Sicko

Has anyone else seen this movie? Loved it.

Annexation Meeting Thursday Nite

How did the annexation mtg go thursday? Any have any news to report? How long was it? Who spoke up? What was the tone of it?

Christmas Tree at the Dam

How come the "Mary Jane" Christmas tree at the dam hasn't been lit at all. I hear rumors the mayor would like it to go away. Is that true?

Fire over the weekend

I know some of wish I would post more. Other just wish I would go away. I haven't posted recently because of other things going on with me and not much going on here.

It was sad to see the fire over the weekend at the Kaupe home. Always terrible but particularly at the holidays. I hear it was an electrical problem. Thanks as always to Bill Wagner and our fire department. We have very dedicated people in our small town.

GL Conference Center Development

I haven't heard a lot about the development lately. What's going on out there?

Here you go. School Issues

Harvest Fest

I am looking forward to Harvest Fest this weekend. It has always been my favorite weekend in town.

The Library Problem

There is a little known new law on the books which affects small libraries in particular. Up until now you could go into the Green Lake library and request a book or movie and if the library didn't have it you could go to Ripon and get it. It wasn't much of an issue for anyone.

The new law says the library loaning the materials can now charge for this service. This creates a very big problem for very small libraries. The smaller the library, the fewer materials on hand. Consequently when people use a library not in their county, your local libary gets charged. This takes away resources from your home library. If that library is not in your county(Ripon is in Fond du Lac County for example) that county can now charge your home library for that service. This does not sound like it could be much but it can run up to several thousand dollars a year. (In Madison or the Fox Valley their is an estimate it could run up into $20-30,000/ year). We don't know yet.

The smaller library probably also has a smaller budget. This means people with the fewest resources now have fewer and people who live in more rural areas and probably need access to materials through a long winter have less access because the smaller library will not be able to provide the means to get access to the material from the larger library. This law was created by issues with bigger libraries in the more southern counties(Madison, Milwaukee) who lobbied their state reps who came up with this great idea.

The upshot of this foolish law is that now there is going to be more and more limited access to materials to the smallest libraries with the clients who need the materials the most. Libraries will not be "free and open" any more. They will quickly become very limited in what they can provide to their clients. This law is in the very eary stages but in the long run it will be very destructive to the people and libraries which need them the most.

The Courthouse

I have no idea what the eventual outcome of the courthouse situation will be but I wonder if it wouldn't make a great casino if we lose it as courthouse. That would be good for business.

Lawyer Banner

Did anybody else see the "lawyer" banner they were talking about in the paper this week? It was pretty clever actually. I liked it. I thought it was an excellent commentary.

ABA Development Continues, Another Mtg Aug. 2

I received this letter from someone who has been keeping up with the development possibilties in the Green Lake Conference Center. I am posting the body of the letter here for the benefit of others who may not know about these developments. The developers seem to think they have preliminary approval AND are offering leases for 97 boat slips in the ABA. Hmmm. What are these people thinking? The body of the letter follows.




Dear



We are XXXXXXXXXXX. We have a home at XXXXX XXXXXXX XXXXX, on the Green Lake Conference Center grounds.



At the upcoming August 2nd Plan Commission hearing, the developer (Lindenwood) and the American Baptist Assembly (ABA) will seek approval of the preliminary plat. We urge you to deny this. There are a number of reasons why you should do so.



THE PROPOSED PLAT VIOLATES THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN



The Comprehensive Plan, which was adopted in 2003, is the result of a great deal of hard work by a number of dedicated people. It is now part of the governing regulations of Brooklyn Township, and its provisions must be adhered to when any development comes before the Plan Commission for approval. As you know, the Comprehensive Plan calls for one to two acre lots in the Green Lake Conference Center area. The developer is seeking approval for a plan that has one-half acre lots. Not only is this contrary to the Comprehensive Plan, it is totally inconsistent with existing lot sizes on the east end of the grounds. (The average lot size is 1.2 acres.) In addition, other objectives of the Comprehensive Plan are undermined by this extremely dense proposed development:



· Provision for open space

· Protection of woodlands

· Provision for and protection of scenic vistas

· Protection of wildlife habitat

· Protection of wetland

· Shoreline protection

· Conservation of groundwater resources



When you look at the preliminary plat, it is somewhat difficult to visualize how great will be the destruction of woodlands in the 80 acre development. However, the roads and the home sites take up almost all the 80 acres of the development. There are 21 acres of roads, and 51 acres of home sites. In addition, there are 3 retention ponds and the wetland area. With the necessary tree removal for the proposed roads, most of the only trees that will remain will be on the lots themselves. Many more trees will be removed for the construction of homes. With 97 one-half acre lots, the tree removal will be extensive.



Other than the retention ponds and wetland area, there is no open space in the plan. There is no space set aside for parkland. The wetland area, which cannot be built upon, nor even walked upon without extensive protection measures, cannot be considered as parkland. Clearly the developer has failed to provide for open spaces, protection of woodlands, and provision of scenic vistas. Nor does the developer provide adequate protection for the wetland area, and has totally disregarded the protection of wildlife habitat. (Richard Bishop has addressed these two issues, so we will not repeat what he has said.) The only way to reduce the impact on the existing environment is to reduce the density by requiring the developer to have one to two acre lots. The Comprehensive Plan must be adhered to.



FAILURE TO RESPOND TO THE LATEST STRAND REPORT



None of the 55 issues in the latest Strand report have been responded to by the developer. Dick Martens has discussed this in greater detail. However, just one issue raised is that there is not any indication of a connection of Stone House Road to Lawson Drive or a connection of Shore Drive to Circle Drive. It must be made clear that Carpenter Lane residents can enter and leave the grounds without having to use the proposed east gate, which would require two dangerous left turns.



AMBIGIOUS AND INAPPROPRIATE RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS



In the Declaration of Restrictive Covenants For Estates of Lawsonia, filed with the original request for preliminary approval, the statement is made that pier access and either boat slips or lifts will be provided for all homeowner who desire them, either through the Homeowners Association or the ABA. The latest plat indicates a narrow strip of land in front of the lakefront lots, which the ABA will continue to own. In April, the developer claimed no knowledge of what the ABA planned to do regarding piers. However, there is now available to prospective buyers, a copy of a “Boat Slip Lease”, which states that the ABA will construct a series of piers extending into Green Lake which …will contain boat slips. Any buyer can lease such a slip. Thus with 97 home sites on the east end, there would be a very large number of piers and boat slips. This does not even take into consideration the home sites that are proposed for the west side of the Conference grounds. It sounds very much like a back-door way of getting back lots a boat slip. There must be DNR approval for any such proposal, and as far as we know, this has not been obtained.



The developer, in the above-mentioned Declaration of Restrictive Covenants (Part IV, paragraph 3 titled Mandatory Membership), has stipulated that residents on Carpenter Lane become full or secondary members of the Estates of Lawsonia Homeowners Association, and pay an access fee as well. It surely is not within the power of the developer to govern existing residents.



STANDING



It has been suggested that residents of Carpenter Lane do not have standing to oppose this development. Standing has no relevance to citizens having a right to appear and participate in a public hearing. Moreover, this clearly will affect us as well as our neighbors. Our home is located XXXXX from the Estates of Lawsonia. Homes on the north side of Carpenter Lane abut the development, with most of the houses actually backing up to proposed home sites. In addition, we all have rights, guaranteed to us in our original purchase documents, to the full use of all the roads on the Assembly grounds. This is true for homeowners on other parts of the grounds as well.



THE ABA AND DEVELOPER’S APPROACH HAS BEEN ARROGANT AND INAPPROPRIATE



We understand the financial needs of the Conference Center, and could consider supporting a development if it met the requirement for lot size of one to two acres, and if it were be designed to better protect the woodlands, wetlands, wildlife habitats, open spaces, scenic vistas, groundwater resources and the lake. These are the very elements that are outlined in the “Smart Growth” goals of the Comprehensive Plan. Our motto is “Development Done Right”. The developer’s plan is designed to maximize its profit, but does not take into consideration the goals of the Comprehensive Plan. Are we to sacrifice a large part of a Green Lake treasure so the developer/ABA can make more money?



We acknowledge that the developer has already spent a great deal of money with the idea that approval will be given for this project. However, that cannot be the criteria for approval. The town should not try to fit its ordinances and regulations to meet the demands of a developer. It is the burden at all times for the developer to provide a code-compliant plan. Yet, the developer has proceeded to market the home sites in spite of not having the necessary approvals. On February 26, 2007, Lindenwood sent out letters to prospective buyers, stating “With the initial approval process now complete our survey and engineering teams are in high gear.” Enclosed with the letter was a concept land plan and lot price list. This was sent out before the County Land Use Planning and Zoning Committee public hearing. No approvals had been given.



Lindenwood has advertised extensively in the Chicago Tribune and other papers. They have appeared before the Green Lake Chamber of Commerce stating that the development will have one-half acre lots, and private roads. They are meeting prospective buyers, passing out printed materials, including information about piers, at the newly remodeled House of Seven Gables. Thus they are conducting business there, in spite of not having approval for a zoning change to commercial. In addition, they are telling people that the preliminary plat will be approved on August 2nd.



This arrogant attitude makes a mockery of the approval process, is disrespectful of Brooklyn Township officials, and should not be tolerated. We urge you to reject this preliminary plat.



Sincerely,

The Bike Race

OK. First off let me say I am all for the bike race. I think it is good for the town. Brings in people, revenue, etc.

Now lets talk about the town. This race was handed off to Green Lake from Fond du Lac three weeks ago. Not a lot of time to plan. Then the town essentially handed it off to the chamber. It was so badly planned I couldn't believe it. People could not get into their own homes. Parking was blocked off where it didn't need to be. The mayor was a complete .... I feel badly for Dusty and the Chamber people because I know they took a lot of flak for the planning but it was BADLY planned and it was really the citys fault not the Chamber. If it comes back next year I hope they have learned a little from their mistakes.

A New Web Site for The Chief and His Friends

The Chief has moved. Click on the link to the right for the new site.

Thanks, Chief HIghknocker

Late Night Boat Accident

I heard there was a late night boating accident Saturday. One boat collided with another out near Oakwood. As far as I know nobody was hurt.

The Green Lake School System Forum

I HAVE MOVED MOVED THE COMMENTS HERE OVER TO THE NEW MESSAGE BOARD SO THEY ARE ALL IN ONE PLACE AND EVERYBODY WHO HAS SOMETHING TO SAY CAN DO IT IN ONE PLACE. PLEASE POST ANY NEW SCHOOL COMMENTS THERE. THANKS. JUST CLICK ON THE LINK TO THE RIGHT AND TAKE IT FROM THERE.

There seem to be a lot people who would like to have a forum for the Green Lake School District. I agree with them. I am in the process of changing this format so more people can start creating their own "feeds". I am pretty ignorant on problems with the school system but I get a lot of emails want a school system spot to discuss this isuse. So until I get the new format up so you can start your own "feed" here is the Green Lake School Forum for you.

Tourist Area Liquor Licenses

Two Chez has been trying to get a liquor license from the city for a couple of years. Heidel House, which could operate on a non-conforming liquor license fights them and the city in this regard. The city backs down from Heidel House. I keep wondering how many local people are even employed there at all. Other than the taxes Heidel House pays the employees can barely give directions to anything around here becasue they aren't from here nor are they encouraged to promote the area, just Heidel House. Two Chez has even agreed to put in writing that they would return any liquor license to Heidel House if there was a problem. Heidel House still declines and the city goes along. What would happen if the city did give another establishment Heidel House's "regular" license. Would they move out of town?

Summer Soltice

The Chamber of Commerce is having the summer soltice night this weekend. What stores we have will be open late. Get new pajamas.

Dimmer Day

A little local color went out of Green Lake last night when Arden T. died. He was lucky enough to have died at home in bed. I think there are a few relieved bluegills in the mill pond. I'll miss him and my sympathy to his family.

Spring Grove Fugitive

I see the woman who was protecting herself from the late night intrusion on Spring Grove Road has a warrant out for failure to show up at her court hearing. Keep an eye out.

ABA Development

At the last meeting for the ABA development the current plat was turned down. The developers are going to have to come back with a new modified plan. I think if they would increase the lot size they would not be meeting with so much resistance but they don't seem to want to do this. I noticed in the Ripon paper a photo of a bald eagle nesting in the development area. The Green Lake Center just seems to want to ignore ths aspect of the possible developement.

Camp Grow Fundraiser

I hear the Camp Grow Fundraiser at Bob and Patty Francis's house was a big success. People seemed to have great time on a beautiful night in a beautiful setting. It is great that Bob & Patty open their house for this event.

4th of July Fireworks

You only have a few weeks left to contribute to the Green Lake Fund at the Chamber of Commerce for the fireworks. Be aware that they are not free but they are the single best event the lake has every year. Make checks payable to the Green Lake Fund and send them to the Chamber of Commerce. Let Dusty know you read about it here.

The Court House Saga Continues

There was yet another meeting at the courthouse to discuss the courthouse. Unfortunately, I couldn't get there. Was anybody out there in attendance?

Tragic Event Today in Hattie Sherwood Park.....

I wouldn't speculate about such a tragic and sensitive issue, but a very reliable source has told me that the body of a male was found at Hattie Sherwoods today, apparently the victim of a gunshot wound. Naturally there will be a lengthy investigation into this and of course the full details will be released to the public in due course, but I just wanted to let our bloggers know about this very sad news.

Our thoughts and prayers should go out to the deceased, with sincere condolences to his family and friends.



Chief Highknocker

Its Been a Little Dull Around Town

Summer has definitely started. More and more Illinois license plates are here which is a good thing.

I hear there was a break-in at the County Park refreshment stand over memorial day weekend. What did they take? Stale hot dogs?

The developer who bought the Grocery Bag went before the city council Tuesday night looking for variances. The council has decided against him for the moment. He wants too many exceptions at this point. They should just tear that building down. It wasn't the greatest building to begin with and it is becoming an eyesore. I keep hearing about increasing the tax base but I don't see that as giving any relief to tax payers, just more money for the city. They aren't going to lower the current taxes, that's for sure. Do we need a medical clinic?

Remember

If you happen down North St. be sure and notice the number of flags in the Dartford Cemetery this weeken.

Jazz at Two Chez

John Harmon starts jazz at Two Chez this Friday night. Green Lake is lucky to have him in town. Give him a shot, he's pretty great.

Fill Up Now!

The BP Gas is up to $3.42/gallon today. By Friday who knows.

Adams Jackpot

There isn't a jackpot drawing at Adams Rib tonight.

The Courthouse Saga Continues

This was given to me by someone and I am passing it along as a matter of public interest. I have not put the actual motion in yet as it is quite long and involved.

At the Green Lake County Board of Supervisors meeting on May 15th, 2007 Supervisor Dennis Galatowitsch made the following motion, which is exactly what County Board Chairman Orrin Helmer and about 10 supervisors would like no matter what the effect or costs will be. It appears the costs will be from $32 to $40 million for Green Lake County’s population of 19,200. If you want this to be stopped you had better get involved NOW by attending the following meetings:

• 1. Green Lake County Property & Insurance Committee at 4:30PM on June 5th.
•
• 2. June 18th at 6pm Green Lake County Board Discussion.
•
• 3. Tuesday June 19th at 6 PM there will be a vote on this proposed motion by Supervisor Galatowitsch’s motion.
•
• At this point, this motion would pass with Chairman Helmers blessing along with many county employees and county supervisors.
•
This is how the County Board Vote will probably break down.

• District 1 Orrin W. Helmer For
• District 2 Wallace Williams Against
• District 3 Orvillle Biesenthal Against
• District 4 Margaret E. Hollander For
• District 5 Elden Dallman Against
• District 6 Susan E. McConnell Against
• District 7 Howard Sell Against
• District 8 Vern Ammentorp Against
• District 9 Dennis Galatowitsch For
• District 10 Richard Gorr Against
• District 11 Carol Myers For
• District 12 Danile Priske Against
• District 13 Gus Mueller Against
• District 14 Eugene Schroeder ???
• District 15 John Brennan For
• District 16 Gene Thom For
• District 17 Debra Schubert Against
• District 18 Robert Krause For
• District 19 Michael Stoddard For
• District 20 Joe Gonyo For
• District 21 Joanne Guden For

This makes the vote 10-10 with one up in the air.

The Big Green Lake, WI Fishing Report

Try this out. Joel is the greatest.

http://glreport.blogspot.com/

Mothers Day

It was gorgeous Mother's Day. All of the restaurants in town seem to have pretty steady business. Happy Mothers Day to the mothers who worked all day. The best present I heard about from a little bird was someone's lovely new dustpan. I guess she should be happy it wasn't a new fishing lure.

Green Lake Conference Center Development

The ABA is already moving greens 5 & 6 in anticipation of the new development. I am confused about the ABA need for money through development but spending several hundred thousand dollars (possibly as much as a million, I’ve heard) they supposedly don’t have for a development that hasn’t been approved yet? Where is this money coming from if they are trying to develop to raise money? Do they know something already?

Party!

It looked as though Anna Schneiders wedding last Saturday at the Opera House was pretty successful. I'm not naming names but I think it was full moon.

County Board Mtg.

The next county board meeting with development issues on the agenda is June 6, 6:00 at the courthouse.

Its Here

Well I think I can say the official "let's make money while we can" time is here. The last 501 at the Goose Blind was last week. Even Mary Rowley had an apron on and Angie Meilen had her 30 birthday. I've had to stop at the top of Mill Street 3 or 4 times already while someone with out of state plates took a look around or was trying to decide if there was a stop sign there or just couldn't decide what to do, so they just stopped. Because who could be trying to get anywhere else? Our 4 month window of oppurtunity has arrived. Raise your prices now.

Last Nights Town of Brooklyn Meeting

As far as I understand it from the meeting last night, the Town of Brooklyn decided that the comprehensive plan will be governing the lot size for the Town of Brooklyn into the future. And I am not saying I understand it. It gets a little complicated when you get into zoning and platting of development.

Fish or Cut Bait

There seems to be a possibe new disease capable of killing fish in the lake. Don't use any dead bait unless it has been caught in Big Green Lake. No bloaters or smelt. Nothing that comes from Lake Michigan or the Great Lakes. I see Dusty quoted in the paper regarding this. I'm happy to see her promoting the lake so well because this will make fishermen rush to Green Lake.

Computer Geeks

Green Lake seems to be creeping into the present. There are a few more wi-fi hot spots in town. Besides Two Chez and the Library, the Goose Blind is now wireless. Business people love this and will patronize wireless hot spots. Are public officials paying attention to this. It is is good for business and in a rural area local government should be on the cutting edge of this.

4th of July Fireworks

Now that it is May I hope people are thinking a little ahead and will keep the Fireworks in mind. This is one thing I think everyone will agree on and we should all pitch in with even $5 or $10 dollars. They are tax deductable. Make checks out to the Green Lake Fund and send them to the Chamber of Commerce. Make sure you have the correct address or the post office won't know how to get them there of course and they will be sent back. Please try to support the fireworks. Is there any better Holiday than the 4th of July in Green Lake?

Town of Brooklyn Meeting May 3

There is a Town of Brooklyn Mtg at 7:00 with one item on the agenda which is to repeal all or part of the Comprehensive Plan. Interesting. People interested in the ABA development should pay attention to this meeting.

Boat Landing Permits

The new rule this summer is to charge for using the boat landings in the city of Green Lake. I am not sure what the correct charge is going to be but I think it is 20/month? or season for Green Lake City residents and 30/month or season for Town of Brooklyn residents. It sounds a little complicated to patrol but I am sure Chief Huber will follow through somehow. Nothing like paying a tax to use the city services you already pay taxes for.

Rita's Restaurant of Ripon

I hear rumors John Castino's new restaurant is Ripon is going to have a full liquor license soon. Stay tuned.

Spring Grove Gun Incident

I've been watching the incident on Spring Grove Road with a mild fascination. If you don't know what I'm talking about, it involves the 79 year old woman who held a gun on the policeman trying to check on her in her home after health and human services called them to see how she was. At its most elemental level, isn't the point of owning a weapon self protection in your own home? No wonder she pulled a gun on the cop. She is 79, its late at night and someone is trying to break in as far as she knows. Now she is being charged with a class H felony. And the odd part of this is I am generally for some sort of gun control but this is when I would want a gun.

Global Warming Getting Hotter

Beside the Wal-Mart isssue in Berlin and the Courthouse issue in Green Lake there seem to be a new issue in the Sound Off column in the paper. Two weeks ago there was a letter in the Sound Off column regarding the showing of the movie "An Inconvenient Truth" in schools. There are some calls to show the other side of this argument. Last week Heidi wrote in to ask what the other side of global warming was? This week Vicki Schwark wrote in with some people to reference to support the "other side" of the global warming issue. So I took Vicki at her word and google some of the references. Here is what I found.

Rich S. Lindzen has no hits what so ever on google so I don't know who she is referring to.

Patrick Michael real name Partick Michaels is professor at UVA. He does in fact concede the earth is warming but is not as alarmist as some of the other spokes people in the global warming camp. He also concedes much of his funding comes from fossil fuel companies who are trying to create a lack of concensus on global warming because it is obviously in their financial interest. He has received over $100,000 from the Rocky Mountain Rural Electric Co. for example.

The Heartland Institute maintains it is a nonprofit organization devoted to discovering and promoting free-market solutions to social and economic problems. OK. And since this is their mission statement guess where their funding comes from. Big Tobaacco(who sit on the board of directors), Big Autos(who sit on their board of directors) and Exxon(who sit on the board of directors). This is certainly an unbiased group of people who have no commercial interest in the global warming debate.

Max Mayfield- I am not really sure why Mayfield is sited. He was the head of the National Hurricane Center and was "person of the week" for correctly predicting the size and devastion of Hurrican Katrina. I don't find any references by him to global warming directly.

Here is what I have really discovered. There is a RANGE of views. Not one scientist for or against. I'm not a scientist. The Global Warming propents may be alarmist but most of the scientists referred to agree the earth is warming. What they don't agree on is the possible results.

25% of the Republican party believes global warming is an issue. 75% of the Democratic party believes global warming is an issue.

Hole in One

Congratulations to Steve Yeomans for getting a hole in one on opening day at Lawsonia.

Could Someone Please Act Inappropriately Out There?

I apologize for the lack of current news or events on here right now. Nobody is fighting on the courthouse, we have to wait for any new development meetings, no one is tearing down houses of historical interest. There just isn't a heck of a lot going on. Could please act out so we can have something to read? Sorry, I'm bored.

The Post Office

Has anyone else but me noticed we have new beaucracy in town? It started small. The occasional returned piece of mail. You could have lived in town for the last 102 years and everybody including the post man knew where you lived. You could just address a piece of mail "Chief Highknocker, Dartford Cemetary Tree" and you got your mail. Now they demand a number or it is returned even if I haven't gone anywhere. If you close your box at the post office and get it on a route, they return it. They know where you are but rules are rules! Now all mail gets returned if it doesn't say EXACTLY what it is supposed to. Now the waste basket is gone. Another small town civility ruined by someone who is "just following the rules". Absolutely ridiculous.

New Cop Car

Has anyone noticed Chief Huber (there is another chief in town) driving his new police car? You can thank Mike Havey for that when you are buying a drink at Norton's. Ask him about the fire truck when you are there spending your money.

Start Planting

I feel much better now that we have a city flower, the "Happy Returns" day lilly. I guess the Chamber does get things done.

Just Get a Liquor License Already!

Joint Development Meeting


There was a much larger turnout for last nights planning meeting than the last zoning meeting. Quite a few people got up to speak both for and against the development. Ken Giacoletto got up to speak and he was much more agreeable at this meeting than the last.

There was one very odd moment near the end of the meeting when one of the developers started waving his hand to be recognized. When Mike Wuest called on him he asked to speak to the board in private in the hallway. The room just stared at him. This was a public meeting so it was illegal to go into a closed session not to mention there was a motion on the table waiting to be seconded. Mike Wuest just stared at him for a moment. I don’t think he could actually believe the guy had just asked for that. Mike just said “NO”.

I really wonder about the experience these guys have with developments. I think they are going to be the biggest problem the Conference Center is going to have with this development. They clearly have very little experience in building this type of development.

The developers don’t seem to have a clue how the process of public hearing works. I really think they thought they would just come in have a couple of meetings where all the locals would slap them on the back, say welcome to town, start building.

It ultimately came down to about 4 points.

1. Lot Size - According to Town of Green Lake Comprehensive Land Use Plan the town would like to see lot sizes of over ½ acre but not larger than 5 acres. All the lots are in the development are under ½ acre. One woman got up in support of the development to say she didn’t think the Comprehensive Plan really meant to include the Green Lake Conference Center and it should be OK for them to build smaller lots. WHY? I think much of this issue is about he density and the Conference Center is not exempt from the plan.

2. Cul-de-sacs - There are several cul-de-sacs in the development and they need to conform to certain standards. The cul-de-sacs have turns that are too sharp for vehicles. I think the developments have plans to change this at the moment.

3. Public Access - There is a state law requiring 60 feet of public access for every ½ mile of lake frontage.

4. Public or Private Roads - It is here I think the Board fell down on the job a bit. The board generally agreed that they didn’t really have a problem with private roads. Part of the reason for this is because a public road would require a 66-foot wide passage. This would require the removal of the stone walls and cutting down trees. The road has to be 22 feet wide for emergency vehicles and would need 22-foot wide sides making it 66 feet. At least. Probably a bit more on either side making the passage over 66 feet. I don’t think the Board wants to see the removal of the stone walls, which are over 100 years old or cutting down all those trees. Personally, I think the Board should have given the developers the option A or B. They should have to come back to the board with development plans showing both options on the plan. The use of public or private roads effects other aspects of the development like public access for the lake.


I really don’t understand why the development would have to cut off road access to the rest of the ABA. If the ABA doesn’t want those people to have easy access to the ABA they should just sell off the land to someone else and let them develop it. There is no logical reason for making the people in the development drive out to 23, turn left and then turn left again into the main gates to get access to the ABA. I think they are afraid of the heathen who might be buying the undersized lots and don’t want to give them easy access to all the good works they will be doing.

Ken Giacoletto said the Conference Center made a mistake when they expanded the Golf Course. He says the golf business is one of the worst businesses to be in and more courses have closed than opened in recent years. This may be true but it also depends on the specific golf course. Lawsonia is one of the premier golf courses in the Midwest if not the country. I have heard the course makes money but the Conference Center just takes the profit and puts it back into to the general fund so Lawsonia is unable to make improvements not to mention maintenance. Personally, I think Mr. Giacoletto would like to see the whole course just go under so they would not have to deal with even more heathens on the grounds. Why don’t they deal with the whole conference center like a real business and get a liquor license? Heathens everywhere.

I really don’t understand the reason the conference Center wants to cut the development out of the majority of the ABA by blocking the roads. What is the point of that except to cause congestion on 23? Absolutely ridiculous plan. Cut the development to 50 lots and let the current roads stand and the development would have a lot less problems. It will take 15 years for the development to sell off. This seems to be a better business practice for the ABA also. They can see what happens with the development and if they would even want to continue on. Green Lake real estate inventory is currently at the highest ever. There are several large developers who currently own homes on the lake. They look at this development in amazement and wonder because they would never attempt this development at this time. The market is down. Check out Realtor.com.

And then we come to the issue of the Sanitary District. Only 2/3 of the development fall under the current Sanitary District. The developers will have to petition the Sanitary District for inclusion into the Green Lake Sanitary district. Then it becomes a matter of money from where? Do we, as taxpayers need to pay for them to hook up to the sanitary district? What about building the water to mains to hook up. Where would they be built? And the new holding tank the district is going to have to build? And what about the fact that you hit water about 10 feet down in some of the development sections? These developers have a long way to go to provide the answers and I’m not sure the Green Lake Conference Center has picked the right ones.

I believe the next meeting this will be discussed is the County Board Meeting on June 6.

Happy Friday the 13th.

Commentary on News Feed

I don't know how many of you out there actually pay attention to the news feed I added but today there is a very good editoral comment written by J. Kallas from Princeton regarding the building of a new courthouse. Read it. Smart guy and I agree with him. This courthouse thing has gone on long enough.

Where is the Sanitary District in this Development?

What about the sewer system for this development? Has anything come before the sanitary district yet? I don't think that area percs for a conventional development, does it? I know the ABA has its own sewer plant that is very old and couldn't possibly handle a development of this size. What is the answer to this?

April 12 Joint Planning Mtg. Notice

TOWN OF BROOKLYN PUBLIC HEARING & NOTICE OF JOINT PLAN COMMISSION & TOWN BOARD MEETIN

April 12, 2007 7:00 PM

Location of Meeting: County Board Room at Green Lake County Courthouse

e-mail: broklyn@dotnet.com Web: www.tn.brooklyn.wf.gov

NOTICE OF TOWN BOARD MEETING Members of the Town of Brooklyn Board will attend the Town of Brooklyn Joint Plan Commission and Town Board meeting at the above-specified time and place. The Plan Commission and the Town Board will take action taken on following item:

AGENDA Call joint meeting to order.

Pledge of Allegiance

Certification of Open Meeting Law's

Public Hearing notice and agenda Roll call of both Town Board and Plan Commission members lawsonia fnc and American Baptist Assembly Rezoning
Owner: Lawsonia, Inc. and American Baptist Assembly clo Ken Giacoletto Agent: Davel Engineering, Inc. Tax Parcel #and Description: Parcel; numbers 004-1776-0000, 004-1777-0000, 004-0731-0000, and 0040732-0000, Located in Section 25, T16N R12E, and Section 30, T16N R13E. All parcels located in the Town of Brooklyn Location of Premises Affected: Generally located south of State Road 23, site known as Green Lake Conference Center Explanation: Owner/applicant is requesting multiple zoning changes on the site in question -

1 being a change from R-1 Single-Family residence District to C-2 Extensive Commercial District and changes from RC Recreational District to R-1 Single-Family Residence District. a. Public hearing b. Review from Strand Engineering c. Committee discussion and deliberation d. Committee decision e. Execute determination 6. Lawsonia Inc and American Baptist Assembly Preliminary Plat O T16N R12E, and Section 30, T16N R13E. Town of Brooklyn Location of Premises Affected: Generally located south of State Road 23, site known as Green Lake Conference Center Explanation:
Preliminary plat for Estates of Lawsonia.

a. Public hearing

b. Review from Strand Engineering

c. Committee discussion and deliberation

d. Committee decision

e. Execute determination

7. Adjourn Requests from persons with disabilities that need assistance to participate in this meeting or hearing made to the town office at 294-6600 with as much advance notice as possible. 1. 2 3 4. 5


Respeclfully submitted,

Marian Mildebrandt, Clerk

Conference Center Development Documents

I have started a separate blog site to start listing documents relevant to the Green Lake Conference Center Development Plans. These are documents that are part of the public record so far.

Please be aware that in transferring these documents a computer sometimes likes to make changes by itself. I try to re-edit these where I can but my eyes and proof-reading skills are not what they should be so please don't be too critical. It would be great if you see glaring and obvious mistakes to feel free to correct them. I have included two letters from the Maartens family and the Bishop family written to the planning board. Both of these men are experts in their respective fields. Mr. Maartens is a municipal Lawyer and Mr. Bishop is 32 year member of the faculity of the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Both of their letters are detailed, relevant and interesting.

I will keep adding more documents as I can.

REMINDER: Jt. Planning Commission Mtg. 4-12-07

The joint meeting of the planning commission is April 12 at 7:00 in the County Board Room of the County Courthouse. Don't use the front door, use the side near the police station.

Chamber Needs Volunteers

This is a press release from the Green Lake Chamber of Commerce. For them to function they need bodies not just money. So here it is.

The Summer Solstice Committee met last night with only Marion Mildebrandt
attending. This event is scheduled for Saturday, June 16th. This will be
the 10th year but if we can't get any volunteers to help with this event we
will have to cancel it. Our marketing firm, TMG wants to promote this
unique event in the Chicago and Milwaukee areas and are very excited about
it. Please consider volunteering a little of your time.
Thanks,
Dusty Walker

Spring Elections 2007 Results

Election Results for Town of Brooklyn
There are 1096 registered voters in T of B. 596 voted. A %50 turn out is not too bad for an off year election.

Green Lake School Board
Deppiscne 241
Farrell 301
Zeratsky 242
Write-in 80

Town Chairman
Weust 321
Ladwig 267

Board Members
McConnell 337
Rouse 250
Benson 242
Krause 186

These are election results for the City of Green Lake. These do not include the Town of Brooklyn.

Green Lake City Council
Michelle Polzer re-elected
Larry McIntyre re-elected
LuAnn Mirr re-elected

School Board
Deppiscne 125 votes
Farrell 158 votes
Zeratsky 95 votes

Annette Zeigler won for the Supreme Court in Green Lake County. Out of 633 votes cast in the county she won 498. More to come...

VOTE TODAY

Stupid Human Tricks

For you service people who need an answer to the endless question of "What's New?" I am providing an answer this week. Tom Hrubek, waiter at Adam's Rib has a talent he is proud of and someone kindly emailed these pictures to me. Tom's unique talent is stopping a moving fan with his tongue and here it is. Hey Tom, Take it on the Road!

Using the Blog

Ladies and Gentleman-

I am glad to see people posting here. It is great to have an outlet. It might make it easier for you when you post to use a name. When you get so many "anonymous" postings it is not always so easy to see who people are responding to. By choosing a name for yourself it may clear up a few conversations and responses and make it easier for everyone to follow. But I'm happpy with anonymous also...as long as there is place to vent.

VOTE TUEDSAY!!!

There are elections Tuesday, April 3. These could influence the development at the ABA and the direction of the charter school proposal. There are several state judge elections including the state supreme court. Richard Wright of Marquette County is running un-opposed. Wuest & Ladwig are both running for chair of the Town of Brooklyn and there could be some interesting developments for the School Board election. For what it is worth Bur Zeratsky never returned his questionaire for the newspaper.

Tuscumbia on Market

I hear Tuscumbia went on the market for $7 million over the weekend.

Fourth of July Fireworks

Firework reflection
Originally uploaded by Alabama Geographer.

I am trying to think ahead here. Not easy for me. I hate commitment.

The Green Lake 4th of July Fireworks are going to be held out in front of Norton's and the Bay in front of the marina this year. This is supposedly so we can watch them from the park and it will bring in massive amounts of business for the downtown. I will withhold any comment here.

The Chamber is planning on using 2 barges this summer instead of the usual one. They need to raise $7,000. I wouldn't think it would be that hard and the fireworks are incredibly popular. You would think the chamber would focus on this a lot more. The fireworks bring in people from all over. The truth is I don't think $7,000 is such a lot for the fireworks. Wouldn't it be great if we could work up to 15K or 20K? It seems like it would be good for business all around. I am under the impression they have about 1500 dollars so far, but I don't really know.I would actually like to see them raise a lot more and start a continuing yearly fund instead of having to scramble all the time. This seems to be a continuing problem for the chamber. Then they blame their members for not giving them enough money for the fireworks because their yearly dues aren't enough already. And the members get so much for the dues. I really don't know what goes on with that chamber other than they love a good meeting.

Anyway...if anybody feels like donating $$$ for the fireworks they can send checks made out to The Green Lake Fund at the Green Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 337, Green Lake, WI 54491. It would be great for everyone if we could do this together. You would think the Chamber would at least have it on their website. The Chamber doesn't seem to be able to get it together for something like this... If you send a check tell them the chief sent you. Don't quote me but I believe it is tax deductible.

A Band Shelter Survey

There is a move afoot to rebuild and or move the bandstand in the park. How do people feel about this?

Mascoutin Opens Thursday

Mascoutin is opening for golf this Thursday, March 29.

???

Wow, so did everybody in town hear the fight on the courthouse lawn this morning?

Press Release regarding Green Lake Conference Center

Green Lake Positions Itself for Post-Denominational Future; Kingdom Focus Trumps Denominational Parochialism
Today, American Baptist News Service's Andy Jayne posted a press release detailing the Green Lake Conference Center Site Development Master Plan. (Mon, 15 May 2006 10:48:10 -0400 http://www.abc-usa.org/).

Like most press releases from official organs, this one was long on sound bites and short on analysis. Already Dr. Glenn Layne (Durable Data, http://www.durabledata.blogspot.com/) has weighed in with a preliminary explanation of the decisions.

"'The times, they are a-changin'. . . as we see the new direction Green Lake is going. Line this up with the ABC of the West becoming Growing Healthy Churches. Anyone see a post-denominational pattern here? The PSW ("Transformation Ministries") declaration of independance is only a small part of the pattern."

Lest anyone think that Dr. Layne has overinterpreted the data, be aware that Green Lake has been moving steadily toward a post-denominational future for some time. They have already gone beyond an excluusively "Baptist" identity and the board has oriented itself toward conceiving of its mission as follows: "GLCC is committed to partnering with congregations as they seek to be vital, vibrant, healthy missional churches engaging their communities with the Good News of Jesus Christ in the new millennium."

Under the leadership of Ken Giacolleto, Green Lake has partnered with several denominations and parachurch organizations in areas of training church planters and pioneering new models for fund development. Additionally, the organizational meeting for the Great Commission Network almost two years ago was hosted at GLCC and involved significant input from executive staff of the conference center in addition to several executive ministers, ABC affiliated organizational presidents, and leading pastors.

Along with most 21st Century organizations, GLCC has seen the future clearly. Restricting one's field of vision to traditional denominational affiliation alone will likely result in a series of negative organizational consequences tracing to such cultural myopia.

Many of our ABC affiliated educational institutions have been distancing themselves from the ABC over the past decades for reasons of "academic freedom." Church sponsored schools have typically shifted leftward in their departures from their host denominations. It should not be entirely unexpected that other organizations might tact rightward for reasons at least as legitimate. As Green Lake prepares to impact the next generation for Jesus Christ, it does so with a Kingdom vision larger than the constraits of any denominational parochialism.

[His Barking Dog proudly hails from the newly independent movement of Baptists known as Transformation Ministries (formerly the ABCPSW) but still barks only for himself]

Jolint Planning Meeting for Conference Center Development

TOWN OF BROOKLYN PUBLIC HEARING & NOTICE OF JOINT PLAN COMMISSION & TOWN BOARD MEETING April 12, 2007 7:00 PM Location of Meeting: County Board Room at Green Lake County Courthouse e-mail: broklyn@dotnet.com Web: www.tn.brooklyn.wf.gov
NOTICE OF TOWN BOARD MEETING Members of the Town of Brooklyn Board will attend the Town of Brooklyn Joint Plan Commission and Town Board meeting at the above-specified time and place. The Plan Commission and the Town Board will take action taken on following item:
AGENDA Call joint meeting to order.
Pledge of Allegiance
Certification of Open Meeting Law's
Public Hearing notice and agenda Roll call of both Town Board and Plan Commission members lawsonia fnc and American Baptist Assembly Rezoning
Owner: Lawsonia, Inc. and American Baptist Assembly clo Ken Giacoletto Agent: Davel Engineering, Inc. Tax Parcel #and Description: Parcel; numbers 004-1776-0000, 004-1777-0000, 004-0731-0000, and 0040732-0000, Located in Section 25, T16N R12E, and Section 30, T16N R13E. All parcels located in the Town of Brooklyn Location of Premises Affected: Generally located south of State Road 23, site known as Green Lake Conference Center Explanation: Owner/applicant is requesting multiple zoning changes on the site in question -
1 being a change from R-1 Single-Family residence District to C-2 Extensive Commercial District and changes from RC Recreational District to R-1 Single-Family Residence District. a. Public hearing b. Review from Strand Engineering c. Committee discussion and deliberation d. Committee decision e. Execute determination 6. Lawsonia Inc and American Baptist Assembly Preliminary Plat O T16N R12E, and Section 30, T16N R13E. Town of Brooklyn Location of Premises Affected: Generally located south of State Road 23, site known as Green Lake Conference Center Explanation: Preliminary plat for Estates of Lawsonia.
a. Public hearing
b. Review from Strand Engineering
c. Committee discussion and deliberation
d. Committee decision
e. Execute determination
7. Adjourn Requests from persons with disabilities that need assistance to participate in this meeting or hearing made to the town office at 294-6600 with as much advance notice as possible. 1. 2 3 4. 5
Respeclfully submitted, Marian Mildebrandt, Clerk

April 3 Elections

Town of Brooklyn


There is an election on April 3, 2007. Mike Wuest the current Town of Brooklyn Chairman and is running a re-match with Roger Ladwig. Wuest has been the current chairman for the last two years while Ladwig was the chairman for the 6 years before that. Ladwig lost in the last election to Wuest. Let’s see where this one goes.

There are also three seats open for the Town of Brooklyn board with 4 people running. Two are incumbents, Sue McConnell and Ron Benson. The other two are Mike Krause and Sydney Rouse.

In Ron Benson’s questionnaire in the Green Lake Reporter under the question for generating additional revenue he makes a suggestion of new manufacturing for the area.

This is unrealistic for today. Manufacturing has fled the city, county, state and country. If we want new manufacturing we should move the county to China. We will all have jobs. At sevens cents per hour.

Ten days after this election there is to be the joint meeting of the planning commission for the Conference Center Development so some of these members could be newly elected and might not be up to speed on the development.

The city, townships and county government should be looking at our current infrastructure. The whole county should be going for reliable wireless access for everybody in the county. This would help make the county an enticing work area for engineering companies, software companies, and board of trade guys. These companies provide “clean” manufacturing and high pay. They would appreciate the natural attributes the area has to offer. These are the kinds of things we should be working on. Like it or not manufacturing has fled. Information exchange is here now and we already attract the kind of people who want this service. Don’t argue with the way the world should be or was. This is the way it is. Make your public officials face the future not the past.


It seems silly that a certain amount of people in the area can’t get cable TV or only have access to “dial-up” internet service. This is ridiculous and part of the reason we don’t have higher income people spending more than their tax dollars here. They can’t get the services they need to do the work they need to do to stay in the area to spend their money at the gas station, grocery store, liquor store or hardware store. It comes down to a basic infrastructure many people need to do their jobs everyday. They can’t do it here so they head back to the city. We lose out.

Manufacturing plants are so ‘50’s. Our city leaders should be looking toward what is coming and should be working together. The area is governed by too many separate government entities without a complete plan. Really the only complete government body is the County Board. Much of this should be planned together with joint committees. The city, townships and county government all seem to have committees that overlap. This area has endless committee meetings with no bold ideas. Maybe this has always been the way has been done but maybe it is time to change.


Board of Education


There 3 people running for the Board of Education. The truth is I don’t know a lot about the school board. Two are incumbents, Jodine Deppisch and Bur Zeratsky. The challenger is Gordon Farrell. In reading about their qualifications in the Green Lake Reporter I see Deppisch is the warden of the Fox Lake Correctional Institution. That alone seems like a good qualification for the school board.

Gordon Farrell has obviously been educating himself in the ways of the school board and is committed to its needs.

Bur Zeratsky didn’t bother to return his questionnaire. I guess arrogance is a qualification for running for school board.


City of Green Lake

There two people running for City Council in Green Lake, incumbent alderperson Michele Polzer and Regina Furo is the challenger. It is a toss-up.


Just a little aside. State census records project Green Lake County to be one of the ten slowest growing counties in the state until 2030.

The Avery Verdict

The Steven Avery verdict didn't really hold any surprises for me but I would have to say there are quite a few people out there who feel he was set up. I was in a bar when the verdict was being read. It was dead silent while people waited for the jury. I don't think Steven Avery was surprised by the guilty verdict. I guess I will never understand the what the motive would have been. Had he just gotten used to prison? I guess we will see what the nephew has to say.

Adams Fund Raiser

The Adams Fundraiser was a great success. Rachel Adams was tireless and practically lost her voice. At one point I am sure there were a couple of hundred people there. Rachel deserves a hand.

Adams Rib Fundraiser for Markesan Fire

Adams Rib Is having a fundraiser Saturday night for the families involved in the recent Markesan fire. They will be having a raffle which you do not have to be there for with quite a few prizes. Jon Ahearns will be playing music. Think of it as an early St. Patricks Day party. Even if you don't want to go stop in and buy some raffle tickets or donate some money to buy a Shamrock. This for a very good cause. Spend 5 bucks.

Some of the raffle prizes include

A $250 Ladies Watch from Diedrich Jewlers in Ripon
$100 gift certificate for Stahl Plumbling in Green Lake
$25 gift certificate for Two Chez Rest.
$100 gift certificate for Jahnke Plumbing
$25 gift certificate for Rita's in Ripon
Aveda Beauty Products from Roberta & Jim Sommers

It is a long list. More than 50 items.

There is a silent auction that will close at 5:00 on Sunday night.

GO BUY RAFFLE TICKETS.

This is small aside some may find amusing...

Someone's Green Lake wedding schedule. Read the decriptions for the local establishments.

http://greenlakewedding.com/details.html

The Old Judd Property

The Judd property on Illinois Ave was sold a couple of years ago. It had been cleaned up and looked great. It was one of the Grand Old Ladies of the Lake. President Taft stayed there. Gorgeous property. Well, I hope you know where I am talking about because it is gone now. About 3 days ago a bulldozer had its way with it. All gone. Painful to look at. They are splitting it into two properties. The property is 260 feet. It is because of things like this that future development needs to be looked at now. This is so typical of people to come in the middle of the winter when no one is around and do this.

Green Lake Conference Center Development Cont.

I should really amend this a bit. There were public officials there. The president of Town of Brooklyn and the president of Town of Green Lake were there and did speak.

Daylight Savings

Yes everybody. The bars will legally be able to open until 3:30 AM this saturday night. Thank god. I was wondering what I was going to do if they closed at 1:30. It would comletely ruin my day...mmm..night..mmm..routine.

Proposed Green Lake Conf. Center Development

There was a meeting at the Court House last night regarding the new development in the Green Lake Conference Center. This was a meeting for re-platting and re-zoning the area.

My first question is how did this get to the county agenda so quickly without first having township approval? The Town of Brooklyn Zoning commission has not even met on this issue yet. The conference center seems to be trying to act as though they can just do whatever they feel like doing without any community support, input or discussion. This is a mistake on their part. Community input and that "hot" word transparency are in the interests of all parties involved.

The ABA should be looking for feedback and suggestions from the community as they go, not to mention involving the right government entities right off the bat. (Both the DNR and Sanitation district are obvious examples here) It would seem to make the whole process easier for them and more transparent for us without hurt feelings on both sides.

There was a lot of information exchanged, not to mention some upset property owners from the grounds of the Baptist Assembly. I learned a few things.

First I would like to ask where are the “Friends of Green Lake”? The Friends were made up mostly of homeowners on Illinois Ave and near Norton’s. When the Norton’s development issue was on the table they were loudly proclaiming how they wanted to protect the “character” of the Green Lake area. The current development proposal at the Conference Center will affect the character in a much larger way for generations to come than the development of Norton’s ever would have. The Friends should step forward to help and support the current homeowners of the ABA and prove that they were not just about what went on in their own back yard.

Steve Sorenson, the Ripon attorney is representing some the the property owners. He spoke eloquently and brought up some very good points. I think some of the FRIENDS should get in touch with him to see how they could help him out. Also, Nancy Hill, Executive Director of the propery owners asscociation spoke. Get in touch and protect the future of the lake.

The Center wants to put in 107 new ½ acre lots. These lots would surround the Woodlands section of the golf course. This is a very high density for the conference center and would not fit in with the current character of the homes currently there. By necessity they would be smaller tract homes. The key here is DENSITY. The complaining neighbors don’t seem to be upset over the development of more lots in the center but the type and amount of lots being developed. Why doesn’t the conference center consider larger lots, with larger homes more in character with the current development of the homes on the conference center grounds?

The entrance for these lots would not through the current gate at the front of the ABA but would be at the east corner where the old gate by House of the Seven Gables is currently. There are several issues with this arrangement. First, the center wants to rezone the just the small little corner the Gables house sits on to commercial property. The ABA wants to use this corner for Lindenwood Development use for selling model homes. Why is this a problem? Once you change this zoning and Lindenwood is done with using it for selling lots you could put anything you wanted to here. A Laundromat, liquor store, adult book store, anything. This is not reversible. Once it is done, it is done. We are stuck with it.

The conference center also wants to make this a gated community. You would need some sort of device to enter like a keypad, door opener or something like that. The main entrance is not available to them. The Center is essentially trying to cut the Conference center in half, not giving them access to the grounds from INSIDE the center. The residents would have to drive out to the east gate, turn left on 23, and then re-enter the ABA by turning left again. What will this do to traffic on an already busy Highway 23 in the summer time? This is a ridiculous proposal. There would be as many as 800-1000 more cars per day going in and out of this entrance that would have to stop and start blocking traffic on 23 in the middle of the summer.

With the current proposed density of these lots there would be a sewer issue. Because of the character of the grounds septic systems will not be possible. The Conference Center maintains this is not a problem. This is not true. It is a huge problem for our current sanitation situation. How will these homes hook up and do we have the capacity for this amount of homes?

The proposed road system would be private so they would not have to conform to current standards for emergency vehicles. Emergency vehicles would not have easy access to the development because they would have to go into the current main entrance and then go through private access roads to get to the development. I also hear they aren't doing any road beds, just surfacing. The roads will deterioate in about 2 years.

One of the best moments of the meeting was when one of the young high school Wallenfang girls got up and asked “what would this development do to her future” after the current county board is gone and they were the generation that had to deal with what they left behind? (I am paraphrasing here, she was very nervous but she showed up and made her voice heard which is more than I can say for others. Paging The FRIENDS of Green Lake here.)

There quite a few other issues which should be discussed in an open public meetings. There are eagle roosting areas in the development zone and rare American chestnut tress that Mrs. Lawson planted. Both of these are problems that will get the DNR and possibly the Dept. of the Interior interested.

There are many more issues here. The conference center is trying to bully its way through here and acting as though none of this is a local issue or any of our business. I must say they are right if public response is any indication. If you thought the Norton’s development was a big deal then this should be of more interest to the future development of the area.

The conference Center is sending out brochures to prospective buyers indicating the first level of approval is already complete. This is not true. The developers (Lindenwood) are already starting to dig up ground as if they already have approval. They don’t. This needs much more discussion and input from the community. Don’t let the current residents of the ABA stand alone for issues that will affect the entire are for generations.

The director of the ABA got up and spoke at the end of the meeting. He seemed upset that anyone would get involved with the Conference Center plans.

How fast are the lots at Maplewood selling? How long will it take to sell 100 ½ acre lots in the ABA at $200,000/parcel? Why doesn’t Conference Center consider larger lots for higher income people who will need the services of the local community? Why would someone want to buy a ½ acre lot in the Conference Center when they could find much larger parcels for less just down the road?

Who is Lindenwood Development and what kind of funding do they have. I have heard they wanted to buy a parcel of local land a couple of years ago for $300,000 and couldn’t get funding. Then how do they expect to do this kind of development? If they can’t do $300,000 how do they do $30,000,000? Follow the money. Or lack of it. What kind of homes have they built in the past? Where?

We don’t really need more people here who will need more local jobs. We need people who will rely on the services of the local people currently but paying the same amount in property taxes. The higher income people will need our services and we should encourage that sort of development. Larger lots for higher income people which need less infrastructure services and create more jobs locally instead of flooding the local job market, which is clearly a problem already.

Our local politicians would like us to just sit quietly by and not get involve because it “increases our tax base”. That is not enough. It effects our infrastructure, raising our taxes, crowding the already tight local job market and the character of the area.

I also found it interesting that there were none of our local leaders at the meeting. You would think they would attend just out of interest but they hold the simplistic view of “increasing our tax base” is good for us so we should just sit by while they approve of this development.

So far this seem to mostly an issue of DENSITY. No one is arguing against controlled development. Green Lake should grow but not through uncontrolled growth that the ABA seem to think won’t effect us at all. Why should we care? It just increases our tax base and that should make us all happy. Right? Not true. As I see it so far this is an issue of density, which the Green Lake Conference Center doesn’t seem to think is a problem. It is.


There are more issues here but I think I have gone on long enough and given people enough to think about. Get involved. Don’t just bitch about “our government”. We are “our government”.


The County Zoning Commission tabled the plans for three months.

Are we having fun yet?

Green Lake Conference Center Meeting

There is a meeting regarding the Green Lake Conference Center development. The meeting is at the courthouse at 6:00 Wednesday night. This is going to be imortant to the area. Linwood Deveopment is planning on putting in 170 lots. Speak up, be seen and go. Having an opinion after the fact is just bitching to no effect.

Norton's Closing For a Month

Now that Nortons is closing for a month it has really been hopping. Friday night was packed in there. I do wish Mike H would stop playing "his" music. He is not a great DJ and he seems to think it is his own living room and we all there to visit him. At least they have a decent juke box now.

Then Saturday night I hear there was group celestial beings visiting. They left naked imprints on the snow outside along with a FULL moon along with some low hanging stars. Sorry I missed it.

Tri Casa Fundraiser

I hear the casino night for tri casa was really fun. Did Kathy Arnstrong really win a bunch of money playing roulette or is this just another case of the Green Lake rumor mill in overtime?

Teacher in Berlin Arrested

http://www.thenorthwestern.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070301/OSH/303010006/1987

A Crappy Day in the Neighborhood

There was a fire in Markesan yesterday. There were three people killed. Two children under 10 and the guy trying to rescue them. One young girl was saved by jumping out the second story. No news on how the fire started yet.

And a county social worker was killed in a car accident on 49.

There was wet heavy snow and rain all day.

Norton's had its jackpot night last night. Brian Badke, Norton's manager won the pot. He also won the super bowl pot. No more comment needed.

The County Inquisitor

OK. What is the big deal with the "Blizzard of '07"? We hardly had any snow really. It got a little slippery but not much else. I think there was a little over reaction to this whole thing. People seemed more relaxed(if they can be in this town) with all this snow. I hope we get another.

Charlie Kuhs won the Adam's Rib number draw last monday nite. He only got half of the 248 because he was paid into the pool. He was in Fond du Lac with a broken fan belt. The usual custom is for the winner of the last week to pick this weeks number. Charlie was at the Rib for the drawing this week so he was the drawer for the number. To lots of drunken fanfare he picked his own number (47) and won about 200. He bought the bar a round. Thanks Charlie.

Green Lake is moving forward with their attempt to become a more competitive school district by starting a Charter school. From my very general understanding to the project, Ken Bates, the superintendant of schools is trying to have the focus be on ecological/biological aspects of education, specifically how they relate to this area. Now that schools have "open enrollment" they must try to be more competive to stay viable. Maybe an alternative is to just have a Green Lake school district that only goes through 8th grade and let them go to Ripon for high school. Is that possible, reasonable or cheaper?






Who is he going out with this week? I mean today? I mean this afternoon.