et al Defendants.

Case No: 09 CV 220 NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that by virtue of a judgment of foreclosure entered on May 6, 2009, in the amount of $195,237.31, the Sheriff will sell the described premises at public auction as follows: TIME: January 6, 2011, at 10 a.m.

TERMS: 1. 10% down in cash or money order at the time of sale; balance due within 10 days of confirmation of sale; failure to pay balance due will result in forfeit of deposit to plaintiff.

2. Sold “as is” and subject to all legal liens and encumbrances.

PLACE: Foyer area of the Polk County Justice Center, 1005 W. Main Street, Balsam Lake, Wisconsin.

DESCRIPTION: The South 228 feet of the West 365 feet of the Southwest 1/4 of the Northwest 1/4 of Section 5, Township 33 North, Range 15 west. Said land being in the Town of Clayton, Polk County, Wisconsin.

PROPERTY ADDRESS: 499 115th Ave., Amery, WI 54001.

TAX KEY NO.: 016-00096-0000.

Dated this 12th day of November, 2010. /s/Timothy G. Moore Sheriff of Polk County Christina E. Demakopoulos State Bar #1066197 Blommer Peterman, S.C. 165 Bishops Way Brookfield, WI 53005 262-790-5719 Please go to www.blommerpeterman.com to obtain the bid for this sale. Blommer Peterman, S.C., is the creditor’s attorney and is attempting to collect a debt on its behalf. Any information obtained will be used for the purpose. (203689) 525722 WNAXLP

(Nov. 17, 24, Dec. 1, 8, 15, 22) STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY AnchorBank, fsb f/k/a S&C Bank, Plaintiff, vs.

Ernest J. Switzer Jr. a/k/a Ernest J. Switzer et al, Defendants.

AVAILABLE IMMEDIATELY FOR RENT IN LUCK, WIS. Deluxe Twin Homes

Spacious 2-bedroom, 1-bath home includes refrigerator, dishwasher, stove and washer and dryer. Also included is an attached 1-car garage with an auto. door opener.

Monthly rent of $775 includes lawn care, garbage service and snow removal.

Kyle Johansen, 715-472-4993 526603 15Ltfc 5a,dtfc

All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians; pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18.

This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination call HUD toll-free at 1-800-6699777. The toll-free telephone number for the hearing impaired is 1800-927-9275.

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INTER-COUNTY COOPERATIVE PUBLISHING ASSOCIATION Frederic, Wisconsin

TO BE HELD

Thursday, December 9, 2010

at 10:30 a.m. with dinner being served at 11:30 a.m.

HACKER’S LANES

Frederic, Wisconsin One director will be elected, reading of the annual report, and such other business transacted as may properly come before the meeting.

Janet Oachs, secretary 526520 15-16L

POLK COUNTY POSITION ANNOUNCEMENTS Social Worker - Child Protective Services $23.58/hr.

Human Services.

Full Time 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (hours may vary) Deadline To Apply: December 29, 2010 GOLDEN AGE MANOR RNs (3 Part Time) NOCS 10:30 - 6:30 (.8) $26.52 - $28.52 NOCS 10:30 - 6:30 (.6) $26.52 - $28.52 PMS 2:30 - 10:45 (.5) $25.97 - $27.27 YOU MUST COMPLETE A POLK CO. EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION TO BE ELIGIBLE. For applications, complete job description and qualifications please visit our Web site at www.co.polk.wi.us, Employment Opportunities, or in person at Polk Co. Plaza, #229, Balsam Lake, WI 54810, 715-485-9176 or Golden Age Manor, 220 Scholl Ct., Amery, WI, 715-268527059 16L 6a-e 7107. AA/EEOC

Dec. 1, 8, 15

CERTIFICATE OF CITIZENSHIP LEGAL NOTICE ADMINISTRATIVE NOTICE

I Linda Jeanne, McGrath am not a legal; “person” born or naturalized in the federal “United States” I am NOT subject to the jurisdiction of the legislative nor of the legislative democracy of the federal “United States” (District of Columbia, U.S., Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa) or other territory, area or enclave “within the United States,” nor do I live on an Army base. I was not born nor naturalized a 14th Amendment citizen of, or in the District of Columbia (D.C.) therefore, I am an “alien” with respect to the federal “United States” - The term “United States” or U.S.” are NOT to be construed under any circumstances to imply or include the sovereign “50 states” comprising the “united states of America.”

I Linda Jeanne, McGrath the natural flesh and blood woman am a private national a preamble North American national domiciled on the land in Wisconsin Republic, a union state. I am Not a citizen of any federal or state corporate conglomerate government: I am a native born, nonregulated Foreign to the legislative and territorial jurisdiction of Congress. I am a nonresident alien. I am a private national, a natural, a preamble North American national. I am not willing to participate in the federal United States bankruptcy being administrated against me and my fellow Americans, without my prior knowledge or consent. Unless the specific signed and authorized American or international contract with my signature on it is presented to me as evidence of my voluntary consent, I have not knowingly, voluntarily or intentionally entered into a contract with the corporate federal/state government. If it appears I have, I must have been fraudulently led into it, and declare it was mistake or I was acting under duress or under influences such a chain of events would leave me without action or recourse. So I hereby discharge all presumed liability without prejudice pursuant to U.C.C. 3-601.3 I do not accept benefits thereof openly; if I have received a benefit it was “received” ambiguously because of the fraud in the essence. I would not have accepted a benefit if I had known the ramifications of the presumed agreement. I withdraw my signature from any and all unknown or now known government contracts that I might have entered into without being aware of all the facts. They are fraudulent because all the facts were not made known.

Left without REMEDY AVAILABLE therefore “Liability Discharged, without prejudice pursuant to UCC 1-207, 3-305 and 3-601. Any agency, State or Federal who wishes to challenge my Citizenship claim must do so within 21 day or admits that the above is true and I am correct in my claim. Any challenge must be done by certified mail to: P.O. Box 134, Webster, Wisconsin.

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For information, contact: Perry Karl, 715-653-4247 or Brad Olson, 715-327-4614.

527040 16L 6a (Dec. 8) STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT BURNETT COUNTY Petitioner: Elizabeth A. Michaels on behalf of CHM vs.

Respondent: Daniel G. Michaels Publication Notice Harassment Injunction Hearing Case No. 10-CV-336 A petition and motion for injunction hearing was filed on November 4, 2010, against Daniel G. Michaels.

A hearing on the petition to grant a harassment injunction will be held on December 14, 2010, at 8:45 a.m., at the Burnett County Courthouse, Siren, Wisconsin, in room #220, before Hon. Kenneth L. Kutz, Court Official.

527023 WNAXLP TO THE RESPONDENT: If you fail to appear at the hearing, the relief requested will be granted.

(Nov. 10, 17, 24, Dec. 1, 8, 15) STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY THE RIVERBANK, Plaintiff, vs.

STEVEN T. CIMINSKI, and DIERDRE J. (CIMINSKI) CURRAN, and ARROW FINANCIAL SERVICES, Defendants.

Case No. 10 CV 177 NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE By virtue of and pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the above-entitled action on June 23, 2010, in the amount of $152,403.33, I will sell the described premises at public auction at the Main Front Entrance of the Polk County Justice Center, 1005 West Main Street, in the Village of Balsam Lake, Polk County, Wisconsin on: Wednesday, December 29, 2010, at 10:00 o’clock a.m., TERMS OF SALE: 1. 10% down in cash or certified funds at the time of sale; balance due within 10 days of confirmation of sale; failure to pay balance due will result in forfeiture of deposit plaintiff.

2. Sold “as is” and subject to all legal liens and encumbrances.

3. Buyer to pay applicable Wisconsin Real Estate Transfer Tax. DESCRIPTION: Lot Seventy (70), Plat of Silver Ridge First Addition, said plat located in part of the Southwest Quarter of the Northeast Quarter (SW1/4 of NE1/4), and part of the Southeast Quarter of the Northeast Quarter (SE1/4 of NE1/4), of Section Eighteen (18), Township Thirty-three (33) North of Range Eighteen (18) West, Village of Dresser, Polk County, Wisconsin.

Parcel No. 116-00468-7000 Street Address: 476 Teddy Crt., Dresser, Wisconsin 54009 Dated at Balsam Lake, Wisconsin, this 27th day of October, 2010.

Timothy G. Moore, Sheriff Polk County, Wisconsin Steven J. Swanson Bar No. 1003029 Attorney at Law P.O. Box 609 105 South Washington Street St. Croix Falls, WI 54024 715-483-3787 525310 WNAXLP

NOTICE OF SPRING ELECTION TOWN OF ANDERSON APRIL 5, 2011 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that at an election to be held in the Town of Anderson, on Tuesday, April 5, 2011, the following offices are to be elected to succeed the present incumbents listed. All terms are for two years beginning on Tuesday, April 12, 2011.

Office Incumbent Town Board Chairperson Jeremy Gronski Town Board Supervisor Tim Harmon Town Board Supervisor James Ulmaniec NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN, that a town caucus for the purpose of nominating candidates to appear on the spring election ballot for the above-listed offices will be scheduled during the month of December. The caucus will be held on a date not sooner than January 4, 2011 and not later than January 25, 2011. Notice of the scheduled dated of the caucus will be given at least five days before the caucus.

Jessica King, Clerk 527026 16L WNAXLP

(Nov. 17, 24, Dec. 1, 8, 15, 22) STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY Wilshire Credit Corporation, as servicer for U.S. Bank, NA, as Successor Trustee to Bank of America, NA, as successor by merger to LaSalle Bank, NA, as Trustee for the MLMI Trust Series 2006-RM4 Plaintiff, vs.

CHRISTINE A. SIMONSON, et al.

Defendants.

Case Number: 09 CV 946 NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that by virtue of a judgment of foreclosure entered on February 18, 2010, in the amount of $185,761.73, the Sheriff will sell the described premises at public auction as follows: TIME: January 6, 2011, at 10:00 a.m.

TERMS: 1. 10% down in cash or money order at the time of sale; balance due within 10 days of confirmation of sale; failure to pay balance due will result in forfeit of deposit to plaintiff.

2. Sold “as is” and subject to all legal liens and encumbrances.

PLACE: Foyer area of the Polk County Justice Center, 1005 W. Main Street, Balsam Lake, WI. DESCRIPTION: Lot 25, Croixwood, in the City of St. Croix Falls, Polk County, Wisconsin.

Also described as: Lot 25, Croixwood “A Planned Unit Development,” City of St. Croix Falls, Polk County, Wisconsin.

PROPERTY ADDRESS: 1326 East Aspen Drive, Saint Croix Falls, WI 54024.

TAX KEY NO.: 281-01380-2500.

Dated this 15th day of November, 2010. /s/Timothy G. Moore Sheriff of Polk County Scott D. Nabke State Bar #1037979 Blommer Peterman, S.C. 165 Bishops Way Brookfield, WI 53005 262-790-5719 Please go to www.blommerpeterman.com to obtain the bid for this sale. Blommer Peterman, S.C., is the creditor’s attorney and is attempting to collect a debt on its behalf. Any information obtained will be used for this purpose. (203692)

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(Nov. 24, Dec. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29) STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY U.S. BANK N.A. Plaintiff, vs.

DARWIN B. GREEN, et al Defendants Case Number: 10 CV 25 NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that by virtue of a judgment of foreclosure entered on April 28, 2010, in the amount of $211,189.64, the Sheriff will sell the described premises at public auction as follows: TIME: January 13, 2011, at 10 a.m.

TERMS: 1. 10% of successful bid must be paid to Sheriff at sale in cash or by certified Check. Balance to be paid upon confirmation.

PLACE: Polk County Justice Center at 1005 W. Main Street, Balsam Lake, Wis. DESCRIPTION: Lot 4 of Certified Survey Map No. 1902, recorded in Volume 9 of Certified Survey Maps, Page 49, as Document No. 533284, located in the Northwest 1/4 of the Southeast 1/4 of Section 36, Township 32 North, Range 18 West, in the Town of Alden, Polk County, Wisconsin. Together with and subject to a nonexclusive easement for ingress and egress over the 66 foot private access road as shown on Certified Survey Map No. 1902, recorded in Volume 9 of Certified Survey Maps, Page 51, as Document No. 533299 and disclosed in Declaration of Protective Covenants, recorded in Volume 414, page 809, as Document No. 390552.

PROPERTY ADDRESS: 30C 185th Street, Star Prairie, WI 54026.

TAX KEY NO.: 002019340400.

Dated this 17th day of November, 2010.

Timothy G. Moore Sheriff of Polk County Chaz M. Rodriguez State Bar #1063071 Blommer Peterman, S.C. 165 Bishops Way Brookfield, WI 53005 262-790-5719 Please go to www.blommerpeterman.com to obtain the bid for this sale. Blommer Peterman, S.C., is the creditor’s attorney and is attempting to collect a debt on its behalf. Any information obtained will be used for the purpose. (261171)

526085 WNAXLP

NOTICE OF ANNUAL STOCKHOLDERS MEETING

The Clam Falls Township Comprehensive Planning Committee will meet monthly in 2010. Each meeting will be on the second Tues. of the month at 7 p.m. in the Clam Falls Town Hall.

(Dec. 8) STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF Marcella J. Mattson Summary Assignment - Notice to Creditors Case No. 10-PR-79 A petition has been filed for summary assignment of the estate of the decedent, whose date of birth was March 2, 1931, and date of death was November 6, 2010, who died domiciled in Polk County, State of Wisconsin, with a post office address of: 1915 - 275th Ave., Luck, WI 54853.

The right of a creditor to bring an action terminates three months after the date of publication of this order.

Creditors may bring an action by: 1. Filing a claim in the Polk County Circuit Court before the property is assigned.

2. Bringing a suit against the assignee(s) after the property is assigned.

The property may be assigned to the creditors and persons interested on or after January 7, 2011.

Vickie Nyren Petitioner 1864 - 275th Ave. Luck, WI 54852 715-472-8778 Todd H. Anderson, Attorney Bar Number: 1012132 P.O. Box 507 Grantsburg, WI 54840 715-463-5365

527042 WNAXLP

BURNETT COUNTY

Burnett County is declaring December 31, 2010, as the last day that Burnett County wildlife crop damage assessments can be requested for the 2010 crop year under Wisconsin’s Wildlife Damage Abatement and Claims Program. This date is based on the County’s policy for crop damage claim payments on late harvested crops. The policy states: All wildlife damage claims on row crops filed after 90% of the County’s harvest for that crop has been completed, will be denied. Anyone seeking additional program information may contact Cindy at the Tri County Wildlife Damage Program office at 715349-2186.

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ATTENTION CLAM FALLS TOWNSHIP RESIDENTS

DECEMBER 8, 2010 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 25

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Notices/ Employment Opportunities

(Dec. 8, 15, 22) STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY RESURGENCE CAPITAL, LLC Plaintiff, vs BRIAN M. HAAS 821 N. WISCONSIN AVE. AMERY, WI 54001 Defendant(s) PUBLICATION SUMMONS Case No. 10CV823 Case Code: 30301 THE STATE OF WISCONSIN, to the said defendant(s): You are hereby notified that the Plaintiff named above has filed a lawsuit against you. The Complaint, which is attached hereto, stated the nature and basis of the legal action.

Within forty (40) days of 12/8/ 2010, you must respond with a written answer, as that term is used in Chapter 802 of Wisconsin Statutes, to the Complaint. The Court may reject or disregard an answer that does not follow the requirements of the statutes. The answer must be sent or delivered to the court, whose address is: 1005 W. Main St., Ste. 300, Balsam Lake, WI 54810-4410, and Plaintiff’s Attorney, RESURGENCE LEGAL GROUP, P.C., whose address is 6980 N. Port Washington Rd., Suite 204, Milwaukee, WI 53217. You may have an attorney help or represent you.

If you do not provide a proper answer to the Complaint or provide a written demand for said Complaint within forty (40) days, the Court may grant a judgment against you for the award of money or other legal action requested in the Complaint, and you may lose your right to object to anything that is or may be incorrect in the Complaint. A judgment may be enforced as provided by law. A judgment awarding money may become a lien against any real estate you own now or in the future, and may also be enforced by garnishment or seizure of property.

Dated: December 2, 2010.

RESURGENCE LEGAL GROUP, P.C.

By One of Plaintiff’s Staff Attorneys Robert I. Dorf State Bar No. 1027887 RESURGENCE LEGAL GROUP, P.C. 6980 N. Port Washington Rd., Suite 204 Milwaukee, WI 53217 877-440-0860 526856 WNAXLP

PAGE 26 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - DECEMBER 8, 2010

Board Meeting Tuesday, Dec. 14, 7 p.m.

Town Hall

The Monthly Town Board Meeting Will Be Held Tuesday, December 14, 2010, At 7 p.m., At Treasurer Emma Kolander’s Residence

Case No. 10 PR 76

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An application has been filed for informal administration of the estate of the decedent, whose date of birth was November 5, 1941, and date of death was October 20, 2010.

The decedent died domiciled in Polk County, State of Wisconsin, with a post office address of: 2357 240th Avenue, Cushing, WI 54006.

All interested persons have waived notice.

Creditors’ claims must be filed with the probate registrar on or before February 28, 2011.

Steven J. Swanson P.O. Box 609 St. Croix Falls, WI 54024 715-483-3787

Town of Luck

TOWN OF DANIELS MONTHLY BOARD MEETING

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF VERNE G. DOOLITTLE Notice to Creditors (Informal Administration)

Jenell Anderson Probate Registrar November 18, 2010

NOTICE

NOTICE

(Dec. 8, 15, 22) STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY ANCHORBANK, FSB Plaintiff vs.

Roger D. Bibeau, AnchorBank, FSB, Unknown Spouse of Roger D. Bibeau Defendants SUMMONS Real Estate Mortgage Foreclosure Case No. 10 CV 789 Honorable Molly E. GaleWyrick Case Code: 30404 THE STATE OF WISCONSIN To the following party named as a defendant herein: Roger D. Bibeau/Unknown Spouse of Roger D. Bibeau You are hereby notified that the plaintiff named above has filed a lawsuit or other legal action against you. The complaint, which is also served on you, states the nature and the basis of the legal action. Within 40 days after December 8, 2010, you must respond with a written answer, as that term is used in Chapter 802 of the Wisconsin Statutes, to the complaint. The court may reject or disregard an answer that does not follow the requirements of the statutes.

The answer must be sent or delivered to the court, whose address is: Polk County Clerk of Circuit Court, Polk County Justice Center, 1005 West Main Street, Suite 300, Balsam Lake, WI 54810-9071 and to Marie M. Flannery/Blommer Peterman, S.C., plaintiff’s attorney, whose address is: Blommer Peterman, S.C. 165 Bishops Way, Brookfield, WI 53005.

You may have an attorney help or represent you.

If you do not provide a proper answer within 40 days from the date stated above, the court may grant judgment against you for the award of money or other legal action requested in the complaint, and you may lose your right to object to anything that is or may be incorrect in the complaint. A judgment may be enforced as provided by law. A judgment awarding money may become a lien against any real estate you own now or in the future, and may also be enforced by garnishment or seizure of property.

Dated this 18th day of November, 2010.

Marie M. Flannery/ Blommer Peterman, S.C. State Bar No. 1045309 165 Bishops Way Brookfield, WI 53005 262-790-5719 Blommer Peterman, S.C., is the creditor’s attorney and is attempting to collect a debt on its behalf. Any information obtained will be used for that purpose. (261364)

AGENDA: Minutes & treasurer report - accept corrected proposed budget for 2011; payment of town bills and any other business properly brought before board. Agenda will be posted at Daniels Town Hall 24 hours before meeting.

526995 16L Ellen M. Ellis, Clerk (Nov. 24, Dec. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29) STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT BURNETT COUNTY AnchorBank, fsb, Plaintiff, vs.

Gerald G. Trepczyk et al.

Defendants NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE Case No: 10 CV 17 Case Code: 30404 Judge: Kenneth L. Kutz PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that by virtue of a judgment of foreclosure entered on the 17th day of March, 2010, in the amount of $115,753.88, the Burnett County Sheriff will sell the real property described below at public auction as follows: DATE/TIME: January 11, 2011, at 10 a.m.

TERMS: 10% of successful bid must be paid to the Sheriff at sale in cash or by certified check. Balance due within 10 days of court approval. Purchaser is responsible for payment of all transfer taxes and recording fees. Sale is AS IS in all respects and subject to all liens and encumbrances.

PLACE: Main Lobby, Burnett County Government Center, 7410 County Road K, Siren, WI 54872.

DESCRIPTION: Lot 5, Danielson Addition to the Village of Webster, according to the Plat thereof on file in the office of the Register of Deeds for Burnett County, Wisconsin.

Said Plat being situate in the Northwest 1/4 of the Northwest 1/4, Section 9, Township 39 North, Range 16 West, Burnett County, Wisconsin.

ADDRESS: 7390 Poplar Street, Webster, WI 54893.

Dean Roland Burnett County Sheriff ECKBERG, LAMMERS, BRIGGS, WOLFF & VIERLING, P.L.L.P. Nicholas J. Vivian (#1047165) Attorney for Plaintiff 1809 Northwestern Avenue Stillwater, MN 55082 (651) 439-2878 Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (15 U.S.C. Section 1692), we are required to state that we are attempting to collect a debt on our client’s behalf and any information we obtain will be used for that purpose.

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(Nov. 17, 24, Dec. 1, 8, 15, 22) STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY AnchorBank, fsb f/k/a S & C Bank Plaintiff, vs.

Richard J. Jenson and Sandra L. Jenson Defendants.

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE Case No. 10 CV 271 Case Code: 30404 Judge: R.H. Rasmussen PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that by virtue of a Judgment of Foreclosure entered on June 24, 2010, in the amount of $268,994.48, the Polk County Sheriff will sell the following described real property at public auction as follows: DATE/TIME: January 5, 2011, at 10:00 a.m.

TERMS: 10% of successful bid must be paid to the Sheriff at sale in cash or by certified check. Balance due within 10 days of court approval.

Purchaser is responsible for payment of all transfer taxes and recording fees. Sale is AS IS in all respects and subject to all liens and encumbrances.

PLACE: Foyer Area Polk County Justice Center 1005 West Main St., Suite 900 Balsam Lake, WI 54810 DESCRIPTION: Lot Five (5), Plat of Royal Oaks Addition to the Village of Balsam Lake, Polk County, Wisconsin, being part of Lot Four (4), Black A, Park Addition to the Village of Balsam Lake, Polk County, Wisconsin.

PROPERTY: 154 Royal Oaks Dr. ADDRESS: Balsam Lake, WI 54810 Timothy G. Moore, Polk County Sheriff Eckberg, Lammers, Briggs, Wolff & Vierling, P.L.L.P. Nicholas J. Vivian (#1047165) Attorney for Plaintiff 1809 Northwestern Avenue Stillwater, MN 55082 651-439-2878 Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (15 U.S.C. Section 1692), we are required to state that we are attempting to collect a debt on our client’s behalf and any information we obtain will be used for that purpose.

Agenda: 1. Reading of the minutes 2. Treasurer’s report 3. Review and pay bills 4. Don Langel (ATV) 5. Act on subdivision for Eric Anton 6. Patrolman’s report Any additional agenda will be posted in the Luck Town Hall and clerk’s office.

Lloyd Nelson, Clerk 526981 16L

(Nov. 17, 24, Dec. 1, 8, 15, 22) STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY BAC Home Loans Servicing, L.P. Plaintiff, Vs. MELISSA OGREN, et al.

Defendants.

Case Number: 09 CV 720 NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that by virtue of a judgment of foreclosure entered on January 6, 2010, in the amount of $304,582.93, the Sheriff will sell the described premises at public auction as follows: TIME: January 6, 2011, at 10:00 a.m.

TERMS: 1. 10% down in cash or money order at the time of sale; balance due within 10 days of confirmation of sale; failure to pay balance due will result in forfeit of deposit to plaintiff. 2. Sold “as is” and subject to all legal liens and encumbrances.

PLACE: Foyer area of the Polk County Justice Center, 1005 W. Main St., Balsam Lake, WI DESCRIPTION: Lot 7 of Certified Survey Map No. 22, recorded on May 27, 1960, in Volume 1 of Certified Survey Maps, Page 23, as Document No. 293873, being located in Government Lot 6, Section 31, Township 36 North, Range 16 West, in the Town of Bone Lake, Polk County, Wisconsin, together with an easement for ingress and egress as shown on said Certified Survey Map. PROPERTY ADDRESS: 1168 243rd Avenue, Luck, WI 54853 TAX KEY NO.: 012-00813-0000 Dated this 15th day of November, 2010. /S/ Timothy G. Moore Sheriff of Polk County Chaz M. Rodriguez State Bar #1063071 Blommer Peterman, S.C. 165 Bishops Way Brookfield, WI 53005 262-790-5719 Please go to www.blommerpeterman.com to obtain the bid for this sale.

Blommer Peterman, S.C. is the creditor’s attorney and is attempting to collect a debt on its behalf.

Any information obtained will be used for the purpose. (203678)

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(Dec. 1, 8, 15) STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY

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526100 WNAXLP

Notices/Employment

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Case No: 10 CV 63 NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that by virtue of a judgment of foreclosure entered on April 26, 2010, in the amount of $121,427.76, the Sheriff will sell the described premises at public auction as follows: TIME: January 12, 2011, at 10 a.m.

TERMS: 1. 10% of successful bid must be paid to Sheriff at sale in cash or by certified Check. Balance to be paid upon confirmation.

PLACE: Polk County Justice Center at 1005 W. Main Street, Balsam Lake, Wisconsin.

DESCRIPTION: Lot 1 of Certified Survey Map No. 1186, recorded in Volume 6 of Certified Survey Maps, on Page 2, as Document No. 449416, located in the Northwest 1/4 of the Southwest 1/4 of Section 22, Township 35 North, Range 17 West, Town of Milltown, Polk County, Wisconsin.

PROPERTY ADDRESS: 2036 150th Street, Milltown, WI 54858.

TAX KEY NO.: 040-00596-0000.

Dated this 18th day of November, 2010.

Timothy G. Moore Sheriff of Polk County Chaz M. Rodriguez State Bar #1063071 Blommer Peterman, S.C. 165 Bishops Way Brookfield, WI 53005 262-790-5719 Please go to www.blommerpeterman.com to obtain the bid for this sale. Blommer Peterman, S.C., is the creditor’s attorney and is attempting to collect a debt on its behalf. Any information obtained will be used for the purpose. (261231)

(Nov. 24, Dec. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29) STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY BAC HOME LOANS SERVICING, L.P. Plaintiff, vs.

KEVIN C. NIX, et al Defendants Case Number: 10 CV 83 NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that by virtue of a judgment of foreclosure entered on April 28, 2010, in the amount of $67,430.05, the Sheriff will sell the described premises at public auction as follows: TIME: January 12, 2011, at 10 a.m.

TERMS: 1. 10% of successful bid must be paid to Sheriff at sale in cash or by certified Check. Balance to be paid upon confirmation.

PLACE: Polk County Justice Center at 1005 W. Main Street, Balsam Lake, Wis. DESCRIPTION: The East 225 feet of the West 450 feet of the North 234 feet of the Northwest 1/4 of the Northeast 1/4, Section 29, Township 34 North, Range 17 West.

Said land being in the Town of Balsam Lake, Polk County, Wisconsin.

PROPERTY ADDRESS: 1644 140th Avenue, Saint Croix Falls, WI 54024.

TAX KEY NO.: 006-00794-0000.

Dated this 18th day of November, 2010.

Timothy G. Moore Sheriff of Polk County Chaz M. Rodriguez State Bar #1063071 Blommer Peterman, S.C. 165 Bishops Way Brookfield, WI 53005 262-790-5719 Please go to www.blommerpeterman.com to obtain the bid for this sale. Blommer Peterman, S.C., is the creditor’s attorney and is attempting to collect a debt on its behalf. Any information obtained will be used for the purpose. (261367)

WNAXLP

(Nov. 24, Dec. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29) STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY BAC HOME LOANS SERVICING, L.P. Plaintiff, vs.

MARC R. COCHERELL, et al Defendants

(Nov. 24, Dec. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29) STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY ANCHORBANK, FSB, F/K/A S&C BANK Plaintiff, vs.

STEPHEN D. TYLEE, et al Defendants Case Number: 10 CV 246 NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that by virtue of a judgment of foreclosure entered on May 18, 2010, in the amount of $148,149.72, the Sheriff will sell the described premises at public auction as follows: TIME: January 12, 2011, at 10 a.m.

TERMS: 1. 10% of successful bid must be paid to Sheriff at sale in cash or by certified Check. Balance to be paid upon confirmation.

PLACE: Polk County Justice Center at 1005 W. Main Street, Balsam Lake, Wis. DESCRIPTION: The South 1040 feet of the West 850 feet of Southwest 1/4 Northwest 1/4, Section 34, Township 32 North, Range 15 West, being in the Town of Clear Lake, Polk County, Wisconsin.

PROPERTY ADDRESS: 52 30th Street, Clear Lake, WI 54005.

TAX KEY NO.: 018-00692-0000.

Dated this 17th day of November, 2010.

Timothy G. Moore Sheriff of Polk County Christina E. Demakopoulos State Bar #1066197 Blommer Peterman, S.C. 165 Bishops Way Brookfield, WI 53005 262-790-5719 Please go to www.blommerpeterman.com to obtain the bid for this sale. Blommer Peterman, S.C., is the creditor’s attorney and is attempting to collect a debt on its behalf. Any information obtained will be used for the purpose. (261183)

526104

526305 WNAXLP

(Dec. 1, 8, 15) STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY THE RIVERBANK, Plaintiff, vs.

EDWIN C. EMERSON, Defendent.

Case No. 10 CV 378 NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE By virtue of and pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the above-entitled action on October 5, 2010, in the amount of $99,390.23, I will sell at public auction at the Main Front Entrance of the Polk County Justice Center, 1005 West Main Street, in the Village of Balsam Lake, Polk County, Wis., on: Wednesday, April 6, 2011, at 10:00 o’clock a.m., all of the following described mortgaged premises, to-wit: Lots Twenty-two (22), Twentythree (23) and Twenty-four (24), Block Two (2), Resurvey of Syndicate Addition to the City of St. Croix Falls according to the Official Plat thereof on file and of record in the office of the Register of Deeds for Polk County, Wisconsin.

PARCEL NO. 281-00840-0000 STREET ADDRESS: 133 Monroe Street, St. Croix Falls, WI 54024 TERMS OF SALE: Cash DOWN PAYMENT: 10% of amount bid by cash or certified check.

Dated at Balsam Lake, Wisconsin, this 18th day of November, 2010.

Timothy G. Moore, Sheriff Polk County, Wisconsin Steven J. Swanson No. 1003029 Attorney at Law P.O. Box 609 105 South Washington Street St. Croix Falls, WI 54024 715-483-3787

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VFW Lighting and Parade

DECEMBER 8, 2010 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 27

Mandy (L) and Patty Close were among those who took advantage of the selection of holiday cookies, cider and coffee offered during the lighting ceremony Saturday, Dec. 4, at the Veterans Memorial Park at the west end of Main Street, Siren. The ceremony took place at 4:30 p.m., just before dark, and was followed by a parade of vehicles going from the Main Street location to Crooked Lake Park. – Photos by Nancy Jappe

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Bill Johnston, owner of Siren Auction House, created a decorated small house to represent his business in the parade following the lighting ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park Saturday, Dec. 4. The parade was led by Siren Chamber’s Citizen of the Year Zeke Saugestad and Business of the Year, the Pour House. The short parade ended at Crooked Lake Park.

World War II Veteran Gene Olson performed the honor of turning on the lights for the Christmas greeting sign and trees at Veterans Memorial Park at the west end of Main Street Saturday, Dec. 4. The occasion was sponsored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Siren, led by its commander, Peggy Moore.

Christmas greetings shone out at the west end of Main Street, Siren, following a Carolers from the Wood Creek 4-H Club were on hand at Veterans Memorial Park Saturday to sing lighting ceremony and parade Saturday, Dec. 4. The lighting ceremony was put on by Christmas carols as part of the lighting ceremony put on by the Siren VFW. the VFW for the benefit of the community and in support for the contribution of persons in the military, both past and present.

The Leader

Winner announced for Cutest Pet photo contest

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Congratulations to Kelley Brickle and her dog, Remi, for winning the Grantsburg Animal Hospital/Wild River Veterinary Clinic Facebook Cutest Pet Photo Contest. The contest was held during the week of Nov. 14 – Nov. 20. Fans of the clinics Facebook page voted for their favorite picture. The pet photo with the most votes won a $100 gift card to the clinics. Remi, a German shorthaired pointer received the most votes making him (and his owner, Kelley) the winner. Fifty-seven photos were entered into the contest and included cats, dogs, cows, a guinea pig, a gecko and a miniature donkey. Entries can be viewed on Grantsburg Animal Hospital’s Facebook fan page, www.facebook.com/petvets. — submitted

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American Legion Auxiliary craft fair

PAGE 28 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - DECEMBER 8, 2010

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Interior designer Jen Staloch showed off her unique lighted decorations at the Brask-Fos- Lynn Inouye looked over a table of crocheted snowflakes, some of sum-Janke Legion Auxiliary’s annual holiday many of beautiful handmade holiday decorations for sale at the craft fair. The fair was filled with holiday goodies Grantsburg Legion Auxiliary craft fair held at the Grantsburg Commufor the many shoppers stopping at the Grants- nity Center last Saturday morning. burg Community Center on Dec. 4 to browse Enterprising Girl Scouts Adrianne Covey and Allison Peterson found a and buy. simple but effective way to advertise their cookies and to invite shoppers Photos by to stop at the troop’s bake sale at Saturday’s Grantsburg Legion AuxilPriscilla Bauer iary Craft Fair.

Terry Giles was having trouble deciding which of Molly Byers and Teresa Hall’s homemade goodies she’d take home from their booth at the Legion Auxiliary craft fair last Saturday at the Grantsburg Community Center.

Five generations

This five-generation gathering consisted of Great-great-grandma Adeline Wyss, Greatgrandma Doris McLain, Grandma Bobbie Schuna, Mom Danielle Schuna and Alexis Mae. — Photo submitted

Check out our E-edition

Log on to www.the-leader.net

Kate Lehne and her daughters Grace and Anna had fun shopping for trinkets at last Saturday’s Legion Auxiliary craft fair.

Currents

WED., DEC. 8, 2010 • INTER-COUNTY LEADER NORTHERN CURRENTS • SECTION B

THE-LEADER.NET

by Priscilla Bauer Leader staff writer ALPHA – This is the time of year when mailboxes become flooded with flyers, as the holiday sales season goes into full swing.

Like most of us, Gene Olson probably throws most of those sale circulars in the trash, unless it happens to be one from Shopko.

Olson might come across as a bit gruff when speaking his mind, which he often does as a Burnett County supervisor, but when talk turns to faith, country and family, his voice softens.

The kind of guy who looks at possibilities others might not even consider, an out-of-the-box thinker as the saying goes, Olson isn’t impressed by fame or fortune.

But while this no-frills fellow shies away from fanfare, his granddaughter, Jadyn, often finds herself in the midst of it, regularly getting frilled up for photos as a model in Shopko flyers.

So when the latest Shopko circular arrives at the Olson house, if Jadyn is featured, it probably won’t be seeing a wastebasket anytime soon.

Jadyn’s mother, Loralee Arcand, says now that people know her daughter models for Shopko ads, they save the flyers for her and Jadyn’s proud grandparents.

Arcand, who works in purchasing at Shopko’s corporate headquarters in Green Bay, says Jadyn’s modeling career started early. “I had a friend at the First Choice Talent modeling agency in Green Bay who helped me get Jadyn registered, and her modeling with Shopko has been going strong ever since,” said Arcand.

“Jadyn’s been in high demand since she was 9 months old. Shopko’s photo department asks for her specifically. She started modeling the 9-month size clothes, then moved to 12-month size group and next the 18-month. Soon she’ll be moving into the 2T-3T sizes,” explained Arcand.

“Jadyn’s done 15 shoots, which have

An award-winning newspaper serving NW Wisconsin

Model granddaughter

Unlike for some of her Shopko ad shoots, Jadyn Arcand needs no coaxing to get a smile for a family photo, a spot on Grandpa Gene’s lap is all that’s needed for his model granddaughter. – Photos submitted appeared in Shopko’s Sunday circulars, some Thursday 3-day sale flyers and special event mailers. She was even featured on the Shopko Web site this past spring for the baby sale event.”

“Jadyn was in a 40-page back-to-school circular in July. That was one of the

An outfit displaying the word “LOVE” seemed fitting for Jadyn Arcand to be wearing in a recent Shopko baby sale flyer. Arcand’s mom, Loralee Arcand, says her daughter loves modeling for the store’s circulars. “She has really taken to it. She gets into her giggly mood and hams it up, too.”

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Follow the Leader

Loralee Arcand and her daughter, Jadyn, were caught by the camera at the Grantsburg Fair this past August. As a Shopko model, Jadyn is used to being photographed at shoots for the store’s sale circulars.

biggest publications she’s been in,” added Arcand of her daughter’s exposure in the

Shopko flyers.

See Granddaughter, page 2

Jadyn Arcand (pictured in pink shirt, jeans and purple vest) to date has done 15 modeling shoots, which have appeared in Shopko’s Sunday circulars, some Thursday THREE-day sale flyers and special event mailers. “She was even featured on the Shopko Web site this past spring for the baby sale event,” said Jadyn’s mom, Loralee, who saves the flyers featuring Jadyn for grandparents Gene and Marlene Olson of Grantsburg.

Best Christmas Pageant Ever

PAGE 30 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - DECEMBER 8, 2010

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The church Christmas program director, Mrs. Bradley, played by Dianna Olson, tried to break up a fight over who should hold baby Jesus between Mary, played by Grace Corbin, and Joseph, played by Kyle Johnson. The scene was part of the classic Christmas play, “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” presented by the Grantsburg High School Drama Department last weekend, Dec. 4 and 5.

Mary and Joseph gazed at a canned ham, one of the unconventional gifts, presented to baby Jesus by the equally untraditional wise men, played by Paul Lewis, Joe Dumas and Bradley Taylor, during the Christmas program scene in “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” play presented by the GHS Drama Department on Dec. 4-5.

Gladys, played by Ellie Corbin, one of a group of children new to hearing the Christmas story, had a decidingly different style in her portrayal of the angel who proclaimed the birth of the savior to the shepherds.

Alice, played by Whitney Oachs, sulked after learning she would not be playing Mary for the church Christmas program, a role she felt she aspired to and deserved.

Some rather unenthusiastic angels sat waiting for their turn to sing during a rehearsal for the church Christmas program in “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” presented by the GHS Drama Department in the school’s auditorium. – Photos by Priscilla Bauer

ABOVE: Showing her very smug and know-it-all attitude, Alice, instructs Imogene, played by Grace Corbin, on how to portray Mary correctly, a role she felt is should play in the church Christmas program. LEFT: Mrs. Armstrong, played by Carissa Skifstad, the bossy church Christmas program director, though sidelined by an injury, still belted out orders via phone much to the chagrin of her hospital orderly, played by Darian Larson.

Granddaughter/from page 1

Arcand says while Jadyn sometimes has to be at shoots by 8 a.m., her daughter likes modeling. “She has really taken to it. She gets into her giggly mood and hams it up, too.”

A plus for Arcand is having the photo studio located in the building where she works.” I get help from Jadyn’s Green Bay grandparents getting her to shoots. Then I can just pop down and see how things are going,” said Arcand.

“It’s fun watching the photographers trying to get these kids to give just the right expression. It’s a lot of work getting them to do 15 to 20 minutes of photos. They play music and use a lot of props like bubbles and plush toys and the kids have a ball,” noted Arcand.

Children who do get assigned to shoots are paid well for those minutes in front of the camera. Jadyn gets $45 an hour (of which 15 percent goes to the modeling agency).

“It’s a nice little start to her college fund,” said Arcand, who hopes to get her

younger daughter, 4-month-old Lexie, into modeling, too.

Arcand says other modeling opportunities for Jadyn may be in her future, but for now the Shopko gig is just the perfect amount of time for her daughter. “She’s too young to be thrown into a lot of other media right now.”

Back in Burnett County, Gene Olson is looking forward to the next visit with his granddaughter.

“Jadyn was special from the day she was born,” said Olson smiling. “Her appearing in the Shopko ads – that’s just icing on the cake, just another proud moment as a grandparent.”

And as to making Jadyn smile for a family photo shoot, a spot on Grandpa Gene’s lap is all that’s needed for this model granddaughter.

The shepherds stood with sheepish looks in their fathers bathrobes during the dress rehearsal for the church Christmas program during the GHS play, “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” presented Dec. 4 and 5 in the school’s auditorium.

Jadyn Arcand (sitting, upper left) has been modeling for Shopko ads since she 9 months old. “Jadyn’s been in high demand since she was 9 months old. Shopko’s photo department asks for her specifically.

She started modeling the 9-month size clothes, then moved to 12month size group and next the 18month. Soon she’ll be moving into the 2T-3T sizes,” explained Jadyn’s mother, Loralee Arcand. – Photo submitted

Frederic 4-6 holiday concert is Tuesday

FREDERIC - On Tuesday, Dec. 14, Frederic’s fourththrough sixth-graders will present their annual holiday concert. This evening with be full of great performances.

The fifth-grade band and bell choir will make their debut performances. The sixth grade will perform in band, handbell choir, vocally, and with blacklight. Fourth-grade students will sing and present a routine to “March” from “The Nutcracker.” The evening will conclude with the fourth and fifth grades presenting a musical called “North Pole Musical.” In this new musical everyone is getting ready for the 400th anniversary of the North Pole.

The program will be held at 7 p.m. at the elementary school, and is open to the public and free of charge.

An added feature to this year’s concert will be a holiday bake sale sponsored by the high school drama club. The sale will take place both before and after the performance.

- submitted

Just for

I used to hate weddings, all the old ladies would prod me and say “you’ll be next!”

They soon stopped Joe Roberts that, when I started saying it to them at funerals!

••• Two politician were having lunch together, all of a sudden one stood up and shouted, “You're lying.” The other replied, “I know but just hear me out.”

••• A student is sitting at an astronomy lecture in college, when the professor mentioned, “In about 15 billion years, the sun will burn out and all life on Earth will cease to exist.” The student asks,”Excuse me, professor, did you say 5 billion years or 15 billion?” The professor replied, "15 billion.” “Whew, thanks,” said the student, “because I was really getting worried.”

••• A guy took his blond girlfriend to a football game for the first time. After the game he asked his girlfriend how she liked the game. “Oh, I really liked it,” she said, “But I just couldn’t understand though why they were beating each other up for 25 cents.” Suprised, the boyfriend asked, “What do you mean?” The blond girlfriend replied, “All they kept screaming was: ‘Get the quarter back! Get the quarter back!’”

•••

Laughs

DECEMBER 8, 2010 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 31

It was snowy and Milo got less exercise than normal so he had to find another diversion.

Luckily, Milo is a resourceful dog and he quickly discovered that the cedar siding on Daniel’s Carrie Classon house was easily removable. He had proudly assembled an impressive pile of siding on the deck before we heard the gnawing on the outside of the house and discovered his handiwork. In his enthusiastic removal of the siding, he had also chewed off the cable for the Internet.

Milo looked at me happily, proud of his accomplishment.

A few minutes later I was on my way to the Fleet Farm in search of wood glue and dog repellent. I told the man at the Fleet Farm that my dog had eaten the siding off my boyfriend’s house.

“How old is he?” asked the salesman.

“The dog or the boyfriend?”

The salesman told me they had wood glue but he wasn’t sure about dog repellent. He asked a fellow employee named Charlie if she could help.

“Her dog ate the cedar siding off her boyfriend’s house,” he told her.

“You want to fix the siding or the relationship?”

Charlie asked me. I told her that, ideally, I’d like to repair both.

Charlie sighed. “The siding will be easier.” She showed me to a large bottle of wood glue and repellent that was supposed to taste like sour apples.

It seems as if a lot of repairs have been required of late. And Charlie is right; the easier repairs are done with wood glue.

The more difficult ones require more time, more understanding. The stress-induced shenanigans of a not-quite-2-year-old dog left alone on the deck are easier to address than those of a middle-aged couple thinking about the future and commitment. The results in both cases can be messy and the repairs require some patience.

Letters from

Home

Falling in love in your late 40s is exhausting. There were just a lot fewer things to worry about when I was 19. I didn’t feel the weight of time or the lateness of the hour. I didn’t have the echoes of past heartbreaks intruding on the day’s conversations, or old habits and leftover fears clouding over the day’s sunshine. Our overly busy, middle-aged brains, left alone too long, go looking for something to keep them busy. Daniel and I have both spent a little too much time lately gnawing on the siding, and the results have not been pretty.

But then I realize it is not being in love at fortysomething that is challenging. It is simply being in love that is the challenge. Love requires patience, a lot of talking and occasional repairs. Love understands that sometimes things will get broken and a little messed up. When that happens, you can give up or you can get out the wood glue.

I returned to Daniel’s with a really big bottle of wood glue.

Daniel was standing in ankle-high snow, patiently reattaching the Internet cable. Milo was looking on, happy to see that his project now seemed to have the undivided interest of the entire pack.

The siding was glued together and replaced in a manner somewhat resembling its former state, but now smelling faintly of apples. Internet service was restored through a significantly shorter cable. Milo was tired from his afternoon project and fell asleep on the stoop. Daniel and I, after a few false starts, learned a lot about ourselves and each other.

After the damage was repaired, we stood back and admired our work.

It looks pretty good. In fact, it looks as good as new.

Till next time, —Carrie

Information Center Christmas tree decorated

Dec. 13 is earliest opening date for Polk snowmobile trails

POLK COUNTY - The soonest that Polk County snowmobile trails can open would be Monday, Dec. 13, due to the extended firearms deer hunting season.

This was a decision made by the Polk County Snowmobile and ATV council once the extended season was put into place. As a courtesy to the landowners who let their property be used for trails and public lands, the public is asked to please respect this rule.

An announcement will be made when trails are open.

Please check with the Polk County Tourism Center, 715483-1410, or Polk County Parks Department, 715-485-9294, or your local club. Club members invest a lot of time and effort to maintain the great trail system in Polk County.

“Please respect trail opening dates and stay off trails until they are open,” states a news release from the council this week. “You will see activity on some trails prior to opening to make trails ready. This may include groomers out packing trails. If you see a groomer out on the trail it does not mean trails are open. We would appreciate everyone’s cooperation! Please get involved, join a local club, do your part and let’s have a safe season.” - from Polk County Snowmobile and ATV Council

The Kids Table

American holiday celebrations

Cold Turkey

have become cluttered in commercialism. Important events that we commemorate are hijacked for John W. Ingalls business reasons. Re-evaluating our holidays and traditions helps us to remain rooted in heritage, faith and family.

Everyone celebrates these holidays in different manners but some things remain constant no matter what family you come from.

Holiday celebrations in America all have one thing in common, food. We eat until we feel full and then eat some more. When we have reached the point of discomfort bordering on misery, then it is time for dessert. That’s when Grandma brings out the pecan pie or pumpkin pie with real whipped cream and forces you to have a full piece or at least a half piece from each pie with a double dollop of whipped cream.

Following dinner we gasp and groan while angling for the softest chair in the sitting room.

Another constant at holidays is the seating arrangement. If extended families are present there is almost always the adult table and the kid table. Adult tables are where most of the adults sit and the kid table is

ABOVE: For the past 17 years, different groups of Polk County schoolchildren have made or brought ornaments to decorate the Christmas tree at the Polk County information center in St. Croix Falls. This year, children and mentors from Polk County Kinship decorated the tree. LEFT: On Thursday, Dec. 2, Polk County Kinship decorated the Christmas tree at the Polk County Information Center.

Kinship mentors to students in Polk County schools. One of the students is pictured here, Derrick Chock from St. Croix Falls High School. – Photos by Tammi Milberg

Ice skate exchange at Luck School

LUCK – As kids grow from year to year, so do their feet. As your family prepares for outdoor winter activities, check out your ice skates. Do they fit? If not, consider donating or trading them at The Great Skate Exchange on Monday, Dec. 13, from 6:30 to 7:15 p.m., in the Luck School Commons prior to the middle school

where everyone else sits. The hard part is trying to define when you graduate from the kid table to the adult table. I have seen unmarried adults and college students languishing at the MD kid table for years before being recognized as viable adults. Finally it happens, you get promoted, usually because you now have a partner, boyfriend, girlfriend, fiancé or spouse. With your special person you are now allowed to occupy a space at the head table. While attempting to engage the older generation in conversation about adult topics such as politics or the economy you realize their favored topics are hemorrhoids, gout and bunions.

You may be allowed to remain at the table unless you have kids. Then the rules begin to change. Once you have a baby in a high chair you begin to feel like you are imposing on the adults if you maintain your place. You voluntarily relocate back to the kids table with your own children in order to keep them entertained and to prevent them from getting into food fights with their cousins.

Remaining at the kids table through several children is standard until they have finally reached an age of

program. A couple of people are needed to help iron out details and set up the event. Call or e-mail Luck Community Ed at 715-472-2152 Ext. 103 or Amy Aguado at amya@lucksd.k12.wi.us for more info and to get "in the loop.” - submitted

reasonable independence. Once again you are promoted back to the adult table where the topics of conversation are unchanged. It is perfectly normal to find that you are able to enter into the discussion as if you had never left, however now it is you sharing your experiences of constipation and back pain.

The second promotion is usually permanent. You are now stuck at the adult table looking over your shoulder at your own children, shaking a warning finger or giving them the look so they don’t feed their mashed potatoes to the dog or shoot peas across the table at their cousin. Finally you quit looking because your neck is too stiff and the kids aren’t listening to you anyway.

The really fun part about being at the kids table was that there weren’t any adults to make you eat your broccoli and peas. You could laugh with your cousins and make gravy volcanoes with your mashed potatoes, and if you didn’t clean your plate you still got pie and cookies. And after dinner you could have belching contests with your brothers.

The big problem about growing older is that we forget what fun we had at the kids table. We forget how to laugh. Life has become so serious that the joy is lost. Maybe this year we can play musical chairs and I can end up at the kids table again.

PAGE 32 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - DECEMBER 8, 2010

River Road

Christmas Dinner

Specializing In Criminal, Traffic and OWI Mark D. Biller Trial Lawyer P.O. Box 159 Balsam Lake, WI 54810

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Collected by Russ Hanson

cording to Dena.

“Does your family eat lutefisk?” I asked cousin Nellie at the Christmas open house at the Luck Museum last year. Nellie recently turned 103 and is doing well. “My own family were not Scandinavians—they were English, came to America in the 1600s, so we never had it at home. One year, my husband, Adolph Hanson, a Swede, asked me to have lutefisk for Christmas dinner.

I bought some at the store and asked my Norwegian neighbors how to make it. I got it ready for our dinner and prepared it just as they told me.”

Nellie continued, “Adolph told his four sons ‘We have a treat today—just like when I was a young boy at home and my mom prepared lutefisk for all 11 of us children.

My dad came from Sweden, and my mom’s parents too.

Christmas dinner was not complete without lutefisk.’”

“Well, each of the four boys and I took a small piece to try. Adolph took a larger piece. He ate a little of it, and then turned to the rest of us. ‘It isn’t very good is it’ he said. We tasted it too and agreed it wasn’t any good.

“After dinner, I had John take the leftover lutefisk out to the cats to eat. They always liked fish. They wouldn’t touch it and even the dog didn’t try to take it away from them! I think it ended up in the manure spreader being spread out on the back field,” said Nellie.

My cousin Esther Gunn, who passed away a few years ago, grew up on her grandpa’s farm near Arland in Barron County before moving to Cumberland. The Christmas before she passed away, she wrote me saying how much she missed having some “beggies” at her Christmas dinner. Cumberland, she said, was the rutabaga capital of Wisconsin when she was living there and going to high school.

Her grandfather, a brother to my great-grandfather, came from Sweden as a young man from a farm along the Swedish coast where it was too cold to raise sweet corn, but root crops—potatoes, beets, turnips, mangels, parsnips and rutabagas—thrived. Potatoes were staples with every meal, but the sweeter beggies were a treat.

That reminds me of a story Dad told us boys: “A young neighbor man, Ernest, liked to dream big. He grew a couple of mangel plants, sort of a huge beet, in his garden in 1931, a relatively wet year in the Depression. They produced well and had large roots. Mangels were cut up and fed to the cows and pigs during the winter along with pumpkins and some of the poorer potatoes. Feeding root crops was a Scandinavian tradition—they didn’t have ear corn or beans in the cool climate of central coastal Sweden.”

“If I plant an acre of mangels, with each plant 1 foot apart, that would be more than 40,000 plants according to Teacher. It shouldn’t take more than two plants to make a bushel, so I would get 20,000 bushels. I should be able to sell them to Dad for 10 cents a bushel—that would earn me $2,000. I can buy a good farm, a car and

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have enough left over for a bicycle for my sister, Edna,” said Ernest earnestly.

Dad told us, “It sounded good, of course, but the reality was his dad was too poor to buy mangels; the normal yield was about 100 bushels per acre; there was a huge amount of hand labor in raising them; and of course, Ernest was way too lazy to do it anyway.”

“After that, in our family,“ Dad said, “when someone had an unrealistic plan to make money, someone was sure to add ‘and there should be enough money left over to buy Edna a bicycle’ bringing them back to reality.” I recently heard that from a brother about our bookselling project!

When I first remember, we had Christmas dinner with my grandparents, P.H. and Hannah Hanson, with most of their eight children and families. It was somewhat rare that all eight of them were talking to each other so someone would be missing. After Hannah died in 1951, that stopped and we had Christmas dinner with our other grandparents, Eugene and Nettie Hanson.

Nettie was an excellent cook and always had a few extra folks at the table. The family had moved away from their nice 40-acre farm in the early part of the Depression and bought the old Blair homestead out on the sand barrens in West Sterling. I think they were in debt for their new house replacing the one that burned down, and decided to start over where the land was cheap.

Nettie was a crack shot with their .22 pump Winchester that only used shorts. Many times she took the gun and shot some squirrels, a rabbit or grouse when they were short of meat in the summer. When an unexpected visitor came, she sent Mom out to catch a chicken that would be dinner a few hours later.

An old man came one fall and asked to stay for the winter. “I don’t want any money—just a place to stay and some tobacco money. I will work on the farm and cut brush for you.” So “Granddad Brown” came to stay with them.

One winter Mom helped Grandma cook for a nearby pulp-cutting crew. They worked hard and ate a lot, and were happy with the food. A few miles away, an old man living by himself in his rough cabin was found dead in midwinter. He was lying in bed, covered with his blankets, coats and other clothes. Beside the bed was a jar part full of honey and a trail of dribbled honey from the jar to his mouth. He was frozen stiff.

Up the road from Uncle Alvin’s house was a neighbor’s home. They had a lot of kids, a drunken father, and no money. Their old cow made the half-mile trip to Alvin’s haystack and corn shred piles each day to find something to eat before returning home. “I’d chase her away,” said Alvin as he threw her a couple of ears of corn, “but it would probably result in the babies dying.”

Mom tells us her story. “When I was 9 years old, my dad died. It was in 1930, and the Depression was already bad. My mom had five kids, the youngest was only a few months old. We moved from our house to an old granary on the farm Dad had rented. In December, we ran out of food. Our last meal was the potato soup from the frozen peelings off the garbage pile from our neighbors that my brother Archie collected. My mom couldn’t handle it—she was 25 years old with five kids and no food–she just left us alone. I was the oldest so I tried to keep us five going by begging food from the neighbors and milk for the baby until Mom came back again. Finally after a week, someone realized we were on our own and the sheriff came out and picked us up to bring us in to stay at the jail until we could be adopted. We were split up, but we all got good homes.

At my adopted parents, Nettie and Gene’s, we may have been poor, but we always had plenty of good food!”

You may be wondering where this is all headed. Well, the 1930s was the last time when our economy looked as bad as it does today. The stories of hardship then should remind us to share what we have now with those less fortunate. There is really no excuse for us to ignore a neighbor who needs help. The food shelves in the area are a good way to donate money and food, but it is good to check on your neighbors too.

I am particularly blessed, having, like the Bible says, had my seven fat years and am ready, according to my doctor, for at least seven lean years ahead. Poor Margo has barely stored enough for a lean month.

101 Oak St. W. P.O. Box 99 Frederic, WI 54837 Hours: Tues. - Fri. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Phone: 715-327-4807 Sat. 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

E-mail: tincup06@centurytel.net or by appointment.

Family Practice MOST INSURANCE ACCEPTED Mon., Wed., Fri. & Sat. (715) 635-6969 214 Spruce St. Spooner, WI Turtle Lake Office (Hwy. 8 & 63N) Tuesday and Thursday (715) 986-4600 www.LauritsenChiropractic.com

526647 16L

Mark D. Biller

Ramblings

526621 5a, 16L

Winter nights here at the cabin are full of winter echoes, the frigid air adding clarity and volume to distant sounds. The lake booms displeasure as its new skin cracks, oozing clear blood from the warm interior that clots instantly, shedding a final puff of frosty steam. A band of coyotes howl nightly across the lake, as if at our door warning us to stay within where the stoked fire keeps us cozy. Owls woefully hoo wooing whispers to wives while our neighbor’s neighing nag complains of frozen hay. Crusty roof snow magnifies the gray squirrel’s delicate trot to the feeder at dawn; an elephant tromping us awake in our sleeping loft below. We awake to frosty breaths and the pressing need to restart the now-cold woodstove. The huge quilts have fooled us into letting it go out. Winter has moved in with us, an uninvited guest, who, for a time will entertain us with her novelty and beauty, but surely outstay her welcome.

We are at the lake cabin until Christmas. Then we drain the water, set a thousand mousetraps and close the doors until early March when brother Everett calls and says “Maple sap’s running.” This year we expect to spend January and maybe February with the tentcamper down south where snow is a delightful rarity; where people “freeze to death” at 50 degrees; and Midwesterners and Canadians flock to escape God’s punishment for Original Sin. The Garden is still open if you head south, and all you need are your fig leaves for modesty.

Margo has been busy printing and sending out the brand-new “River Road Ramblings” book. I have been trying to get her to be more careful stacking the big piles of papers to line them up for stapling. “People don’t want books that you dripped blood on from paper cuts,” I caution her firmly, but kindly. She wore gloves this fall cutting, hauling and splitting wood. Your hands don’t toughen up and callus with gloves.

You can order the book up until Dec. 18 by sending $22 check to Russ Hanson, 2558 Evergreen Ave., Cushing, WI 54006. We plan to leave a bunch at the Luck Museum where you can get them for $20 of which $5 goes to the museum. Some of the early comments on the book include: “The book could be rated G – the sex and violence advertised must be mostly in the author’s head;” “It has great variety, an excellent story might be followed by a real dud!” “It is certainly is a huge book,” and “The author is provocatively prevaracative.”

Thanks to all of you who have sent in an order. Margo sends out the book the next day after the order, even if she has to stay up all night printing out books. After every 10 books she sells, I take her out and let her order any three things off the $1 menu and have a senior coffee. If you have problems getting the book, e-mail riverroadrambler@gmail.com or call 715-488-2776.

O lutefisk, O lutefisk, how pungent your aroma / O lutefisk, O lutefisk, you put me in a coma. American folksong by Red Stangeland.

“They wanted $7 for just a little piece of lutefisk at the store,” Mom complained at the Hanson Christmas.

“I always used to buy some for us at Christmas with lefse and pickled herring. Aunt Dena, Dad and I liked it—I guess that is our Scandinavian heritage.” Aunt Dena, Dad’s aunt, stayed with our family until she was over 100 years old. Her father and mother came from Norway and she could speak Norwegian and really liked Norwegian foods. Norwegians call it lute-fisk (two syllables) whereas Swedes call it lute-ah-fisk ac-

Daisy and me

When we moved from Lake Geneva to

Oconomowoc Lake, we had new experiences with horses in the stables, sailboat races every summer weekend and a small dairy herd and dairy.

In this picture I’m holding the reins of a little Shetland pony named Daisy. She was a stubborn little animal, and with her short legs gave a very bumpy ride.

She didn’t like being saddled up and puffed out her sides, so her saddle would slip to one side.

I know I’ve told you that I weighted 3 lbs. when I was born, and my German grandmother put me in the oven.

(Please, no more half-baked jokes!) I’m sure she saved my life, but I was frail and was constantly warned, “Be careful.

Don’t run, don’t climb. Be careful.” All those warnings made me timid as I grew up with the neighborhood kids.

I had permission to ride Daisy, but I was not crazy about riding. My father’s employers liked having the horses exercised, but I liked reading books better than riding. I did like to give the horses a treat, holding a sugar lump on the flat of my palm, stroking the soft nose and lips and walking the animal.

And yes, I thought discretion was the better part of valor and fell off Daisy when she tried to rub me off her back by getting close to the fence in an effort to rub me off. It didn’t help when the chauffeur’s son tried to spook Daisy so I’d abandon ship.

Daisy, Peter Pan and Pinto were OK horses, but the bigger horses were really BIG. How many hands? I have no idea.

When I was in college I was invited on a date to go riding with a group and we went on a trail ride. Unfortunately, we had to cross a shallow stream, and my horse was thirsty, so I let him drink. “Don’t let him drink,” said my companion. “Pull his head up.”

I felt like saying, “You pull his head up.” Let’s face it. I was not a horsewoman. There was no “National Velvet” tendency in me!

So much for my riding experience.

••• My son says he looked me up on the Internet and he was surprised how much they knew about me. I suppose at different stages in my life I could be identified as student, teacher, wife, mother, homemaker, secretary at Carnation Co. in the insurance department, worker in bindery at the Leader, front office girl, finance department at the Leader, 20-plus years as Leader proofreader, columnist for 41 years, archivist at Leader, faithful follower of Leader.

I think of that as I drink my morning coffee from my 75th-anniversary Leader mug.

My late husband welcomed new challenges. He was a member of a trio in South Superior that sang professionally at funerals, etc., an actor in high school, college and University of Wisconsin in that big beautiful theater. He taught British and French

Behind the

Signpost

Bernice Abrahamzon cadets how to fly in the Marine Corps attached to a Navy wing, stationed at Duluth, North Carolina, Hollywood, Fla., Olathe, Kan., Peru, Ind., Memphis, Tenn. He taught school at Ashland, was a radio announcer, directed the community theater at Sheboygan, taught at Macalester College, North St. Paul High School, Northland College, Ashland, Grantsburg High School, Park Falls High School, back to Grantsburg and retirement at 65 years, and that fall he died.

He also did substitute teaching at most of our area schools. He filled in for the editor, Bernice Asper, when she was ill or on summer vacation.

For one full year, while he was teaching at North St. Paul, Minn., he was a lay speaker every Sunday at three Methodist churches at St. Croix Falls, Taylors Falls, Minn. and Wolf Creek. He emceed many Miss St. Paul Queen contests, often meeting guest queen, Miss America.

He directed two plays each year in the early years, plus a Nativity/Christmas program.

For 4-1/2 years he preached every Sunday at our Lewis Methodist Church under the direction of Pastor James Everson.

Ah, yes, in summers, he drove truck for StokelyVan Camp, and before that he had summer employment with an insulation company in Ashland, and also chopped salt from the hold of a ship moored in the harbor at Chequamegon Bay, Ashland.

During the time our eldest son was in the service, Ken stayed home here on the farm and milked cows, etc, etc.

Whew! I am exhausted just writing down all his jobs in a lifetime. As I told you, he liked new challenges, and I put down roots. That was a challenging combination.

He always said he could never say no. Will you speak at the Old Settler’s picnic? (yes) Will you give the Memorial Day address at the Lorain United Methodist Church again this year? (yes) Will you be the voice of Christ at Trade Lake Lutheran Christmas program? (yes) Will you direct the three-act play “Blithe Spirit” for the Seven Pines Players? (yes).

He was involved in so many extra activities that I wonder if “no” was in his vocabulary.

He and our youngest son enjoyed helping building sets for several operettas performed at the Grantsburg High School.

In between he earned his master’s degree, sang in the church choir, took speech students to local and state contests for one-act play competitions and individual performances.

I believe he would be happiest being remembered as a teacher. The other day, two of his students told about something he told them when they were students at Ashland in the 1950s.

It warmed the cockles of my heart, and on a cold, winter day, I needed that.

Until next week, Bernice

Polk County Library Federation

Tech person's nine main duties: 1. Preventative maintenance on all library PCs whether public or staff.

2. Resolve any problems with library PCs. 3. Install new software and hardware on PCs. 4. Teach classes to public and/or staff on software or hardware 5. Answer questions and assist in Excel, Publisher, email, etc.

6. Assist staff in creating and running reports for their library board.

7. Recommend new replacement hardware and software.

8. Recommend new technology ideas.

9. Foster communication among the libraries and sharing of what works.

Stop by today at your local library to see when they are offering classes offered by the Polk County technical support specialist. - submitted

Kay Fitzgerald, pictured, has installed new computers at the 10 public libraries in Polk County. Listed above are some of the other duties she does while visiting the libraries. This free service to all Polk County libraries has been sponsored by grants and donations received from the Friends of the Polk County Libraries. The library federation is grateful to the Otto Bremer Foundation and Fred B. and Katherine C. Andersen for their grants and numbers of other individuals and local businesses for making this available. – Photo submitted

DECEMBER 8, 2010 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 33

Do you remember?

Compiled by Bernice Abrahamzon

50 Years Ago

A big headline announced “Snow flurries seen in Frederic area Wednesday.” (Oct. 19).-Frederic homecoming was Oct. 21.-Bruce Carlson, 5, was injured in a fall from a pine tree.-The Leader saluted a new advertiser, Camel cigarettes.-The Lewis Methodist Church (we weren’t united then with United Brethren!) served a turkey supper on Thursday, Oct. 20, at a cost of $1 adults and 50¢ children. The menu included all the usual.-The 20th Century Club birthday calendars were being prepared.-Specials at Route’s, Frederic, included short ribs at 23¢/lb., ham at 79¢/lb., cranberries at 1 lb. for 19¢, soda crackers at 2 lbs. for 49¢ and coffee at 2 lbs. at $1.19.-The film “House of Usher” was playing at the Frederic Theatre.-“Platinum High School” was playing at the Webb Theatre, Webster.-Koehn-Chev at Lindstrom, Minn., had a sale on used cars.-B&B Clothing, Amery, had a sale on car coats, $9.95 to $34.95; men’s shirts and drawers at $1.98 each; cotton rib union suits at $2.49 each, boys long-leg drawers at $1.29 and boys flannel shirts at $1.98.-Over 400 attended the Democratic rally in Frederic.-The Polk County budget for 1961 was estimated at $811,119.32.-Johnson’s Farm Equipment in Frederic had special snow tires on sale for two for $20 plus exchange.

40 Years Ago

A party permit reduction cut the state deer kill.Lawson Greenhouse held open house at the Frederic greenhouse on Dec. 20, 1970, with free coffee from 2 to 7 p.m. and specials on poinsettias, wreaths, flowers, etc.-Wisconsin Dairy advised readers to take the panic out of party planning with eggnog and whipping cream.-Acme Linen Service, St. Paul, Minn., had the slogan “Service is our last name but our first concern.”-Readers were asked not to submit colored photos for the Leader (What a change a few years will bring!).-The weekly benefit to unemployed was increased to $72.-Activities at special ed school helped to develop skills.-The slogan adopted by Farmer’s State Bank, Frederic was “The difficult we do immediately. The impossible takes a little longer.”-Pictures of children with Santa were taken, and if a child brought in identification to confirm identity, they received a gift from the Leader.-There were 46 winners in Christmas coloring contest.-Specials at the Frederic Co-op Super Market included 2 lbs. Co-op coffee at $1.45, bananas at 10¢, fryer chicken at 28¢/lb., sardines at 38¢/can and slab bacon at 68¢/lb. by the piece.-Gift ideas suggested by the Leader were steel file cabinets, adding machine, etc.

20 Years Ago

Telephone customers will get their choice of long distance company.-Secretary of State Doug LaFollette made a campaign stop at Frederic.-Peggy’s Dress Shop, Siren, advertised readers to get their favorite shirt at her shop including Packers, Vikings, Wisconsin, Dragons, Simpsons, Turtles.-Snowplowing fees for different townships were printed.-Burnett County fifth-graders learned land conservation.-A hike for Haiti drew 135 hikers from Milltown to Unity School.-A 55-alive mature driving course was offered.-The Frederic Community Association planned Christmas promotions.-Women’s voices were heard as domestic violence was fought.Milltown planned to change its sewage treatment system.-Charles Kuralt was going to speak at River’s Edge, Somerset, anniversary.-M.O.M.S. organized at Trade Lake Baptist Church.-Hwy. 35 project hit a higher gear.-Firefighters impressed preschoolers at Luck with their scope and activities.-Harvest of Harmony was held at Unity School.-A Kasten amendment could save farmers millions of dollars.-Owens Farms were one of top exhibitors at Dairy Expo.Obituaries included Marlon Hazelberg, Joseph Graf, Maria Wahlen, Paul Gritton, Edna Gelhar, Matilda Grummons, Pearl Jarmusz and Dwight Johnson.

Brought to you by

OLSEN & SON DRUG

Serving the community since 1882

24106 St., Hwy. 35 • Siren, WI Phone 715-349-2221 • Fax 715-349-7350

Tom Moore, Owner Brian Johnson - RPh

TOWN TALK/COUNTRY CHATTER

PAGE 34 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - DECEMBER 8, 2010

Webster Senior Center

Bernie Boelter

The weather kept some of the Wii bowlers from coming out on Wednesday, but there were a few brave souls who had a good time. Sharon Link had high single game with a 194.

There sure are some diehard Dime Bingo players, as 20 of them came to play, even though the roads were not that good. Thursday night pool and card players enjoyed themselves as well. We appreciate all who come and join in on all of the fun and games.

We send our gratitude to all who came to the potluck on Saturday. There were lots of activities in the area that day so the count was down a little, but those who came had a good time and of course we had plenty of food. Kudos to all who took part in the silent auction, either donating items and/or bidding.

Our appreciation to the following who donated items for bid: Austin Lake Greenhouse, The Granary, Nancy O’Brien, Gladys Beers, Don and Abby Brand, Laurie Voss, Larry’s L.P. and Bernie Boelter. Some of the proceeds will be used to install an antenna so we can get TV reception. Those who would like to watch morning news over coffee, ball games, watch for in-

clement weather or other programs are more than welcome to come in. Dave Wardean is spearheading this project and we appreciate his assistance.

Mark your calendars for our next potluck, which will be Saturday, Jan. 29.

The next senior meeting will be Tuesday, Dec. 21.

Another reminder to pay the $1 dues before Friday, Dec. 31, to be eligible to vote in the June 2011 election.

There will be no Wii bowling or Dime Bingo on Wednesday, Dec. 22. They will resume the following Wednesday, Dec. 29.

Remember to stop in and pick up a menu and sign up for your favorite lunch If you have questions regarding meals, call Nikke at 715-866-5300.

We send get-well wishes to Fran Krause and Georgia Lalor.

Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift. That is why we call it the “Present.” Make the most of it.

See you at the center.

When giving recognition to all of the volunteers for the Thanksgiving dinner last week I neglected to mention that Lee Schaffer helped with the cleanup afterward. The folks tidying up afterward appreciated your efforts Lee, and I am sorry I didn’t get the information sooner.

Our tables were decorated last Sunday and the Christmas village was set up thanks to Marge Nyberg, Cora deJong, Anke Olesen, Nona Severson, Cece Andrewson, Grace Imme and Elaine Lamson.

The finishing touches were done on Wednesday morning with the able assistance of Ralph and Nona Severson, CeCe Andrewson and Corrine Root. So, everything is all ready for the holidays, please stop in and see their handiwork.

In addition to our free Christmas cards, which we offer every year, we are now in the grab-bag business. We found we had an abundance of really nice small Christmas items and instead of displaying them all we thought we would just bag them up and offer them in grab bags. This might be an ongoing event as people have been very receptive of the idea and are buying them; my thoughts are that we must have a lot of gamblers among us that love to take a chance. We have sold a ton of bags, we still have some goodies left, so stop in and take a chance.

Fifty-three diners turned out for the Dining at Five dinner on Thursday evening. CeCe also offered hot cider and cookies besides a dinner and salad bar.

Carol Berglind was the winner of the door prize, a pretty pine centerpiece.

We had good turnouts for the Dime Bingo and 500 games this week in spite of the weather, as I

have said many times, we are hearty seniors and the weather doesn’t keep us home.

On Friday the Spades players helped Irene celebrate her 13th birthday. (I think that makes her a senior legally; what is it, seven dog years for every year, so actually she is older than some of the other cardplayers.) Sue Newberger brought a beautiful birthday cake and ice cream for all the players to share.

As you have read before, Irene is our mascot Pomeranian who brings Sue and her grandmother, Dorothy Cronquist, to play cards regularly on Wednesday and Friday. I haven’t quite decided if she really likes the treat that Marge Nyberg shares with her on those days, or seeing all of us.

For all of the travelers out there, Bloomin’ Tours is planning a trip to Boston, May 10 – 18, 2011. The price is very reasonable, with many other interesting sights on the trip to and from the Boston area. If you are interested you may contact Shirley Bloom at 715-349-2514 and she will provide you with a brochure outlining the trip.

Winners at 500 this week were Joe Brown, Don Antiel, Dorothy Cronquist, Candace Doriott and Gerry Vogel. Spades winners were Marie Bentley, Marie Van Guilder, Nona Severson, Arvid Pearson and Darleen Groves. Nona Severson, Barb Munger, Dorothy and Joe Brown, and Candace Doriott furnished treats for the players. Plus, our birthday cake and ice cream on Friday from Sue Newberger.

The center is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. For information please call 715-3497810 and for dinner reservations call 715-349-2845.

Siren Senior Center

715-349-2964

Siren

Old Man Winter can quit all his shenanigans in the area as far as I’m concerned. I’m getting just a little sick and tired of his shaking that bag of white stuff around. We have had quite enough already, although I’m sure the snowmobilers would disagree with me. We have had close to 20 inches since Nov. 13 in bear country. I’m afraid we’re in for a long, drawn-out winter this year with lots more of that white stuff.

It sure didn’t take long for the deer to find their feeders in my bird yard. We always put them out the last day of deer season at dusk. They were in after dark to clean up what was put out for them. Those darn tree rats seem to know what the feeders are for too, as they were in them the morning after just to see if maybe there was something left for them. The way the weather has been going, it looks like maybe the critters are going to need extra help with food this year.

Those of you who took time to make wonderful knitted or crocheted items for the Siren Lioness/U.S. Banks mitten tree please bring them in as they will be distributed shortly. The Siren Lionesses would like to give all those who did the work and also those who have contributed store-bought items a huge thank-you. If not for your generosity we wouldn’t have such a beautifully decorated tree. Gratitude is extended for a job well done. Many heads and hands will be warm this winter.

Sympathy to the family of Rolly Canfield, who passed away last week.

The Trinity Lutheran Church in Falun is once again holding their Christmas cookie walk on Saturday, Dec. 11, from 9 to 11 a.m., or until the goodies are gone. The proceeds will go to their kitchen fund.

The Siren Lionesses Santa Day last Saturday at the Siren School turned out great. Lots of little ones,

Barb Munger

Bev Beckmark

and some not-so-little ones, anxiously waiting to see Santa. Some of the brave little ones were not so brave, however, when it came their turn to tell him what to put under their Christmas trees. The kids were so cute, a set of twin girls hardly able to walk dressed in matching holiday dresses and black patent-leather shoes, and a cute little guy about 18 months, I’m guessing, stole the show all decked out in a Santa’s little elf outfit, complete with the little pointed elf shoes. One can forget for a little while the problems of the world just by watching the wonderment of the little ones during the Christmas season.

Don’t forget coming up this Thursday at the Siren School is the kindergarten through fourth grade winter program at 2 p.m. All are welcome to come and enjoy the program.

Everyone is welcome to come and enjoy the firstever Christmas dinner in Siren at the Siren School on Dec. 18, from noon to 2 p.m. Besides a great meal, you can enjoy Christmas music and Santa for the kids, young and old. Remember this is a free-toeveryone meal, so come and enjoy. This event is put on by area churches and businesses.

Remember if you have a child, boy or girl who is interested in joining the Burnett County Wrestling Club, be at the Siren High School on Thursday, Dec. 9, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., for registration. For more info call 715-377-8860.

The Siren Lions held their annual Christmas Party for their members and their families last Sunday at Jed’s Laker Lounge. They had a great lunch and Santa for all the kids.

Stop by the Crooked Lake Park at night and take a look at the great job the Lions did decorating it. The park has been turned into an absolute winter wonderland.

St. Croix Valley Senior Center

by Marian Edler

Fewer people have been out this week because of the winter weather. Snow for Friday and Saturday again. If snow continues like this, winter will be a long one.

Tuesday morning we did housekeeping chores as we did not get enough people to exercise. In the afternoon games were played. Bill McGrorty was the winner in Hand and Foot. Martha Lundstrom, Ione White and Don Anderson were winners in Dominos.

Roger Greenly, Bren Nel Ward and David Thelin were winners in 500. Charlie and Roger were the nine-bid winners.

Wednesday we had our birthday party with cake

and ice cream.

Thursday morning we held our exercise session, after which we played Skip-Bo. In the evening 500 cards were played. The winners were LeRoy Booth, Roger Greenly, Kim Rosen and Bob Norlander.

Friday morn, bridge was played. In the afternoon, Bingo was held.

Thanks to Diane Nelson for decorating the center for Christmas. It helps getting into the spirit.

Greetings to Carol VanBuskirk and Norma Lundgren who are recuperating after being hospitalized.

On Thursday, Dec. 9, at 5:30 p.m., we will have a chili feed with Charlie cooking his prizewinning recipe at a cost of $1. 500 cards will follow at 6:30 p.m.

Dewey - LaFollette

Clam River Tuesday Club met Wednesday, Dec. 1, at the home of Dixie Andrea. After a potluck lunch and regular meeting, the ladies exchanged Christmas gifts, revealed secret pals and drew names for 2011. The ladies also did a Christmas trivia quiz.

The next meeting will be Wednesday Jan. 5, 2011, at Faith Lutheran Church in Spooner, time to be announced later.

Hank Mangelsen visited Inez and Arvid Pearson Thursday morning.

Donna and Gerry Hines went to Vadnais Heights, Minn., Friday and stayed overnight with their daughter, Brenda Sweet and her family. On Saturday, they went to Centerville, Minn., and attended a play in which granddaughter Alex Hines was one of the main stars.

Steve and Nancy Hagen were overnight guests

Burnett County Library

Tax forms

The IRS has discontinued mailing individual tax packages to taxpayers. But we will have tax forms available here sometime after the new year. Watch for announcements.

Fines amnesty

The Burnett Community Library is offering a Food for Fines amnesty program during this holiday season (November - December). Bring in some nonperishable food items during this period and we’ll waive your fines. Bring in those really overdue books hiding at home and we’ll waive those fines as well. All food collected during the amnesty will be donated to local food pantries. The library offers the program not only to support local food pantries, but also to bring back library users who may have been reluctant to use the library again due to their fines, and to encourage users to bring back long-overdue books.

Library materials will be accepted no matter how long overdue. This program does not apply to items that are lost or damaged. This is a great way to clear your library record and help others in need. For more information about the program, call the library at 715-866-7697.

Friends of the Library

The Friends will be celebrating Christmas at the Fort in Danbury on Saturday, Dec. 11, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., by offering baked goods and their new wild rice cookbooks for sale.

Grants and donations

Once again, Nexen Group Inc. of Webster is offering a challenge grant to the Burnett County residents for the Burnett Community Library building fund. For every $2 contributed by the end of 2010 to the Burnett Community Library building fund, Nexen will match $1 up to $30,000.

Preschool story time

At this time of year, when bears go into hibernation and bird feeders come out, the winter season is fully upon us. Likewise, winter-themed books are also in full swing at story time. “Chaucer’s First Winter,” by Stephen Krensky, tells the story of a little bear that refuses to hibernate. Chaucer considers hibernating a waste of time and instead wants to have fun and adventures in the cold and the snow.

With his friends, he discovers the pleasure and delight of making snowballs, catching snowflakes and gliding and sliding through glittering snow. But, what will happen when spring arrives? Caralyn Buehner understands the special friendship that can develop with a child’s homemade snowman and wrote “Snowmen All Year.” From a day at the beach, swimming pools and the Fourth of July, a child and his snowman continue their friendship throughout the year. Beautifully illustrated, fun to read and absolutely charming. Come in from the snow and cold and join us at story time from 10:30 to 11 a.m., and warm up with new friends.

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of Nina and Lawrence Hines Friday.

Ronda Mangelsen’s sister and brother-in-law, Dianne and Jerry Stieb from Big Stone, S.D., were weekend guests of Maynard and Ronda Mangelsen.

Lida Nordquist met Marlene Swearingen Saturday afternoon in Spooner, and they attended the Christmas parade of homes in Washburn County.

Three homes were featured this year, and the proceeds will go to Alzheimer’s research.

Marv and Gladys Knoop, Don and Pat Israel, Dennis and Terecia Ywart and Karen, Hank, Hannah and Grace Mangelsen were Saturday evening guests of Art and Barbara Hephner. They all helped Art celebrate his birthday.

Fibromyalgia group

This group will not be meeting in December due to the busy holiday season.

Adult book club

The book club does not meet in December. The title for January is “The Help” by Kathryn Stockett.

Rita Luedtke is planning a new mystery book club for us beginning next April. For more information, contact Rita Luedtke at 608-963-1425.

New adult fiction books

“Athena Project” by Brad Thor “Collusion” by Stuart Neville “Ghosts of Belfast” by Stuart Neville “O’Hurley’s Return” by Nora Roberts “The House at Riverton” by Kate Morton “The Burying Place” by Brian Freeman

New adult nonfiction books

“Broke” by Glenn Beck “J.K. Lasser’s Your Income Tax 2011” “Life” by Keith Richards “Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk” by David Sedaris “Unbroken: A World War II Story” by Laura Hillenbrand “World Almanac and Book of Facts 2011” “Eternal Life: A New Vision” by John Shelby Spong “True Bucketfilling Stories: Legacies of Love” by Stacey A. Lundgren

New DVDs

“The Last Airbender” “Charlie St. Cloud” “Pillars of the Earth” “The Search for Santa Paws” “America: The Story of Us” “Ramona and Beezus” “Disney’s A Christmas Carol” “Prince Caspian” “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” “Stargate” “Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada” “Journey to the Center of the Earth” “The Musketeer” “The Jane Austen Book Club” “The Good German” “Hope and Glory”

New audio books

“Cross Fire” by James Patterson “Hell’s Corner” by David Baldacci

Hours and information

Monday-Thursday 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Friday 9 a.m.

– 5 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. For more information, contact the library at 715-866-7697, Web site: webster.wislib.org. Online catalog: merlin.nwls.lib.wi.us/search.

www.the-leader.net

TOWN TALK/COUNTRY CHATTER

DECEMBER 8, 2010 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 35

Engagement

Dahlke-Sopiwnik

Dale and Linda Dahlke of Knapp announce the engagement of their daughter, Christina M. Dahlke, D.M.D., to John E. Sopiwnik, son of Jesse and Susan Sopiwnik of Frederic. A June wedding is planned.

Christina is a graduate of UW-Eau Claire and Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, and is currently the director of dentists and a practicing dentist at The Lakes Community Health Center, in Ashland. John is employed with Edmunds & Company from Washburn, John, a graduate of St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minn., is completing his master’s degree in guidance counseling at U.W.S. in 2011. The couple resides in Washburn. - Photo submitted

Rascal is a 4-month-old shorthair, mitted kitten.

He is solid deep blue gray with a white tuxedo and snip on his nose. Rascal lives up to his name and will keep you entertained with his curious antics.

After he has checked out all of your crooks and crannies, cat toys and dust bunnies, he will gladly purr you to sleep. Rascal is a handsome young man, ready to liven things up in your household.

Dog adoptions at the shelter were off the charts last week. Even though we had plenty of people checking out the cat room, few cats or kittens were adopted. We are hoping we can do for the cats, what we did for the dogs last week.

Most of our kittens are 4 or 5 months old. Shirley is a 4-month-old Siamese-mix kitten. She is a sweetheart who loves to snuggle. Virginia is a 4month-old adorable classic calico female kitten.

She also is a snuggler, playful and curious. Jasper is our third snuggler. He is a brown tabby, neutered male, 5 months old and happy to spend the day in your lap or on your shoulder. This boy has a big purr.

Dexter is a gray tabby, cute as he can be. Maddie and Marco are 4-month-old siblings. They look

Ranee and Michael Johnson of Rosemount, Minn., are proud to announce the birth of their son, Kyler Michael, born Tuesday, Nov. 23, 2010. Kyler weighed 7 lbs., 10 oz. and was 21.25 inches long.

Kyler has a sister, MaKena, who adores her baby brother. Grandparents are Dave and Sandy Johnson of Woodbury, Minn., and Ruth Ann Thiel of Frederic.

•••

Born at St. Croix Regional Medical Center:

A girl, Olivia Rose Wilcox, born Nov. 11, 2010, to Ceanna and Jordan Wilcox, Amery. Olivia weighed 8 lbs., 2 oz.

Cloverton-Markville

The unexpected death of Al Wolf at age 71 on Nov. 30 has left the little townships of Arna and New Dosey in shock and sadness. This thoughtful, quiet, and good man was one of the most likeable people one could ever meet.

An occasional pipe smoker, an avid reader (John Grisham was a favorite author), Al was known and appreciated for his devotion to his family and his involvement in our community. His life was happily centered around his wife, Margie, his daughter, Heidi, and her husband Cary and, of course, his only grandchild Danielle. We were always delightfully informed of all of Dani’s home and school activities.

He and Marge always enjoyed a morning game or two of Cribbage.

Upon moving to Cloverton, Al immediately became involved where he thought he could be of use.

He served on the New Dosey Planning Commission, was an active member of the Duxbury Volunteer Fire Department, the East Pine County Wanderers, where he served a term on the executive board, and the Seven-County Senior Federation. He was also a reliable patron of the Cambridge bookmobile back when it still came to Cloverton.

We always followed with interest his beekeeping hobby. His donations of “honey baskets” to every single fundraising event in the area were always noted. Al could be seen weekly having breakfast at either the Hay Creek Outpost or the Duxbury Store.

It is Al’s gentle demeanor, and his true goodness that we will miss most. Al Wolf had an innocence about him - there was no negative side to see. He was a gentleman in the truest sense of the word.

Our sympathies to Marge, Heidi, Cary and Danielle and the entire host of family and friends who mourn him. May this dear sweet man rest in peace.

In other news, Deloris Schirmer enjoyed all summer and fall the daily visits that two does and two fawns made to her yard. They were not to be seen after the first day of deer season. Meanwhile, she ordered a CD of British singer Susan Boyle’s Christmas music and, while playing it one afternoon, she saw the fawns and one of the does back eating in her yard.

Don Mishler had a similar story. On his daily walk, he had always noticed a doe and was glad to see that it was still around after deer season.

Vicki Elliott reports that her 12-day trip to Las Vegas was wonderful. She went to Vegas to spend time with her dad, Larry Fluery, not necessarily to visit the casinos. The two of them went to an art show of his in Boulder City, Nev., one day and toured his art gallery in Henderson, another day. A special highlight was walking the new bridge that bypasses Hoover Dam. A special note on the home front: Al Wolf and I had an ongoing monthly Cribbage tournament since the first of January. We were going to wrap it up this month and the loser would treat the winner and spouse to a meal in January. Al was leading me by a score of 19-10 and Dave and I are hoping that Margie will let us treat her next month. I can’t tell you how much I enjoy playing Cribbage with Al. I hadn’t played for over 40 years. I miss him.

Cherish your friendships, wherever you are.

by Ardyce Knauber

The center wishes to express their sympathy to the Bob Hinschberger family in the loss of their father. We enjoyed whenever he came to the center.

500 cards was played Thursday night at 6:30 p.m., with the following winners: Dave Peterson in first place, Arnie Borchert in second place, Phyllis Peterson in third place and Norm Severson in fourth place.

Happy Tails

Await

Arnell Humane Society of Polk County

a lot like Rascal in that they are blue-gray and white. They would love to go home as a pair! Edith is a black-and-white tuxedo kitten, a tough and tumble tomboy. She is up for the action.

Alvin and Frasier are adult neutered males with aspirations of landing the romantic lead in your next home video. Both of these 1-year-old young men are loving beyond the call of duty and get along with anyone. Alvin is white with gray tabby markings and Frasier is an orange tabby with mittens and tux.

All of our cats would like to be home for the holidays.

Pet Pictures with Santa for a $10 donation at Lupine Kennels on Saturday, Dec. 11, noon to 4 p.m., will benefit Arnell Humane Society and Cocker

Births

••• A girl, Norah Lynn Nelson, born Nov. 11, 2010, to Brian and Shannon Nelson, Osceola. Norah weighed 8 lbs., 14 oz.

••• A boy, Thomas Robert Luehring, born Nov. 12, 2010, to Alana and Corey Luehring, Frederic.

Thomas weighed 7 lbs., 6 oz.

••• A boy, Dylan Michael Edaburn, born Nov. 16, 2010, to Amy Edaburn, Siren. Dylan weighed 5 lbs., 7 oz.

•••

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Spaniel Resources. It’s fun for your pet and for a good cause too! Lupine Kennels is located six miles west of Amery on 155th Street.

Call Monica at Lupine Kennels with questions: 715-268Rascal 2345.

The Petfinder Pet Scroller is not working on our Web site at present. To see our adoptable pets online go to: www.amhs.petfinder.com. With luck, it should be up and running on the Web site next week. Arnell Memorial Humane Society, 715 2687387.

A girl, Ava Marie Christensen, born Nov. 17, 2010, to Shantel and Ryan Christensen, Cushing. Ava weighed 8 lbs., 3 oz.

••• A boy, Ephram David Marc, born Nov. 19, 2010, to Cassandra and David Marc, Osceola. Ephram weighed 7 lbs., 7 oz.

••• A girl, Axyl Raine Rowell, born Nov. 21, 2010, to Keighley James and Cody Rowell, Frederic. Axyl weighed 5 lbs., 4 oz.

•••

Lewis

The bake sale/craft sale at the Lewis Memorial United Methodist Church went very well despite Saturday’s wintry weather. Shoppers had a chance to visit over cups of hot cider and assorted cookies and bars.

Saturday night’s jam session also drew a nice crowd. They also bought baked goods, candy, etc.

Get-well wishes to Donnie Denotter who is a patient at a hospital in Eau Claire.

New gifts for Operation Christmas were collected at the Lewis church. An earlier Mission Sunday resulted in a collection of almost $100 for the same Operation Christmas forwarded to that very good cause.

If you know any crafty persons this is the time of the year when they are busy crocheting angels, knitting or crocheting tassel caps, etc.

Lots of banana bread after last week’s gift of surplus bananas from Ruby’s Pantry, very good!

Marlene and Scott Nelson took part in the little dialogue while they and Pastor Tom lighted the second Advent candle, signifying peace. Last week’s first candle signified hope.

The Christmas program will be given during the regular church service on Sunday, Dec. 19. The time is 8:45 a.m. Welcome.

Another busy week with the church choir plus the

Bernice Abrahamzon

men’s choir on Monday, Bible study at 7 p.m., Tuesday, and UMW at 7 p.m., at the church. The latter is a potluck lunch with anything good. Welcome for lunch.

As the year 2010 begins to wind down, it’s a good time for taking inventory. Have you given to your church this year? Your alumni society? You local library for its excellent, many-faceted services? Your favorite charity or organization?

The Lewis choir sang a short number on Sunday during the regular service. It was also Communion Sunday. The beautiful Nativity set supplied by Robin Peterson graces the altar now in Advent.

Unexpected surprises are part of Christmas this time of year. Let’s remember our shut-ins and special friends now, too.

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas around Lewis. LaVerne Leep decorates for many seasons of the year and has come through again for Christmas.

LaVonne Boyer assisted Pastor Tom with Sunday’s church service, and Kara Alden read Scripture.

Both organist Gloria Chell and pianist Starr Warndahl played.

Looking ahead: Christmas Eve services will be held at the Lewis Church on Dec. 24, 4 p.m. Please plan on attending.

Frederic Senior Center

On Monday, Nov. 29, Spades was played with the following winners: Willis Williams in first place, Rich Hustad in second place, Arnie Borchert in third place and Arvid Pearson in fourth place.

In the morning we have coffee time and pool players enjoy time together.

Wednesday and Friday Pokeno is played at 1 p.m.

Connect to your community

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Try our e-edition. Every page in color. www.the-leader.net

TOWN TALK/COUNTRY CHATTER

PAGE 36 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - DECEMBER 8, 2010

A Waiting Child

Green holiday tips for the season

Happy holidays goes out to all faithful readers of the Earth Notes column and for those visiting family and friends.

‘Tis the season to give, celebrate and renew. It may seem like a monumental task for one to do alone, but in reality, it really only takes a small, conscious commitment to protect the environment.

Below are some simple ways you can make a difference this holiday season.

• Bows, bags, fabrics, string, newspaper comics, magazines and decorative boxes can be used to package gifts.

These items can also be reused every year. I also use old calendar pictures to wrap gifts in.

• Try using a timer on your house and tree lights this Christmas to avoid keeping lights on all night.

• This year, use washable plates, cups and silverware for parties and family gatherings instead of disposable products.

• To avoid wasting food, cook only the amount of food necessary, or make up an extra plate for an elderly neighbor and bring it over as a surprise.

• Lower your thermostat a bit when you are sleeping or at work and save energy.

• Give compact fluorescent lights this year to those who may not be fully aware of the benefits, both environmentally and monetarily, these bulbs can bring. Remember, spent CFLs must be treated responsibly and taken to one of five recycling sites located in the region for safe disposal. Compact fluorescent

used infrequently, such as hedge clippers, Jen pruners, Barton weed whips or chain saws.

Did you know that a family of four can save $3,000 a year simply by buying products in the largest size they can use and by buying long-lasting reusable items? Think about the effect of your purchases on the environment when you shop. Items with excess packaging and products that need to be discarded after only a few uses cost more money, use up valuable resources and create more waste. This is all just stuff you don’t really need. Some good examples of this are individually packaged servings of applesauce, string cheese and chips.

It is also important to familiarize yourself with what types of containers and items can be recycled or reused in your local recycling program or at home.

Once you know what you can recycle, look for products that come in the containers that you know you will be able to recycle when the products are all used up, after all, you're buying the packaging too. Please remember to recycle all those cardboard boxes that will pile up over the holidays. If your curbside garbage hauler does not take cardboard, call Jen for directions to a drop-off box near you at 715-635-2197, or e-mail her at jbarton@nwrpc.com

ST. CROIX FALLS – Too busy to make cookies and treats for Christmas? Parents of young children are invited to come for a day of fun and frivolity while preparing treats to take home, at no cost to you.

They’ll be ready to greet you at 9 a.m. until noon on Wednesday, Dec. 15, at the First Presbyterian Church in St. Croix Falls.

Bring the kids and they will entertain them with storytelling, puppet shows, crafts and other activities while you decorate homemade cookies and prepare nobake goodies. You’ll leave with buckets of treats for the family, and hopefully, satisfied and contented children.

This event is free and is their way of

spreading the Christmas spirit.

The First Presbyterian Church is located in the pines at 719 Nevada St. in St. Croix Falls. If you have any questions, please call 715-483-3550.

Bring your friends and join them for some holiday cheer.- submitted

Jose

Born June 2, 1999

Jose is a strong 11year-old boy who tries to overcome every obstacle given to him. He has had some setbacks in his behavior, but he is an amazing kid who is constantly smiling and laughing.

Jose is in the fourth grade and functions developmentally at the age of a 5- or 6-year-old. He seems to enjoy all of his classes and has an IEP in place to receive speech and language therapy, along with occupational and physical therapy. Jose is deaf and communicates through sign language. He knows about 200 signs and requires an interpreter in the classroom. Jose needs a family who is able to communicate with him through sign language and has the love, patience and understanding to deal with his special needs.

Jose has a larger-than-life personality and enjoys watching cartoons and sports on TV. He also enjoys playing soccer and basketball and becomes completely enveloped in whatever he is doing. He is a very determined child who tries his hardest at everything he does.

For more information about Jose, or other Wisconsin children waiting for adoptive homes, call Adoption Resources of Wisconsin at 414-475-1246 or 800-7628063 or visit the Web site at www.wiadopt.org.

Orange

Last Tuesday, Mark Krause went to the Rice Lake Hospital and brought Fran to the Burnett Medical Center where she is recovering from her broken hip.

Sympathy to the family of Edna Haaf, who passed away Sunday at Grantsburg. Her funeral will be this week.

Nancy O’Brien visited Fran Krause on Thursday.

LaVonne O’Brien had lunch with Heather Wade at her home on Wednesday.

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Beginning Monday, December 13, Luck School will be observing Red Ribbon Week for Drug & Alcohol Awareness.

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“Make-It and Take-It Cookie Day”

FREDERIC PUBLIC LIBRARY

Starting at

Earth

bulbs cost 40 cents to recycle; please call Jen for locations and hours of operation at 715-635-2197, or check out our Web site at www.nwrpc.com.

• This year, try to use rechargeable batteries in toys, flashlights and remote controls. You can save $200 a year by using rechargeable batteries instead of disposables in one CD player used two hours a day, wow!

• Use a real camera instead of disposable ones. If you take 24 pictures each month you will save $144 each year.

Better yet, think about getting a digital camera and stop paying for pictures that didn’t turn out.

• Try using an electric razor or hand razor with replaceable blades instead of disposable razors.

• Also, save to buy high-quality/longlife tires, they cost less per mile traveled and provide for better gas mileage.

• To reduce all those disposable cups, use a washable commuter mug for your morning coffee and eliminate a foam or plastic cup every day (that one should be a no-brainer).

• Bring your own bags to the grocery store, either cloth or your old used paper and plastic bags from a previous trip.

Many stores will credit your bill for using your own bags. Also, when buying only a few items, don’t take a bag.

• To preserve the life of your appliances, computers, tools and cars, keep them clean and serviced. That way they will enjoy an even longer life before you will have to replace them.

• Consider sharing equipment or renting items from rental stores that may be

DECEMBER 8, 2010 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 37

Jingling right along

Christmas at the Forts – featuring horse-drawn wagon rides, sled dog runs, music, food and drink – continues at Forts Folle Avoine Historical Park this Saturday, Dec. 11. Visitors will be welcome to join the festivities from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. There is no admission charge to the grounds but various activities and food items will require a charge – all funds raised help fund the year-round programs of the historic site.

Santa and Mrs. Claus will be on hand once again at the Karlsborg Schoolhouse, while blacksmithing and a fur trade story teller will also lend their talents to the day’s frolics. Besides the entertainment, the site’s gift shop is stocked with unique items, as is an “elves store” open only to children 13 and under. A special feature in the visi-

tors center is the group of Christmas trees decorated by the area’s three Lions clubs. Judges will choose the best of these, which will then be made available for purchase, via a raffle.

Meanwhile, there is other activity ongoing at the park. The Fort’s gift shop and visitors center are also open Mon-

day thru Friday, from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. each day. While the trading post area is not open during the winter (ironic, as that’s the primary season in which they were originally used), visitors can visit the sites, or just enjoy the snowy landscape of the surrounding area, on crosscountry skis. Site volunteers have laid out a trail system with several loops on which skiers are welcome at any time.

Even when the gates are closed, there is access to the trail system from the front entrance area. There are some small hills, which are fairly easy to negotiate, but which can be avoided depending on which route is taken.

It’s not only fun to ski, but to do animal tracking while en route. Tracks often seen around the Forts Folle Avoine area include those of deer, coyote, otter, rabbit, squirrel and even an occasional sighting of a fisher’s imprint turns up.

Given the snowy start to the winter this

from 1 to 2 p.m., at the Spooner Ag Research Station. Growers can learn how a variety of legume crops can be used to grow your own nitrogen and improve your soil.

There is no cost to attend. Webinars are

live, interactive distance educational seminars broadcast over the Internet. Participants will have the ability to ask questions to presenters.

For more information and to preregister, contact Kevin Schoessow, area ag de-

Folle Avoine Chronicles Woodswhimsy the gnome

year, using the park’s cross-country ski trails promises to be a marvelous outing to take in a bit of the winter’s magic.

Another great way to traverse the grounds, of course, is by way of snowshoes—actually, snowshoeing was the historic means of winter travel at Folle Avoine, a skill the fur traders/voyageurs readily learned from the Ojibwe Indians.

Again, Christmas at the Fort continues this Saturday, Dec. 11, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Forts Folle Avoine Historical Park is located on CTH U three miles west of the Hwy. 35/CTH U intersection in Burnett County’s Yellow Lakes area.

Further information is available by calling 715-866-8890 or online at www.theforts.org.

Signed, Woodswhimsy

Webinar on growing legume cover crops for profit set

SPOONER — With expensive fertilizer prices, it is a continued challenge for farmers to maximize profit per acre. In an effort to help growers learn how to offset the cost of fertilizer, UW-Extension will be hosting a webinar on Tuesday, Dec. 14,

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velopment agent, at the Spooner Area UW-Extension office at 715-635-3506 or 800-528-1914. — from UW-Extension

“A Christmas Carol” poised to set new attendance record

ST. CROIX FALLS - Festival Theatre’s holiday production, “A Christmas Carol,” is poised to set a new attendance record for the scrappy, small, professional theater overlooking the beautiful St. Croix River in historic downtown St. Croix Falls. “It’s still a little early to predict,” says Danette Olsen, executive director at Festival, “but our numbers are strong and word of mouth is in high gear. Audiences are loving this production and, in particular, are really appreciative of the stellar performance of Rob Frankel as Scrooge. One audience member claimed that Frankel provided the best ‘Scrooge transformation’ scene she had ever witnessed and that she has seen the show dozens and dozens of times. We’ve already had several very large audiences and with 10 shows to go, we very well may exceed our 2009 record set by ‘Best Christmas Pageant Ever.’”

Frankel is joined by six ensemble actors who perform all the other adult roles and the narrative voice for the story. Among the standout moments, audiences are showing delight at the joyous Fezziwig Party with Carl Lindberg playing a very memorable Mrs. Fezziwig not long after turning in a harrowing delivery of Jacob Marley’s late night visit to Scrooge. Jaclyn Johnson and Josiah Laubenstein nearly steal the show with their game of blind-

Rob Frankel as Scrooge in Festival Theatre’s production of “A Christmas Carol”

man’s bluff at Fred’s party, while Jana Lensing’s charwoman, Seth Kaltwasser as the younger Scrooge, and Holly Brimhall as Belle all show great acting agility. Ten youth from the central St. Croix Valley

provide supporting roles as the Cratchit children and other characters.

Certainly one of the most loved stories in English literature, this Charles Dickens classic tale was adapted specifically for Festival Theatre by James Walker. It is directed by Joe Wiener who performed in the 2005 production at Festival. The design team for “A Christmas Carol” has also turned in a strong performance. The set was designed by Steven Kath of St. Paul and communicates the feeling of a 19th century Dickensian streetscape.

Ellen Kirk’s costume design is superb in providing the richness of the period along with the multitude of quick changes needed to present so many characters across the span of telling Scrooge’s story.

Properties design by Gina Bonin, sound design by Justin Swanson and Joe Wiener, and lighting design by Danette Olsen all provide an imaginative touch to transport audience members to London circa 1840.

(A trailer of “A Christmas Carol” can be viewed on YouTube at www.youtube.com/watch?v=7GYHW2 W_bJM.) “A Christmas Carol” is sponsored by Amery Regional Medical Center. Tickets are $13.50 for youth and $26 for adults.

Group discounts and Flex Passes are available for this production. Ten performances remain, including Saturday

Set designer and scenic artist Steven Kath stylizes the look of 19th century London. – Photos submitted evening, Dec. 25, before the production closes with a Sunday, Dec. 26, matinee performance at 2 p.m. For additional information and to purchase tickets online see the theater’s Web site at festivaltheatre.org or call 715-483-3387. - submitted

Peggy's Fashion Rack and Gifts assisted shoppers Massage therapist Linda Baum plans to open her business, Caring Hands Massage, in Webster in spring 2011.

To help ease the stress on shoppers this holiday season, Baum used her skill to provide waist-up massages at Peggy’s Fashion Rack and Gifts, Siren, Friday, Dec. 3. Gail Landro, Grantsburg, stopped by for a massage before going for a workout at AnyTime Fitness Center. “I had heard about (the massage),” Landro said, adding, “I thought it sounded good.”

Peggy Strabel and her staff at Peggy’s Fashion Rack and Gifts, Siren, set up a shopping table designed to help children pick out gifts for the special grown-ups on their Christmas list. In this picture Strabel is helping (L to R) 7-year-old Kaitlyn, 2-year-old Caleb and 4-yearold Zach Rombach look over the selection Saturday, Dec. 4. The Rombach children looked at stay-hot mugs for Grandpa and Grandma and even a little angel with the name Grandpa on it.

(Of course, there was a little angel for Grandma, too). – Photos by Nancy Jappe

Siren Lioness Santa Day

DECEMBER 8, 2010 - INTER-COUNTY

20 10

Eighteen-month-old Megan Popham (R) and her twin sister Aubrie, clad in fancy red dresses, came from their home in Grantsburg to see Santa and Mrs. Claus at Santa Day in Siren sponsored by the Siren Lioness Club. Megan was the more venturesome of the twins, Aubrie the shy one, but neither girls seemed to be afraid of the jolly man in the bright red suit.

Each year Santa makes his appearance by riding up to Siren School in a fire truck. This year was no exception. Santa arrived at the school via fire truck at 11 a.m. after riding through town first to announce his official arrival.

A line of youngsters were waiting to present their wish list to Santa Claus at Santa Day in Siren sponsored by the Siren Lioness Club.

Because Polaroid film is no longer available, parents coming to Santa Day in Siren had to bring their own cameras to get scrapbook photos. Bradon Nutter, Webster, is shown here getting his photo taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Photos by Nancy Jappe

Santa Day in Siren is sponsored each year by members of the Siren Lioness Club. In addition to arranging for Santa’s visit, the club provides food and a bag of toys and goodies for each of Santa’s fans. Waiting for the food line to begin were (L to R) Jane Wilcox, Marilyn Lemieux, Lori Maurer, Norma Dake and Joan Chapman.

Brianna Liljenberg, Siren, didn’t seem to be afraid of the jolly man in the red suit, although there were a few children who refused to go up and get close to him.

Lioness Mary Jo Bierman was on hand to play Christmas carols on her keyboard.

Young people eager to see Santa Claus and tell him their wishes for the year were waiting outside Siren School Saturday, Dec. 4, for Santa to arrive. On his way into the school, the jolly man in red stopped to greet those who were waiting patiently for his arrival.

Dayne McKnight’s mother found his elf suit on the Internet. Dayne, who is 18 months old, was hard to contain as he wandered here and there, to the delight of watchers, in the Siren School concourse during Santa Day Saturday, Dec. 4.

Christmas at the Forts

PAGE 40 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - DECEMBER 8, 2010

DANBURY - Forts Folle Avoine was full of Christmas celebration last weekend, Dec. 3-5, and there will be more celebration this coming Saturday, Dec. 11. The festivities included all the wonders that the annual Christmas at the Fort event is famous for. Santa and the missus were

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there to visit with the children; dogsled rides and sleigh rides; warm and filling food inside and out; tales from the past with Angelique; snow to fall down in and to make snow angels in; the fascination of the blacksmith’s art; and, of course, decorated Christmas trees. – Carl Heidel

Blacksmith Chuck Awe had an appreciative audience as he worked.

Lizzy Schweitzer writes a last-minute note to Santa.

The ride is just beginning, and Cliff Maxfield and his dog team from Pawtuckaway Kennels in Danbury are already drawing smiles from the young sled rider.

Let it snow! This little one doesn’t need all the trappings of Christmas at the Fort. All she needs is a bit of snow to be happy.

So if football players get decals on their helmets for every tackle they make, does a little sweetheart like this get a heart painted on her face each time she steals one?

Photos by Carl Heidel

Food always tastes better outside, especially by a nicely burning wood fire.

The size of the horses certainly didn’t intimidate this little one who wanted to be their friend.

The smiles tell the tale. Two more kids happy to see Santa.

Santa Day 2010

DECEMBER 8, 2010 - INTER-COUNTY

Grantsburg

Kaylie LEFT: Moore was a little shy when Santa asked her what was on her Christmas list. Children had a chance to tell the big man in red all their wishes during Grantsburg’s Santa Day held the Crex Convention Center last Saturday, Dec. 4.

RIGHT: Kelsey Handy showed her wide-eyed excitement as she sat on Santa’s lap last Saturday morning during the jolly old fellow’s visit to Grantsburg on Saturday, Dec. 4.

Billie Webb, dressed in her best elf attire, tended to her aunt’s horse outside the Crex Convention Center last Saturday during Grantsburg’s Santa Day. Rowdy donned his reindeer ears and antlers, delighting the children dropping by for a visit with Santa.

Photos by Priscilla Bauer

Two-and-a-half-year-old Austin Meyer played peek-a-boo behind a big lollypop as he listened to story time during Grantsburg’s Santa Day last Saturday at the Crex Convention Center.

Four-year-old Aden Erickson couldn’t be distracted as he concentrated on coloring a snowflake ornament at Grantsburg Santa Day last Saturday morning.

Got milk? Ronnie Anderson was one of many kids munching on Santa’s favorite treat, cookies, during Grantsburg Santa Day last Saturday morning.

Threeyear-old Lydia Meyer held on to her Santa bookmark as she listened intently to stories about St. Nick during Grantsburg’s Santa Day last Saturday.

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St. Croix Falls Rivertown Holiday

PAGE 42 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - DECEMBER 8, 2010

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Caroling at the Overlook Deck.

Santa Claus visited St. Croix Falls as part of the Rivertown Holiday.

The St. Croix Falls High School choir sang outside the library under the direction of Shawn Gudmunsen while some of the kids helped hang the ornaments.

Sheep were part of the Rivertown Holiday event the weekend of Dec. 4.

Photos by Julie Herrick

Children were busy making ornaments at the St. Croix Falls Public Library during the St. Croix Falls Rivertown Holiday event the weekend of Dec. 4.

RIGHT: Santa had some help from Amy and Katie Herrick who handed out candy canes, magnets and “reindeer food.”

THANK YOU

The ornaments were hung outside on the trees in the library’s plaza. The trees, donated from Abrahamson’s Nursery and the St. Croix Falls Lions, were decorated with pinecone ornaments kids could make at the Overlook during caroling.

The St. Croix Falls Rivertown Holiday Planning Committee wishes to thank the following for their contributions to our weekend events: Mix 105 Radio Abrahamson Nelson Tree and Nurseries Landscape Bank Mutual Northern Lights 4-H Business The Reddy Family Improvement Rivertown Committee District (BID) Members Bont Chiropractic River Valley Graphics Cindy Stimmler & SCF HS Concert Choir Bill Perron SCF HS Music Clayton’s Hardware Boosters Hank SCF HS National Coffee Time Honor Society The Copy Shop Downtown Businesses SCF Lions Club SCF Middle School Falls Chamber of SCF Public Library Commerce St. Croix Regional Festival Theatre Medical Center The cast of Tangen Drug “A Christmas Carol” Uptown Floral The Herrick Family LuAnn Uhrhammer Josh and Jenna The Valley Wire Lindseth Wal-Mart Lucky Cup The Jay Yunker Family Luhrs/Bjornson Artworks And Santa!

MarketPlace 526987 Judy Minke 16Lp

Thank you!

EDUCATION VIBRATIONS

DECEMBER 8, 2010 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 43

Seventh grade

Maxwell Dehmer, John Dikkers, Kerrigan Ekholm, Devyn Ellefson, Madeline Emerson, Taylor Hawkins, Steven Holdt, Jared Hunter, Jordan Jones, Madeline Joy, Nick Mattson, Noah Mortel, Emma Pedersen, Christopher Pouliot, Derek Rennicke, William Rovney, Sarah Schaar, Parker Steen and Luke Woltz.

Eighth grade

Hailey Foeller, Reilly Giller, Jordan Hendrickson, Jenni Holdt, Derek Hutton, Kalley Lunsmann, Samuel Nelson, Tanner Nielsen, Jes Pedersen, Ketelyn Pfaff, Trent Strapon,

A honor roll Freshmen

Mariah Anderson, Jaicee Bowman, Brittany Butler, Rebekah Curtin, Austin Handy, Macy Hanson, Heidi Horky, Gustav Johnson, Haley Larsen, Jacob Ohnstad, Tiffany Peterson, Raelyn Pochman, Wendy Roberts, Katharine Rod, Brooke Roufs, Abigail Stevens, Austin Thoreen, Lars Thoreson, Hope Tucker and Keith Vollendorf.

Sophomores

Stephanie Anderson, Liliana Benge Briggs, Kayla Casey, Elizabeth Corbin, Grace Corbin, Melissa Dahl, Sean Handy, Catherine LaMere, Jacob Langevin, Johanna Lauer, Aimee Lerud, Kassandra Lien, Dakota Linke, Stacey McKenzie, Jenna Michel, Tiffani Moyer, Connor Myers, RuthAnn Pedersen, Kylie Pewe, Jacob Radtke, Jennifer Schwieger, Samantha Schwieger, Bradley Taylor, Brady Thompson and Jacob Wald.

Juniors

Zackery Arnold, April Campana, Benjamin Davis, Lucas Henneman, Thomas Labatt, Daniel Larsen, Carly Larson, Paul Lewis, Amanada Lindus, Kaelah Maslow, Nicole McKenzie, Stephanie Miklya, Shelby Morgan, David Ohnstad, Isaac Peterson, Damien Rasmussen, Kyle Roberts, Hannah Rod, Mathew Swenson, Matthew VanDeusen and Gabrielle Witzany.

Seniors

Emily Cole, Lauren Finch, Siqi Gao, Noah Gausman, Haley Johnson, Kyle Johnson, Steven LaFond, Lori Linke, Gavin Meyer,

Luck Honor Roll

Emily Warren, Farrah Welch and Krystal Zuniga.

Freshmen

Megan Bartylla, Colton Branville, Tessa Clemenson, Haley Dikkers, Casey Ekholm, Cody Engstrand, Samantha Gore, Samantha Harvey, Jillian Klatt, Camille Marsten, Connor McGinnity, Travis Muller, Noah Musial, Isabella Nelson, Darian Ogilvie, Abbie Otlo, Karsten Petersen, Whitney Petersen, Brianna Schaar and Alicia Sund.

Sophomores

Sonja Anton, Evan Armour, Jordan Bazey,

Eric Blaser, Jaimee Buck, John Denny, Ashley Dexter, Katelyn Dinnies, Cole Engstrand, Kyle Hunter, Taylor Joy, Hannah Karl, Brodie Kunze, Jacquelyn Laduke, Dylan LeMay, Leah LeMay, Geoffrey Maiden Mueller, Jillian Peterson, Logan Potvin, Kylie Rich, Alexander Richey, Avery Steen, Matthew Thompson, Cayel Wesenberg and Timothy Wortman.

Juniors

Anthony Aguado, Taylar Danderson, Brett Bartylla, Jesse Erickson, Julie Franzel, Taylor Hacker, Brandon Holdt, Michael Jenssen, Summer Johnson, Benjamin Kufalk, Caitlin Ledin, Maia Lehmann, Morgyn McGinnity,

Grantsburg Honor Roll

Tiffany Meyer, Brent Myers, Cory Niles, Seth Odegard, Dianna Olson, Lydia Pfluger, Dylan Roberts, McKenzie Ryan, Tyler Sanvig, Carissa Skifstad, Erin Stavne, Emily Swenson and Cherissa Vollendorf.

B honor roll Freshmen

Summer Anderson, Gabrielle Banks, Brianna Barnard, Brody Bonneville, Amanda Campana, Jake Carlson, Jaden Cook, Timothy Corry, Joseph Dumas, Shane Fagnan, Joseph Gaffney, Rebecca Glover, Amanda Goepfert, Zachary Joachim, Rheanna Johnson, Nathan Lewis, Jonas Miller, Samantha Nelson, Whitney Oachs, Erland Olson, Cory Peterson, Damon Roberts, Robert Timmer and Chandler Witzany.

Seniors

Rachel Anderson, Alexandra Antolin, Derek Bertelsen, Thomas Bloomquist, Will Carlson, Andrew Falk, Dylan Franklin, Lisa Gaffney, Anna Horky, Rosalie LaMere, Alyssa Lands-

Morgan Pullin, Jesse Rennicke, John Richey, Jacob Schrock, Michelle Tomlinson, Nicolas Tronrud and Hunter Wilson.

Seniors

Bryce Amlee, Karie Bartlett, Stacie Buck, Morgan Denny, Sarah Elert, David Franzel, Karissa Giller, Logan Hacker, Devin Harvieux, Kyle James, Melissa Kielty, Brady Klatt, Nicholas Leal, Neal Mellon, Megan Moore, Alec Mortel, Maxwell Musial, Devon Nelson, Genavieve Pearson, Ashlyn Petersen, Tabitha Pilz, Adrian Riedman, Lindsey Stapel, Roger Steen, Kelly Stokes, AJ Walsh-Brenizer and Kristine Wortman.

berger, Christina Larson, Steven McKinley, Kortney Morrin, Jonathan Radtke, Jadde Simmons, Tabitha Wanless, Cole White and Andrew Widell.

Luck Middle School Honor Band

Sophomores

Shepard Berreth-Doran, Sonja Colburn, Arikka Davison, Zachary Emerson, Jessica Glover, Chelsey Goepfert, Jonathan Haley, Tashina Hartley, Paige Johnson, Scott Morley, Clay Poeschl, Brandon Roufs, Brandon Ryan, Hannah VanSlyke and Mariah Zastrow.

Juniors

Anika Ames, Jenna Barenz, Cody Benedict, Daniel Biorn Haley Burkhardt, Rachel Diffee, Benjamin Dorff, Kali Fleischauer, Elizabeth Gaffney, Nolan Hanson, Jin Jeon, Alexander Jones, Darian Larson, Brandi Lee, Nicholas Lindgren, Devin McDaniel, Kelsey Meyer, Christina Moore, Kaitlyn Muellner, Cora Olson, Samantha Scribner and Nicole Ticknor.

On Thursday, Nov. 4, six Luck band students performed in the middle school honor band at the Shell Lake Arts Center. Tanner Nielsen (percussion), Kalley Lunsmann (clarinet), Jenni Holdt (alto saxophone), Jordan Hendrickson (trombone), Jes Pedersen (trumpet) and Reilly Giller (trumpet) were all members of the advanced honor band. Luck was one of 29 schools participating in the honor band comprised of 100 talented band students.

The guest conductor for the advanced band was Jeff Gottwig from Farmington, Minn. The students worked under his direction for the day and performed in a concert that evening.

Shown are Luck’s middle school honors band participants (L to R) Kalley Lunsmann, Tanner Nielsen, Reilly Giller, Jes Pedersen, Jordan Hendrickson and Jenni Holdt. - Photo by Lori Nelson

WHAT’S FOR LUNCH???

Menu LOCATION

DECEMBER 13 - DECEMBER 17

MONDAY

TUESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

BREAKFAST

BREAKFAST Yogurt/Teddy Graham.

LUNCH Chicken fajita, assorted toppings, corn OR tuna salad.

BREAKFAST Cinnamon roll.

LUNCH Mini corn dogs, baked beans, pretzel OR turkey salad.

BREAKFAST Uncrustable.

LUNCH BBQ pork on a bun, potato salad, winter mix OR chicken-taco salad.

BREAKFAST Waffle sticks.

LUNCH Grilled cheese, tomato soup, raw veggies, dip OR chicken-strip salad.

LUNCH Chicken nuggets, french fries, sliced carrots, pudding, apples, oranges, bread basket.

LUNCH Chili, bread stick, lettuce salad, corn, sliced pears, apples, oranges, bread basket.

LUNCH Meatball sub, baked potato or potato wedges, green beans, banana, apples, oranges, bread basket.

LUNCH Christmas Dinner: Creamed chicken, biscuit, stuffing, cranberries, peas, ice-cream treat, apples, oranges, bread basket.

LUNCH Brat or hot dog, buttered noodles, baked beans, applesauce, apples, oranges, bread basket.

LUCK

BREAKFAST Cereal/waffles.

LUNCH Mozzarella pizza dippers, dipping sauce, green beans, fruit sauce. Alt.: Hot dog, 7-12.

BREAKFAST Cereal/pancakes.

LUNCH Taco Tuesday: Hard, soft or bag, carrots, fruit sauce. Alt.: Pizza, 7-12.

BREAKFAST Cereal/long john.

LUNCH Chicken patty on bun, tater tots, corn, fresh fruit. Alt.: Hamburger, 712.

BREAKFAST Cereal/breakfast pizza.

LUNCH Spaghetti hotdish, hot buns, winter mix, fruit sauce. Alt.: Hot dog, 7-12.

BREAKFAST Cereal/cinnamon roll.

LUNCH Hot dog on a bun, potato smiles, baked beans, fresh fruit. Alt.: Hamburger, 7-12.

SIREN

BREAKFAST Assorted cereal and toast served with peanut butter, juice and milk.

LUNCH Hot dog, french fries, baked beans, veggies, applesauce. Alt.: Cook’s choice.

BREAKFAST Breakfast pizza, juice and milk.

LUNCH Chicken patty, wedges, coleslaw, green beans, peaches. Alt.: Cook’s choice.

BREAKFAST Assorted cereal and toast served with peanut butter, juice and milk.

LUNCH Tater-tot hotdish, Tostitos, shredded lettuce, steamed carrots, pears. Alt.: Cook’s choice.

BREAKFAST Cinnamon tastry, juice and milk.

LUNCH Chicken & gravy over mashed potatoes, dinner rolls, peas, lettuce salad, mixed fruit. Alt.: Cook’s choice.

BREAKFAST cerealand andtoast, toastjuice served Assorted cereal and with peanut butter, juice and milk. milk.

LUNCH Pizza dippers, rice, rice, corn, corn, veggies, carrots, apples pineapple & oranges.

Alt.: banana.

Cook’s celery, tidbits, choice.

Alt.: Cook’s choice.

ST. CROIX FALLS

BREAKFAST Cereal bar and toast.

LUNCH California burger/bun, potato salad, green beans, applesauce. Alt.: Spicy chicken patty.

BREAKFAST Waffles and fruit.

LUNCH Taco salad, lettuce and fixings, steamed peas, pineapple, cinnamon rolls.

BREAKFAST Scrambled eggs and toast.

LUNCH Sub sandwich, spicy fries, steamed corn, fruit juice bar. Alt.: Chicken patty.

BREAKFAST Yogurt parfait with 1 slice of toast.

LUNCH Chicken stir-fry, steamed rice, carrots, pears. Alt.: Chili and corn bread muffin.

BREAKFAST Pretzel and cheese.

LUNCH Hot dog/bun, baked chips, baked beans, peaches. Alt.: Tuna sandwich, chicken noodle soup.

UNITY

BREAKFAST Breakfast pizza.

LUNCH Hamburger and fries.

BREAKFAST Lumberjacks.

LUNCH Cook’s choice.

BREAKFAST Yogurt parfaits.

LUNCH Chili and crackers, corn bread.

BREAKFAST Cook’s choice.

LUNCH Tacos or fajitas with fixings.

WEBSTER

LUNCH Pancakes, cheese omelet, browns, peaches.

LUNCH Gordita fajita, salad, tomatoes, salsa OR hamburger gravy, mashed potatoes, corn, fruit cocktail.

LUNCH Baked potato, cheesy California veggies, ham OR BBQ pork, bun, sliced potatoes, green beans, pineapple.

LUNCH Pizza dippers, marinara sauce, garden salad, pears.

FREDERIC GRANTSBURG Each building will have their own breakfast menu.

Muffin.

Cheeseburger, salad.

LUNCH fries OR

Oriental

hash

WEDNESDAY

Bagels.

BREAKFAST

LUNCH Pizza calzones and mixed vegetables.

LUNCH Sub sandwiches, lettuce, tomatoes, fresh veggies, chips, fresh fruit.

CHURCH NEWS

PAGE 44 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - DECEMBER 8, 2010

Community choir performs at Siren

News from Bone Lake Lutheran

Unique fundraiser

Alexis Isabella Peterson was baptized into the Christian faith by Pastor Mary Ann Bowman.

– Photos submitted Mickey and John Glockzin, 715-3278114; Zion Lutheran Church of Bone Lake, Paul and Eileen Ottney, 715-4722796; or Clam Falls Lutheran Church, Rodney and Jackie Moody, 715-6532306. – submitted

MERRY CHRISTMAS COOKIE WALK Frederic

Come early for best choice of our wonderful holiday creations!

526525 5ap 16Lp

Saturday, December 11, 8 a.m. till Gone St. Luke’s Methodist Church

RUBY’S PANTRY FOOD DISTRIBUTION

at Bone Lake. The congregation members and friends donated the food, prepared it and served it up family style.

Guests brought canned goods for the local food shelf and donated over $400 in a freewill offering for local hunger issues.

You are invited to Bone Lake Lutheran Church for worship on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. Sunday school for ages 3 through adult is at 9 a.m. Christmas Eve worship services will be at 4 and 10:30 p.m., both with Holy Communion. The church is located at 1101 255th St., five miles east of Luck. All are welcome. 715472-2535. – submitted

Thursday, December 16 2 p.m.

24534 State Rd. 35/70 North of Siren

Anyone who gets hungry qualifies.

Register 30 minutes before distribution. $15 Cash Donation Bring your own baskets, boxes or carts.

Over 100 people from all around the community came to enjoy good food and fellowship on Thanksgiving Day at Bone Lake Lutheran Church. Another 38 people enjoyed the meal through home delivery and take-out orders.

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M M A A T T S S I I R R HCCH SS SSTTOO

AA

RURAL LUCK - On Sunday, Nov. 21, Alexis Isabella Peterson was baptized into the Christian faith by Pastor Mary Ann Bowman. Alexis’ parents are Shannon and Chris Peterson and her big sister is Kayla. Her godparents are Chad Strege and Jodi Peterson.

One can never have enough pie at Bone Lake Lutheran Church. Thirty homemade pies, eight turkeys, 80 pounds of potatoes and lots more good food made up the free Thanksgiving dinner

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POLK COUNTY – God’s Country Christian Book and Gift Store, Hayward, has offered three Frederic area churches a unique fundraising opportunity through the sale of a recently acquired line of Christian clothing.

Clam Falls Lutheran Church, Zion Lutheran Church of Bone Lake and Lewis Memorial United Methodist Church are selling the “I Believe” clothing line through the month of December, with 100 percent of the proceeds going directly to each church. Clam Falls Lutheran and Zion Lutheran of Bone Lake have chosen to use the money for their joint Bible Camp fund.

God’s Country Christian Book and Gift Store, owned by Andy and Debbie (Lenz) Eaton, are truly living up to their motto, “Serving the Lord by serving you” through this generous fundraising event. If you would like to see the clothing line or for more information contact any of the following: Lewis Memorial United Methodist Church,

The Community Choir under the direction of Jim Muus performed its annual Christmas concert at Bethany Lutheran Church in Siren Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 4 and 5. The choir was accompanied by Julie Strang, pianist, and Kristin Kosloski, flutist.

Soloists for the concert were Christine Sundberg, Kristin Larson, Mike Parker and Jennifer Bybee. - Photo submitted

Valley Christian School Christmas Bake Sale!

A narrative cantata with stringed instruments

Come join us at Valley Christian School for a Christmas Bake Sale. Stock up early on a great assortment of holiday goodies, including: Cookies, Pies, Breads, Candies & much more!

(Located south of the stoplight in Siren)

Refreshments Following The Free Program

527001 16-17L 6a

Saturday & Sunday, December 18 & 19 at 7 p.m.

Siren Assembly of God Church

Friday, Dec. 10, 3 to 7 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 11, 8 a.m. to Noon Valley Christian School Now Located At First Baptist Church 526919 16L

526656 5d 16L

661B West Street • Taylors Falls, MN Call 651-465-3333 for information.

CHURCH NEWS

DECEMBER 8, 2010 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 45

Eternal

Perspectives Sally Bair

Yielded and still

The gales of November came a bit early this fall in the form of a late October storm that socked much of the U.S. The waves on Lakes Michigan and Superior, in fact, topped 16 feet. The lowest barometric pressure reading ever recorded caused tornadoes, flooding rains and damaging winds that affected many of us.

Whenever I hear about huge waves battering the shores, I think about the story of Jesus who stilled a raging windstorm. He slept while his disciples fought against the waves that started to fill their boat. Fearful of perishing, they woke him, and he “arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, ‘Peace, be still!’

And the wind ceased and there was a great calm.”

(Mark 4:30-31) In this context, the words be still mean “to muzzle itself.” A similar meaning to the words is evident in Psalm 46:10, where the psalmist wrote, “Be still, and know that I am God.” In this context, we’re called to stillness—a muzzling of our lips and thoughts—before the Lord as we await his holy presence.

Being still before God requires a yielding of ourselves. Paul tells us in Romans 6:13 to “Yield yourselves unto God” rather than to the desires of our flesh. Yielding to his will comes through our time of stillness as we commune with him in prayer and meditation on his Word. When we become still before our Lord, he in turn is faithful to still any storm we face in life.

In 1902 after a time of much discouragement, Adelaide Pollard, a Bible teacher and hymn writer, wrote the popular Christian hymn, “Have Thine Own Way, Lord.” May it become your prayer this week.

Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way! Thou art the Potter, I am the clay. Mold me and make me after thy will, while I am waiting, yielded and still.

Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way! Search me and try me, Master, today. Whiter than snow, Lord, wash me just now, as in thy presence humbly I bow.

Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way!

Wounded and weary, help me, I pray. Power, all power, surely is thine. Touch me and heal me, Savior divine.

Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way! Hold o’er my being absolute sway. Fill with thy Spirit ‘till all shall see, Christ only, always, living in me.

Mrs. Bair may be reached at sallybair@gmail.com

Candlelight service set

TRADE LAKE - The Trade Lake Baptist Church will be having their candlelight service Sunday evening, Dec. 12, at 7 p.m.

The choir will be performing a musical, “Emmanuel Celebrating Heaven’s Child,” by Joel Lindsey and Russell Mauldin.

Also, the Frederic Middle School bell choir, directed by Pat Anderson, will be performing.

Come and enjoy the lighting of the candles and a message of Bethlehem’s miracle experience that will touch your heart. Refreshments will be provided.

The church is located at 20750 CTH Z, seven miles west of Frederic on Hwy. 48. - submitted

Webster/Siren Area Christian Women to meet

WEBSTER - Ladies are invited to Webster/Siren Area Christian Women’s Club meeting on Monday, Dec. 13, at First Baptist Church fellowship hall in Webster, at 2 p.m. for a dessert luncheon. Tickets will be $5.

Their theme will be Time for Christmas, and they’ll have a show-and-tell session of a favorite ornament you may bring. They will also do some Christmas carol singing.

Nancy Reimann, Arden Hills, Minn., is the special speaker, and she will share “Timeless Christmas Traditions.” She will also reflect on simplifying your celebration by staying focused on the true meaning of Christmas.

Reservations are needed, but tickets will be available at the door. Please call Jane Jeffers at 715-556-0081.

Walk-ins are welcome for this special Christmas event.

Invite a friend. They will not be meeting in January nor February, but will resume in March. - submitted

Special worship planned

BALSAM LAKE - A “Miracle Healing and Victory Service” will be held Friday, Dec. 10, 7 p.m. at the American Legion Hall in Balsam Lake.

The service will be presented by Blessed Life Ministries with guest speaker Pastor Kevin Bishop from Cornerstone Community Church in Wisconsin Rapids. Pastor Sharon Bishop will lead the worship.

For more info contact Jason at 715-220-8352. -submitted

Experience a living nativity

FREDERIC – A living Nativity is scheduled for Friday, Dec. 10, and Saturday, Dec. 11, 6:30 p.m. at Crosswalk Community Church (formerly Frederic Evangelical Free Church) at 505 Old CTH W, Frederic.

Park your vehicle in the church parking lot and step back in time to that first Christmas. Meet Mary and Joseph as they seek shelter in crowded Bethlehem.

Sing carols of celebration with the shepherds as they seek the baby heralded by angel choirs. Light the way for the wise men as they offer their gifts to the Son of God. Touch the animals that share their stable with the newborn king.

Enjoy hot cider and coffee as you are warmed by the moments that are the very heart of Christmas. – submitted

Mary, Stephanie Tido, and Joseph, Brent Crandell, watched over baby Jesus during the 2009 living Nativity at the Crosswalk Community Church (formerly Frederic Evangelical Free Church). – File photo

Baptisms at Bethany Lutheran Church On Sunday, Dec. 5, Eva and Talon Imme, children of Nicole and Adam Imme, were welcomed into the body of Christ and the mission they all share, through holy baptism. Eva and Talon’s sponsors are Erik Imme and Jesica Morse. - Photo submitted

News from the Pews at Pilgrim Lutheran

FREDERIC – On Wednesday, evening, Dec. 1, the women of the church gathered in the fellowship hall in the basement of the church for a special Christmas celebration. Devotions were presented by Vonnie Anderson who is a member of the Hope Circle. A short business meeting was held which was conducted by our fearless leader/ President Jan Berg. It was then time to give special recognition to June Fossum for her dedicated years of service as the secretary for the women of the church for over 50 years; she began in 1959. She brought the books of recorded history to pass on to the new secretary/treasurer Marlene Dahlberg. The group went over the notes of that first ALC meeting which was held on February 8, 1959. It Standing (L to R): LaVerna Petersen, Eileen Wikstrom, Jan Berg, Vonnie Anderwas interesting to note that none of the son, Marlene Dahlberg, Bryn Anderson and Karen Swanberg. Sitting: Betty 55 women that were at that first meeting Schmietendorf, June Fossum, Joan Funne and Carol Thompson. – Photo submitwent by their first name; instead, the ted register showed in attendance - Mrs. Please come join us to help give joy to other people Tom Funne, Mrs. Jens Fossum and Mrs. Willis Petersen through music since it is the season for giving. who were all at this meeting and known by Joan, June Pilgrim invites everyone to join them for Sunday and LaVerna. My how times have changed. The women morning worship services that begin at 10 a.m. At 9:15 sat around reminiscing of what the church used to be a.m. Mary Nelson is in charge of playtime for parents like. Before eating the dessert that was made by mem- and young children from birth to age 3. Parents and their bers of the Hope Circle, several games were played to children sing songs as well as learn children’s Bible stolighten the mood and to get into the Christmas spirit of ries. For more information please call the church office having fun and celebrating. at 715-327-8012 or go to their Web site Worship this past Sunday, the second Sunday of Ad- www.pilgrimlutheranfrederic.org. - submitted vent, was conducted by the Rev. Andrew Hinwood, who is our interim pastor. The season of Advent begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas. Advent is the church’s name for the turning of autumn into winter.

One of the definitions in the dictionary is “the coming of Christ into the world.” In this season of Advent, we are Old-Fashioned Christmas Program waiting and preparing to celebrate the birth of baby Saturday, Dec. 18, 2010 Jesus. During worship the children gave us a sneak preFellowship & Refreshments at 6 p.m. Program at 7 p.m. view of one of the songs they will be singing at their Pastor Carl Heidel leading Worship Service Christmas program on Wednesday, Dec. 22, at 7 p.m.

Also: The title of the song was “No Ordinary Night” and they sang it with gusto!

TRADE LAKE TOWN HALL The public is invited to join the youth group and memOpen House - Serving Refreshments 5-6 p.m. bers of Pilgrim as they go caroling around Frederic on Park at the town hall, ride the shuttle bus to the church. Shuttle 526794 16-17Lp service starting at 6 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 12, after worship services. Dress warm, bring your voices and sheet music will be provided.

TRADE LAKE SWEDISH MISSION CHURCH

Ecumenical Choir

PAGE 46 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - DECEMBER 8, 2010

The Ecumenical Choir is made up of members from nearly two dozen local churches in three counties and two states.

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RIGHT: Unity senior Nate Dorrance was the solo trumpeter, while Lois Hemingway provided the piano backing for the evening.

Photos by Greg Marsten

The Fristad Lutheran Church bell choir helped with the background music and performed several numbers as well, during the “Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols” Sunday evening, Dec. 5, in Centuria.

OBITUARIES Charles Lamson

Charles Lamson, 83, Grantsburg, died Dec. 5, 2010, at the Burnett Medical Center in Grantsburg.

A graveside service with military rites will be held in the spring.

The Edling Funeral Home of Grantsburg was entrusted with arrangements.

Judy J. Basacker

Judy J. Basacker, 66, Osceola, died Nov. 30, 2010, at the Good Samaritan Center, St. Croix Falls.

She is surivived by her son, Richard (Carol) Loomis; daughter, C.J. Basacker; several grandchildren; sister, Carol Theimert; and brother, Donald Schlenz Jr. Funeral services were held on Saturday, Dec. 4, at the Edling Funeral Home in St. Croix Falls.

The Edling Funeral Home was entrusted with arrangements.

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BOYD DUNCAN

They say time heals all sorrows, and helps us to forget, But time so far has only proven, how much we miss you yet.

God gave us strength to take it, and courage to bear the blow, But what it meant to lose you, no one will ever know.

Love, 526860 Eleanor, Twyla, Kevin, Joannie 16Lp and Family

Cremation Society Of Northwest Wisconsin

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LEFT: The service began and ended with the candles being carried out by Fristad acolytes.

Maribelle Anderson

Maribelle Anderson, 95, died Nov. 9, 2010. She was born Aug. 18, 1915.

Maribelle lived in Osceola for over 30 years, working at the PepperMill and Coffee Cup. Many customers came in just to see her smiling face. She was an amazing person, always had something nice to say about everyone and always willing to help where she could.

Maribelle was preceded in death by husband Paul and sonin-law Jim Kielty.

She is survived by daughter, Paula Kielty; grandchildren, Leslie (Mitch) Thompson and Chad (Kate) Kielty; four great-grandchildren, Stefanie Hiechel, Samantha Thompson, Margo Kielty and Anderson Kielty.

A celebration service at The Big Lake Retreat, Osceola, will be held at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 12. For directions, call 651-261-4100.

The St. Croix Valley Funeral Home and Polk County Cremation Society, St. Croix Falls, were entrusted with arrangements.

Judy A. Vincent

A memorial service for longtime Frederic resident Judy A. Vincent was held Saturday, Dec. 4 at Christ Lutheran Church, Marine on St. Croix, Minn.

Judy died Nov. 23, 2010, in the presence of family.

She was born in Hudson, , graduated from Eau Claire High School (1953) and Macalester College (1957).

She taught elementary school in San Clemente, Calif., and as a substitute in Frederic.

She was married in 1957 and blessed with four children.

She is survived by husband, David; children David Jr. "Randy"(Cindy), Richard (Melanie), Robert (Kathy), and Mary (Fernando); grandchildren Kara, Kelly, David, Molly, Nicholas, Aleah, Carli and Alex; brother Jerald, and nieces and nephew. Preceded in death by parents Earl and Helen. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Christ Lutheran Church or Lakeview Hospital Foundation (oncology department or hospice unit).

The Bradshaw Funeral Home of Stillwater (651-4395511) assisted the family with arrangements.

P.O. Box 408 • 7697 Johnson St. 526446 5a 16L Siren, WI 54872

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OBITUARIES

DECEMBER 8, 2010 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 47

Robert Lee Hinschberger

Robert L. Hinschberger, 90, a resident of Frederic, died Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2010, at the St. Croix Regional Medical Center in St. Croix Falls.

Robert was born Oct. 16, 1920, in Sanborn, N.D., the son of Josephine Cassatt and Fredrick Hinschberger.

Robert was married to Lola Egge for 60 years, and to this union four boys were born. He was employed at Champion Aircraft from many years and worked at the Twin Cities Arsenal. Bob and Lola also owned and operated the salvage yard in Luck for many years. Bob enjoyed fishing and hunting with his boys, and after retiring he enjoyed traveling with his wife. Bob served in the Army Air Force during WWII. Robert is survived by sons, Craig (Sue) Hinschberger of Harris, Minn., Michael Hinschberger of St. Paul, Minn., David Hinschberger of Centuria and Dennis Hinschberger of New Richmond; grandchildren, John, Debbie, Carly, Tina and Sean; sister, Betty Arizu of Walnut Creek, Calif.; nieces, nephews and other family and friends.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Lola, on Sept. 5, 2010.

Memorial service for Bob will be held at a later date.

The Kolstad Family Funeral Home of Centuria has been entrusted with arrangements.

Barbara “Barbie” Louise Bursch

Barbara “Barbie” Louise Bursch, 44, Hudson, died Friday, Nov. 26, at the United Hospital in St. Paul, Minn.

She was born on June 11, 1966, in Hudson, the daughter of Carl and Dorothy (Schmid) Sandberg. She grew up in Hudson, graduated from the Hudson High School and went to Kissimmee, Fla., for vocational training. She returned to Hudson and began a career at Andersen Window where she has worked for almost 25 years. In 2005, she moved to Amery, where she enjoyed golf, card games, reading, being on Bear Trap Lake and her dogs: Barbie Dolls, Beau and Missy. She enjoyed being with friends and family and could always be depended on to bring the best cheese and cold-cut platter to any occasion.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Dorothy Sandberg.

She is survived by her father, Carl Sandberg; sisters, Vickie (Brian) Shultz, Jean (Bryce Peterson) Sandberg, Betsy (Steve) Sandberg and Mary (Rick) Anderson; brother, Robert Sandberg; significant other, Mike “Murph” Murphy; nieces, nephews and many other relatives and friends.

Memorial services were held Friday, Dec. 3, at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Amery with Pastor Brian Ferguson officiating. Friends may leave condolences or sign a guest book at williamsonwhite.com. Memorials are preferred to Arnell Memorial Humane Society in Amery.

The Williamson-White Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Amery was entrusted with arrangements.

Madeline H. Hanson

Madeline H. Hanson, Amery, 90, died Dec. 4, 2010.

The daughter of Robert W. Maher and Honora McCarthy Maher, she was born and raised in Pennsylvania. Madeline joined the Army Nurse Corps to serve in WWII upon graduation from nurses training. She was assigned to the 136th Station Hospital, where she met Lt. Wayne D. Hanson. They went to England in 1943 in the same unit, and they married in Oxford, England, at the end of the war. Wayne and Madeline settled in Amery after the war.

Madeline worked as a nurse at the Amery hospital and at Golden Age Manor, where she spent the last four years as a patient. Madeline was a talented sewer and quilter, a gardener and an avid reader.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Wayne; and daughter, Celeste.

She is survived by her son, Wayne D. Hanson Jr. (Margaret Scally); daughter, Mary Hanson; granddaughter, Katie Scullion (Jeff Weeks); and great-grandchildren, Hailey and Kellen Weeks.

There will be a Celebration of Life from 3 to 6 .m. at the Williamson-White Funeral Home, 222 Harriman Ave. N. Amery on Saturday, Dec. 11, to remember and celebrate Madeline’s life. A private interment will take place at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. For further information and to sign the online guest book please visit www.williamsonwhite.com The Williamson-White Funeral Home, Amery, was entrusted with arrangements.

John G. Loescher

John Gerhardt Loescher, 79, died Saturday, Dec. 4, 2010.

John was one of 11 children of Johannes Loescher and Helena Dost. He was born on April 6, 1931, in Buffalo, Minn. Soon thereafter he was also born again of water and of the Spirit in the sacrament of holy baptism. On Feb. 9, 1957, he was united in holy matrimony with LaVerne Vergin in Rockford, Minn. The Lord blessed their marriage with four children.

John was preceded in death by his wife, LaVerne, in 2009, and a sister, Esther VanBlarcom.

He is survived by children, Michael (Laura) of Star Prairie, Timothy (Lonni) of Osceola, Patricia (John) Fortner of West Pueblo, Colo., and Theresa (Jack) Rydeen of St. Croix Falls; 13 grandchildren, Lukas (Amanda) Loescher, Erin Loescher and Leah Loescher, Joshua Loescher, Beckah (Neil) Gustafson, and Tonya (Bill) Lundstrom, Scott Bierbrauer, Matthew Bierbrauer, Rick Bierbrauer, Zachary Fortner, Lyndsi (Andrew) Cottrell, Mychal Rydeen and McClayne Rydeen; five great-grandchildren; siblings, Gertrud Schreiner, Gottfried Loescher, Theodore Loescher, Christine Loescher, Waldemar Loescher, Eberhard Loescher, Joachim Loescher, Ingeburg Riedel and Juergen Loescher.

Services will be held at Trinity Ev. Lutheran Church in Osceola, on Thursday, Dec. 9, at 11 a.m., with visitation an hour beforehand. Visitation will also be held Wednesday, Dec. 8, at Grandstrand Funeral Home, Osceola, from 4 to 8 p.m. Interment will be private at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Memorials for the Grace Ev. Lutheran Church Education Fund or The Friends of China are appreciated by the family.

The Grandstrand Funeral Home, Osceola, was entrusted with arrangements.

W. Marshall Icard Sr.

W. Marshall Icard Sr., 65, Deer Park, died on Dec. 1, 2010, at the VA Hospital in Minneapolis, Minn.

William Marshall Icard Sr. was born on Sept. 12, 1945, in Hertel, the son of Luther and Leora (Chamberlin) Icard. He grew up in Hertel, and graduated from Siren High School in 1963. Marshall entered the U.S. Navy in September of 1965, and served in the Vietnam War until 1969. He was married to Judy Richter on Aug. 22, 1971, in Shell Lake, and together they raised two children, Bill and Karen.

Marshall lived and worked in Minneapolis, Minn., for several years before moving his family to Deer Park, in 1976. During this time he was employed at Ken’s Roofing and later went to work as an auto mechanic at Universal Auto Service in Deer Park. In 1987, Marshall and Judy divorced. He later went to work as a machinist at Nicelli Engineering in Deer Park, and then was employed at Buethling Manufacturing in Clear Lake.

Marshall was married to Cindy Bazille on July 29, 1989, at the United Methodist Church in Emerald, and together they raised two children, Ruby and Joe. The past few years he worked as a painter for Ferrell Propane.

In his spare time Marshall enjoyed hunting, fishing, reading Western novels and wood carving. He also coached the Forest 4-H softball team and loved working on his hobby farm. The past two years he has waged a courageous battle with cancer. He will be sorely missed by his family and many friends.

Marshall was preceded in death by his parents, Luther and Leora Icard.

He is survived by wife, Cindy Icard, Deer Park; children, Bill Icard, Deer Park and Karen Icard of New Richmond; Ruby (David) Sienko, River Falls and Joe Stauner, Deer Park; grandchild, William Icard III of Alberta, Canada; siblings, Jerry Icard, Shell Lake, Phyllis (Ken) Green, Hugo, Minn., and Jenny (Warren) Marshall, Coon Rapids, Minn.; and many nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Memorial services were held at the Deer Park Methodist Church, Deer Park, on Sunday, Dec. 5, with Pastor Mary Beth Scow officiating. Music was provided

by Ruth Hurtgen, Pookie Rosa and Nate Elmer. Honorary casket bearers were David Sienko, Austin Denotter, Shane Denotter, Dale Denotter, Gene Jurisch, Dede Jurisch, Dave Jurisch, Derrick Fouks, Mark Bazille, Jack Bazille and Kelly Sullwold. Military honors by the Clear Lake Area Veterans Memorial Honor Guard. Interment was on Monday, Dec. 6, at the Green Wood Cemetery in Emerald.

The Scheuermann-Hammer Funeral Home in Clear Lake was entrusted with arrangements.

Donald Hiller

Donald Hiller, 78, White Bear Lake, Minn., died Nov. 15, 2010, from Lewy body dementia and lymphoma at his home surrounded by his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Kate Spores; brothers, Lloyd, Frank, Roy and Gene.

He is survived by his wife, Margy; daughter, Cynthia (Robert) Huberty; grandchildren, Heather and Brandon; sister, Betty Olson; and brother, Elmer Hiller.

Don worked in construction, Hart Ski and with the White Bear Lake Schools.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, Dec. 18, 11 a.m., at St. Stephen Lutheran Church, 1965 East County Road E, White Bear Lake, Minn., with visitation one hour before at the church. Interment will be in Frederic.

Michael L. Green

Michael L. Green, 74, resident of Balsam Lake, formerly of N. St. Paul, Minn., died peacefully at his home on Friday, Dec. 3, 2010, with his wife and children by his side.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Shirley; four children, Linda (Mike) O’Keefe, Leslie Jaastad (Larry Parker), Michael (Lori) Green and Mary (Henry) Peterson; 13 grandchildren, Kimberly, Daniel, David and Jeffrey O’Keefe, Dan and Megan Jaastad, Kristina (Jamie) Sims, Kaycee, Kyle, Kaydie, Kennedy and Karsen Green and Andy Lauritsen; two great-grandchildren, Lilyana and Maleah Sims.

Michael was preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Alice Green; and sister, Lorna Christiansen.

Memorial services were held at Georgetown Lutheran Church in Balsam Lake on Wednesday, Dec. 8, at 1 p.m. with Pastor Neil Weltzin officiating.

Please continue to check our Web sites for updated information or call Bruce Rowe at 715-472-2444. Online condolences may be left at www.rowefh.com or www.wicremationcenter.com.

Rowe Funeral Home of Luck was entrusted with arrangements.

Helen G. Puls

Helen G. Puls, 91, Scott Township, died Dec. 1, 2010, at the Rice Lake Convalescent Home in Rice Lake.

Helen was born Dec. 27, 1918, to John and Sophie Gyurasko in Manhattan, N.Y. Helen grew up in Manhattan and graduated salutatorian from Julia Richmond High School in 1939. She went on to attend the Julliard School of the Performing Arts for the violin, performing her first solo debut at Carnegie Hall. She was introduced into the medical field by working with one of the New York City coroners. During the war years, she volunteered her nurse’s aide skills with the American Red Cross at Fort Monmouth, N.J. She married Donald O. Puls in New York City on Dec. 2, 1948.

Helen held a variety of positions over her long employment history. As a teenager she started out working for Macy’s Department store as a sales girl. Over the years she held other retail positions, such as working in the housewares department at Gimbels, in the incoming freight department at Dayton’s located in downtown Minneapolis, then to the upstairs cosmetic counter for Max Factor and later as a buyer for a small drugstore department at Dayton’s in the Brookdale Mall. She also worked for Allis-Chalmers in Milwaukee. During the war years, she relocated to Red Bank, N.J., where she was employed at an ammunitions factory making detonators for rockets and other military armament. Later, she relocated to California and secured a position at Lockheed Aviation Manufacturer working in the secretarial pool. She lived in at least seven different states, eventually making her home on Mystery Lake. While in the area, she worked as a CNA and home health aide for nearly 20 years and volunteered with the Alzheimer’s Respite program before retirement.

Helen enjoyed many hobbies including ceramics, caning chairs, sewing dolls, baking, casinos, hunting and was quite the avid fisherwoman. She was one-eighth pound away from winning a boat, motor and trailer in one of the local fishing contests. She also gained honorable mention in Field and Stream magazine for her catch of a largemouth bass in 1970.

Helen is preceded in death by her parents; husband; two brothers and three sisters.

She is survived by her children, Kenneth (Ellain) Puls of Germantown, Ronald Puls of American Canyon, Calif., Ginger (Jeff) Whitman of Spooner and Laura Rutland of Mondovi; 14 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Dec. 18, at 11 a.m. at Scalzo-Taylor Family Funeral Home, Spooner.

Visitation will be one hour prior to services on Saturday.

Fr. Michael Tupa will be the celebrant, and Sarah Shumaker will provide the music. Online condolences may be offered at www.scalzo-taylor.com.

Scalzo-Taylor Family Funeral Home in Spooner was entrusted with arrangements.

Edna M. Haaf

Edna M. Haaf, 70, a resident of Webster, died Dec. 5, 2010.

Memorial services were held Wednesday, Dec. 8, at 4 p.m., at Swedberg-Taylor Family Funeral Home, Webster.

A full obituary will follow in a later edition. Online condolences can be made at www.swedberg-taylor.com.

The Swedberg-Taylor Family Funeral Home, Webster, was entrusted with arrangements.

CHURCH NEWS

PAGE 48 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - DECEMBER 8, 2010

First Christmas after divorce not very merry for children

Q: My ex-wife and I have had a lot of rough holidays together, but this is our first one since our divorce. Now, we’re negotiating who gets the kids when, and it’s terrible – especially for our kids.

How can we help them have a “merry Christmas”?

Juli: Some experts on divorce have described it as a death – the death of a family, a marriage and a dream of happily ever after. As with any death, there is gutwrenching grief associated with the loss, and learning to adapt to a “new normal.”

At no time is this more poignant than at the holidays. Your kids are grieving the loss of their family as much as you are.

It’s OK to let them express that and acknowledge that this Christmas will be difficult for everyone.

Although everyone gets hurt in a divorce, the children are the most obvious victims. They had no say in what happened, yet have to live with the painful aftermath. Research indicates that one of the top predictors of a child’s stability after divorce is the health of the relationship between his parents. Whatever conflicts, wounds and feelings you have toward each other, put them aside for the

BURNETT/POLK COUNTIES - The Salvation Army of Polk County has been bringing holiday joy and hope to the less fortunate for over 100 years. In Polk County they provide rent, utility payments, transportation and medication assistance. A total of 89 percent of all funds raised in Polk County are used to support residents in the local area. With the economic downturn and job loss in the local community your help is needed more than ever.

Focus on the Family

holidays and give your children a conflict-free Christmas. I’d encourage your former wife and you to do whatever you can to work together to make the holidays smooth for your kids.

If possible, share Christmas morning, celebrating together, or pitch in together to buy your kids gifts from both of you, instead of competing for who bought more gifts. I know these suggestions may sound far-fetched given the hostility that often accompanies divorce, but your kids deserve your effort toward peace. More than any shiny package under the Christmas tree, your children most want and need to know that Mom and Dad love them and are not going to fight over them.

••• Q: Every Christmas, my kids get caught up in the desire for the latest toys and electronic gadgets. Not only is this expensive for my husband and me, but it seems to miss the point of Christ-

mas entirely. Without being preachy, how can we teach our kids that it’s not just about getting stuff?

Jim: Children have a tendency to feel that the world revolves around them.

Our culture encourages this problem by telling kids – and adults, too – to look out for No. 1. The materialism of the Christmas season only aggravates the problem.

In her book “Fun-Filled Parenting,” author Silvana Clark suggests that one of the best antidotes for self-centeredness is to volunteer as a family. It might be serving at a soup kitchen, or hosting a neighborhood bake sale and giving the proceeds to charity, or taking part in a church service project, or putting together Christmas care packages for the troops.

According to Clark, volunteering helps children learn four valuable lessons.

First, it helps them understand that they’re not the center of the universe. Second, it enables kids to learn responsibility and gain self-confidence. Third, it puts them in touch with community resources and groups that depend on volunteers.

And finally, volunteering helps kids build relationships with positive role models – men and women who have invested their lives in reaching out.

Here’s something that will really blow your kids minds: have them go through

You can show how much you care by helping the Salvation Army continue the time-honored tradition of ringing bells to raise money at Christmastime.

Please help them reach their goal of $100,000 to help tpeople in the local community.

Bell ringers will be ringing through Jan. 1 at the following sites. Please contact The Salvation Army/ Serenity Home 715-4851221 to set up a time that works for you.

Ringing sites in Polk County Luck: Wayne’s Foods Plus St. Croix Falls: Wal-Mart and MarketPlace Clear Lake: Nilssen’s Market Turtle Lake: Becker’s Balsam Lake: Balsam Lake Deli & Grocery Amery: Dick’s Market and Sav-a-Lot Osceola: Dick’s Market Frederic: Subway and Lois and Jim’s

Jim Daly

Juli Slattery

their stuff and identify a few things (in good condition) to give away to a needy family or shelter this year. Or better yet, have them pool their allowance and buy a few new items! This kind of selflessness goes against just about everything they’re hearing from the culture.

••• Jim Daly is president of Focus on the Family, host of the Focus on the Family radio program, and a husband and father of two. Dr. Juli Slattery is a licensed psychologist, co-host of Focus on the Family, author of several books, and a wife and mother of three. Submit your questions to: FocusOnTheFamily.com. Copyright 2010 Focus on the Family, Colorado Springs, CO 80995. International copyright secured. All rights reserved. Distributed by Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St. Kansas City, MO 64106; 816-581-7500.

This feature may not by reproduced or distributed electronically, in print or otherwise, without written permission of Focus on the Family.

Brought to you by:

Siren/Lewis United Methodist Churches Siren, Wis.

Salvation Army needs ringers

Lewis, Wis.

Ringing sites in Burnett County Siren: Fourwinds Market Hertel: Little Turtle Hertel Grantsburg: Grantsburg Family Foods and Burnett Dairy Danbury: Log Cabin Store Webster: Wayne’s Foods Plus – submitted

Church listings sponsored by the following area businesses: BREMER BANK, N.A. Full-Service Banking Member FDIC Frederic - Danbury - Siren

DAEFFLER’S QUALITY MEATS, INC. Wholesale & Retail Meats Custom Butchering & Processing Phone 715-327-4456

INTER-COUNTY CO-OP PUBLISHING ASSOCIATION Printers & Publishers Office Supplies Frederic, Wis. - 715-327-4236 Shell Lake, Wis. - 715-468-2314 Siren, Wis. - 715-349-2560 St. Croix Falls, Wis. - 715-483-9008

STATE FARM INSURANCE COMPANIES Corey T. Arnold, Agent Frederic, Wis. Phone 715-327-8076

BEAN’S COUNTRY GRIDDLE Hwys. 35 & 48 Downtown Frederic Phone 715-327-5513

“Your Electric Servant” Serving Polk & Burnett Counties “Use Energy Wisely”

CARLSON-ROWE FUNERAL HOME Frederic, Wis. 715-327-4475 Duane Lindh

HAULING • Gravel • Sand • Rock • Top Soil • Trackhoe 715-472-2717 Mobile 715-491-1861 1065 290th Ave. Frederic, Wis.

LUCK VAN METER’S MEATS Government Inspected Slaughtering and Processing, Sausage making • Ham & Bacon Cured & Smoked Sides and Quarters of Beef and Pork Available Old-fashioned Fresh Meat Counter Tim Van Meter and Ross Anderson, Owners Luck, WI 54853 Plant 715-472-2141

WEBSTER

ALPHA

CUSHING

CASHCO BUILDING SUPPLIES

BASS LAKE LUMBER

CUSHING COOPERATIVE SOCIETY

Complete Lumber & Building Supplies Phone 715-866-4238 Hwy. 35 N. Webster, Wis. Tom & Becky O’Brien, Owners

HOPKINS SAND & GRAVEL, INC. Sand, Gravel, Ready-Mix, Concrete, Black Dirt, Dozer Work, Landscaping & Septic Tanks Installed Hwy. 35 North Webster, Wis. Phone 715-866-4157 M.P.R.S. #03059

SWEDBERG-TAYLOR FUNERAL HOME Webster, Wis. Phone 715-866-7131

BRUCE’S AUTO REPAIR & TOWING

• Complete Line of Building Supplies & Lumber • Cabot’s Stains Grantsburg, Wis. 715-488-2471 or 715-327-8766

BURNETT DAIRY CO-OP

Feed Mill - Grain Dept.

Cushing, Wis. 715-648-5215

WILD RIVER FLAGS Jerry & Pat Willits 2815 285th Ave. Sterling Township St. Croix Falls, WI 54024 715-488-2729

1988 World Champion Cheesemaker Earl Wilson, Cheese Plant Mgr. Clif Gipp, Ag. Supply Mgr. for Feed, Propane & Fertilizer Alpha, Wis. 715-689-2468 • 715-689-2467

SIREN OLSEN & SON Your Full-Service Drugstore Siren, Wis. Phone 715-349-2221

D & L FINANCIAL SERVICES 10022 Elbow Lake Road Siren, Wis. 54872 715-689-2539

Wrecker - Flatbed Air Conditioning & Computerized Car Service - Cold Weather Starts Webster, Wis. 715-866-4100 Days 715-866-8364 Eves.

Any area business wishing to help sponsor the church listings should contact the Leader at 715-327-4236.

Churches 9/10

FREDERIC

NORTHWESTERN WISCONSIN ELECTRIC CO.

CHURCH ChurchDIRECTORY Directory

DECEMBER 8, 2010 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 49

ADVENTIST

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

ALLIANCE

ALLIANCE

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

BIBLE FELLOWSHIP

BIBLE FELLOWSHIP

WORD OF LIFE CHURCH

Meeting in homes. Elders: Cliff Bjork, Jon Zens, 715-483-1357 and 715-755-3048 Sun. Fellowship - 10 a.m.; Wed. 7 p.m.

LUTHERAN

LUTHERAN

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

Wed. Bible Study 8:30 a.m.; Wed. LOGOS 3:20 p.m.

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

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

BETHANY LUTHERAN - SIREN Hwy. 35, 1/2 blk. N. Main St. Interim Pastor Andrew Hinwood Pastoral Serv. 715-349-5280 Sun. School 8:15 a.m.; Sun. Worship - 9:30 a.m.

BETHESDA LUTHERAN - DRESSER (LCMC) www.bethesdalutheran.ws Pastor Roger Kastelle 715-755-2562 1947 110th Ave., Dresser Contemporary Serv. 8:30 a.m.; Adult Ed & Sunday School 9:30 a.m.; Sunday Traditional Service 10:45 a.m.;

BONE LAKE LUTHERAN bllc@lakeland.ws Pastor Mary Ann Bowman, 5 mi. E. of Luck on Hwy. 48, 1/2 mi. S. on I; Office - 715-472-2535 Pastor - 715-472-8153, Exploring Prayer 8:45 a.m.; Sun. Schl. 3 - adult 9 a.m.; Wor. 10:30 a.m.; Fellowship 11:30 a.m.

Holy Communion 1st & 3rd Sundays

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

CLAM FALLS LUTHERAN (AALC) Pastor Gary Rokenbrodt - 715-653-2630 Communion 1st Sun.; Wor. 9 a.m.; Sun. School 9 a.m.

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

MILLTOWN LUTHERAN

113 W. Main St.. W., Phone 715-825-2453 Pastor Danny G. Wheeler 9:15 a.m. Worship ; 10 a.m. Sunday School

NEW HOPE LUTHERAN CHURCH Pastor Emory Johnson, 715-463-5700 685 W. State Road 70, Grantsburg Sun. Wor. Serv. 9:30 a.m.; Sun. Schl. 11 a.m.

NORTH VALLEY LUTHERAN

ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC Rev. Thomas E. Thompson, 715-294-2243 255 E. 10th Ave., Osceola Masses: Sun. 10:30 a.m., Tues. 5 p.m.

Thurs. at 10 a.m. at Osc. Nursing Home

PEACE LUTHERAN - DRESSER (ELCA)

LAKEVIEW UNITED - HERTEL

PILGRIM LUTHERAN - FREDERIC (ELCA)

Tom Cook, Pastor Worship 8:45 a.m.; Sunday Schl. 10 a.m.

Interim Pastor Andrew Hinwood 507 Wisconsin Ave. N., 715-327-8012 Sun. Parents & Toddlers 9:15 a.m.; Sun. Worship - 10 a.m.

Holy Communion 1st & 2nd Sundays www.pilgrimlutheranfrederic.org

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

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

ST. PETER’S LUTHERAN - LCMC 1614 CTH B, North Luck, Pastor Rob Lubben Sunday Worship - 9 a.m.

Contact Leslie Valentine, 715-646-2390; E-mail: leslie56@centurytel.net

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

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

Holy Communion - 1st Sunday

TRINITY LUTHERAN LCMS, DANBURY Pastor Gerald Heinecke Home 715-327-8608; Church 715-866-7191 Sunday Worship Service - 8 a.m.

Holy Communion 1st & 3rd Sundays

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

Communion -Every Sunday

TRINITY EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN OSCEOLA

FRISTAD LUTHERAN - CENTURIA

YELLOW LAKE LUTHERAN

CTH H, 1/2 mi. N. of CTH A & H on H Church Off. 715-635-7791 Roger Pittman, Pastor Worship Serv. 10 a.m.; Sun. School. 9 p.m.

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

LUCK LUTHERAN 510 Foster Ave. E. Office 715-472-2605; Home 715-472-8424 Sun. Wor. Serv. 10:30 a.m.; Mon. Wor. Serv. 6:30 p.m.

GRACE UNITED - WEBSTER

2355 Clark Road, Dresser, WI, 715-755-2515 Web site: plcdresser.org Pastor Wayne Deloach, Intern Courtney Young Sun. Wor. 8:30 & 11 a.m., Sun. Schl. 9:35 a.m.

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

LAKESIDE COMMUNITY LUTH. - ELCA

ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC

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

Rev. Rexford D. Brandt 447 180th St., Osceola, 715-294-2936 Sunday Worship 9 a.m.

Communion 1st & 3rd Sunday of the month

(Missouri Synod) Pastor Jody R. Walter, 715-327-8608 Sun. Schl. - 8:45 a.m.; Service - 10:45 a.m.

Communion - 1st & 3rd Sun.

DANBURY UNITED METHODIST

HOLY TRINITY UNITED METHODIST

FIRST LUTHERAN - CUSHING

IMMANUEL LUTHERAN - FREDERIC

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

Pastor Gerald Heinecke Church Phone 715-866-7191 Sun. Schl. - 9:30 a.m.; Sun. Wor. - 10:30 a.m.

Communion 1st & 3rd Sundays

Pastors Mike & Linda Rozumalski 1 mi. west of Luck on N, 2478 170th St., Luck Sunday Worship 9:30 a.m.; Fellowship following service

Phone 715-327-4340, 715-327-8384, 715-327-8090 Interim Pastor Julie Brenden Worship 9:15 a.m.; Sun. School 10:30 a.m.

Communion - 1st & 2nd Sundays

ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST Pastor Michael J. Tupa, 715-866-7321 Cedar & Muskey Ave. - Webster Mass Sun 10:45 a.m., Wed. 5:45 p.m. (SeptMay), Fri. 9 a.m. (Summer) Sat. 8:15 p.m. on Sept. 1

CENTRAL UNITED METHODIST GRANTSBURG

Cindy Glocke, Pastor, 715-866-8646 Sunday Worship - 10:30 a.m.

WEST DENMARK LUTHERAN

GRACE LUTHERAN - WEST SWEDEN

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

OUR REDEEMER LUTHERAN, (LCMS) WEBSTER

5561 Chestnut St., Taylors Falls, MN 651-465-5265 Traditional Worship 8:30 a.m.; Sunday School & Youth 9:45 a.m.; Adult Learning 10 a.m.; Contemp. Wor. 11 a.m.

Rt. 1, Balsam Lake, WI (Fox Creek) Pastor Neal Weltzen; GT Office - 715-857-5580, Parsonage - 715-822-3001, TR Office - 715-822-3001 Wors. Serv. 10:30 a.m.; Sun. Schl. 9:15 a.m.; Holy Communion - 1st Sun. of each month

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

LIVING HOPE CHURCH

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

404 Wis. Ave., Amery, 715-268-7717 Father John Drummy, Pastor Sat. Mass 4 p.m., Sun. Mass 8 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. Sacrament of Reconciliation Sat., 3:30 p.m. or by appt.

FIRST EVAN. LUTHERAN

GEORGETOWN LUTHERAN - ELCA

ATLAS UNITED METHODIST

ST. FRANCIS XAVIER

Cindy Glocke, Pastor, 715-866-8646 Sunday Worship - 9 a.m.

Pastor Victor St. George, 715-463-5388 Worship 9:30 a.m.; Sun. School 10:45 a.m.

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

METHODIST

Pastor Maggie Isaacson, 715-825-3559 3 mi. W. of Milltown on “G” Sunday Worship - 9:15 a.m.

Holy Communion 1st & 3rd Sundays

300 Seminole Ave. (CTH M) Mark Kock, Pastor, 715-294-2828 Sunday Worship 8 a.m. & 10:30 a.m.; Summer, 9 a.m.

FAITH LUTHERAN - GRANTSBURG

METHODIST

WEST IMMANUEL LUTHERAN - ELCA

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

ZION LUTHERAN - BONE LAKE (AALC) Pastor Gary Rokenbrodt - 715-653-2630 5 mi. E. of Frederic on W, 2 mi. south on I; Sun. School 9:30 a.m.; Worship 10:30 a.m.

Communion - 1st Sunday

ASSEMBLY

LEWIS MEMORIAL UNITED METHODIST

CENTURIA ASSEMBLY OF GOD

McKINLEY UNITED METHODIST Pastor Annie Tricker Sun. Worship 11 a.m.; Sun. School 11 a.m.

Potluck dinner 1st Sunday

OSCEOLA UNITED METHODIST oumc@centurytel.net 306 River Street, Osceola, 715-755-2275 Pastor Mark Gilbert Adult Class - 8:30 a.m.; Sunday School 10 a.m.

Sunday Worship - 10 a.m.; Holy Communion 1st Sunday

ST. CROIX FALLS UNITED METHODIST Rev. Mike Weaver Sunday Worship Service - 10 a.m.

Sunday School is at 9 a.m., Nursery available

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

Souper service Wed. 5:15 p.m.

SIREN UNITED METHODIST Tom Cook, Pastor Sunday School 9 a.m.

Worship - 10:15 a.m. (Nursery available)

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

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

COVENANT

COVENANT

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

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

UNITED COVENANT - CLEAR LAKE Pastor Gary Tonn Sunday School 9:00 a.m.; Worship 10:30 a.m.

CATHOLIC

CATHOLIC

ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY Rev. Thomas E. Thompson, 715-247-3310 255 St. Hwy. 35, East Farmington Mass Friday 9 a.m.; Sacrament of Penance Sat. 3:30 p.m.

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

Tues. - Thurs. 7:30 a.m.

OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP

ZION LUTHERAN - TRADE LAKE Interim Pastor Julie Brenden 715-327-8384, 715-327-8090 Fellowship - 10:30 a.m., Sun. Schl. 9:45 a.m.; Worship 11 a.m., Communion - 1st & 2nd Sundays

PRESBYTERIAN

PRESBYTERIAN

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN

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

Pastor Father Michael J. Tupa CTHs A & H - 715-866-7321 Crescent Lake Voyager Village area.

Mass Sun. 8:15 a.m., Thurs. 11:30 a.m.

Reconciliation as per bulletin and by appt.

ST. DOMINIC - FREDERIC & IMMACULATE CONCEPTION - GRANTSBURG CATHOLIC MASS SCHEDULE Pastor: Rev. Dennis M. Mullen, 715-327-8119 St. Dominic: Sat. 4:30 p.m.; Sun. 10:30 a.m.

Immaculate Conception: Sat. 6:30 p.m.; Sun. 8:30 a.m. Call the office for daily & holy day Mass times

ST. ANNE PARISH Rev. Thomas E. Thompson, 715-247-3310 139 Church Hill Rd., Somerset Mass Sun. 8:30 a.m.; Wed. 9 a.m.

Sacrament of Penance Sun. 8 a.m.

CHURCH OF CHRIST - WEBSTER

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

Worship 10:30 a.m.

WESLEYAN

WESLEYAN

WOODLAND WESLEYAN

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

FULL GOSPEL

FULL GOSPEL

WOOD RIVER CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

SIREN ASSEMBLY OF GOD

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

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

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

EVANGELICAL

CHRISTIAN CENTER

EVANGELICAL

APPLE RIVER COMMUNITY (EFCA) Pastor Bruce Tanner, 715-268-2176 942 U.S. Hwy. 8, Amery Sun. Schl. 9:30 a.m.; Worship 10:30 a.m.

Wednesday Bible study 7 p.m.

CROSSWALK COMMUNITY CHURCH

HOPE FELLOWSHIP OF SOMERSET

CHRISTIAN CENTER

EL SALEM/TWIN FALLS CHRISTIAN CENTER

1751 100th Ave., Dresser Sunday School 9:30 a.m.; Morning Worship 10:30 a.m.

Evening Services Sun. 6 p.m.; Wed. 7 p.m.

Call Pastor Darryl Olson at 715-755-3133 for information and directions

Pastor Greg Lund, 715-327-8767 700 Churchwood Lane; 505 Old CTH W, Frederic Sun. Schl. - 9 a.m.; Morn. Worship - 10:15 a.m.; Nursery provided for all services Sat. Worship - 6 p.m., Luck Senior Center

CHRISTIAN ORTHODOX

TRADE RIVER EVAN. FREE

HOLY TRINITY ORTHODOX

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

523 1st St., Clayton, 715-948-2493 Fr. Christopher Wojcik, Pastor Saturday Vespers - 5 p.m.; Sunday Liturgy - 9:30 a.m.

BAPTIST

BAPTIST

EAST BALSAM BAPTIST - BALSAM LK. 715-857-5411 Worship Service - 9 a.m.; Sunday School-10:15 a.m.

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

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

FIRST BAPTIST - AMERY 131 Broadway St., 715-268-2223; www.fbcamery.org Pastor Charlie Butt, Lead Pastor; Nick Buda, Assoc. Pastor of Family Ministries 1st Sunday Service: 9 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.; Nursury available; Sun. School for Pre-K to 5th; Sun. School for Jr./Sr. high meet in teen center 2nd Sunday Service: 10:30 - 11:45 a.m.; Nursery available; Children’s church ages 3-4

FIRST BAPTIST - FALUN Pastor Kevin Miller Associate Pastor Steve Ward Sunday School - (all ages) - 9:30 a.m.

Church Serv. - 10:45 a.m.

Located across from elemen. school on West St., Pastor, Dr. Kevin Schumann; 651-465-7171 Sun. Morn. - Sun. School for all ages - 9 a.m.

Morn. Worship - 10:15 a.m.; Nursery provided.

SACRED HEARTS OF JESUS & MARY

CHURCH OF CHRIST

CHURCH OF CHRIST

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

Nursery and children church

OUR LADY OF THE LAKES

ZION LUTHERAN - MARKVILLE

Pastor Andy McDaniel, 715-327-8402 Sun. Schl. - 9:15 a.m.; Wor. Serv. - 10:15 a.m.; Nursery provided.; www.tradelakebaptistchurch.org

OSCEOLA COMMUNITY CHURCH

FIRST BAPTIST - MILLTOWN

Pastor Martin Weigand - 715-294-3489 Sun. Schl. 9 a.m.; Adult Bible Class 9:30 a.m.; Worship 10:30 a.m.

Pastor Tim Faust Worship - 11 a.m.; Sun. School - 10 a.m.

Holy Communion - 1st & 3rd Sunday

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

Danbury - 7586 St. Rd. 77, 715-866-7321 Pastor - Father Michael J. Tupa Mass - Wed. 5 p.m. (Summer), Fri. 9 a.m. (Sept.-May).

Reconciliation as per bulletin & by appt.

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

ZION LUTHERAN - EAST FARMINGTON (WELS )

ASSEMBLY

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

TRADE LAKE BAPTIST

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

FIRST BAPTIST - TAYLORS FALLS, MN

FIRST BAPTIST - WEBSTER Church Phone 715-866-4111; Interim Pastor Ken Hyatt; Youth Pastor Jerry Scheumann Sun. School - 9:30 a.m.; Wor. - 10:45 a.m (Nursery Provided)

GRACE CHURCH OF OSCEOLA “The Cure for the Common Church”

ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN

HOLY CROSS ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN Meeting at Zion Lutheran Church, 28005 Old Towne Rd., Chisago Lakes, MN hcomm.org Sunday Worship Service 9:30 a.m.

NAZARENE

NAZARENE

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

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

NONDENOMINATIONAL

NONDENOMINATIONAL

CENTERPOINT CHURCH “Come as you are”

Pastor Dick Enerson, www.centerpointstcroix.com, 715-294-1833, Meeting at SCF High Schl. - Main entrance 740 Maple Drive, St. Croix Falls Sunday Worship 10 - 11:15 a.m.

NEW LIFE COMMUNITY - AMERY Interim Pastor Craig Jorgenson Sunday Worship 10 a.m.; Children’s Church: K to 6th Grade

NEW LIFE CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY Meets at Dresser Elem. School, Dresser Pastor Michael Brand, 715-417-2468 Adult Class 9 a.m.; Sunday School 9:45 a.m.; Worship Service 9:45 a.m.; Nursery available

NEW WINE CHURCH - CENTURIA 309 5th Street, , 715-338-2751 Pastors Randy and Pam Stone Sunday 10 a.m.; Wednesday 7 p.m.

NORTHERN PINES FRIENDS WORSHIP GROUP 715-733-0481 or 715-733-0480 for time of meeting.

INTERDENOMINATIONAL

INTERDENOMINATIONAL

RIVER VALLEY CHRISTIAN

722 Seminole Ave., Osceola Pastor Dr. Kent Haralson; 715-294-4222 or 715-755-3454; info@gracechurchosceola.com Sun.: Praise & Worship Serv. 9 am., Adult Bible Study 10:45 a.m., Children’s Sun. School 10:45 a.m.

1289 160th St. (Hwy. 65), St. Croix Falls, 715-483-5378 Pastors Dan and Claudia Denissen Sunday Adult Bible Class 9 a.m.

(No child care available) Worship and Children’s Sunday Schl. 10 a.m.

GRACE BAPTIST - GRANTSBURG

ST. PETER’S COMMUNITY CHURCH

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

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

church directory

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INTER-COUNTY COOPERATIVE PUBLISHING ASSOCIATION • Frederic, 715-327-4236 • Siren, 715-349-2560

SHOWS AND SHOW TIMES December 10 - December 16 THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: VOYAGE OF THE DAWN TREADER (PG)

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HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS (PG-13) Fri.: 7:00, 9:40; Sat.-Sun: 1:00, 4:00, 7:00, 9:40; Mon.-Thurs.: 5:00, 8:00 UNSTOPPABLE (PG-13) Fri., Mon.-Thurs.: 5:25, 7:25, 9:25; Sat.-Sun: 1:25, 3:25, 5:25, 7:25, 9:25

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Fri.-Sat.: 1:00, 4:15 & 7:30 p.m.

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Fri.-Sat.: 1:00, 3:30, 6:00 & 8:30 p.m.

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Due To The Christmas Holiday, The Deadline For Articles & Ad Copy For The

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PAGE 50 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - DECEMBER 8, 2010

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

715-483-9008

DECEMBER 8, 2010 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 51

Students of the Week GRANTSBURG

FREDERIC

Ashley Nelson has been chosen Frederic Elementary School’s student of the week. She is in kindergarten and the daughter of Stephanie and Jim Nelson. Ashley has a twin brother, Aaron, two sisters and one other brother.

Ashley enjoys playing soccer, being with friends, watching “SpongeBob,” eating mac and cheese and reading Dora books.

Ashley wants to become a doctor some day. She is a great student and has a very bright future.

Jon Erickson has been chosen Frederic Middle School’s student of the week. He is in seventh grade and the son of David and Kerrie Erickson. Jon is a conscientious student, respectful of others, has a pleasant personality and good work ethic. He is involved in 4-H, basketball, football and soccer. Jon enjoys being outside, hunting and fishing. The greatest influence in his life have been his parents.

Sandra Kasper has been chosen Frederic High School’s student of the week. She is a senior exchange student from Hamburg, Germany, and her host parents are Becky and Doug Amundson. Sandra is very energetic and positive. She is involved in drama club, basketball and softball. Sandra enjoys playing handball, meeting friends, watching movies and listening to music. The greatest influence in her life is her grandma.

Tymber King has been chosen Grantsburg Middle School’s student of the week. She is in sixth grade and the daughter of Charley Rae and Bill King Jr. Tymber is always kind to others and consistently works hard in class. She loves music class the best and she is also active in band. Tymber keeps busy after school with Girl Scouts and 4-H.

ST. CROIX FALLS

LUCK

Brooke Linder has been chosen Luck Elementary School’s student of the week. She is in second grade and the daughter of Daryl and Heidi Linder. Brooke is a happy, polite, good worker. She has a good sense of humor and everyone enjoys her. Brooke’s favorite class is math. She enjoys roller skating and playing with her dog.

Katelyn Dinnies has been chosen Luck High School’s student of the week. She is a sophomore and the daughter of Jonn and Barb Dinnies. Katelyn does her best, is friendly and has a great outlook on life. She is involved in band, choir, solo and ensemble, drama, forensics, Girl Scouts and volleyball. Katelyn enjoys reading, art, singing and photography. Her future plans are to attend college for medicine. The greatest influence in her life is her parents.

Alaura Lemieux has been chosen Luck Middle School’s student of the week. She is in seventh grade and the daughter of Terry and Beth Lemieux.

Alaura is a great help in the art room. She also helps out at tournaments and benefits and has been in school plays. Alaura is involved in volleyball. She enjoys reading, riding bike, swimming, knitting, cooking and playing outside. The greatest influence in her life is her parents.

Jordan Lieffring has been chosen St. Croix Falls Elementary School’s student of the week.

She is in first grade and the daughter of Jessica and Don Lieffring. Jordan has a younger brother, Landen. At school Jordan loves to work really hard.

She likes reading and spelling.

When Jordan grows up she would like to be a nurse because nurses help people stay healthy.

Jordan likes to play games with her brother.

Kyle Koshiol has been chosen St. Croix Falls Middle School’s student of the week. He is in eighth grade and the son of Greg and Sharon Koshiol. He has two younger brothers, Kevin and Keegan. Kyle is involved in baseball, basketball, football and track. He enjoys being outdoors.

Kyle’s favorite subject is phy ed because he likes sports. He is a wonderful student with a big smile that brightens the room.

Maggie Wimberley has been chosen St. Croix Falls High School’s student of the week.

She is a senior and the daughter of Woody and Pat Wimberley.

She has a twin sister, Emma.

Maggie enjoys working at Appleseed’s child care, reading and spending time with friends and family. She is involved in student council, FFA and is the yearbook manager.

WEBSTER

SIREN

Andrew Lancour-Schmidt has been chosen Siren Elementary School’s student of the week. He is in pre-K and the son of Heather Lancour and Ryan Schmidt. Andrew is very helpful to his classmates and teacher. He works hard and has great enthusiasm for learning.

Kali Fleischauer has been chosen Grantsburg High School’s student of the week. She is a junior and the daughter of Brad and Debi Fleischauer. Kali is respectful, funny, conscientious and a joy to have in class. She has a positive attitude and personable nature. Kali enjoys painting, reading and listening to music. She plans to attend medical school and become a nurse practitioner. The greatest influence in her life is her brother Jory.

Amber Zak has been chosen Siren Middle School’s student of the week. She is in seventh grade and the daughter of Tami Boese.

Amber made A honor roll first quarter and is an awesome student. She enjoys basketball and being with family and friends.

Amber is a student with a lot of positive character qualities and sets a great example. She is new to our district this year and has been a great addition.

Cody Maslow has been chosen Siren High School’s student of the week. He has made exceptional progress this year, not just as a student, but as a person.

Cody has well-defined goals and plans to reach those goals. He is a member of the football team and is a great team player and leader among his peers. Cody is a pleasure to have in the classroom and has applied the lessons of the past three years in a very positive way.

Naomi Maxwell has been chosen Webster Elementary School’s student of the week.

She is in first grade and the daughter of Pat Maxwell and Chalah Mosay. Naomi is very pleasant and loves to learn. Her favorite activities at school are playing outside, eating lunch, playing with friends and doing work.

Taylor Loomer has been chosen Webster Middle School’s student of the week. She is in fifth grade and the daughter of Randy Lindberg and Rabyrda Loomer. Taylor is an excellent student and a very hard worker. She really enjoys reading and doing art-related activities, especially singing and acting. Taylor is very responsible bout completing her assignments.

She enjoys doing crafts with her sister and reading books with her.

Elise Windbiel has been chosen Webster High School’s student of the week. She is a senior and the daughter of Jamie and Eric Windbiel.

Elise’s thoughtful insights and creativeness have been a real blessing in the classroom. She is sweet and yet has a salty sense of humor that makes class more fun. Elise is a quiet leader, but she always seems to be leading in the right direction.

She is involved in band and enjoys anything involving art or music.

UNITY

Proudly Supporting Our Students Stop In or Call Us Today

Electricity • Propane 1-800-421-0283 www.polkburnett.com

Supporting our area students and their accomplishments.

INTER-COUNTY

Serving Northwest Wisconsin

2547 State Road 35, Luck, Wis. (in the Evergreen Plaza) 715-472-4088

www.sterlingbank.ws

If You Would Like To Be A Sponsor Of

STUDENT OF THE WEEK Please Call 715-327-4236

Belle Foeller has been chosen Unity Middle School’s student of the week. She is in seventh grade and the daughter of Greg and Tara Foeller. Belle is willing to share her thinking and she is kind. Belle has a positive attitude, has good humor and her leadership skills stand out. Belle is a wonderful person and a funtastic student. She respects herself and other and is conscientious.

Steven Kruger has been chosen Unity High School’s student of the week. He is a junior and the son of Robert and Janet Kruger.

Steven’s favorite subject is American literature. In his free time he enjoys playing basketball. Steven plans on attending college, joining the Army or perhaps both. He resides in Centuria.

Coming events

PAGE 52 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - DECEMBER 8, 2010

Happenings in the Upper St. Croix Valley communities

Every Day, AA &/or AlAnon, Polk & Burnett counties,

Osceola • Community Homestead Holiday Fair and Bake Sale at the community center, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., 715-294-3038.

715-931-8262 for time/location.

Every Monday, Indianhead Barbershop Chorus meets at the government center, 7:30 p.m., 715-483-9202.

River Falls • St. Croix County Genealogical Day at UW-RF library.

Class 9:15 a.m. Open 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m., 715-425-3567.

Every Tuesday, Bingo at the Burnett County Moose Lodge, Siren, 6 p.m.

Siren

Every Tuesday, Survivors of domestic violence & sexual assault support group, Polk County, 800-2617233 for location, 6-7:30 p.m.

• Ladies Night Out at The Shops at The Lodge, 11 a.m.3 p.m.

DECEMBER

• Girl Singers of the Hit Parade at Festival Theatre, 7:30 p.m.

Milltown

• Christmas cookie walk at Grace United Methodist Church, 8:30-11 a.m.

• Santa Day at the community center, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

St. Croix Falls

MON.-SAT./6-18

Webster

SUNDAY/12

• Polk County Operation Christmas at the United VFW, 715-485-8863.

THURS. & FRI./9 & 10

Grantsburg

• Community chorale will be presenting a concert in the high school auditorium, 2:30 p.m.

St. Croix Falls

• “A Christmas Carol” at the Festival Theatre. Thurs. 2 & 7:30 p.m., Fri. 7:30 p.m.

THURSDAY/9

Siren • Head Injury Support Group at Siren Covenant Church, 1-2:30 p.m., 715-349-8985.

Amery

St. Croix Falls

• Senior citizens Christmas party at Centennial Hall, 11 a.m.

• “A Stranger for Christmas,” at First Presbyterian Church, 2 p.m., 715-483-3550.

• “A Christmas Carol” at the Festival Theatre, 2 p.m.

Balsam Lake • 5th- & 6th-grade band/choir concert at the Unity school, 7 p.m.

• Red Cross class for infant/child at the Red Cross Office, 5:30-8:30 p.m., 715-485-3025, www.scvarc.org.

Frederic • 4K- through 3rd-grade holiday concert at the elementary school, 7 p.m.

Grantsburg • NARFE meets at Dreamers at noon. Reservation by Mon. noon, 715-689-2252.

Trade Lake

Icicles illuminated by small Christmas lights shine against the dark night sky. – Photo by Carl Heidel

FRI.-SUN./10 & 12 Luck

• Holiday art sale, at Café Wren. Fri. & Sat. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., 715-472-4700, www.cafewren.com.

Luck • Elementary program at the school, 7 p.m.

Siren • K-4th grade winter program at the school, 2 p.m.

• Burnett County Wrestling Club registration at the high school, 5:30-7:30 p.m., 715-377-8860.

FRI. & SAT./10 & 11 Danbury

• St. Croix T.R.A.I.L.S. youth conference at St. Croix Casino. Friday, 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m.. Powwow Saturday, 1-10 p.m., 800-236-2195 Ext. 5310 or 715-520-2272.

Frederic

FRIDAY/10 Balsam Lake

• Miracle healing and victory service at the American Legion Hall, 7 p.m., 715-220-8352.

Frederic • Christmas Tea at Crosswalk Community Church, 9:1511:15 a.m.

Luck

• Soup and sandwich supper at the school, 4:30-7 p.m.

Siren

• Living Nativity at Crosswalks Community Church, 6:30 p.m.

• Fish fry at Burnett County Moose Lodge, 5:30-7:30 p.m., 715-349-5923.

Taylors Falls, Minn.

• American Legion Post 143 fish fry, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Auxiliary craft and bake sale, 5-8 p.m.

• Valley Christian School Christmas bake sale at First Baptist Church. Fri. 3-7 p.m., Sat. 8 a.m.-noon, 651-4653333.

Webster

MONDAY/13

• Candlelight service at the Baptist Church, 7 p.m.

St. Croix Falls

SATURDAY/11 Amery

Balsam Lake

• Unity High School winter concert; band, choir, jazz ensemble, 7 p.m. in the auditorium.

Clam Falls

Lindstrom, Minn.

• Clam Falls Lutheran Church Sunday school Christmas program, 7 p.m.

• Taylors Falls Christian Women meet at the Gallery at Lindstrom Golf Course. Reservations by Thurs., Dec. 9, 9:30 a.m., 715-857-5573.

Cushing • Santa is coming to town at the community center, 9 a.m.-noon.

Danbury • Christmas at the Fort, sleigh rides, food, Santa and more, 11 a.m.-7 p.m., 715-866-8890.

Dresser • Santa will be at the village hall, 1-3 p.m.

Luck • Ice skate exchange at the school commons, 6:30-7:15 p.m., 715-472-2152 Ext. 103, amya@lucksd.k12.wi.us.

• Middle school concert at the school, 7:30 p.m.

Webster • Webster/Siren Area Christian Women’s Club meeting at First Baptist Church, 2 p.m., 715-556-0081.

TUESDAY/14

Falun • Christmas cookie walk at Trinity Lutheran Church, 9-11 a.m. or until gone.

Frederic • Therapy dog meeting at the library, 10 a.m., 715-3274532.

• Christmas cookie walk at St. Luke’s Methodist Church, 8 a.m.-until gone.

Grantsburg • Owl Hoot at Crex Meadows, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Frederic

• 4th- through 6th-grade holiday concert at the elementary school, 7 p.m.

• Booster club spaghetti dinner at the high school, 5-7 p.m.

Grantsburg • Grantsburg Christian Women meet at the senior center, 9 a.m. For reservations call 715-463-3414.

Milltown • Santa Days, 9:30 a.m. parade, 10 a.m-2 p.m. at community center.

Annual Christmas tree decorating contest

• Interfaith Caregivers toy distribution at the fire hall. Fri. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.-noon.

• Ruby’s Pantry at Congregational Church. Register 79:15 a.m. Distribution 9 a.m., 715-268-7390.

Luck

• Community club meeting at the Lions hall, 7 p.m.

A Christmas tree ornament with two turtledoves brings thoughts of the Twelve Days of Christmas.

ABOVE: The Burnett County Lions clubs held their annual Christmas tree decorating contest at Forts Folle Avoine, Thursday, Dec. 2.

Judges for the contest found their task daunting since all the entries were excellent. Shown in the judging process are (L to R): Pastor Tom Cook, Gail Potvin (a volunteer at the Fort) and the Rev. Mike Tupa.

LEFT: The winning entry in the Christmas tree decorating competition was the tree of the Grantsburg Lions Club. The judges felt it did the best job of portraying the contest theme, Let it Snow.

A cardinal peeps out from the branches of a decorated Christmas tree.

– Photos by Carl Heidel