Green Lake, WI County Inquisitor

If you can't tell Im done with all this.

2011-06-20T11:58:00.003-06:00

GOOD BYE......

Police Chief Retirement Party

2011-05-17T14:30:00.001-06:00

There was a great retirement party for the Chief Huber last weekend. I hear the city paid for it.

From the Northwestern

2011-05-13T19:16:00.000-06:00

Brandon woman killed in Green Lake crash

GREEN LAKE - Fog may have played a role in a fatal crash between a semitrailer and a car around 5:30 a.m. today at County Trunk Highway A and County Trunk Highway K in Green Lake County.

A 56-year-old Brandon woman was killed in the accident that occurred approximately four miles south of the city of Green Lake in the town of Green Lake.

Authorities have not released her name, pending notification of relatives.

The Brandon woman had been traveling west on County Trunk K when she entered the intersection at A and was struck by the semitrailer that was traveling north on A.

The semi driver was taken from the scene by emergency medical services personnel to an area hospital for treatment of unspecified injuries, according to information provided by the Green Lake County Sheriff’s Office.

County A is part of a detour of State Highway 23, which is under construction between Green Lake and Princeton. The crash required a rerouting of traffic on the detour for about for about five hours.

Fun Summer Stuff

2011-05-13T19:10:00.002-06:00

Estates of Lawsonia

2011-04-16T09:59:00.002-06:00

Article from Oshkosh Northwestern on Lawsonia development

http://www.thenorthwestern.com/article/20110416/OSH0101/104160364/Estates-Lawsonia-Green-Lake-hits-snag-financial-difficulties-stall-progress?odyssey=tab|topnews|img|FRONTPAGE

This is no surprise.

Elections

2011-04-07T09:00:00.002-06:00

By now most of you know the results of the elections. In the city Joe Parise lost to Chuck Mirr in his write in campaign. Jon Wilsnack lost to Mark Slate. At the state level the Supreme Court campaign is still in flux. We'll see.

Green Lake School District Contract

2011-03-29T13:07:00.004-06:00

From the Oshkosh Northwestern:
Green Lakes new teacher contract.

http://www.thenorthwestern.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2011103290402

Nuclear Reactors in Wisconsin

2011-03-22T21:39:00.004-06:00

I was watching the news tonight and they were saying many Americans live within 50 miles of a nuclear power plant. I wasn't even sure Wisconsin had nuclear power plants. This is what I discovered from the U.S. Energy Information Web Site. Both of Wisconsin's Nuclear Plants are located on Lake Michigan. As Japan shows they obviously need a good source of water. The web link is here:
http://www.eia.doe.gov/cneaf/nuclear/state_profiles/wisconsin/wi.html

Wisconsin Nuclear Profile
State Nuclear Profiles with data for 2008 Last Updated: September 2010 Next Update: August 2011
State Overview There are two operating nuclear power plants in Wisconsin: Kewaunee in Kewaunee County Kewaunee was the fourth nuclear plant built in Wisconsin, and the 44th built in the United States. In June 2005, the plant was acquired by Dominion from its previous owners, Wisconsin Public Service Corporation and Alliant Energy. The Virginia-based company owns the North Anna and Surry plants in its home state, and acquired one other out-of-state plant, Millstone in Connecticut. Point Beach in Manitowoc County Wisconsin's first commercial reactor, Point Beach 1 is one of the oldest reactors still in service. It went into commercial service in December 1970. In October 2007, Wisconsin Energy Corporation completed the sale of the Point Beach facility to FPL Energy. On October 7, 2007, Florida Power & Light acquired Point Beach from the Nuclear Management Company. The purchase price was reported as $998 million, of which $215 million was for fuel, inventory, and other items. Contribution of Nuclear Power Wisconsin’s nuclear capacity is approximately 10% of the State’s total electric generating capacity. Nuclear generation represents about 20% of the State’s total generation. Wisconsin is a net importer of electric energy, importing 20% of its electric power use. License Renewals Kewaunee: In August 2008, Kewaunee requested approval for a 20-year life extension. The current license expires December 21, 2013. Point Beach: In December 2005, Point Beach received approval for a 20-year life extension. Unit 1’s license now expires in October 2030. Unit 2’s license now expires in March 2033.

More City Election News

2011-03-22T10:36:00.004-06:00

Now Jerry Bartow has also asked me to post this for him. Here goes:

Jerry Bartow
Write in Candidate for Ward 3 over Scott Rowley

I am writing to you as a voter in Ward 3 of the City of Green Lake to support me as a write in candidate for Ward 3 for a two year term on the city council. I am asking you to support me over Scott Rowley.

I am running for the city council for the following reasons.

1. I believe that taxes and expenses of government will require actions and discipline to control. I worked in retail for over 30 years as a purchasing agent and merchandise manager for a discount retail chain. I was responsible for producing a profit. The discipline for this came from serving as an Infantry Officer in Viet Nam.

2. As an independent Alderman I will be concerned with the well being of all the voters. I currently drive disabled vets to their medical appointments. I am a disabled vet myself.

3. I understand business in Green Lake. I owned the Dartford Inn.

4. I feel we must find alternative sources of funding for the city and to maximize our current resources. We need to use the Ad Hoc committee for economic development. We need to find new business that will supply new jobs and growth for the city. Second we must collect all room and sales tax. This will help in the growth of tourism. I know we are not collecting all room tax dollars.

5. I feel we must work with federal, state, county and city government to see what is available to us. I worked with former Senator Russ Feingold and the local and state American Legion to get Washington to change treatments of cancer patients in the Milwaukee VA Hospital.

6. As I am retired I have the time to interact with voters of Ward 3.

7. I have ties with Green Lake as I grew up in Oshkosh and my grandfather was born in Green Lake.

Thanks for your support.

Jerry Bartow

Green Lake City Mayor Elections

2011-03-16T19:23:00.005-06:00

I haven't blogged much recently. I became a little bored with some of the discussions and had other things to do.

A couple of days ago Joe Parise asked me to post this for him and I am happy to oblige him.

From Joe Parise:

I asked for this time so I could officially announce to all of you that I am going to run as a WRITE-IN candidate for Mayor and Alderman.

I am running for both because I want to try to be sure to be on the Council to intercede when the boundary issue comes up again. It seems that whenever an issue comes up with the Township we are ready to capitulate to all of their wants and desires to the exclusion of what is best for the city.

Also, I feel it is important to have ready access to the Mayor, especially a Mayor who stays abreast of City Council business and does not always have to defer to an alder person or committee person for answers.

When I was Mayor I was in the Mayor's office every working day morning. I was always available to the city offices, staff and public works. I was always available to the citizens if they had an issue to discuss. I always tried to be current on city business whether it was bike paths, sign ordinance, school, parks or taxes. I always had my cell phone on and was available day or night.

Mayor Mirr made it clear the job was not going to be his life and he had kept that promise. The mayors office requires more than an occasional presence. The mayor should be readily available and I am willing to put in all the time necessary.

Some may argue, as they did for my last bid for mayor, that I was not born here and that somehow precluded me from caring about the city. Well, think of this. I moved here by choice. I moved here because I love this city and care about it. I am not here because I was born here.

I want to be mayor of Green Lake so that I can be a watchdog over city spending and by extension taxes. When the entire country is facing financial ruin it behooves us to be frugal and count our pennies. We cannot continue to increase spending(and taxes)
while our citizens, many of whom are retired, experience income reductions. The median income in this city is approximately 32k/year but we tax them like they all live on the lake. We need to watch our spending and this council seems to give money away. Since Donna Moore left there are currently only two alder persons who stand up the citizens against unwarranted spending. Taxes have gone up the last three years. Our contingency fund is gone. When I was mayor I first reduced spending and then held taxes.

I am available to answer your questions and if Mayor Mirr would like a public debate I would be happy to oblige him.

Thank you,
Joe Parise

Elections, Feb. 15 2011

2011-02-16T08:48:00.002-06:00

Mrazik and Vincent are out of the School Board Race and the judges race will be between Wilsnack and Slate.

Primarys in Feb.

2011-02-08T22:12:00.003-06:00

There are elections on Feb 15. I hope all of you who love to hate each other are going to vote so you have a legitimate right to bitch at each other.

I think the county judges elections will be particularly important and I am going to vote for Jon Wilsnack.

School Issues

2011-02-02T18:18:00.000-06:00

? ? ?

Tuesday Afternoon Meeting

2011-01-19T12:45:00.002-06:00

I hear there was a meeting to discuss the sign ordinance Tuesday afternoon there were other issues discussed. Anybody hear anything?

Its Not Ready Yet

2011-01-16T22:27:00.000-06:00

GREEN LAKE — Three men were rescued Friday from Big Green Lake after their ice shanty broke through the ice.

The men involved were found safe and dry shortly after 12:30 p.m., according to a press release from the Green Lake County Sheriff's Department.

The men were maneuvering an ice shanty south and east of Hattie Sherwood Beach, just south of the city of Green Lake in the township of Brooklyn when the shanty broke through the ice, according to the Sheriff's Department.

Also responding to the scene were Green Lake police, Green Lake Fire Department, Ripon Guardian Ambulance, Brooklyn First Responders and Princeton Water/Ice Rescue.

Green Lake Chief Sheriff Mark Putzke reminds citizens to exercise caution and good judgment while out on any frozen body of water.

A Word About the Polls

2011-01-16T10:45:00.001-06:00

The polls are "widget" that I use from google. They automatically close after 7 days so I have no control over the length. I can always re post them at a later date.

Girls Green Lake Basketball Results

2011-01-08T16:41:00.002-06:00

Girls basketball roundup: Randolph blasts Green Lake

RANDOLPH – Randolph held visiting Green Lake to just seven points in the first half as the Rockets blasted the Lakers, 71-29, in Trailways girls basketball Friday.

Myriel Werner led the Rockets (4-4, 3-1 Central) with 16 points and had four assists. Allison Pickhardt chipped in 12 points while Brittney Drake-Burmania scored 11.

Brittney Jonas had seven rebounds and Carley Reuter added seven steals and four assists for Randolph, which hosts Marshall on Monday.

Green Lake falls to 1-8 and 1-5 in North play.

Randolph 71, Green Lake 29

Green Lake 4 3 11 11 – 29

Randolph 20 20 13 18 – 71

GREEN LAKE (29) – Ambar Horta 2, Janee Kutz 11, Elizabeth Karlovich 9, Annaliese Roti Roti 2, Michelle Schrader 5. Totals: 11 7-17 29.

RANDOLPH (71) – Michayla Swanson 6, Allison Pickhardt 12, Heather Hookstead 4, Myriel Werner 16, Brittany Tonn 6, Carley Reuter 6, Brittney Drake-Burmania 11, Leslie Dykstra 2, Brittney Jonas 8. Totals: 31 7-10 71.

3-point goals – Randolph 2 (Allison Pickhardt 1, Brittney Drake-Burmania 1). Total fouls – Green Lake 11, Randolph 19.

County Judge Election

2011-01-08T11:57:00.003-06:00

One of the important issues coming up in the next election is the judges election. Now that McMonigal has his new courthouse(don't get me started on this one) There will be three people on the ballot. Selsing, Slate and Wilsnack. Whoever gets elected is generally there for many years. In my lifetime I've remembered 2 judges on the bench. This will be an important elections for this area.

City of Green Lake Issues

2011-01-08T11:51:00.004-06:00

First of all children do you really need to call each other idiots on this blog? Really? Grow up or find another playground.

As for Joe Parise running for mayor, if that is something you want a write in would be the best way to go. Joe has said he would be mayor if he won in a write in which in a town the size of Green Lake is very feasible.

Joe may have some issues controlling his "excitability" but he has some good ideas for this town which should be addressed.

The City Issues

2010-12-12T09:57:00.001-06:00

Obviously you guys need a place to vent about the city in addition to the school.

Lunar Eclipse

2010-12-08T17:26:00.003-06:00

There will be a full lunar eclipse in the early morning hours of the winter solstice, December 21. It will be from about 1:40 to 3:00 am. The last time it happened on Dec. 21 was 1638.

The School

2010-11-25T10:02:00.001-06:00

I need to start a topic for you school guys. You could almost have your own blog.

Hwy 23 Accident

2010-11-03T11:03:00.008-06:00

There was a terrible accident at Highway 23 and North Street Tuesday afternoon. Two people were killed and a semi truck drive injured. The police were there for at least 8 hours. My sympathies to the families involved.

I would guess this intersection gets more accidents than any other in Green Lake county. The DOT wants to close the Lawson drive entrance into town. That is the wrong intersection. People should not be able to turn into town from this intersection or it needs an underpass for County A with no access to Highway 23. The DOT wants to make this intersection the only access to the town essentially. Big mistake.

High School Football Game

2010-09-27T18:32:00.001-06:00

Green Lake trounced Montello-Princeton 44-0 tonight. Now lets see how the Packers do.

Harvest Fest

2010-09-27T16:46:00.001-06:00

It was a the usual fun weekend. I heard there were more people this weekend than ever before. The book sale at the library was very successful. Tuscumbia won the waiters race. The car show was excellent. Loved the weekend.

Norton's October Fest, Oct. 9

2010-09-17T09:38:00.004-06:00

Norton's is having an October Fest on Oct. 9 from 4-8.

Tuba Dan and Die Spiel Meisters will be providing entertainment.

It is all you can eat and drink and by reservation only. I went last year and the food was great.

Elections

2010-09-17T09:32:00.002-06:00

By now all of you who are interested know the school ref did not pass. I found it interesting that only 19 percent of the state registered voters actually voted. Sad.

I wonder how many of you who bitch at each other on this blog actually get involved in community activities. Or is bitching on here your community activity. Do any of you volunteer at any of the community festivals? Are you on any public committees? Do you donate any money to the charities? Or is it just easier to complain on here.

Sign Ordinance

2010-09-08T14:02:00.003-06:00

The sign ordinance would seem to be one of the simple reasons we don't have any business in this town. It is not business friendly on many levels and now they want to make it worse. In this weeks paper Robin Wallenfang says "we don't want to be the sign Nazis. We simply want to see it enforced." Like sign Nazis. We barely have any business as it is but the city will make sure what we do have won't want to stay.
As I understand it 70% of the business in town are not in compliance. Robin seem to think we are becoming Wisconsin Dells. I wish we were even close to their problems with signs.

The Half Marathon 13.1

2010-09-06T19:33:00.002-06:00

Did anybody get a chance to run or see the marathon this weekend? I saw the end of it and there were it sure brought a lot of people to town. I meant to get a picture and didn't quite get there for a good one.

They're BACK!!!

2010-08-31T11:40:00.002-06:00

There will be another school referendum on the September 14th ballot. I haven't seen the wording for it yet but it has to be similar to the last 2. Good Luck!

Battle of the Bands at the Park

2010-08-22T22:30:00.002-06:00

I think the Battle of the Bands was a great success. Lots of people there anyway. I have a problem that it was to raise money for the Chamber of Commerce. What is the Chamber doing that it needs more money? The Chamber is now its own fundraiser. Great.

Chalk Street Art

2010-08-22T21:42:00.006-06:00

Mini Tornado

2010-08-21T10:54:00.005-06:00

Looks like we had a little wind storm hit the lake last night. There are lots of trees down on the east end and Sunnyside got hit also. I saw a few tipped over boat lifts near the inlet.

Did anybody actually see a funnel?

Street Dance August 7

2010-08-04T12:12:00.005-06:00

There will be a street dance this saturday August 7th to support and raise money for the Green Lake/ Town of Brooklyn Fire Dept. There is a raffle where you can win $1,000 and lots of fun.

See You There!

GLO Meeting (click on the posting to enlarge it)

2010-07-30T13:59:00.003-06:00

Band Stand Stairs

2010-07-24T10:51:00.003-06:00

I went to the band concert on Wednesday night. It was excellent. As I was sitting on the lawn I was watching several people try to negotiate the uphill slope. some of them were older or had health problems, not to mention the humidity. They had a very difficult time trying to get up the side of the hill. Many of them were carrying folding chairs and it was tough for them to get up there. Shouldn't it be a fairly easy fix to put in some sort of stair case for them to get up there? North of the bathroom would seem to be the best spot.

Boat Show & Water Ski Show at Norton's Today

2010-07-24T10:47:00.004-06:00

There is water skiing show at Norton's at 6:30 tonight. I hope the lake isn't too rough for them.

Public Pier Parking

2010-07-24T09:28:00.004-06:00

I've always been under the impression that is pier, located in the mill pond is a public pier. If this is true why aren't there any signs to let visiting boaters they can park there. It would be a great help for the downtown restaurants.

Jack Taylor Death

2010-07-09T10:18:00.002-06:00

The loss of Jack Taylor last week will have an impact on the community. Jack always ran the car show for Harvest Fest. He would go out to other car show around the state and hand out fliers for this car show. He contacted car clubs. He kept car enthusiasts aware of the car show. It made Harvest Fest special. He pretty much did it on his own. I hope there is a group out there to pick up the slack on the car show because it will be missed.

Green Lake Fireworks/Marching Band

2010-07-09T10:14:00.002-06:00

I thought the fireworks were pretty great this year. Thanks to all of you who contributed money to support them.

I went to see the UW Marching Band this week. I think they should call it the Brass band because it isn't the whole marching band these guys do a great job. As the rain came down the lake they continued to play and then played right through the rain. I really enjoyed them.

ABA History

2010-06-14T11:04:00.001-06:00

On June 17th at 7:00 Brad Carroll will be giving a talk at the library on the History of the ABA. His family has been involved with the conference center for many years and it should be pretty interesting.

Courthouse

2010-06-13T12:48:00.002-06:00

I still think they should seriously consider turning the courthouse into a casino. At one time, in the distant past this lake had 3 of them. It would provide jobs, year around tourism and some life to the downtown. We need it.

I love what they finally did with the sidewalk on Mill Street. It looks great.

School Ref April 6

2010-04-07T10:32:00.001-06:00

Well I guess the ref went down in flames with Rouse and Ferrel elected to the school board. Next?

Ripon Paper on Ref Voting

2010-03-06T12:22:00.002-06:00

There was an article in the Ripon paper by Aaron Becker on the voting in the last school referendum. He made very good points and backed it up with numbers. I look forward the next referendum. I have a feeling it will pass this time. They school board did a very bad job of educating the public about the need for the increase, why we have such a high per student cost and renewing Ken Bates contract just before they are asking for more money. Not the best planning on their part. Have they considered any consolidation of high schools at all? I can understand a community wanting to keep a grade school in a town, but what about High School consolidation? Is this being discussed at any level or are we going to be hit with these referendums forever?

Feb 16, 2010

2010-02-15T17:22:00.000-06:00

Tuesday is the school board primary and referendum vote. Tell your neighbors and friends to make their point of view known.

County Board Meeting on Court House Options

2010-01-29T11:30:00.002-06:00

Last night the county board had a meeting to hear options on the old Courthouse. It wasn't really options but what the county should do with it while it houses the 40 people that it left behind while the rest of them move out to the new building. I need to look at the pamphlet they handed out. It gave money figures for the options they were looking at but I did not have copy. They did hear from the Cornerstone Project people on what they would like to do with it.

I am very leery of the Cornerstone Project. I don't really see a need for it. We live in a county with a population of 19,000. The average age is 41.5 and getting older. We are building a bike path, we have a lake. We have winter sports. Most of these things are not being utilized to their full potential now. They say they don't want or expect tax dollars but I'm doubtful of that in the future if they get the funds to get off the ground. We don't have a population to support this sort of project.

School Board Ref. Feb 16 Continued

2010-01-20T14:03:00.002-06:00

If you haven't read last weeks letter in the Ripon Commonwealth from Nancy Burns, former administrator of the Green Lake School District try to get a copy. It is direct and to the point by someone who has been there. She makes the point that it could raise Green Lake Prop. taxes by 25 percent this year by a school district that already exceeds the revenue cap by $600,000 per year already.

As a side note about voting in the school referendum these are the voting requirements that I got from the county:

1.Must have resided in the state of Wisconsin for at least 10 days in the last year, not consecutively.

2. You may register at the time you vote at the residents polling place.

3. You will not be able to vote in the spring election where you otherwise reside (Ill, Arizona, Florida for example) and will have to re-register there for their elections.

4. If you want to vote by absentee ballot it must be in by Feb. 11 for the Feb. 16 election.

Town of Brooklyn phone number is 920-294-6600
City of Green Lake phone number is 920-294-6912
Town of Green Lake phone number is 920-398-3492

I would call your government office to double check all this.

Careful on The Ice

2010-01-10T17:36:00.001-06:00

I heard three people went through the ice at Horner's Landing today. One was on a snowmobile. I guess they all got out OK.

School Ref. on Feb. 16 for tax increase

2010-01-05T13:30:00.002-06:00

The current school budget is about 6.1 million for the school On Feb 16 they are asking for permission to spend more.

For the next school year that would be about 775,000 increase over the current budget.

As I understand it this is perpetual.

2010 increase would be 775,000

2011 increase would be 1.1 million

2012 increase would be 1.3 million

Vikings vs. Bears

2009-12-28T20:12:00.002-06:00

It isn't very often I hear a bar full of people cheering for the Bears.

Center House

2009-11-19T10:49:00.000-06:00

I hear center house is closing Saturday. For good? For a little while? What's the story? They always have a pretty good happy hour.

The New School Year

2009-11-18T10:47:00.000-06:00

Now that the new school year is in full swing how are things going there? I haven't heard much recently.

What is With the Court House?

2009-11-12T14:10:00.002-06:00

I thought we built a new court house so everybody in the current courthouse would be moving out to the new one. Now I guess we need to add 25,000 square feet to the new courthouse to accommodate some other offices that weren't included. More tax $$$ at work. This is just ridiculous. What is going on with this town?

Oakwood Memories

2009-11-03T11:32:00.005-06:00

I am sorry to say Oakwood Lodge is having an auction this Saturday morning at 10 AM. It is part of the orginal Oakwood and has been a B&B since before I was born. When I was a kid the Roth family owned it. I always had a great time there. Mary Ellen made great breakfasts and Patty was always working around the place somewhere. I wonder what will happen to it now?

David Greenway was the founder of Oakwood in 1867. It was originally 35 acres and was the first resort built on Green Lake. It accommodated 75 guests. At one point it could hold 300 guests and went all the way down Lake Street. It even had its own vineyard and telegraph system. People were called to dinner with a large Chinese Gong. The 1905 rate for a room started at $7.00. The current Oakwood building was the largest cottage for rent. The large white house kitty corner from the current Oakwood Lodge is the house built by David Greenway to retire in. He died there at age 79.

The auction is at 10 am Saturday. Do you have any great memories of Oakwood?

Vikings at Lambeau

2009-10-26T12:22:00.000-06:00

So what about the Vikings at Lambeau?

New Library Roof

2009-10-23T13:53:00.002-06:00

Since a simple commentary on someone being on "Millionaire" has digresses into a discussion about the library, let me enlighten some of you.

Yes, the library was a gift. A VERY generous gift. Not once but twice. The current GL Historical society is housed in the old library. (Before that it was in the city hall offices with about 4 book shelves.)

Officially the City of Green Lake owns the library. It is of course used by many more people than the city residents and the Town of Brooklyn does contribute part of the operating budget for day to day things.(Which it is not legally required to do) Maintenance of the building is legally part of the city because the city owns the building. We all know where city budgets stand right now. The cost of a new roof(which despite what all of you out there may think have a life span of about 15-20 years, read the fine print on your roofing contract...)is more than an annual budget of operating the library for a year. This town is very lucky to have this library. We are the envy of surrounding communities for our library facilities. But...it needs to be maintained. The city cannot afford this by itself. The library is trying to think ahead and get the funds to replace the roof before it becomes a critical issue. Stop bitching about your taxes, poor planning and what is wrong with everybody else approach and understand they are trying to plan ahead. Or are you just like a bunch of spoiled kids who are unable to take care of the gifts given to them now complain because they want someone else to give them more. Municipal funds are not going to be able to cover all the costs. Period.

Who Wants to Be a Millionaire

2009-10-20T17:40:00.002-06:00

Was anybody else watching Millionaire on Tuesday afternoon? Linda Denell's sister was a contestant. Linda is the director of the library and her sister called her for her "phone a friend" line. Linda, of course knew the answer before her sister even finished the question. Congratulations! That was fun!

Feingold Town Hall Listening Session this AM

2009-10-18T12:00:00.002-06:00

I went to the town hall listening session this morning at the Brooklyn Town Hall. It is always interesting to see your public officials in person. Feingold visits all 72 counties every year. It is also interesting to see who actually goes to this listening sessions. Joe Parise, Dan Priske and Sydney Rouse were all there. Joan Ballweg was also in the audience. One of the things I like the most with Wisconsinites is their innate sense of politeness. Even when they may disagree with certain positions they don't get into screaming matches like you see on TV in other states. They treat each other with respect. I like that. For those of you who have not ever shown up at one of these sessions you should. One of the interesting things he said was if he gets 30 phone calls or emails in one day on a subject that is a lot. He gets a log every day of the number of people who contacted his office as do all the congressional reps. He said he is always surprised by the low number of people who do contact their reps. I would bet more of you make your point of view known on this blog than actually contact you state or national representative with whatever concerns you might be having on a particular issue. Try contacting you elected officials once in a while and see what effect it has.

City Council Meeting Tonight @7:00

2009-10-12T10:25:00.001-06:00

Mayoral Censure

2009-10-09T11:29:00.002-06:00

I understand people should "follow the rules" but I think this whole censure think is way overblown. I don't really think it was such a big deal, we have bigger issues to deal with in this town, but I guess it was important to someone out there. I guess Joe is looking to be the mayor again.

Packer vs. Vikings?

2009-10-03T09:21:00.002-06:00

So who is going down in Monday night's game?

ABA Development

2009-10-02T14:13:00.001-06:00

It looks like we didn't have to have all the meetings regarding the Green Lake Center Development. Lindendwood Development is going to be its own worst enemy after they knock down all the trees, re-route the roads and ruin any of the beauty left in the ABA they will be broke.

Norton's October Fest This Weekend

2009-09-29T22:21:00.005-06:00

For you who had a good time at Harvest Fest, which is my favorite festival in Green Lake there will be one more chance this weekend at Norton's. Harvest Fest ends the summer and starting at 4:00 on Saturday afternoon Norton's will be having October Fest to kick off the fall. Tuba Dan will be there and great food. I think they will even let you wear tie-die shirts if your in the mood. Mike and Jill throw a great party.

The cost is $29.00 and requires reservations. Give Norton's a call @ 920-294-6577.

Am I The Only One Who Thinks This?

2009-09-27T12:25:00.030-06:00

I read on the front page of the Green Lake Reporter this week about the restriction of dogs and skateboards in the downtown area during the Harvest Fest Weekend. Dogs are not allowed in any of the parks at any time. This doesn't create a Festival friendly atmosphere. This is the only town I know of where this happens. Why can I go to Door County and see dogs and kids on their skate boards all the time, festival or not? How can a city like Chicago or Los Angeles or New York be OK with dogs but Green Lake seems to have a problem with this? It is absurd. Green Lake is not people friendly which may also be extended to the way businesses get treated which is why people don't want to open a business here. (Look at the silly sign ordinance here) This dog/skateboard ordinance is foolish and detrimental to a tourist atmosphere. It is just one more way Green Lake tells tourists we want your money but we really don't want you to feel too welcome.

Harvest Fest Weekend

2009-09-21T10:13:00.004-06:00

Green Lake Harvest Festival Weekend is this coming weekend. I think it is the best festival of the summer. Hope to see you there!

They are still in need of volunteers to staff the Chamber Booth.

VOLUNTEERS STILL NEEDED. All you people who have an opinion to give on this blog should now give some time! Call the chamber. Many hands make light work.

Thanks for the support!

City Room Tax

2009-08-31T09:58:00.001-06:00

Is a room tax raise necessary? Is the current one OK? How do some of the motel operators feel about the room tax. Does it hurt business or do guests even notice the tax?

Where were you when the Lights went Out?

2009-08-31T09:57:00.000-06:00

So what was the cause of the power outage over the weekend? There wasn't any rain? No lightening as far as I could see. What happened?

Tom Petri Town Hall Mtg

2009-08-08T10:40:00.002-06:00

Rep. Tom Petri is holding a town hall meeting on Monday, August 10 at the Caestecker Library at 9:30am.

Saturday August 8

2009-08-05T10:28:00.002-06:00

There is a street dance fundraiser for the Fire Dept this Saturday Night. It starts at 6:00 in front of the Legion Hall. The fair is on at the same time so you can make a night of it. This is the second year of the street dance and it was a great success last year. 100% of the proceeds raised go to support the Fire Department. See you there!

Green Lake County Unemployment

2009-07-24T13:20:00.001-06:00

GL County current unemployment rate is currently 9.9 percent. Last year it was about 4.5 percent.

Wed Night School Board Meeting

2009-07-22T22:13:00.002-06:00

So, what went on? Please discuss....

Water Ski Show at Norton's this Weekend

2009-07-22T22:10:00.001-06:00

The Pewaukee Ski show will be in front of Norton's this weekend. I think they start at 6:30 that night. Hopefully there won't be any wind.

Fire Works Funds

2009-06-16T10:08:00.001-06:00

If you enjoy the Green Lake Fireworks go give $5 dollars to the Chamber of Commerce. They need the funds to keep these going.

Soccer Camp

2009-06-14T12:26:00.001-06:00

Anyone signed up for the soccer camp? I think it starts pretty soon. Go sign up now!

School District and & Board, Cont.

2009-06-11T12:37:00.001-06:00

So what are the feeling for the new officers on the school board? Are they going to be able to change the direction we are currently going in or is it too late for change. I don't see survival for this district the way it is currently going.

Town of Brooklyn Meeting Last Week

2009-06-01T16:32:00.002-06:00

I guess the Town of Brooklyn, against the wishes of most of the people attending the meeting last week, has voted to amend its long range plan for lot sizes and voted to make them smaller to make the ABA and Lindenwood development happy. They even had to call police to remove people who disagreed. The vote was 5-0. I thought some of the new people on the town board were more receptive to citizens. Guess not.

Dr. Soon Feedback

2009-05-20T10:59:00.000-06:00

I was wondering if anyone attended Dr. Soon's presentation at the Thrasher Opera House and how it was? I don't find him to be very credible but what do others think?

A Reader Has asked me to Post This Notice

2009-05-08T10:48:00.001-06:00

Harvard Astrophysicist Dr. Willie Soon to speak in Green Lake

Harvard astrophysicist Dr. Willie Soon will be speaking on “Climate Change and the Sun,” at Thrasher Opera House, 506 Mill Street, Green Lake, Wisconsin, at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 19, 2009. The lecture is free and open to the public. It is sponsored by The Heartland Institute, a 25-year-old independent, non-profit, and non-partisan public policy research organization created to discover, develop, and promote free-market solutions to social and economic problems.

School Board Meeting-TIME CHANGE ALERT!

2009-05-07T09:10:00.001-06:00

The Green Lake School Board is hosting an important public meeting on Wednesday, May 13, at 6:30 PM to discuss options for a possible tax referendum.

PLEASE NOTE THE NEW TIME OF 6:30 INSTEAD OF 4:30.

New Blog Update

2009-05-05T22:51:00.003-06:00

I have found not enough people can figure out how to create a name so I am reluctantly going back to allowing anonymous postings.

Soccer Camp June 29

2009-05-04T11:08:00.003-06:00

This is a reminder for all of you out there who will have kids in town this summer and will need something for them to do. Soccer Camp will be available for ages 4-18. It is $65. Sign Up Now for this great event!

Blog Update

2009-05-04T08:55:00.003-06:00

I have changed the comment setting on the blog for only registered users. This means you won't be able to comment anonymously but must pick some name to use. I find a lot of people just like to hear themselves type. So it means you will have to pick a name for yourself use this.

New Parking Lot

2009-05-01T12:04:00.001-06:00

Now that we have rented the Condon's property for a parking lot this summer shouldn't there be a sign or two indicating boat parking available and maybe some fresh gravel?

Next Library Event

2009-05-01T12:02:00.003-06:00

May 2 Rummage Sale

2009-04-30T12:34:00.002-06:00

Saturday has the following things going on. We can then sit on our collective a##es for the rest of the year.
1. Citywide Rummage Sale
2. Kentucky Derby(get you bets in now)
3. Book Sale at the Library
4. Taco Saturday at the Rib

Lawsonia

2009-04-30T12:25:00.002-06:00

I hear Gary Zimmerman has stepped down as director of the golf course. Jeff Kleinke has taken over for him.

"What's New"

2009-04-30T10:23:00.002-06:00

I am happy to see some of you dying of boredom with the blog. I left town for a few days and haven't been posting but something I have certainly learned from this blog is some people are never content and always have an opinion. I am glad to know this spices up your life a little. If some of you have topics you would like to discuss you can feel free to email me at

highknocker@gmail.com

Lake Levels

2009-04-27T16:26:00.002-06:00

This information regarding the lake levels was sent to me by a friend and I thought it might be helpful to people out there who are following any dam postings or are just interested.

http://waterdata.usgs.gov/wi/nwis/uv?cb_00065=on&format=html&period=7&site_no=434928088553601

The above site is so that you can read the lake levels online.

The ruling:

The following reflects the corrected elevations and water levels for operations as required under 2-WP-901.
1 The city of Green Lake so operate its dam that the level of Green Lake not exceed 796.49 feet. Mean sea level (MSL) datum between May 1 and September 30 , insofar as the proper operation of the dam makes possible.

2 That starting September 30, the dam shall be so operated as to lower Green Lake slowly to elevation 795.74 feet by October 31.

3 That Green Lake shall be maintained as closely as practicable at elevation 795.74 feet by the proper operation of the dam between October 31 and the spring break-up, which will occur in March or April of the following year.

4 that between the time of the spring break-up and May 1 the dam shall be so operated that the level of Green Lake does not build up above its authorized maximum of 796.49 feet insofar as the full opening of all gates and other discharge facilities make this possible.

The current maximum, and minimum water levels were established by the Public Service Commission (PSC) in 1952 under Docket 2-WP

Lake Sturgeon Spawning Time

2009-04-22T10:58:00.002-06:00

Its about that time of year when the lake sturgeon will start doing annual stuff. If you have never seen them it is pretty incredible to see this prehistoric fish spawn. A good place to check is in Princeton on the Fox bordering Main Street. They are very impressive to see. Take the kids.

Burning Ban

2009-04-19T12:07:00.001-06:00

There is currently a county wide burning ban for those who haven't heard yet. They are being pretty strict about enforcing this ban so check with your governmental body before burning anything.

Karen Land & Borage at the Library

2009-04-18T10:24:00.005-06:00

Karen Land gave a great talk at the library Saturday morning. Her dog Borage waited for treats and wandered the the shelves looking for a good read.

Nortons Opens Tonight

2009-04-17T11:59:00.003-06:00

For those of you have missed your regular watering hole Norton's they open tonight, Friday, April 17th. Welcome back Mike!

Recount

2009-04-15T23:31:00.002-06:00

There was a city recount for Luann Mirr's seat on the city council. The outcome was the same.

Annual "Weiner Open" Memorial Tournament, May 31

2009-04-10T14:37:00.009-06:00

The First "Weiner Open" in memory of Wayne Sonntag will May 31st. Wayne was the father of Lynn Mirr and Don and Doug Sonntag. He was very active in local community affairs for many years and was a great support to the city. They are having an 18 hole scramble at Lawsonia on Memorial Day Weekend, May 31st. Registration begins at 9:00AM. All proceeds are going to the Green Lake/Brooklyn Fire Dept. It is $95 for entry, including dinner at Norton's. Deadline for entry is May 18, 2009. You can get entry forms at Adam's Rib and Walker's and Norton's starting today.

You may also just click on the application on the right and print it out.

Is the The Lake Level Low?

2009-04-10T14:32:00.003-06:00

I heard the lake is currently down about 6 inches. Are the mayor or director of public works going to put in any boards in the dam soon? Who actually is in charge of this? I've already heard that a few people are having a problem getting their boats in.

Karen Land @ the Library April 18

2009-04-08T12:58:00.006-06:00

Karen Land who has run in the Itarod Race three times will be here with one of her dogs Saturday, April 18th at 10:00 am. She will be giving a talk about the race and I think this will be one of the most interesting talks the library has this year.

Town of Brooklyn Election Results

2009-04-08T10:59:00.002-06:00

Green Lake School Board
Reabe 246
Sandberg 211
King 159
Grim 225

Town of Brooklyn Seats

Rouse 314
Petttack 348
Triemstra 385
Schwarz 251
Reabe 372

This makes Rouse, Pettack, Triemstra and Reabe the new Town of Brooklyn reps. Mike Weust was re-elected with 448 votes.

Just as a side note I found it interesting there were several write in votes for other people, including 3 for Mary Rowley for the Township. She also got one write-in for the School Board. She lives in the City not the Township. She wouldn't be eligible for he Township post no matter how many votes she got. And Sidney Rouse got 3 write in votes for the Township and she was even on the ballot. Yikes. What does this say for the educated voter, folks..? I guess I should just be happy people vote.

City of Green Lake Elections Results

2009-04-08T09:53:00.004-06:00

These are the vote totals for the City of Green Lake. I haven't gotten the Town of Brooklyn results yet.

#1 Rowley 54
Meagher 23

#2 Jones 60
Mirr-Frank 45

#3 Parise 77
Wagner 53

For the School Board Elections, these are the City Totals without the Town of Brooklyn but I do know who won the outcome already without the other townships. The top two are Grim and Reabe.

Grim 163
Reabe 141
Sandberg 140
King 128

Look carefully at the vote total between for Reabe and Sandberg. For those of you who didn't feel like voting keep your mouth shut when you feel like complaining about school issues in the coming cycle. Your vote counts more than you know in local elections.

Watching the Cubs Game

2009-04-07T20:57:00.004-06:00

Its the bottom of the ninth, Cubs and Houston tied. I am trying to find election results for this blog so I can post Green Lake County election results. It is about 10pm on Tuesday. Just for the boredom of the whole process I checked out the Ripon Mayor's Blog. He already has the local election results posted. It is the definition of transparency in government. Really nice. Where does he get the results so quickly? I wish I had that easy access to results and why don't we..

State Supreme Court Race

2009-04-07T20:53:00.002-06:00

Assuming Shirley Abrahamsom lives long enough it looks like she will be our longest serving Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice ever. She will be 85 at the next race. And Tony Evers will be our State School Superintendent.