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• TEA Party serves up grassroots politics Saturday
• St. Croix County clerk reminds that second half of taxes due July 31
• Raffle raises funds for St. Croix County Fairplex

Area voters will continue to voice their discontent with politics as usual at a second TEA Party Rally Saturday, July 18, in New Richmond.

The event is planned from 4-6 p.m. at the New Richmond Heritage Center.

A similar event was conducted earlier this year on April 15 (tax day). At that event, attendees listened to local speakers and displayed protest posters as motorists passed by Glover Park in New Richmond.

This time around, several high-profile presenters will be part of the action.

Guest speakers will include:

Stephen Moore, economics writer for the Wall Street Journal

Mark Block, state director of Wisconsin Americans for Prosperity

Jim Zeiler, grassroots organizer with Americans for Prosperity

Sean Duffy, Ashland County district attorney

Dave Ross, mayor of Superior, Wis.

David King, pastor from Milwaukee

Attendees are also asked to dress in patriotic colors and bring along tax protest signs.

According to organizer Laura Henrichsen, Osceola, the rally is designed to provide budding political activists with the encouragement and know-how to continue their fight against rising taxes, increased government spending and changing federal policies.

"Many people think the country is going in the wrong direction and there is a lot of dissatisfaction," she said. "People are saying enough is enough, and we're helping them figure out ways to get their voices heard."

Speakers will provide tips on communicating with elected officials about issues of importance, Henrichsen said, and will provide information about the current state of the U.S. economically and politically.

Henrichsen said the upcoming rally is non-partisan and is open to Democrats, Republicans and Independents alike.

"We're attracting a lot of different people. We're getting people involved who have never been involved before," Henrichsen said. "We're trying to figure out ways to be more active."

The common denominator for participants is that they are unhappy with the nation's current direction, she said.

Apart from the day's speakers, Henrichsen said there will also be opportunities for attendees to talk with others and make connections.

"We're kind of hoping to attract more people," she said.

She said the Heritage Center should be the perfect setting for the day.

Besides the nice gazebo and natural bowl area, Henrichsen said the nearby historic buildings will set the right tone for the day.

"It's a nice tie-in with the whole idea of the TEA Party," she said. "These are the ideals that America is founded upon."

Numerous TEA Party rallies were held nationwide on July 4, but Henrichsen said the New Richmond event couldn't be organized for that day.

On April 15, about 2,000 rallies were conducted across the U.S. to draw attention to growing discontent among some over how the current economic crisis is being handled. The national movement behind the rallies was begun by the American Family Association. The organization is working with former House Speaker New Gingrich's "Renewing American Leadership" effort.

For more information on the TEA Party effort, visit www.teapartyday.com or http://www.americansforprosperity.org.

The second half of the 2008 real estate tax is due across Wisconsin by July 31, 2009.

Payment may be made by mail to: Laurie A. Noble, St. Croix County Treasurer, 1101 Carmichael Road, Hudson, WI 54016.

Payment may also be made in person at the county treasurer's office in the Government Center, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. There is a night depository on the building, which will deposit directly into the county treasurer's office for after hours payments.

A raffle to help meet the goals of the Friends of the St. Croix County Fairplex "Renovations for the Generations" capital funds drive is being conducted again this year

"We're focusing on 4H and FFA Meat Animal Project this year," said Chris Libbey, Fairplex president. "As prizes, we're giving away top quality beef, swine and lamb purchased from Meat Animal Project members."

This year's prize winners will win one of the following: two sides of beef, two pork halfs and a market lamb all cut and wrapped. All ticket purchasers also get discount offers good at the following food stands: 4-H, Farm Bureau and St. Croix County Beekeepers.

Tickets are $5 each or five for $20 and are being sold by a number of organizations including 4-H clubs, FFA Alumni, St. Croix County Beekeepers and HCE (Health & Community Education).

The drawing will be July 26 at the conclusion of the Talent Show.

Like the prior two raffles, this year's Raffle has four objectives:

Create awareness for the Renovation of the Generations project

Demonstrate support of local businesses

Demonstrate that the principle stakeholders (4-H and FFA members) are willing to roll up their sleeves and work for the project

Raise money

Both in 2007 and 2008 Fairplex officials were successful on all counts with great prizes being donated by local businesses (Bernards Chrysler Dodge Jeep, Polfus Equipment and Warners Dock) and a great ticket selling job by the sales teams, particularly the 4-H clubs.

This year the supporters are off to a great start with sponsorship by a number of businesses, including Bernards Dodge Chrysler Jeep, Polfus Equipment, Deer's Locker, Ross's Glenwood City Lockers, Olson's Woodville Meats and the Glenwood City Tribune Press Reporter. The generous support of this year's sponsors covers the purchase and processing of the animals. The combined value of business sponsorships over the three years is in excess of $20,000.

"Being able to demonstrate broad base support from the community is one of the most important outcomes of the Raffle," Libbey said. "As we approach corporations and foundations for donations, one of the first questions asked is tell us about your local support and we have a great story to tell."