FREE BURNING  — James Gaines is just one of the recipients of the free wood available to local folks in need of firewood to help in heating costs. The wood is available to folks through the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP). Joelyn Fleisher, far right, LIEAP coordinator, was on hand to assist Chuck Chestnut, in back, and Ranee Swenson in loading the wood in Gaines’ pickup. For more information on the wood, please contact Fleisher at the North Central Area Agency on Aging, 271-7553. I-O Photo by Barb Endler

By Deanna Wakkinen, I-O Reporter

After moving it around a few times, Conrad High School librarian Ruth Fladstol knew there was something unique about a large carving in the library.

After doing some research and having an appraiser come to the school, Fladstol discovered the carving was made by well-known, somewhat famous artist John Clark. Clark was from Browning and the four by six foot carving was donated to CHS by a graduating class in the 1930’s.

John Howard came to appraise not only the large carving but also four Leonard Lopp paintings that are also hung with in the school. Howard will return a full appraisal but has suggested that the proper repairs be made to certain paintings and that all are preserved. One painting is projected to appraise for around $10,000 while the craving is estimated to be worth well over that number.

Conrad will be hosting area teachers as they train on the new Common Core State Standards testing that will be replacing the No Child Left Behind Act. The standards are designed to be robust and relevant to the real world, reflecting the knowledge and skills that young people need for success in college and careers. The standards will have emphasis on English, language arts and math.