Sitting at the busy cross roads of Highways 14, 11, and 89, I have passed Nelson's Corner Inn east of Delavan/Darien, Wisconsin many times. I have stopped in a couple of times, but the other night I was in need of a tavern burger fix. The amiable bartender came to my rescue. The grill is open 'til 10:00 p.m.; they will still serve up appetizers until midnight.

    I ordered the big cheese burger with Swiss cheese and raw onions. Said cook even asked how I wanted it done. Fries, pickle, and some good crispy cole slaw come with the deal. It is served up in a big basket which is a nice touch. Ever tried to negotiate a burger and fries in a tiny plastic basket? I ate every crumb - a good sign. The whole presentation with a Diet Pepsi and tip set me back about 10 Bucks. 

    They advertise an all-you-can-eat Friday night fish fry for $9.95. And, it starts the old fashioned way, at 11:00 a.m. in the morning. The bartender said they offer a choice of fries, hush puppies, or home made potato pancakes. 

    They brag up a two-for-one burger night on Wednesdays. That might inspire a short spring road trip on the teal and cream Harley. 

    Corner Inn is a favorite pit stop for snowmobilers on the prowl. The night I popped in, a few sat in the back area talking shop - helmets and gear strewn about the tables. The place is warm on a cold night - a criteria I insist on if a joint is to get on any of my lists. The bar is good and solid wood and there is a good foot rail. 

    Nelson's Corner Inn is cool with Cool Dadio. Find them officially at W9002 Highway 11, Darien, Wisconsin. But remember they are at the cross roads across the road from Vegas Gentlemens' Club. Call (262)  882  -  5454 for more information. Or, visit their Web site at:  www.nelsonscornersinn.com .

              Wisconsin Military Service Person Special Mention of the Week
    (each week Cooldadiomedia mentions a Wisconsin service person killed in Iraq or Afghanistan) 

    This week's Wisconsin soldier to remember is Sergeant First Class Donald W. Eacho, 38, U.S. Army, who was killed on Friday, March 4, 2005. Eacho was killed when a roadside bomb detonated near his unit in Ramadi, Iraq. He had been in the Army for 17 years. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel mentioned Eacho was had lived in Brookfield, Kenosha, and as well, in the town of Black Creek near Appleton, Wisconsin. Eacho and his wife Bonnie and two sons had a home in Watertown, New York while he was in Iraq. The Journal Sentinel went on to say Donald had joined the National Guard in his senior year at Seymour High School after moving to Black Creek. He then joined the regular Army after graduation. Eacho was in Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division based out of Fort Carson, Colorado. His unit had arrived in Iraq in September of 2004. Sergeant First Class Eacho was the 35th service member from Wisconsin to die in Iraq since the spring of 2003. 

                                       As of this blog entry's posting date:

    94,997 Iraqi civilians have been killed in Iraq since Spring, 2003.
    
    9,357 Iraqi Security Forces have been killed in Iraq since Spring, 2003.

    4,376 Americans have been killed in Iraq since Spring, 2003. 

    949 Americans have been killed in Afghanistan since October, 2001.

    317 Coalition soldiers have been killed in Iraq since Spring, 2003.

    620 Coalition soldiers have been killed in Afghanistan since October, 2001. 

    31,616 U.S. troops have been wounded in action in Iraq since Spring, 2003. 

    4,748 U.S. troops have been wounded in action in Afghanistan since October, 2001. 

    101 Wisconsin soldiers have been killed in Iraq since Spring, 2003.

    17 Wisconsin soldiers have been killed in Afghanistan since October, 2001.

    139 journalists (several nationalities) have been killed in Iraq since Spring, 2003.

    17 journalists (various nationalities) have been killed in Afghanistan since October, 2001.

Wisconsin military service person special mention of the week, military casualty, and journalist casualty information sources: Committee to Protect Journalists; cnn.com; Milwaukee Journal Sentinel; washingtonpost.com; thehighground.org; Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs; iraqbodycount.org; and, icasualties.org.