They're BACK!!!

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

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

Mini Tornado

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

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)

Band Stand Stairs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ripon Paper on Ref Voting

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Center House

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

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?

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

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

So what about the Vikings at Lambeau?

New Library Roof

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

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

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

Mayoral Censure

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?

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

ABA Development

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

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?

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

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

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?

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

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

Saturday August 8

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

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

Wed Night School Board Meeting

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

Water Ski Show at Norton's this Weekend

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

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

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

School District and & Board, Cont.

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

May 2 Rummage Sale

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

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

"What's New"

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

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

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

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

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

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

Recount

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

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?

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

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

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

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

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

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.

BPWC Flower Sale, May 9, 2009

The Business and Professional Women's Club is having its annual flower sale Sat. May 9 from 9-noon at the Chamber of Commerce Parking lot. They are offering 10" hanging baskets for $20.00/basket or $25 gift certificates redeemable at Stuart's Landscaping in Princeton. They have great selection from impatiens and begonias to geraniums. Order ahead of time and pick them up on that Saturday. They won't have a lot for sale that day but are taking orders now. Karla Spinks can probably help if you have any problems trying to order or contact the Chamber of Commerce. This the same group that puts up the flower boxes around town and this is a GREAT price but you need to order now!

Once upon a time the Chamber had a flower sale? Where is it?

Tomorrow, April 7th, Election Day!!!!

OK all you people out there with no opinion. Just a reminder that tomorrow is election day. Beside the local elections there are two state elections for Supreme Court and Dept. of Education. Get out and VOTE!

School Board Elections

The following people are running for the Green Lake School Board:

1. Sandburg
2. Reabe
3. Meade
4. King

Have at it everyone!

Town of Brooklyn Elections

In the town of Brooklyn Elections we have the following five people running for four seats in the township.

1. Mark Pettack
2. Harley Reabe
3. Sydney Rouse(incumbent)
4. Thomas Schwarz
5. Ron Triemstra

City Elections

I know people were looking for a new post on the elections but I thought I would wait until April Fool's Day to start a new post. I think seven days is plenty of time for people to have a "discussion" regarding the election issues. First off is the city elections. We have the following people running:

1. Rowley vs. Meagher
2. Mirr-Frank vs. Jones
3. Parise vs. Wagner

In full disclosure Joe Parise came and talked to me recently. We have had a few issues with things in the past(this blog for one). And he kindly told me how he didn't really like me. (Another person to add to the list) But I appreciated the fact that he did come and talk to me and I agree with some of you out there who think he has a confrontational style. He can be a bull in a china shop. I think as Mayor it might have been a little much for people but I think being on the council might be good for the community. He DOES bring up questions no one else will ask; DOES keep in contact with our state Representatives; DOES wonder if anyone is going after any stimulus money for local projects. I wonder if anyone else is actively doing these things for the town? I don't think so, but Donna Moore, I know you check in with this blog. Is there anyone doing this? Because these things do need to be done and I think in Parise's defense he goes after this stuff that local government needs. You can't just elect citizens and sit back expect things to happen. It just doesn't work. For government to work it needs people like Parise to hound others. As a mayor I am not sure that style was the best for the town. As a council person it could have a whole other effect for the city. He might keep the council on its toes and he can vote on the issues. He does care about the city.

Big News! Lawsonia Update!!!

Finally, after 60 years as a public course, and probably the only one in the USA that didn't have beer, Lawsonia Golf Course is going to have beer service. It's about time. If they had started doing this a long time ago they wouldn't be have gotten into the financial bind they were and we might not have had to go through all these development issues. I don't know if they are serving hard liquor but they are going to have a beverage cart. It will probably be the Baptist version of a nun so you get beer and a lecture.

New Layout

I like to test out new layouts. I get bored. What can I say, its GL in the winter. For those of you who follow this there is a way to subscribe at the bottom of the page so you know when there are updates. Please feel free to give me your opinion.

I Think We Have Covered This Already

I received the following press release from a reader.

These women seem to be covering the same downtown issues as the Ad Hoc committee currently called the Green Lake Organization. The Ad Hoc committee met regularly for a couple of years and are the current sponsors of the Soccer Camp this summer. What I think the women are in the press release are doing is a laudable effort but they might want to check at the library for the Ad Hoc Committee report and see what ground has been covered. This effort seems as though it might be redundant. This may be a reason things don't always get done here. Just more committees. If Mary Rowley is running for city office she should be aware of things like the Ad Hoc Committee currently the Green Lake Committee. It was a pretty big thing in the paper for a while and the current members of the Ad Hod committee are listed on the soccer camp posting.

Green Lake, WI – March 20, 2009

A new group has recently formed in Green Lake called the Downtown Green Lake Renewal Project Inc. Mary-Jo Johnson of the McConnell Inn, Mary Rowley of the Goose Blind and Jo Ellen Madden, neighbor and Green Lake homeowner met out of concern for the health of our downtown. They are neighborhood friends who have a passion for the community and want to see Green Lake thrive as it once had.

Their initial step was to read and discuss the book Boomtown USA, 7½ Keys to Big Success in Small Towns written by Jack Schultz. Using this as a springboard they have established the Downtown Green Lake Renewal Project Inc. and have 501(c)3 status to accept tax-free donations. Their mission statement is “Working towards the revitalization of downtown Green.”

It is their intention to assess and build on the strengths of Green Lake by adopting a can-do attitude, leverage local resources, and encouraging an entrepreneurial attitude. The first thing the Renewal Project team is doing is surveying Green Lake High School alumni for their opinions on the strengths and weaknesses of Green Lake. This is one of the components of the 7½ Keys in making Green Lake a successful small town.

“This town is a fabulous place in which to raise children and run a business. We hope to use the natural resource of beautiful Green Lake to boost the economy of our downtown which in turn will help keep our schools thriving,” Mary-Jo Johnson said.

As a downtown business owner, Mary Rowley has been hosting Webinars on revitalizing Wisconsin’s downtowns put on by the UW-Extension. “I am excited for the opportunity to create an atmosphere and culture for positive change for the Green Lake downtown. Through our Renewal Project we will be encouraging broad community collaboration. As we all know, it takes a village.”

As stated in Boomtown USA “Small towns are more exciting places to live in than big cities. More is at stake each day and each citizen plays a part. EVERYONE makes a difference in some way. And no matter what their individual talents, ideas, or capabilities, all citizens can contribute a CAN-DO attitude.”

“I grew up in a small town similar to Green Lake and my family has been visiting Green Lake for 18 years from Chicago. It is so refreshing to return to the simple pleasures of small town living and becoming part of a wonderful community. I appreciate all that Green Lake has to offer!” exclaimed Jo Ellen Madden.

Together these three women are dedicated to working towards the revitalization of downtown Green Lake. If you are interested in contacting the team, please email them at greenlakerenewal@gmail.com or drop them a note to PO Box 302 Green Lake WI 54941.

Discover Wisconsin at Thrasher Opera House

The Wisconsin Public Television show Discover Wisconsin will be featuring Green Lake in the near future. The debut of the the show will be at the Thrasher Opera House this Tuesday night and open to the public. I think it is free at 7:00.

Wind Farm in Green Lake Area

There was a front page article in the Ripon paper regarding the possibility of a wind farm on the border of the Green Lake County/Fond du Lac County line. It would be built by Alliant Energy, currently in production stages on a farm in Minnesota. It is in a very preliminary stage for the Green Lake area at this point but seems we have "good" wind around here. (insert wind bag jokes here)

Local Employment

I heard the foundry in Berlin has laid off half the staff this week, which is approximately 150 people out of a job.

New Parking Lot in Town

I understand that the old Condon's lot at the corner of Lake and South Street is going to be a new parking lot. It should be final at the end of the month. It'll be good to have that in town. More room for boat trailers, etc. this summer.

Catsino NIght at Ripon College, March 28

There is fundraiser for animal shelters a Ripon College Great Hall on March 28. It is a casino(catsino) night with gambling games. I went last year and had a great time and it was a great way to raise money. The room is pretty great also. The light were too bright but oh well, can't really complain about that....

General Blog Information

Someone asked how to remove a post if they wanted to do so. The answer is people who comment on here cannot remove a post once it is "out there" on the blog. I am the administrator of the Blog and only I can remove a post once it is posted. Another reason to think before you post.

Also, someone else asked about the ads. That is just me fooling around with templates and layouts. The ads come up through this system. It is just part of the process. Sorry about that but advertising is everywhere now. The way of the world.

If local businesses advertised with Google through a program called "Adwords" the local ads would start showing up here. Google the topic "Adwords" for more information on how this system works.

I like to see if there changes or updates in tech I like the look of on the blog. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. What can I say. It is what it is.

Also I get suggestions for blog postings from people so I am going to occasionally just post a heading for a topic people would like to see discussed.

As for local establishments, if you are having an event you would like to see posted on here you can always just email me. The address is up in the right corner of the Blog.

Thanks,
The Chief

Happy St. Pats

Be sure to go out support all the local restaurants by having Corned Beef and Cabbage Tuesday. It couldn't be easier to help stimulate the local economy.

More Ice Regatta Photos

Once again, Thanks Drew!
For race results or more pictures go to:
http://www.iceboat.org/seasons/08-09/isa/index.html

Put Some County Propety to Better Use

A suggestion was made to me about the use of local county land for entertainment uses, specifically a water park. The area suggested was the land we use for the Green Lake County Junior Free Fair. Most of the land around the county building is not used for most of the year. We probably could have used this land for the new Court House Building nobody seems to want. (See below, Your Tax $$$ at work) As an alternative it has been suggested we might want to put this land to a more productive use of the land. Personally, I still think the old Court House would be a great Casino. Give the land back to the Native Americans. (Maybe they will sell cheap cigarettes)

Soccer Camp June 29-July 2

There is a going to be a soccer camp this summer, sponsored by the Green Lake Organization. The Green Lake Organization(GLO) was formed by the former Ad Hoc Committee of Green Lake. They are trying to organize events that don't rely on government and bring some positive change to the community. The members are Maureen Martin, Co-Chair, Christine Seno, Co-Chair, Dusty Walker, Secretary, Ken Bates, Tim Jankowski, Tom Jones, Joann LaMire and Jeff Shadic.

The first event they are sponsoring is a soccer camp from June 29 to July 2 under the direction of Scott Haywood. It is for ages 4-18 years old and is $65. If you have children or grandchildren who will be in the area "and are bored" this is a great time to get them signed up for this terrific event.

For an application contact them at the following places:

Contacts:

greenlakeorganization@yahoo.com

or

Green Lake Organization
P.O. Box 504
Green Lake, WI 54941

Ice Boats On the Inlet of Green Lake, WI

Your tax $$$ at work!

The Work on the New County Courthouse with our new local business of prisoner warehousing.

Green Lake School Board Elections

This is an area to post your feelings on the school board elections so the other comment boards won't get so cluttered.

I believe there are four people running:

Emmett Sandburg
Harley Reabe
Grime Meade
Celeste King

I think.

Town of Brooklyn Elections

I don't know who is running in the Town of Brooklyn elections. I don't think Sue McConnell is returning. Is Sydney Rouse up for election?

City of Green Lake Elections

The elections are in the first half of April. The second Tuesday maybe? I know Joe Parise is running for City Council in the 3d district against Wagner. In the 2nd district Luann Frank is running against Tom Jones. Whoever is running in the 1st(Larry MacIntyre's seat) is unopposed I believe. What else is out there?

Ice Club Regatta March 13 and 14th

There are going to be ice boat races on the lake tomorrow(Friday) and Saturday with participants from all over. If you haven't had the chance to see ice boats in action now is the time. The boats included are the Skeeter and Knight classes. I don't know if DN will be included. Ice boating can be pretty exciting to watch(if the wind cooperates)and great for the photographers out there. The boats will be using the inlet as the home base. I believe the Ice Yacht Club will have people there selling Chili. For those of you old enough to remember, in 1963 ABC Wild World of Sports was here film a regatta. It was pretty great.

Wisconsin Recovery Bill Websites

For a couple of websites that try to focus on the help Wisconsin may be getting the recovery/stimulus package.

This is from Senator Feingold's office and is located at:
http://feingold.senate.gov/recovery

One set up by the Federal Government is www.recovery.gov. This focuses on the country as a whole, not just the state. According to this site Wisconsin will be getting about 70,000 jobs from the bill.

There is also a State of Wisconsin website:
www.recovery.wisconsin.gov.

Boys Basketball

The boys high school team lost last night. End of the road I guess.

Enough Already

I don't really care that much what people post on here when they are considered opinions. Calling other posters idiots is not necessary. I will delete them. I haven't changed the sign in so far to let people post anonymously. I feel it gives people a venue to speak out. I may change this if it becomes necessary.

Daylight Savings

Sunday is the day to spring forward. Set you clocks accordingly.

Green Lake Boys Basketball

The boys high school basketball team beat Rio last night. I think the score was 49-46. They now go on to play Fall River. Tomorrow night is the last game of the regionals. If they win they the next step is regional finals. I think the regional finals are against Randolf.