How's The Ice?

I was wondering how the ice is for fishing? There are a lot more shantys on the ice right now.

Another Sign of the Booming Economy

I hear Heidel House is going to be closing its dining rooms on Wednesdays and Thursdays through April. I don't remember this ever happening as long as it has been around since the late 40's.

School Board Meeting

I think there is a school board meeting tonight, Wednesday. There is supposed to be a discussion of merging sports events with Markesan. Is this true? I haven't seen an agenda so I don't know. And when is the meeting that was cancelled about the purchase of Sunnyside acreage?

Its TAX time!

I'm hearing from people their taxes are going down. Anybody going up?

Tree Lighting

There is a Christmas Tree lighting in downtown GL tonight.

Chamber of What Again?

What is it with the Chamber of Commerce here? They seem to deny commerce instead of encourage it. We've cancelled Winter Fest. There was no "Christmas in Green Lake".

They have had a contest for businesses in town for the one with the best decorations every year. Fine idea but there are about 3 businesses in town. Why not try this instead? Have a contest for the best decorated house in town. Give a nice large prize. Like $250. Something. People would would want to win so they would decorate. Other people in the surrounding area would come to see the decorations. They might spend money at local watering holes. As more and more people decorated the houses maybe more people would come. The Chamber seems to have the idea that they need to please the local businesses without encouraging local business. They have more committees than they can count which micro-manage the director. I think they should just cancel the fire works now for the 4th of July because they aren't going to make any money on it. We should just all go to Heidel House. Just cancel everything.

Sad Loss for the Community

Del Formiller died yesterday, Dec. 7th at 90 years old. Del had a long Green Lake history running the Holiday House on Spring Grove Road where the current condos are located. He was quite a character and a dear friend. I am sure Thelma Markham will miss her library cribbage partner. He knew some great Green Lake stories.

For those of you who didn't know Del you may know who he was by the motorized scooter he rode around town in the last few years.

I don't know if or when there will be memorial services.

Bye Del and save a place at the big chowder cookout.

Current City Hall Issues as of Dec. 10

There was a request for an open forum space which I don't really specifically on this site but here is space for you to discuss the most recent city hall meeting.

School Closings for Tuesday Dec. 8

Algoma Neighborhood Watch Holiday Social
Postponed until January 13
Berlin Area Schools Public and Parochial
Closed Tuesday
Bethany Lutheran-Manitowoc Closed
Tuesday, December 9th
Boy Scouts of America-Bay Lakes Tuesday CSI Event
Postponed to Dec. 16
Clintonville Schools Closed
Tuesday, December 9th
Door County Leadership Class Tuesday Class
Cancelled
Door County Learning and Retirement Holiday Social
Rescheduled for Dec. 16
Fox Cities Performing Arts Center Tues. Ringing In The Season
Performance Postponed to 12/16
Gamblers Celebrity Waiter Dinner Postponed until
Dec. 16 at 6pm
Green Lake Schools Closed
Tuesday, December 9th
Immanuel Lutheran - Manitowoc Closed
Tuesday, December 9th
Lakepark Swim and Fitness Opening at 1:00 PM
Manitowoc 1st German Lutheran Closed
Tuesday, December 9th
Manitowoc Lutheran Closed
Tuesday, December 9th
Manitowoc Schools Closed
Tuesday, December 9th
Omro Schools Closed
Tuesday, December 9th
Play and Learn Preschool-Clintonville Closed
Tuesday, December 9th
Ripon Schools Closed
Tuesday, December 9th
Roncalli High School-Manitowoc Closed
Tuesday, December 9th
Rosendale-Brandon Schools Closed
Tuesday, December 9th
St. Joseph Church In Oneida Closed
Mass cancelled and office closed
State of Wisconsin Tues. 'Doing Business' Workshop
and LWCB mtg. at Radisson Cancelled
Tigerton Schools Closed
Tuesday, December 9th
Two Rivers Schools Closed
Tuesday, December 9th
UW Manitowoc Opening 4 hours late
Tuesday, December 9th
Winnebago Lutheran Academy Closed
Tuesday, December 9th
Winneconne Schools Closed
Tuesday, December 9th

Blog Feeds & You Tube

If you will notice I have added blogs to the right dealing with The Packers and Brewers news for those of you who want to follow current news on your teams. Just click on the link and it will take you them. I am going to start a new blog soon on stories of local families. I have also added a YouTube feed of dogs and cats just for the entertainment value. I like to test out new stuff and see how it goes and I love the feedback. Let me know if there are any other blogs you would like to see linked to this one. Also on the right is a way to subscribe to this blog so when I add a new post or someone adds a new comment you will be notified.

Thanks, The Chief.

Auto Industry Bailout

How do people feel about the auto bailout? At first I didn't think the government should bail them out. The union deals are too rich and the industry hasn't responded very well to demand. They opposed any sort of government regulation for higher gas standards and payed lobbyists very well to get their point of view across to the right officials. (i.e. campaign donations) The federal committee with oversight of these standards was run by a Michigan representative so of course these standards were changed. The seventies should have informed the auto companies what the future would hold and the companies ignored the obvious and the government abdicated their responsibility to govern. I blame both of them but now I think by not bailing them out we will just speed what manufacturing infrastructure we have left in the US to foreign countries and I don't see it coming back in the near future. Why give 700 Billion to wall street bankers who are slicing and dicing our mortgages when the guy down the street has a job that could depend on the auto industry, like Johnson Controls in Milwaukee or the Janesville GM plant.

School Board Meeting Postponed

The board meeting for tonight, WED, Dec. 3 has been postponed to be rescheduled.

Wed. School Board Meeting 6:30

Does anybody know what the voting requirements are for the Wednesday meeting? Resident of he school district, township, city? And has anybody seen the agenda posted anywhere? They are required to post it 72 hours in advance but I haven't seen it.

Library Book Fair from December 3-10!!!

The library is having a book fair from Dec. 3-10. This is not the book sale they have several times a year but NEW books. The prices range from $1-$25. There is a LARGE selection for children and make great Christmas gifts. The Book Fair is upstairs in the regular library. While you are there stop and see the art show and check out a DVD. Stop in and see how your tax dollars should be spent before you go to the school to vote no on the land annexation and how your tax dollars should not be spent. The library is open until 6:00 on Wednesday. Tuesday and Thursdays until 7:00. Go support your library. It has lots of GREAT stuff.

The School Board is Spending What on Dec 3? VOTE NO!

On the front page of the paper this week is another article on the school board buying land for education purposes with a grant. This grant will not cover the total expense of the the land and school board is looking into the "possibility" of other grants to help purchase this land. What about future maintenance of the land? What about the costs we aren't sure of at this point but we know will show up after the land is purchased and need to be paid for. I am really at a loss about why the school needs this at all when one of the assets this rural school district has plenty of is students with access to land. If this was some larger suburban/urban area then is purchase might be a great asset. I don't see it here. Then, under the article for the purchase of this land is an article on the shortfall the school district is going to have for its budget. This is getting crazier.

As far as I know the school is getting 10 acres at the ABA in the development. Most of the kids in this town already have plenty of access to land. What board should be spending money on is more class trips out of town to see what else is going on the world. They don't need this land.

If you care about your tax dollars go to the school board meeting on December 3 and vote NO to this ridiculous purchase by the school board.

And Now the School Board...

As I understand most public budgets right now they are in financial trouble. Not the Green Lake School District apparently. They need to buy more land for a school that seems to be on the verge of closing. What the H is going on with this town?

ABA Development

What is going on with this project? I haven't heard much from the regulars on this and I haven't seen much in the paper. It seems like it might be full steam ahead with this project. Any news out there?

The Courthouse Saga

I can't believe the county is now going to borrow FIVE Million dollars for the courthouse project. Has anyone been watching what is going on with the economy these days? This is getting ridiculous.

Winter Fest Canceled

As the town comes up with new ideas for tourism the cancellation of Winter Fest by the chamber seems to be the best one so far. Yet another reason not to visit this "secret gem" of a town. This is another great idea from the Chamber of Commerce(what commerce?) to encourage tourism. Once these events are cancelled it becomes more difficult to get them going again. The chamber has too many committees with too many people with their own agendas and not the towns best interests.

School Board Mtg Nov. 19

I understand there is a school board meeting on the 19th at 7pm at the school. I am not sure what is on the agenda but someone in town who knows these things tells me it is important.

VOTE!!!

Well I guess I should check up on my own blog once in a while. I haven't been on here in a while because there hasn't been much going on in town. I was wrong.

I guess this election has really gotten people going. If all you people out there feel this strongly I can only hope you will be at the only poll that counts on Tuesday.

Happy Voting Day!

Governing Bodies of the Lake

Many of the problems I see in the area stem from ancient governing powers set up in Washington 150 years ago. The city is one governing body(City of Green Lake) while the larger area is Town of Brooklyn. Many of the citizens mutual interests come into conflict because by necessity these bodies must protect their tax basis. I would love to see these two entities come under one governing body. People naturally try to protect what power they have to the detriment of their mutual needs. Maybe the city should just start annexing as much as possible of the township bringing it under "one roof". It would make life less complicated for all us to go forward with mutual needs. The lake is the lively hood for many of us and this would be to all of our interests. We need one governing body for the benefit of all citizens here.

The Court House

While the rest of country is bailing out I can't believe we are going ahead with the courthouse building. This county has lost its mind considering the current economy. If we are going ahead I think it is time we invited the Hochunck Tribe back and make the current court house into a casino. Revenue would not be a problem for the city any more and all the businesses would benefit year round.

Harvest Fest

I would love to know how people think Harvest Weekend was. What did you like, what can be improved. Were there enough bathrooms? Should the band be in the intersection of downtown or at the remodeled band shell? Since it is a Harvest Fest shouldn't the people selling produce and flowers be in front of the courthouse? Maybe all the food vendors should all be in one park? Or spread all over?

The School

Yikes. It looks like we need some room for the school issues. Here it is. I am almost tempted to start its own blog. If Ken Bates reads this, as I suspect he does he should probably start a blog for the school. It could be linked in here very easily. Mostly I have found open forums like a blog make certain people uncomfortable. They just want all of you "voices" to go away. Including me quite often.

Open Forum

I like the idea of who ever came up with the Open Forum idea. Makes it a little easier. If there is a topic you would like to discuss and I don't cover it as much as you would like go to the Open Forum Topic. When you enter a comment just try to make it clear for the next person what you are discussing by putting a topic in Caps. For instance: THE SCHOOL BOARD and then just say what you wish. Lets see how that works out for people. Thanks for a good idea. I think.

Legitimate Complaint

The person who complained about not being able to post on subjects they would like to discuss makes a very good point I think. Sometimes I don't have inclination or time or enough information on a subject. I try but ....Anyway if someone is interested in starting their own blog you can go to google and under blogs you can start your own blog. I think the more the merrier.

Winn Collins Wins

It looks like incumbent DA Winn Collins will continue to be the DA for Green Lake county. He was running in the primary against Ceman on the Republican ticket and he won last night.

District Attorney Race September 9

The Green Lake County District Attorney Race is Tuesday Sep. 9. It is a primary race and most of the people running are unopposed. (Balweg, Petri, etc.) but the race for DA is going to be determined in the primary so voting for this office will be important. Collins and Ceman are both running on the Republican Ticket so the winner will essentially be the DA. Get out and at least vote for the District Attorney.

The Vice President Picks

What do you think about the VP picks? I think McCain outflanked Obama on this one.It is a very bold choice for McCain. First of all a woman is a great choice. Sarah Palin has 5 children, one with Downs syndrome. Obama choice of Biden is not going to be great for his ticket. Too white male for the Hilary supporters. Barack should have picked Hilary I think. I also think the Democrats should be more open to using nuclear energy. Now, with the Gov. of Alaska there will be a bigger possibility of drilling there. Picking Palin will also help negate the age issue for McCain(Although Reagan was older when he was elected).

DA Poll

The poll I put up is very preliminary. When it get closer to the actual race I will repost the same poll to see the outcome.

Comments for City Council on Downtown Improvement

I am making a heading for the city council area because Donna Moore is trying hard to get some feedback for the needs of the city and wants of the citizens for the downtown under other blog headings and I think that is a good idea. I am afraid and comments or feedback she gets will get lost in shuffle. There should be an area for City issues you would like the council to deal with and address concerning the downtown.

The Fireman's Street Dance

I understand the fireman's street dance was a great success and raised a lot of money. Thanks Mike Havey!

Street Banners

Vote for your favorite street banner at the library by August 29th at 6:00. I think you can also vote at the Chamber of Commerce or the Bank.

Remember The Street Dance!

Saturday night is the Town of Brooklyn-Green Lake Firemans street dance! If you want them to show up at your next fire show up at their street dance!

New Tax Assesments

It seems some people are getting some outrageous new tax assessments. I don't understand how the assessments are going up when most property values (not on the lake anyway) are probably going down. Who authorizes these?

Art Fair

The Art Fair is this weekend. I can't believe I almost forgot it. I love the art fair. The book sale is also on at the library and they just got a large new donation of books for sale.

Fireman Street Dance August 15

There will be a street dance to raise money for the fire dept. on August. 15. It starts at 5:00 and ALL (100%) of the money raised will be given to the dept. It is in Green Lake but I am not sure of the exact location. It is posted on the yellow signs you see around town. Get out and support the fire department.

The Green Lake County Fair

The County Fair starts tomorrow. It always means the end of summer to me. It is going to be HOT tomorrow. Go eat home made pie and ride the tilt a whirl.

The District Attorney Race

I am starting to see more lawn signs for the DA race. There really doesn't seem to be much difference in the views of the two candidates. Age and experience seem to be the big factors. Personally, I am sick of "Tough on Crime" attitude. How about "Smart on Crime" in stead. I feel as though much of what goes on is just to raise fine money for the county. The nanny state has taken over and the police and DA's are in the front lines. So called "crime" has gotten out of hand. There is no common sense involved anymore.

Summer

If you haven't noticed I haven't been posting much. Bored I guess and the only excitement seems to have been the storms which are hopefully over for the summer. The lawns look great though. Now, with the fair here I feel like summer is almost over. Hope for a mild winter.

Boating Ban

There is a motorized boating ban on the lake. The sheriff is giving tickets for anyone on the lake with a motor boat. Sailboats, canoes etc only. Beware.

Fourth of July Fireworks

If you haven't contributed anything to the firework fund at the Chamber of Commerce now would be a good time to do it. Checks can be made payable to the Green Lake Fund and sent to the Chamber of Commerce. They are tax deductable.

Any Good Flood Stories?

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.

Hilary vs. McCain

I think since most of the people who follow along here have an interest in politics I am wondering who thinks this will be the contest to watch for the fall. Personally, I am tired of Clintons and Bushs. We aren't some Eastern European country with legacy presidents. I hope someone new gets in but I think this is going to be the contest for president.

$60,000 fee for what?

What was the 60,000 spent on by the city for the annexation? I haven't quite figured that out yet? I I really would like to know more about Lindenwoods ability to finance this whole thing in this financial environment.

Nice apology by Ken G. in the paper this week. Front page news. I can't believe he wrote that to begin with. Anybody who would write that to begin with isn't thinking so what does that say about developing the ABA?

Monday, Jan. 14 City Annexation Mtg

I am pretty sure those of you who are interested know there is a meeting Monday night at Green Lake City Hall regarding the annexation of the Green Lake Conf. Center. I believe it is at 7:00. I have not seen it publicly posted anywhere so far. I don't think the city was required to do so more than 72 hours in advance yet you had to sign up for a "speaking" appointment by yesterday at noon. Very shady.

I was lucky enough to see an email sent by Ken asking employees not to patronize a certain local business because he had spoken out against the development. He then signed off of the email with "Merry Christmas". Very loving.

It was great seeing all the "sound off" letters in the Green Lake paper this week. There were quite a few letters to the editor in the Ripon paper also. If the Conference Center really wanted to work with the community on this they would be more transparent through this whole process instead of making it an "us vs. the world" situation. Ken and Co. are not handling this very well by trying to be as private as possible through this event.

Parise or Mirr?

It will be interesting to see what will happen with the mayors race. I was under the impression Mayor Parise wasn't going to run again. Wrongly I guess.

City Annex Mtg Monday

There is a city meeting regarding the annexation of the ABA development Monday night at City Hall. I believe this might be the city's final meeting for annexation. To speak at this meeting you must sign up. Which is something I had never heard of before. Public meeting agendas must be out 72 hours before the meeting. You had to sign up for the meeting Thursday by noon. If the agenda doesn't come out before Friday afternoon how do you sign up for it? Someone is trying to push this through. Any ideas about who that is?