Ceasefire: It's all just coming together for the fixer - The Independent (London, England)

JOHN HUME'S great-grandfather was a Scottish Presbyterian, assternly devout in his Protestantism as Ian Paisley and his UlsterFree Presbyterians are today. Like Paisley, Hume reveres theScottish connection.

Sam Hume, a Berwickshire stonemason, emigrated to Donegal in themid-19th century, married a Roman Catholic and raised his childrenin his wife's faith. The Paisley line, on the other hand, neveryielded to 'Popery' and clung to the Scottish connection as alifeline to Britishness.

Hume and Paisley offer an interesting contrast. Both are bulkyand beetle-browed, hectoring in public and mildly spoken - thoughinvariably dogged - in private. They can be witty: 'When Paisleystarts to speak {in the European Parliament, of which both aremembers}, I immediately switch over to the headphones to the niceFrench girl translating him.' Paisley enjoys this sort of banter.But whereas Paisley would never jest about his origins, Hume doesit frequently.

Lord {Alec Douglas} Home, another Berwick man whose surname ispronounced 'Hume', once said to the SDLP leader: 'I always wonderedif we were related.' Hume grinned. 'Not a chance,' he said. 'Yourlot were always non-U.'

Where they differ most of all is in the style of theirrespective missions. The Democratic Unionist leader has been abanner-and-drum man all his life. Hume is an assiduous, oftensecretive networker with important political friends throughoutEurope and America.

His 30-year journey from small-town obscurity to internationaleminence has exhausted him - and damaged his health, perhapsirreparably. His attempts to draw Gerry Adams to the peace tablewere until recently as widely criticised - 'talking to terrorists'- as they are now loudly praised, though no one could convincinglydismiss Hume's abhorrence of terrorism. Since he is on a loyalistparamilitary death list, he does not know what his personal futureholds.

Hume was born in what he calls Derry and his Protestantneighbours called Londonderry in 1937. When I saw him earlier thisyear in his native city, he showed me his grandparents' tiny,terrace house in Lower Nassau Street, on the city's northernoutskirts. 'My father and mother had one room in that house, andthat's where I was born, the first of seven children,' he said withwhat seemed to be pride. His father, Sam, was a former soldier,clerk and shipyard riveter. His mother, 14 years younger, was AnnieDoherty, whose family came from Fahan on Lough Swilly in Donegal,out of which, in 1607, Ireland's leading chieftains sailed intoEuropean exile (the so-called Flight of the Earls).

By the time John Hume was four, the growing family had settledin another small, rented house (toilet in the yard) in a steep,cobbled street with a view of the Donegal hills across the border.In June 1945, the last of the Hume children was born into thisovercrowded accommodation; Sam and the four boys sharing one room,Annie and the three girls in the other.

Among Hume's memories of that time is his father emphasising thefutility of extreme nationalism. 'You can't eat a flag,' he toldhis sons. Recalling this maxim, Hume reminded me: 'The SDLP are theonly party in Northern Ireland that doesn't use a flag. We haveadopted the European socialist emblem - the rose.'

At primary school, Hume was an altar boy and did a newspaperround to boost the family income. He was clever - and pushy. At StColumb's College, a Catholic grammar school (one of the fewCatholic institutions in a city dominated by a Protestantminority), he excelled at French and football, then trained for thepriesthood. 'In those days,' he told me, 'it was almost expectedthat the eldest son would go into the priesthood.' Three yearslater, however, he dropped out of Maynooth seminary and, havingtaken a degree in French and history, took up teaching.

It wasn't enough. Hume began to emulate his father. 'He was thelocal scribe, writing letters to officialdom for neighbours whocouldn't compose their own.' Hume began to organise quizzes in pubsin the Bogside and other poor neigh bourhoods where unemploymentwas 30 per cent, to 'lift the unemployed out of their apathy'according to a former school friend.

In 1960, after a three-year courtship, Hume married Pat Hone,the daughter of a handyman from the Waterside area. A formerteacher who now organises his office and appointments, she isdeeply concerned about his workload's effect on his health. 'Isn'tshe a wonderful woman!' he said. They have three daughters and twosons, all university graduates.

Had Hume opted for a business career, it is likely that he wouldhave been successful. In their teaching days, he and his wife foundtime to run a small smoked salmon business. He helped set up ahousing association and a credit union - a community banking systemto encourage saving and money management - in London derry. Thehousing association now has 16,000 members and pounds 17m in funds.Since then, his skill in helping to attract European and Americanindustries to the city has enhanced his reputation for businessacumen.

But politics prove more attractive. In 1968, as a leader ofDerry Citizens' Action Committee, he was in the vanguard ofCatholic demonstrations for a fairer deal from the Unionistgovernment at Stormont. Self- help, civil rights and constitutionalnationalism were what he preached. 'A united Ireland, if violenceis rightly to be discounted, can only come about by agreement. Itis the people of Ireland who are divided, not the territory.'

He spent a year at Stormont as an Independent MP, and then in1969 helped form the SDLP - largely Catholic, but with asignificant Protestant minority - and steered the party through theTroubles towards 'the European democratic socialist tradition'. Indoing so, he has attracted severe criticism as well as plaudits.The New Statesman & Society recently noted his 'wordiness andthin-skinned egotism' (though acknowledging him as 'a formidablenegotiator-fixer'). His dealings with Gerry Adams prompted ConorCruise O'Brien to say that 'in supping with the Devil, he is usingtoo short a spoon'. The Unionists see him, at worst, as Adams''accomplice'; at best, as Adams' 'dupe'.

He is sensitive to criticism, though this may be due to the factthat, in Northern Ireland, even a mild distortion of a politician'swords can be fatal. IRA supporters have destroyed two of his cars.Five hooded men tried to firebomb his home in 1987. Now, the samepeople might be moved to shake his hand. Whatever the motives oneputs on his dialogue with Adams, it pushed the British and Irishgovernments into a fresh search for an accommodation with militantrepublicanism. Last February, a ceremony in Londonderry's Guildhallhonoured Hume's 25 years' service to the city as an MP, MEP andself-help missionary. The Protestant bishop described him as 'atrue democrat' and 'the key to Derry's resurgence'. Today many inUlster talk of a Nobel Peace Prize.

Last week, Hume was being hailed in some quarters as analchemist. But the process he is widely credited (or blamed) forinitiating is far from over. He knows that. Yet at everyappropriate opportunity, he will rummage in his pocket for a smallcoin, a US cent, and run a fingernail under the Latin inscription -E pluribus unum (one from the many). 'That's what I'm trying toachieve.'

People - The Charleston Gazette (Charleston, WV)

Leg injury keeps Castro from Cuban parliament

HAVANA - Saying his doctors ordered him to rest after a leginjury, Fidel Castro excused himself for the first time in 25 yearsfrom a session of Cuba's parliament - but not without complaint.

'Owing to a small accidental injury in the left leg withinflammation and other theoretical risks, the medical tyranny hasimposed upon me the terrible punishment of three or four days rest,'the Cuban president wrote in a letter read at Saturday morning'ssession by National Assembly President Ricardo Alarcon.

Castro's stamina is legendary, with frequent all-night sessionsfor meetings or study, though he has slowed somewhat in recent years.

His health is a constant source of speculation by Cuba watchers onboth sides of the Florida Straits, and rumors persist of ailmentsincluding prostate cancer, heart troubles, Parkinson's disease andstroke.

Ex-Beatle McCartney granted coat of arms

LONDON - Sir Paul McCartney has been granted his own coat of arms,which pays homage to the former Beatle's musical career and hishometown of Liverpool, a newspaper reported Sunday.

According to The Sunday Times, the crest features a liver - afanciful bird that appears on the Liverpool's arms - holding a guitarin its claw. Four curved emblems resembling beetles' backs reflecthis career with John Lennon, George Harrison and Ringo Starr.

The motto is 'Ecce Cor Meum,' Latin for 'Behold My Heart,' whichis the title of an oratorio he composed.

NATIONAL 4-H WEEK HIGHLIGHTS YOUNG PEOPLE'S ROLE IN AGRICULTURE - US Fed News Service, Including US State News

The Senate Agriculture, Nutrition & Forestry Committee issued the following news release:

More than a century ago, the first 'head, heart, hands, and health', or 4-H, clubs were formed to help improve farming practices and farm life. While agriculture and rural values remain a large part of 4-H, the organization has grown to include young people from all background and types of communities. Through after-school programs, bilingual projects, technology clubs, partnerships with the military, and many other innovative approaches, 4-H remains one of the best hallmarks of American life.

From the group of students from Clarion, Iowa who in 1906 picked good-luck clovers and gave them to their school superintendent, which sparked the idea for the 4-H emblem, to all of the 4-H youth of today living in both metropolitan and agricultural communities, I am incredibly proud of all of Iowa's 4-H'ers.

4-H has made a tremendous contribution to youth development everywhere in America, and is the nation's largest youth organization with more than 6 million participants. As the co-chairman of the Senate 4-H Caucus, I serve as an advocate for 4-H and seek to give 4-H a stronger voice in Congress. Many of the youth involved in 4-H today will become our next generation of leaders, in food, agriculture and many other fields, and in organizations and governments from local to national.

The Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008 renewed a grant program for youth organizations including 4-H to establish pilot projects in rural areas and small towns. This, in addition to 4-H club members and volunteers, is what keeps 4-H possible.

This next generation faces a significant set of hurdles when entering the agricultural sector such as high land, energy, and equipment costs. That's why as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, I worked to address these challenges in the new farm bill.

The new farm bill expanded loan programs and increased opportunities in conservation programs for beginning farmers and ranchers. The Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program was reauthorized and will help beginning farmer with the training and mentoring assistance they need to help them obtain management and marketing skills which will be vital to their future success.

The new farm bill also addresses the critical need for attracting more students to pursue careers in food and agricultural sciences. For example, the United States is experiencing a shortage of food-animal veterinarians, especially in rural areas. The National Veterinary Medical Services Act of 2003 (NVMSA) sought to address this shortage by establishing a student loan repayment program for veterinarians that agreed to work in a shortage area. However, the NVMSA program ran in to a series of hurdles during the implementation process. The 2008 farm bill addressed these issues to ensure the NVMSA program becomes an effective tool for attracting youth to a rewarding career in veterinary science.

Pueblo, Colo., Car Detailing Shop Aids with Neighborhood Redevelopment. - Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News

By Gail Pitts, The Pueblo Chieftain, Colo. Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News

Jun. 20--Jerry Santos' American Detailing shop has become something of a poster business for the Minnequa Redevelopment Corp.'s cleanup plans for Bessemer.

Santos moved the shop to 1400 E. Evans just two months ago, but the effect on the corner of Evans and Central is a light-year difference.

Gone are the junk cars and stacks of miscellaneous auto parts piled on the property; gone is the graffiti on the buildings.

In their place is a neat gravel lot surrounded by a secure chain-link fence. The building has been painted inside and out and reroofed. Several cars are parked in the lot, but they seldom stay overnight.

As Dave Balsick, president of Minnequa Redevelopment Corp., put it, 'He's the best example was had in the past couple of months of what a property owner can do to turn around and make it a place people want to come and do business. It shows what can be done with one lot at a time.'

He praised the cleanup of the old junky lot and the hard work Santos, his son and friends have done.

Tuesday, Ray Hurt brought his '37 Toyota-red Olds coupe for Santos to give him some tips on how to keep the engine clean. (Hurt will be entered in the Street Rod show this weekend.)

Santos moved American Detailing only a half-block from a shared lot on Routt and is delighted with the exposure the busy Evans and access to Interstate 25 give his business.

His son, Jesse, turned him on to detailing after he took early retirement from Colorado Mental Health Institute at Pueblo where he'd been a mental health worker for 19 years.

A Pueblo native and graduate of Central High, he served four years in security police with the U.S. Air Force and came half-a-term short of graduating from the University of Southern Colorado in psychology. During his career at the state hospital he regularly worked security at the Colorado State Fair and the dog track.

After he retired, he and Jesse -- who had been detailing cars at another shop -- put their heads together and decided there was a market demand for their services, where customers 'wouldn't have to wait a week or two to get in,' said Jesse who is shop manager.

'I try not to keep keep them (cars) overnight,' the elder Santos said. If he does, he parks them in the two-bay shop.

In addition, to waxing and full-detail work, the business can supply accessories of all kinds, from ground effects kits to custom wheels and specialize in gold-plating car emblems.

Santos credits Jesse's friends for helping spruce up the property. 'Six or seven of them came over and said 'You buy the paint and we'll paint it.' '

American Detailing is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and on Sunday by appointment and Santos says he will also pick up and deliver as far away as the industrial park. Phone is 565-2782.

To see more of The Pueblo Chieftain, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.chieftain.com

OBITUARIES.(FRONT)(Obituary) - The Wisconsin State Journal (Madison, WI)

Donahoe, Joseph W.

DARLINGTON - Joseph W. Donahoe, age 88, of Darlington, died on Thursday, March 9, 2006, at Memorial Hospital of Lafayette County after a brief illness. He was the son of Michael and Bridget (Deery) Donahoe and was born on June 25, 1917, on the family farm in Kendall Township, Wis. He graduated from Pleasant View One Room School House in 1931 and graduated from Belmont High School in 1935. He worked on the family farm with his brother and often on neighbors farms. He was involved in 4-H projects. In August of 1940, Joe attended the Reppert School of Auctioneering in Decatur, Indiana, where he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1998. After graduating he returned to the family farm to begin his auction career, conducting his first farm sale on Oct. 30, 1940. He was inducted into the United States Army on March 13, 1941, with Company D 738th MP Battalion. He was discharged on Aug. 21, 1945, after his original tour of duty had been extended to four years, five months and eight days. During his army service Joe earned the American Defense Ribbon; the American Campaign Medal; Good Conduct Medal; Southern Pacific Campaign Ribbon; World War II Victory Medal; Philippine Liberation Medal with one Bronze Star; U.S. Meritorious Unit Award Emblem; Philippine Presidential Unit Citation; six overseas stripes and one longevity stripe. As an auctioneer after the war, one of his first sales was at the Southern WI Junior Livestock Show in Madison, in October of 1945. He was to continue as an auctioneer at this event for 51 continuous years, retiring after completing his last sale in September of 1995. On April 30, 1946, Joe married Anna McDonald. In 1947 Joe was elected to the City Council of Darlington. That same year, he joined the National Society of Auctioneers, which became the National Auctioneers Association, (NAA) in 1949. In 1969 Joe was elected director of the NAA and was inducted into its Hall of Fame in 1983. In 1948, in conjunction with two partners, he built the Belmont Livestock Market Sale Barn which is still in operation today. Joe sold the first livestock sale at the Wisconsin State Fair in 1954, and served on the State Department of Agricultural Health Advisory Commission in 1960 and 1961. He joined the Wisconsin Auctioneers Association, (WAA) in 1955 and served as its president in 1959 and 1960, where he was awarded the first Auctioneer of the Year award in 1962. He was inducted to the WAA Hall of Fame in 1994. Joe was elected Commander of the local V.F.W. Post No. 5268 after having served as quartermaster of the original establishment of the post. He also served as commander of the Bates O'Brien Howe Wiegel American Legion Post No. 214 in 1946; he was the first World War II veteran to be commander he received the V.F.W. Distinguished Service Citation; Post Commander Citation as All State Commander; and the V.F.W. National Distinguished Award in 1986. He was also honored as a 50 year member of the local V.F.W. Post and of the American Legion Post in 1995. Joe was appointed as the Site Selection Committee chairman for the new Darlington High School in 1963. His career has been a rewarding one, and Joe thanks everyone that contributed to his success. He was a member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Darlington. He is survived by his beloved wife, Anna at home; his children, Mary (Dean) Rugotska of Madison, Pat (LuAnn) Donahoe of Darlington, Ann (Bob) Long of Darlington, Monica (Dan Lynch) Donahoe of Saukville, Steve (Kathy) Donahoe of Livonia, Mich., Kay (Pat Fitzsimons) Donahoe of Monroe, and Jeff Donahoe of Vietnam; 12 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, two sons, Bob (1952) and Dick (1975) Donahoe; a sister, Cecilia Donahoe; and a brother, Vincent Donahoe. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, March 13, 2006, at the HOLY ROSARY CATHOLIC CHURCH, 104 E. Harriet St. Darlington, with Father Randy Budnar officiating. Burial will be at Holy Rosary Catholic Cemetery in Darlington. Friends may call from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Sunday, March 12, 2006, at the STEIL CAMACHO FUNERAL HOME, 206 E. Harriet St. Darlington, where a rosary service will be at 3 p.m.

darlingtonfuneralhome.com (608)776-2461

Eades, Theresa A.

STOUGHTON/ FITCHBURG -Theresa A. Eades, age 40, died unexpectedly on Wednesday, March 8, 2006, near Milwaukee. She was born on Sept. 15, 1965, in Hartford, to William and Betty (Priesgen) Fath. Theresa graduated from Madison Area Technical College. She excelled in her position at Star Kirby Company Inc. Throughout her seven years at Star Kirby, Theresa received many regional and national awards. She was a loving fiancee and loving mother to Dylan and Felicia 'Madison'. Theresa enjoyed traveling, high fashion, reading, candle making and spending time with her family. She is survived by her fiance, Leroy L. Diny; children, Dylan D. Eades and Felicia 'Madison' Raye Diny; her mother, Betty Fath; and two brothers, Dennis (Jeanette) of Appleton and Curt (Karen) of Rhinelander. Theresa was preceded in death by her father; and Dylan's father, Dale Eades. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON STOUGHTON FUNERAL HOME, Hwy. 51 North at Jackson Street, at 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 12, 2006, with Monsignor Gerard Healy presiding. Visitation will be at the funeral home from noon until the time of the service on Sunday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Leroy Diny for a memorial fund.

Gunderson Stoughton Funeral & Cremation Centers (608) 873-4590 www.gundersonfh.com

Geier, SueAnn H.

OREGON - SueAnn H. Geier, age 65, passed away on Friday, March 10, 2006, at Meriter Hospital. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON STOUGHTON FUNERAL HOME, Highway 51 North at Jackson St., Stoughton, at 11 a.m., on Tuesday, March 14, 2006, with the Rev. David Handt presiding. Burial will be at Sunset Memory Gardens. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m., on Monday, March 13, 2006. A complete obituary will appear in the Sunday paper.

Gunderson Stoughton Funeral & Cremation Centers Highway 51 North @ Jackson (608) 873-4590 www.gundersonfh.com

Hansen, Franklyn 'Frank'

PORTAGE - Franklyn 'Frank' Hansen, age 85, of Portage, died on Tuesday, March 8, 2006, at Divine Savior Healthcare Hospital in Portage. Frank Hansen was born on April 25, 1920, in Port Washington, the son of Arthur and Lillian (Maus) Hansen. He served his country during WWII in the Navy. He married Bernice Hubert on May 22, 1943. Frank worked for Wisconsin Power and Light for many years, coming to Portage in 1971, until his retirement in 1982. He is survived by his wife, Bernice of Portage; his daughter, Jean (Frank) Ariano of Steamboat Springs, Colo.; his grandchildren, Jonathan F. (Alison) Ariano of Scottsdale, Ariz. and Christopher H. Ariano of Steamboat Springs; his sister, Joan Hansen of Madison; and other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his granddaughter, Julie L. Ariano in 1976. Memorial services will be held and announced at a later date. The Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage is assisting the family.

Hauser, Louis J.

MADISON - Louis J. Hauser, age 95, died on Friday, March 10, 2006, at St. Marys Care Center in Madison. A full obituary will run in the Sunday, March 12, 2006, Wisconsin State Journal.

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services 2418 N. Sherman Ave. 608-249-8257 www.ryanfuneralservice.com

Jacobson, Roger D.

WEST PALM BEACH, FLA./ STOUGHTON - Roger D. Jacobson, age 74, passed away on Thursday March 9, 2006, in West Palm Beach, Fla. Arrangements are pending.

Olson-Holzhuter-Cress Funeral & Cremation Service 206 W. Prospect Ave. Stoughton (608) 873-9244 www.cressfuneralservice.com<

Jennings, David D.

RIO - David D. Jennings, age 94, of rural Rio, died on Thursday, March 9, 2006, at Columbus Community Hospital, following a fall at his home. David was born on March 1, 1912, the second of four children, to William C. and Ruth (Cuff) Jennings at the 1848 Jennings homestead in Springvale Township, Columbia County. He attended the Jennings Elementary School and Rio High School, graduating in 1930. He farmed with his father until 1935, at which time he bought half interest in a lumber mill and worked as a carpenter and lineman for the Wyocena-Pacific Telephone Company. He served his country, serving in the Army Signal Corps during World War II. David married the former Phoebe D. Kellom in Beaver Dam on Oct. 24, 1944. Following World War II, they returned to Rio where they farmed until retirement. He was a director in the Otsego Mutual Insurance Company, a 4-H Leader and Clerk of the Town of Springvale for 22 years. He will always be remembered for his unique rope-making abilities and skills, which David was well known for. He was preceded in death by both is parents; his wife, Phoebe who died on Aug. 25, 1966; two brothers, Melvin and Norman Jennings; and a sister, Wealthy Jennings Moreland. He is survived by one son, Daniel (Ann) Jennings of Rio; two sisters, Lucy (Raymond) Murray of Menomonie and Barbara (William) Beldin of Munds Park, Ariz.; five grandchildren, Joseph Murray of Maine, Minn., Jeffrey Murray of Eau Claire, William Jennings of Rio, David G. (Rebecca) Jennings of DeForest and Lori Jennings of Windsor; five great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services for David D. Jennings will be held on Monday, March 13, 2006, at 11 a.m. at VANGEN FUNERAL HOME in Rio with the Rev. C. Keith Epps officiating. Burial will follow at the Ohio Cemetery in Rio with full military rites by Rio Legion Post #208. Friends and relatives may call on Sunday, March 12, 2006, from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. at the VANGEN FUNERAL HOME in Rio and again on Monday from 10 a.m. until the time of services at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the American Leukemia Foundation or the charity of your choice.

Vangen Funeral Home 401 Angel Way, Rio, WI 53960 920-992-3434

Meredith, Harold William

'Bud' EVANSVILLE - Harold William 'Bud' Meredith, age 69, of Evansville passed away on Wednesday, March 8, 2006, at the Don and Marilyn Anderson HospiceCare Center, Madison. Bud was born in Evansville, on March 24, 1936, son of the late Joseph A. and Esther M. (nee, Woodstock) Meredith. On April 2, 1960, in Stoughton, he was united in marriage to Eileen A. Sperloen. He was employed by Dorsey Trailers for thirty-five years until his retirement in 1989. He was a member of St. Johns Lutheran Church. Bud was passionate about farming and appreciated the beauty of nature. Above all he was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who will be dearly missed. Survivors include his wife, Eileen; his two daughters and son-in-law, Patricia (Scott) Nimz, and Susan Meredith, all of Evansville; his two grandchildren, Bradley and Sarah Nimz; two sisters, Joyce Skoien, and Helen (Donald) Olsen, all of Evansville; sister-in-law, Estelle (Reese) Walker of Madison; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends. Funeral services will be held at ST. JOHN'S LUTHERAN CHURCH, 312 South Third, on Monday, March 13, 2006, 11 a.m. with the Rev. Ron Weber officiating. Interment will follow at Maple Hill Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the funeral home on Sunday from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. and Monday at the church from 10 a.m. until time of service. Memorials to St. John's Lutheran Church Foundation or to the Don and Marilyn Anderson HospiceCare Center have been suggested. Bud's family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude to the staff at the Wisconsin Dialysis Center for their loving and compassionate care.

Allen-Meredith Funeral Home 103 W. Main St., Evansville (608) 882-5050

Moen, Eileen M.

STOUGHTON - Eileen Marie Moen, age 84, passed away peacefully at the Skaalen Home, on Wednesday, March 8, 2006, surrounded by her family. Funeral services will be held at McFARLAND LUTHERAN CHURCH, 5529 Marsh Rd., McFarland, at 11 a.m., on Monday, March 13, 2006, with the Rev. Terry Peterson presiding. Burial will be at Upper Lutheran Cemetery, McFarland. Visitation will be at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Monday. A complete obituary will appear in the Sunday paper.

Gunderson Stoughton Funeral & Cremation Centers Hwy. 51 North @ Jackson St. (608) 873-4590 www.gundersonfh.com

Nelson, Norma A.

MARSHALL - Norma A. Nelson, age 87, formerly of Marshall, passed away on Thursday, March 9, 2006, at the Columbus Community Hospital. She was born Oct. 14, 1918, in Utica, the daughter of Adolph and Olga (Ellestad) Smithback. Norma played many instruments, entertained on cruise ships and in many different states. She is survived by her daughter, Ramona Trieloff of Waterloo, two sons, Gary (Madeline) Nelson of Marshall and David (Connie) Nelson of Deerfield; a brother, Raymond (Jan) Smithback of Stoughton; seven grandchildren, Todd, Kim, Dawn, Jodie, Nicole, Ryan and Guy; six great-grandchildren, Page, Danny, Robby, Tommy, Katie and Dayton; nieces and nephews; and other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers; and two sisters. Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 12, 2006, at ST. PAUL'S LUTHERAN CHURCH with the Rev. Robert Kosky officiating. Burial will be at the West Koshkonong Lutheran Cemetery in the Town of Pleasant Springs. Friends may call Sunday at 12 noon until the time of service at the church. Memorials to the family would be appreciated. The Pederson Funeral Home, 143 S. Washington St., Waterloo, WI 53594 is serving the family.

Newcombe, Lois Joan

MADISON - Lois Joan Newcombe, age 77, passed away after a long illness, on Wednesday, March 8, 2006. She was born on Aug. 9, 1928, in Madison, to Ray and Helen (Schadauer) McQueen. Lois graduated from Edgewood High School. She worked for Democrat Printing Company (Webcrafters), where she met her future husband, Lyle Newcombe. They were married on June 3, 1950. Lois worked for 15 years at LaFollette High School as a cook, and then turned her attention to raising her family. She was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church for 46 years. Lois enjoyed playing bingo and cards, gambling trips, and loved to watch the Packers. Twins run in their family, her father was a twin, she has twin siblings, and a son and daughter, who are twins. Lois is survived by her husband of 55 years, Lyle Newcombe; three children, twins, Steve (Kris Andersen) Newcombe of northern Wisconsin, and Susan (Michael) Cotter of Sun Prairie, and daughter, Lynn Shriver of Madison; five grandchildren, Marsha, Daniel and Becky Cotter, and Tammy and John Shriver; a great-grandchild, Amy Lynn Shriver; her mother, Helen McQueen; twin siblings, Jerry (MaryAnn) McQueen, and Jean (Rudy) Chavez; and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father, Ray, in 1954; and son-in-law, Thomas Shriver. A Memorial Mass will be held at IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5101 Schofield St., Monona, at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 11, 2006, with Father John Meinholz presiding. Inurnment will be at Highland Memory Gardens. Visitation will be at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Friday, March 10, 2006.

Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Centers 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420 www.gundersonfh.com

Rider, Marie M.

MONONA - Marie Magdalene Rider, age 86, passed away at her home on Friday, March 10, 2006, surrounded by her loving family. Her beauty and grace endured to the end. Marie was born on Aug. 25, 1919, in Sauk City, to the late Armin and Emma (Lemm) Buerki. She graduated from Madison East High School in 1937, and attended the UW-Madison Nursing program. Marie was united in marriage to Willis 'Bill' Rider on Sept. 9, 1939. She was a lifelong member of Homemakers and active in Blooming Grove Historical Society for many years. Marie enjoyed gardening, quilting, spinning and weaving, tap dancing with the Tap Dance Kids, knitting and crocheting, collecting antiques and refinishing furniture. She was a loving, kind-hearted mother and a wonderful cook. Marie and Bill traveled extensively in their retirement. She is survived by her children, Gary of Morrisonville, Marie (Larry) Strahl of Sun Prairie, Craig (Donna) of Winneconne, Mark of Madison and Diane (Jack) Uselman of Monona; eight grandchildren, Donald Rider, Jason Strahl, Aaron, Amy, Ryan and Anne Rider, Frances and David Uselman; great-grandchildren, Roger and Emily; and her buddy, 'Tigger', the cat. Marie was preceded in death by her husband; and brothers, Frederick 'Fritz' and Robert Buerki. Funeral services will be held at PLYMOUTH CONGREGATIONAL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST, 2401 Atwood Ave., Madison, at 11 a.m., on Monday, March 13, 2006, with the Rev. Dr. Charles A. Wolfe presiding. Entombment will be at Roselawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Dr., from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m., on Sunday, March 12, 2006. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to HospiceCare, Inc. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Thomas Ansfield and nurses, Lisa and Sherri, St. Marys Care Center and nurse Bobbi, the East Side Hospice staff, and close friend of the family, Laurel Neverdahl.

Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Centers 5203 Monona Dr. (608) 221-5420 www.gundersonfh.com

Templeton, Michael Paul

MADISON/ BROOKLYN - Michael Paul Templeton, age 39, of Madison, died unexpectedly of natural causes on Wednesday, March 8, 2006, at his Madison home. He was born December 18, 1966, in Stoughton, the son of Ronald and Judith (Torpy) Templeton and attended school in Brooklyn and Oregon. Mike thoroughly enjoyed the outdoors including hunting, fishing, trapping, camping, snowmobiling, gardening and growing houseplants. He worked as a nursing assistant for several years and for the Department of Revenue. Mike is survived by his father, Ronald Templeton, Sr. of Brooklyn; his grandmother, Ruth B. Templeton of Evansville; two sisters, Teri Nelson of Oregon and Tammy (Mike) Gallagher of Auburndale; two brothers, Peter Templeton of Stoughton and Ronald Templeton, Jr. of Oregon; a nephew and a niece, Paul Templeton and Tia Nelson of Oregon; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins; his special friend, Hella; and many good friends. He was preceded in death by his mother, Judith in March, 2003; and his grandparents, Peter Templeton, Jr., Mahlon Torpy, Blanche Torpy and Francis Moccero. Mike was very kind-hearted and made friends wherever he went and will be sadly missed by his many friends and family. A memorial service will be held on Monday, March 13, 2006, at 2 p.m. at WARD FUNERAL HOME, Evansville, with Father Tony Schumacher of Madison presiding. Burial will follow at Maple Hill Cemetery. Friends may call on Monday for one hour prior to services at the funeral home.

Thronson, Mildred R.

MOUNT HOREB - Mildred R. Thronson, age 91, of Mount Horeb, died on Thursday, March 9, 2006, at the Ingleside Nursing Home in Mount Horeb. She was born March 4, 1915, near Argyle, to Melvin and Tina (Strommen) Framstad. She graduated from Blanchardville High School in 1932, and the Green County Normal in 1933. She earned her Bachelor's degree from UW-Platteville in 1963. She spent 40 years in education, teaching eight years in area rural schools and 32 years in the Mount Horeb Elementary School. She retired in May 1980. She married Milo Thronson on Jan. 5, 1938, he died on Jan. 5, 1944, on their sixth wedding anniversary. She was a member of Mount Horeb Evangelical Lutheran Church, of its WELCA. She was active in Sunday School, Senior Choir, Faith Circle, Church Council and the Sewing Ladies. For many summers, she worked as a guide at Little Norway. She was a member of the Mount Horeb Senior Citizens and the Sons of Norway. Much of her free time was taken up with volunteer work in the community and spending time with her family which she dearly loved. Survivors include her two daughters: Ruth Ann (Mrs. Harvey) Gelhar of Berlin and Donna (John) Ross of Madison; two granddaughters, Lisa (Bill) Lee of New London, and Karyl (Orlando) Hernandez of San Antonio, Texas; two grandsons, Brian (Sarah) Ross of Stevens Point, and David Ross of Oregon; five great-grandchildren, Timothy and Ashleigh Hernandez, Erin and Andrew Ross and Sydney Lee; a sister, Marie (Ray) Lane of DeForest; and several nieces, nephews and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Lela Hampton and Orpha Sand; two brothers, LaVerne and Ardell Framstad; and two sons-in-law, Timothy Robinson and Harvey Gelhar. Funeral services will be at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 12, 2006, at the MOUNT HOREB EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH with the Rev. David Keesey-Berg officiating. Burial will be at Perry Lutheran Church Cemetery. Friends may call from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. on Saturday, March 11, 2006, at the ELLESTAD FUNERAL HOME, 500 N. 8th. St., Mount Horeb.

www.ellestadfuneralhome.com (608) 437-5077<

Trachte, Wilton K.

WATERTOWN - Wilton K. Trachte, age 91, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, March 10, 2006. Wilton was born in Watertown on Dec. 14, 1914, son the late Ernst F. Trachte and Lydia A. (Dietzel) Trachte. On Sept. 22, 1942, he married Lucille Indra at St. Henry Catholic Church in Watertown. Wilton graduated from Watertown High School in 1931. He attended the former Northwestern College in Watertown, and graduated from Whitewater State Teachers College in 1935. He was a World War II veteran serving from 1942 until 1945, in Europe with the 94th Infantry Division. He had been employed at the Bank of Watertown, formerly the Farmers and Citizen Bank for nine years. He retired From Lindberg, a unit of General Signal in Watertown, 1979 after 23 years of employment. Wilton was a member of the Watertown Moravian Church. He was also a member of the Watertown American Legion Post No. 189. Wilton had a passion for gardening and spent much of his retirement in his yard growing vegetables and flowers. He especially loved his roses. He also enjoyed listening to polka music and sports. Baseball was his favorite. He will be remembered most for his wonderful quick-witted sense of humor. Time spent with him was always a time of laughter and fun. He is survived by his wife, Lucille Trachte of Watertown; five children, Dr. Kenneth (Kathryn) Trachte of Rancho Viego, Texas, Donna (David) Welbourne of Cambridge, Pat (Richard) Braun of Waukesha, Pam Trachte of Madison, and David Trachte of Watertown; a sister, Verna Trachte Engel of Watertown; five grandchildren, Dr. Jennifer Welbourn of Charlotte, N.C., Lisa (Rob) Renfroe of League City, Texas, Brian Trachte of Houston, Texas, Karen Braun of Winchester, Va., and Michael Braun of Madison; a great-grandson, Ryan Renfroe; and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday March 14, 2006, at 11 a.m. at WATERTOWN MORAVIAN CHURCH in Watertown. The Rev. Barbara Berg will officiate. Burial will be at St. Bernard's Catholic Cemetery in Watertown. Graveside military rites will be conducted by Watertown American Legion Post No. 189. Family and friends may call at the HAFEMEISTER FUNERAL HOME from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Monday, March 13, 2006, and at the church on Tuesday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers memorials to Rainbow Hospice would be appreciated. Many thanks go to Rainbow Hospice for the wonderful support and loving care given to Wilton and his family.

Truitt, Edna B. 'Edie'

FENNIMORE - Edna B. 'Edie' Truitt, age 81, of Fennimore, died Wednesday, March 8, 2006, at the Fennimore Good Samaritan Center in Fennimore. She was born April 7, 1924, in Boscobel, the daughter of James and Alma (Rogers) Barr. On March 25, 1945, she married Alger Truitt in Boscobel. Survivors include her husband, Alger Truitt of Fennimore; two daughters, Diane (Michael) Kulis of Cross Plains and Nancy (Ray) Fellows of Wilmore, Ky.; five grandchildren; a brother, Roger Barr of Madison; and two sisters, Alma Nolan of Bagley and Bonnie Waller of Potosi. She was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Vera Stratton and Violet Rogers; and three brothers, Wallace, Bill and Jim Rogers. Funeral services will be held at the FENNIMORE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH in Fennimore at 5 p.m. on Sunday, March 12, 2006, with the Rev. Duane Andrus officiating. Burial of cremains will be at a later date. Friends may call from 2 p.m. until the time of service at the church on Sunday. The Larson Family Funeral Home in Fennimore is assisting the family.

Valencia, Bertha C.

(nee Arenas) RACINE - Bertha C. Valencia (nee Arenas), age 56, of Racine, formerly of Madison, passed away Thursday, March 9, 2006, at her residence. Bertha was born in Colombia, Dec. 13, 1949, daughter of the late Sofia Arenas. She moved to Madison in 1978 and resided there until 2005 when she became ill and moved to Racine to be with her daughter. Survivors include her son and daughter-in-law, Elkin F. (Connie) Valencia; her daughter and son-in-law, Sandra R. (Mohamid Ali) Sherid; brothers, Jorge (Jilma) Arenas and Carlos Arenas; sisters, Carmen S. (Alfredo) Arbeladez and Maria T. Arenas; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends. Funeral services will be held at the funeral home on Sunday, March 12, 2006, at 4 p.m. with Robert J. McGlinn officiating. Interment will be held at Holy Cross Cemetery, Highway 32. Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the funeral home on Sunday from 2 p.m. until time of service.

Maresh-Meredith & Acklam Funeral Home 803 Main St. Racine (262) 634-7888

Zinkle, Robert A.

Push for Ballot Measure Angers Robey - The Washington Post

The debate over a Republican plan to have Howard County votersdecide whether it should be more difficult to raise taxes could get abit nasty.

County Council members Christopher J. Merdon (R-Northeast County)and Allan H. Kittleman (R-West County) are asking the Democratic-controlled council to approve a measure for the November ballot, acharter amendment requiring four of the five council members to agreeto future tax increases.

In an interview with The Washington Post last week, CountyExecutive James N. Robey (D) suggested the two council members werejust tired of being in the minority.

'When extremists decide through hook or crook they are going toeliminate the will of the majority, it's a problem,' Robey said.

If the council rejects the measure, as expected, Merdon andKittleman have vowed to work with the Howard County TaxpayersAssociation and the county Republican Party to gather the 10,000signatures needed to force the issue onto the ballot anyway.

The Republicans say they're pushing the issue because Robey is tooquick to raise taxes.

'When you don't have an argument on an issue, you start name-calling, and if that is the way he wants to debate the issue, thereis nothing I can do about it,' Kittleman said this week of Robey'scomments. He also said the executive is trying to scare voters intoopposing the measure by telling them that services could be cut.

Besides seeing it as bad public policy, Robey believes thereferendum would be an attack on his management skills. He said hehad no choice but to raise the income tax this year because thecounty would not have been able to pay its annual debt payments forbonds or its increased employee health insurance premiums.

Robey also accused Merdon and Kittleman of trying to use thereferendum to bolster their political careers. Both council membersare eyeing the county executive's job in 2006, when Robey can't runagain because of term limits.

'I don't think for a second this is not geared toward the 2006elections,' Robey said.

But Merdon denied that, saying: 'I think the Democrats' raisingtaxes five times in six years is a valid enough issue to run on.'

Both council members, however, can expect a continued drubbingfrom the county executive should the measure make it onto the ballot.'I believe the people of Howard County are too smart to followsomeone who leads by misleading,' Robey said.

When husband and wife Craig and Jeannette Lussi wait for the startof the 21st Columbia Triathlon on Sunday at Centennial Park, they'llbe joined by their 10-year-old son, Hunter, who also will swim, bikeand run in what is not his first, but so far his biggest, triathlon.

'Where else do I get to spend four solid hours with my son, whereI can do [the events] with him?' said Lussi, 42, a Montgomery Countyresident who with his wife is competing in their fifth ColumbiaTriathlon.

Intense athletic competition is a Lussi family tradition. Craig'sgrandfather, Gustav Lussi, was a renowned coach of Olympic figureskating champions in Lake Placid, N.Y. His father, Craig M. Lussi,competed in ski jumping in the 1960 Olympics.

'I skated literally before I could walk,' Lussi said.

During the triathlon, the Lussis' 9-year-old daughter and 7-year-old son are spending the day with their grandmother, Nancy Lussi, whotwo years ago learned to water ski at age 65.

When Bernadene Hallinan-Smith arrived at Howard Community Collegein 1971 to lead a brand-new nursing program, she knew graduates wouldneed a special event to mark their entry into nursing. In 1974, thefirst graduates received a pin with the college's emblem during aceremony organized by the students.

Through 30 years, the pinning ceremony has been an annual rite ofpassage for 1,917 graduates of the college's two-year nursingprogram.

Tomorrow, Hallinan-Smith will attend the latest pinning ceremonyto congratulate 39 new graduates and urge them to improve the healthcare system.

Hallinan-Smith, 79, was director of the program for 10 years untilher retirement in 1981.

Harriet Tubman High School was built as an all-black school in thedays before integration, but the name was never placed upon thebuilding.

That has always felt like a racist snub to the school's proudstudents and faculty.

'It always has been a sore point,' said alumnus Howard Lyles.

Now 40 years after the school closed, Tubman will finally get itsdue.

County school system officials say they will officially unveil newlettering on the building, spelling out the school's name at aceremony at 9 a.m. next Thursday.

'When I first heard the news, I said, 'Hallelujah, thank God!' 'Lyles said.

The old school building, adjacent to Atholton High School onFreetown Road, is being used for Head Start classes and storage.

But it is also seen as a cultural shrine by members of the HarrietTubman Foundation, including Lyles, the group's president.

The foundation, which had lobbied long for the name, is hopingthat someday the county will turn over the building so it can betransformed into an African American cultural center.

A dozen of Howard County's outstanding Hispanic high schoolseniors were scheduled to be honored Tuesday evening at Oakland MillsHigh School at the third annual Conexiones Convocation.

Conexiones, a Columbia-based volunteer organization, is dedicatedto promoting scholastic excellence among local Hispanic studentsthrough mentoring, tutoring, field trips and cultural events.

It has a fledgling scholarship fund that provided those beinghonored this year with checks of about $100 each to help themcontinue their educations.

The students being honored are Jessica Pagan of Atholton HighSchool; Daniel Felipe Gonzalez of Centennial High School; M. RyanCorces-Zimmerman of Glenelg High School; Sophia Berruz of HammondHigh School; Janelle Henry and Florencia Cecilia Vasta of Howard HighSchool; Laura Figueroa, Patricia Figueroa and Pablo Morales of LongReach High School; Jeffrey Morales of Mount Hebron High School; ErikaSiles of Oakland Mills High School; and Jason Barrero of River HillHigh School.

Joseph W. Donahoe - Telegraph - Herald (Dubuque)

DARLINGTON, Wis. - Joseph W. Donahoe, 88, of Darlington, diedThursday, March 9, 2006, at Memorial Hospital of Lafayette County,following a brief illness.

Services will be at 11:30 a.m. Monday at Holy Rosary CatholicChurch, 104 E. Harriet St. Darlington, with the Rev. Randy Budnarofficiating. Burial will be at Holy Rosary Catholic Cemetery,Darlington. Friends may call from 3 to 7 p.m. Sunday at Steil CamachoFuneral Home, 206 E. Harriet St., Darlington, where there will be arosary service at 3 p.m.

He was born on June 25, 1917, on the family farm in KendallTownship, son of Michael and Bridget (Deery) Donahoe. He married AnnaMcDonald on April 30, 1946.

He graduated from Pleasant View One Room School House in 1931, andgraduated from Belmont High School in 1935. He worked on the familyfarm with his brother and often on neighbors farms. He was involvedin 4-H projects. In August 1940, Joe attended the Reppert School ofAuctioneering in Decatur, Ind., where he was inducted into the Hallof Fame in 1998.

Following graduation, he returned to the family farm to begin hisauction career, conducting his first farm sale on Oct. 30, 1940.

He was inducted into the Army on March 13, 1941, with Company D738th MP Battalion. He was discharged on Aug. 21, 1945, after hisoriginal tour of duty had been extended to 4 years, 5 months and 8days. During his Army service, Joe earned the American DefenseRibbon; the American Campaign Medal; Good Conduct Medal; SouthernPacific Campaign Ribbon; World War II Victory Medal; PhilippineLiberation Medal with one Bronze Star; US Meritorious Unit AwardEmblem; Philippine Presidential Unit Citation; six overseas stripesand one longevity stripe.

As an auctioneer after the war, one of his first sales was at theSouthern Wisconsin Junior Livestock Show in Madison, in October 1945.He was to continue as an auctioneer at this event for 51 continuousyears, retiring after completing his last sale in September 1995.

In 1947, Joe was elected to the City Council of Darlington. Thatsame year, he joined the National Society of Auctioneers, whichbecame the National Auctioneers Association, (NAA) in 1949. In 1969,Joe was elected Director of the NAA and was inducted into its Hall ofFame in 1983.

In 1948, in conjunction with two partners, he built the BelmontLivestock Market Sale Barn which is still in operation today.

He sold the first livestock sale at the Wisconsin State Fair in1954, and served on the State Department of Agricultural HealthAdvisory Commission in 1960 and 1961.

He joined the Wisconsin Auctioneers Association, (WAA) in 1955,and served as its president in 1959, and 1960, where he was awardedthe first Auctioneer of the Year award in 1962. He was inducted tothe WAA Hall of Fame in 1994.

He was elected Commander of the local Veterans of Foreign WarsPost 5268, after having served as Quartermaster of the originalestablishment of the post. He also served as Commander of the BatesO'Brien Howe Wiegel American Legion Post 214 in 1946; he was thefirst World War II veteran to be commander. He received the VFWDistinguished Service Citation; Post Commander Citation as All StateCommander; and the VFW National Distinguished Award in 1986. He alsowas honored as a 50-year member of the local VFW Post and of theAmerican Legion Post in 1995.

He was appointed as the Site Selection Committee Chairman for thenew Darlington High School in 1963.

His career has been a rewarding one, and Joe thanks everyone thatcontributed to his success.

He was a member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Darlington.

Surviving are his beloved wife, Anna, at home; his children, Mary(Dean) Rugotska, of Madison, Pat (LuAnn) Donahoe and Ann (Bob) Long,both of Darlington, Monica (Dan Lynch) Donahoe, of Saukville, Steve(Kathy) Donahoe, of Livonia, Mich., Kay (Pat Fitzsimons) Donahoe, ofMonroe, and Jeff Donahoe, of Vietnam; 12 grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two sons, Bob Donahoe, in1952, and Dick Donahoe, in 1975; a sister, Cecilia Donahoe; and abrother, Vincent Donahoe.