The School and Discover Wisconsin?

Did anybody read the notice in the Ripon paper about the Green Lake School District paying $15,000 to Discover Wisconsin, a PBS show, to feature Green Lake? The school district got rid of Jimmy Janke a 32 year employee because they couldn't afford it.

This is article is right next to an article about the school board cutting people because of budget concerns. What about administration cuts? Does Green Lake need a full time superintendent? I understand Princeton has a part-time superintendent. Couldn't we share one with them?

How do they afford this?

Green Bay Channel Five

Channel 5 out of Green Bay is here today doing a story on the joys of the area. It looks like we are getting a little publicity.

Happy Tales Book Store on County K

The Dickman's book store was on CBS Sunday morning last week. If you haven't been there GO! The show never mentioned Green Lake by name but the Dickmans is a hidden treasure that has been there many years. It is particularly great for children on a Saturday afternoon. It is about a half mile west of Center House on the right. It would make a great class trip.

The address is W1778 County Road K, Markesan, WI. 920-398-3375.

Go see Mrs. Dickman!

Chamber Volunteers for Solstice

If you would like to help the area the chamber needs volunteers for the Summer Solstice pajama night for June 21. Volunteers are generally needed for 2-3 hours. The same people volunteer on a regular basis and it is time for more people to step up and help Ellen with the job.

Congratulations to Ellen Koeppen at the Chamber

I think Ellen is a great choice for the new Chamber Director. She is energetic, has the background and loves the area. Dusty you will be missed for your many years of service but just remember that one little word. I think you know what it is.

What's up at the School?

I hear there are layoffs in the works. True? The truth is I don't know a lot about what is going on there but it does affect us all through taxes.

Last Nites City Council Meeting

Who was at the city council meeting last night? I hear the issue of annexation was tabled but Lindenwood is balking at some fees. Any surprise?

Annexation Lesson

If there is a lesson to be learned from the whole annexation issue it would seem that the TOB and City of Green Lake should come under one governing body. This whole issue let the Green Lake Center pit friends and neighbors against each other while the ABA sat back and waited. People who had common interests fought against each other. The City is in an untenable situation tax wise and it would be in the interests of all of us to combine into a larger governing body.

Hattie Sherwood Campground Prices

The Park and Rec committee has raised the prices for Hattie Sherwood Campground this summer. They also charge for extra for boat landing fees which I think should be included when someone comes camping here on a city owned campground. If you want to encourage some tourism around here this would seem to be the wrong way to go about it in this economy. With the price of gas this summer people are not going to be going that far and then pay more to camp. There are quite a few campgrounds within 30 miles around here that are cheaper, better maintained(Hattie Sherwood needs updating)and just as accessible to the lake.

Tree Removal

The city is going to start tree removal around town. They have marked the trees they feel will need to be removed. You should check soon before you they are gone or you have an issue with the ones chosen. The committee did conduct a public meeting for the tree removal but no one from the public showed up.

Elections

It seems Chuck Mirr will be our new mayor.

Animal Shelter Fundraiser

The Green Lake Animal Shelter is having a fund raiser at Ripon College Tuesday Night. It is a Casino night and should be fun. It is at Great Hall on the college campus. Doors open at 6:30 with gaming from 7:30 to 10:30. Entrance Fee is $10.00 Gambling and raffles! They need all the resources possible having just taken in many new animals from a puppy mill. See you there.

Green Lake City Election

The Green Lake City Election is Tuesday, April 1st.

Wednesday Night City Council Mtg

I understand there was a meeting of the City Council on Wednesday night. Some people are concerned that it was not "legal" under the open meeting law. As I understand the open meeting law the meeting must be posted in three places 24 hours in advance. As a general rule most meetings are posted 72 hours in advance. It was technically legal. There were 3 people, outside of the council, in attendance. What was discussed?

On a separate topic I am at a loss at how all this benefits the ABA in the long run. They say they want to raise money for their ministries. OK. Once they have this development, in what ever form, will they still have money for operation and maintenance expenses? Or is it just for the ministries? Ultimately it seems only the developer will benefit. It seems as though the ABA will have the same money issues over the next 10 years and then what? We have to revisit this divisive issue again?

Monday Night Annex Meeting

As it turns out the vote was tabled. Larry MacIntyre is resigning from the council. I guess its a good thing he isn't running for mayor after all. Now what?

School Board Candidate Open House Mtg

You can meet the candidates for the school board on Saturday March 1st at the the Green Lake library. 10:00 am to 12:00 noon.

Mischief on Mill Street Wednesday Night-Annexation Mtg

There was another annexation meeting at the gym on Mill Street last night. Did it create more questions than answers?

I am curious as to why the development people didn't woo the township as hard as they are trying with the city annexation. The township didn't turn them down. They just wanted adjustments. Lindenwood just picked up and moved on without even trying to adjust their development to the township requests.

I also wonder who Kunkel engineering works for? He sounded awfully partisan to me. No just the numbers for this guy. He presented a case that made it sound like he was working for Lindenwood.

I particularly enjoyed the woman who presented the Maplewood statistics. Eye-opening for everybody. It makes you wonder just how much tax relief the city would really get.

I also hear about the 71,000 dollars being reimbursed to the city. What account in the city coffers did the original cost come from and what account is it in now? Where is the reimbursement? Has anybody the actual reimbursement?

And what about the simplistic assumption that it will take only $50,000 more for an additional policeman but nothing more for fire assistance. I have read a letter from Chief Wagner to the city that it would take upgrading of fire equipment, roads and fire hydrants to protect the development properly. Kunkel didn't even mention this expense or letter.

If the Green Lake Conference Center just got a liquor license maybe all their money worries would go away. Or maybe a good commercial buyer is the answer.

Plowing

Who is having a plowing issue out there. Let the city know where you are having a problem(if you are). I've heard some complaints from people on side streets who feel they are being ignored while the downtown gets all the plowing action.

City Annexation Meeting

I believe the next city annexation meeting is Wednesday night at 7:00. Be there city people!

VOTE TODAY!

Get out and vote. Short of giving a candidate a pile of money your vote is all that matters to them anymore. It is the only power you have if you aren't rich. Vote..its all you have left.

Rita' Restaurant Fundraiser

Rita's Restaurant in Ripon asked me to post this for them and I am happy to do so. This is not necessarily an endorsement.


Rita's
333 Watson Street
Ripon. WI 54971
920-748-7728
ritasinripon@yahoo.com




Rita’s Wine Market in Ripon announces a “Rally for Change” on Friday February 15, at 5:00 p.m. in support of Senator Barack Obama’s candidacy for President. The Rally will feature a wine tasting and presentation from the Wisconsin for Obama office located in Madison.


The Wisconsin for Obama group is actively organizing events all over the Wisconsin prior to the February 19th Presidential Primary vote in Wisconsin. This is the only event for Obama in Ripon. Ripon is known as the “Birthplace of the Republican Party. Senator Obama is a Democrat.


Mary Lang Sollinger of the National Campaign Finance Committee for Senator
Obama will act as host and members of the campaign are scheduled to appear.

Campaign literature and buttons will be made available. Donations to the campaign will be accepted as well.


Co-Sponsoring the event with Wisconsin for Obama are the Ripon College Democrats. A $ 10.00 donation is requested and will include the wine and cheese reception, and the presentation. Attendance is limited. Reservations can be made at ritasinripon @yahoo.com. Rita’s wine Market is located at 329 Watson Street in Ripon. 920-748-7728

Green Lake Conference Center Press Conference

There is a press conference called for by the Green Lake Conference Center(ABA) at 10:00 am Friday morning at the Bauer Center on the grounds. This is to present their side of the story. I am not sure what that means as they have had plenty of time to present it. I don't think it is open to the public. Of course. It is easier to present one view.

The Roads Look Great!

After the that unbelievable bluster, wind and cold last night I can't believe how quickly the city and county have cleared the roads. They look great. Nice work gentlemen. Thanks.