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Monday, April 29, 2013

"Wis. DOT proposes delays in light of deficit" by Latest News -- GazetteXtra

"Wis. DOT proposes delays in light of deficit" by Latest News -- GazetteXtra

April Minutes; Evansville Police and EMS

8. Evansville Police Report – Calls for service for the month is unknown at the time of the meeting as the new system has not been programmed. Training for the new system will continue through June. The tentative target date for the system to be up and running properly is June 1, 2013. Total license plate transactions were 56, with 741 transactions for the year. All staff completed Rapid Response/Active Shooter training and Standard Field Sobriety Testing in March. All staff has or will be attending Spillman training in April and May. In April, Lieutenant Koehler will attend Children Homicide Resistance training, Officer Mahan-Strupp will attend Rifle Instructor Course training, Officer Nankee will attend SFST Instructor training and Chief McElroy will attend “Lockdown” training. In May, Officers Reese and Job will attend Background Investigation training and EVOC Instructor training, and Officer Mahan-Strupp will attend DAAT Instructor training. Officers Job, Nankee and Mahan-Strupp will be updating the Field Training Officer manual. Officer Job has scheduled a meeting with the Monroe Police Department training officer to assist in this process. The Sergeant promotional opportunity was posted March 1, the written exam was March 22, and an Open Panel interview is set for Friday, April 1. Advertisement was placed for a full and part-time police officer eligibility list with a closing date of April 22, 2013 at 3:30 p.m. Three coop student candidates were interviewed on April 2, 2013. As of March 1, we have completed all accreditation required policy review of Chapters 1-14. All proofing and proofs have been forwarded to Tim Kriz of CSI. We are working on Chapter 15 and some additional policies and/or directives. We are working on WILEAG standard Version 4 and are likely to see additional requirements/costs. The on-site evaluation is set for November 2013. We received our Laptop Model 31 and the purchase will be reimbursed by a $4,000 grant and a $650 donation from the Evansville Police Officers Association. The Emergency Services Trailer was inventoried on March 23, 2013. There have been a few minor issues with the video cameras and modifications have been made. County Siren testing was scheduled for today at 12:05 p.m. 9. Evansville Medical Service Report There were 43 calls for service in the month of March, 2013. Recruitment as always is an ongoing process. As of today, we have two trainees. One is a licensed EMT and the other is in EMT class. They are both riding with the service at this time. The end of April is the Week of the Young Child. We will participate in the parade along with the Friday night event at the school. The service donated 50 File of Life forms to seniors for those who have medical needs. We will be working with BASE to put the “Evansville Night Out” project together for August. The Bike Rodeo will be during this event also. 10. Motion by Jacobson, second by Fuchs, to adjourn the meeting at 7:24 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Barbara Jacobson, Chairperson

TONIGHT: Creekside: Open House: Ice Age Trail

Open House: Ice Age Trail The National Park Service is holding an Open House from 5-9 pm on Monday, April 29, at Creekside Place Community Center, 102 Maple Street. The Park Service will explain the proposed options for the Ice Age Trail in our region. Public input is very important. Info at Park Service website.... Maps of three options..... John Decker of the Evansville Grove Society will present "Evansville History 101" around 6:00-6:30 during the open house.

Friday, April 26, 2013

Ice Age Trail Planning Meeting--MONDAY--Creekside Place--5-9PM

From 5 to 9 pm, next Monday, April 29, the National Park Service is hosting an Open House at Creekside Place, 102 Maple Street, to explain the proposed alternate Ice Age Trail routes in our area. After this meeting a final trail route will be designated by the Park Service. Information and maps at the Park Service website: http://parkplanning.nps.gov/document.cfm?parkID=137&projectID=22396&documentID=52710 Public input is very important to persuade the Park Service to select a route that runs through Evansville. The Park Service has invited John Decker of the Evansville Grove Society to make a presentation on Evansville's history and historic districts from about 6:00 to 6:30 during the Open House. I hope you'll come out and enjoy "Evansville History 101."

80 million victims of sickeningly high medical costs

80 million victims of sickeningly high medical costs

Monday, April 22, 2013

The wise words of Uncle Ruslan -- GazetteXtra

The wise words of Uncle Ruslan -- GazetteXtra

"Utilities agree to clean up coal plants" by Latest News -- GazetteXtra

"Utilities agree to clean up coal plants" by Latest News -- GazetteXtra

Cullen honored for efforts on state mining bill -- GazetteXtra

Cullen honored for efforts on state mining bill -- GazetteXtra

Fallout for states rejecting Medicaid expansion: Associated Press

Fallout for states rejecting Medicaid expansion: Associated Press

Current Madison School District budget math equals big property tax hike : Wsj

Current Madison School District budget math equals big property tax hike : Wsj

Tales From Normal, Mn.----FICTION: After 5 Years of Slanderous Comments, Newspaper considers moderation...maybe: Tales from Normal, Mn.

Tales From Normal, Mn.----FICTION: After 5 Years of Slanderous Comments, Newspaper considers moderation...maybe: Tales from Normal, Mn.

Sunday, April 21, 2013

"Bill would protect job seekers" by Latest News -- GazetteXtra

"Bill would protect job seekers" by Latest News -- GazetteXtra

Matthias James Pottery Sale Coming this weekend

Annual Spring Pottery Sale April 27-29, 2012 Come into Allen Creek Gallery April 26-28, 2013 to draw your discount of 10% to 40% off your entire purchase of Matthias James Pottery!

Jazz at the Night Owl after the Art Crawl Friday Night

After the Art Crawl Live Jazz Music Stolen Moments at 9 pm, Friday Night- at The Night Owl 19 East Main Street Spend your Evening enjoying a journey of Art , then head on down to the Night Owl and enjoy Click here to take a listen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1D7srXXOzLU

Saturday, April 20, 2013

Tales From Normal, Mn.----FICTION: After 5 Years of Slanderous Comments, Newspaper considers moderation...maybe: Tales from Normal, Mn.

Tales From Normal, Mn.----FICTION: After 5 Years of Slanderous Comments, Newspaper considers moderation...maybe: Tales from Normal, Mn.

OpEd: The Observer celebrates the end of the 4 Period Day

Recently in a local paper, our Evansville School Superintendent, Mr. Roth indicated that one of the ways of bring down the deficit for the next year would be to leave the four period day, or the block schedule. This is wonderful news. The 4 Period day was introduced in Evansville Schools as a way to increase compensation. It never had any shred of evidence of being able to improve student achievement. It actually reduced the hours of instruction---and those reduced hours of instruction lead over time to reduced performance...Thus it is now a matter of MATH, not Politics....the 4 period day must end...That is how I see it..and you?

Digital technology changing education, classrooms -- GazetteXtra

Digital technology changing education, classrooms -- GazetteXtra

Is Scott Walker the GOP's presidential front-runner? : Ct

Is Scott Walker the GOP's presidential front-runner? : Ct

GOP lawmakers sharply criticize UW System officials over $648 million cash reserve : Wsj

GOP lawmakers sharply criticize UW System officials over $648 million cash reserve : Wsj

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

"SSM, Dean move toward merger" by Latest News -- GazetteXtra

"SSM, Dean move toward merger" by Latest News -- GazetteXtra

Cannon to Replace Christmas Tree in front of City Hall

Evansville Historic Preservation Commission Minutes Wednesday, March 20, 2013 6:30 P.M. Evansville City Hall Present: John Decker, Steve Christens, Rich Modaff, Ald. Ben Ladick, Steve Culbertson Absent: Rick Schuch, Betsy Ahner Also Present: Mayor Sandy Decker The meeting was called to order at 6:30 PM by Chair Richard Modaff. Motion by Christens to waive the reading of the minutes of the February 20, 2013 meeting and approve them as read. Second by Decker. Motion carried. Applications – Appearances a. 114 S 3rd Street – Application to for exterior siding was withdrawn. b. 118 S 1st Street – Motion by Culbertson to accept the application. Second by Decker. Owner asked to add a 3 car garage behind his home. Motion carried unanimously. c. 469 W Main St – Motion by Decker to accept the application. Second by Culbertson. Owner has asked to tear down-replace porch, fix roof. Motion carried unanimously. d. 31 S Madison Street, City of Evansville– Motion by Culbertson to accept the application. Second by Ladick Motion to approve the site plan for Landmark Restoration in front of City Hall. John Decker explained the site plan, and for the restored historic cannon to be placed in front of City Hall; plus other markers on the site. Motion carried unanimously. Administrative – John Decker spoke on the continued development of the cannon restoration. There was no other business. Motion by Culbertson to adjourn the meeting. Second by Ladick. Motion carried. The minutes of the Evansville Historic Preservation Commission are not official until approved by the Commission.

Historical Preservation Meets Wednesday, April 17, 2013

NOTICE The regular meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission for the City of Evansville will be held on the 17th day of April, 2013, at 6:30 p.m., at City Hall, 31 South Madison Street, Evansville, Wisconsin, or alternate location. Notice is further given that any members of the City Council or the Mayor might be in attendance. Evansville Historic Preservation Commission Regular Meeting Agenda Wednesday, April17, 2013 2nd Floor, Conference Room, City Hall 6:30pm ***First Draft*** 1. Call to Order, Char. Rich Modaff 2. Roll Call 3. Motion to waive the reading of the March 20, 2013 minutes and approve them as read. 4. Reorganization: a. Motion to approve HPC Chairperson b. Motion to approve HPC Vice-Chairperson c. Motion to approve HPC Secretary d. Other 5. Applications – Appearances a. 33 2nd Street Hicks– Creating 3 Season Back Porch b. 224 W Church Street McGoey– Build Yard Shed c. Seminary Park/College Ave Janssen Eager/Gishnock– Peace Park/Walkways/Labyrinth d. Others 6. Administrative a. Grove Society, John Decker i. Baker Building Museum ii. Meeting b. Management of HPC Documents and Records c. Landmark & Historic District Discussions i. Discussion of Additional Historic Districts ii. Discussion of Historic Landmarks, John Decker iii. Plaque Program Applications 7. Other Business a. Correspondences, Comments and Concerns. b. Others 8. Adjournment Next Meeting Dates: 05/15/2013 RDM April 15, 2013

School Scoop:ECSD Press Release Link Below

Evansville Observer has sent you a link to a blog:

A meeting worth attending

Blog: School Scoop
Post: ECSD Press Release Link Below
Link: http://schoolscoop1.blogspot.com/2013/04/ecsd-press-release-link-below.html

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Evansville Reorg Meeting Tonight: April 16, 2013

Common Council Meeting Tuesday, April 16, 2013, 6:30 p.m. Organizational Meeting City Hall, 31 South Madison Street, Evansville WI AGENDA 1. Call to order. 2. Roll call. 3. Administer Oral Oath of Office to District #1 Alderperson Barbara Jacobson, District #2 Alderperson Jim Brooks, Dist #3 Alderperson James Montgomery, and District #4 Alderperson Joshua Manring. 4. Roll call of new Council. 5. Motion to approve Resolution 2013-06, Commending Floyd Hayes for his Service to the City of Evansville. 6. Motion to approve the Application For Transfer Of Licenses For Sale Of Fermented Malt Beverages And Intoxicating Liquor From One Premises To Another for The Artful Gourmet from 16 W Main Street, Evansville, WI, 53536 to 11 E Main Street, Evansville, WI, 53536. 7. Nomination and election of Council President. 8. Motion to appoint The Evansville Review as the City of Evansville’s official newspaper for a term of one year. 9. Committee Aldermanic Appointments. A. Motion to approve the Mayoral appointments of Ald. Braunschweig as Chair and Ald. Brooks and Ald. Manring as committee members to the Finance and Labor Relations Committee. B. Motion to approve the Mayoral appointments of Ald. Braunschweig and Ald. Senn to the Plan Commission. C. Motion to approve the Mayoral appointments of Ald. Brooks as Chair and Ald. Montgomery and Ald. Ladick to the Water and Light Committee. D. Motion to approve the Mayoral appointments of Ald. Jacobson and Ald. Manring to the Evansville Fire District Board, and Ald. Senn and Ald. Montgomery as alternates. E. Motion to approve the Mayoral appointments of Ald. Braunschweig as Chair and Ald. Fuchs and Ald. Montgomery as committee members to the Public Works Committee. F. Motion to approve the Mayoral appointments of Ald. Brooks and Ald. Senn as committee members to the Economic Development Committee. G. Motion to approve the Mayoral appointment of Ald. Fuchs as Chair to the Park and Recreation Board. H. Motion to approve the Mayoral appointments of Ald. Jacobson as Chair and Ald. Brooks and Ald. Fuchs as committee members to the Public Safety Committee. I. Motion to approve the Mayoral appointments of Ald. Jacobson and Ald. Manring to the Redevelopment Authority. J. Motion to approve the Mayoral appointment of Ald. Ladick to the Historic Preservation Commission. K. Motion to approve the Mayoral appointment of Ald. Ladick to the Evansville Youth Center Board. 10. Committee Citizen Appointments. A. Motion to approve the Mayoral appointments of Bill Hammann, 250 Eager Court, and Matt Eaton, 608 South Sixth Street, for three-year terms to the Plan Commission. B. Motion to approve the Mayoral appointment of Karen Aikman, 126 Garfield Avenue, for a five-year term to the Police Commission. C. Motion to approve the Mayoral appointments of Randy Withrow, 330 Union Street, and Cheryl Mani, 260 Garfield Avenue, for three-year terms to the Park and Recreation Board. D. Motion to approve the Mayoral appointments of Susan Kruser, 244 Eager Court, and Sharon Cybart, 334 West Main Street, for three-year terms, and Robert Flaherty, 7636 North Morning Meadow Lane, for a three-year term as School District Representative, to the Eager Free Public Library Board of Trustees. E. Motion to approve the Mayoral appointments of Michael Maves, 315 South Second Street, and Harold “Butch” Beedle, 14415 West Golf Air Drive, for three-year terms to the Evansville Youth Center Board. F. Motion to approve the Mayoral appointments of Dean Arnold, 140 North Third Street, for an unexpired term ending in 2017, and Mary Anne Alt, 216 West Main Street, as alternate, for an unexpired term ending in 2014, to the Board of Review. G. Motion to approve the Mayoral appointments of Sarah Bauer, 18309 West Emery Road, and Brandon Rutz, Ady-Voltedge, for three-year terms to the Economic Development Committee. H. Motion to approve the Mayoral appointments of Richard Modaff, 103 South Third Street, Betsy Ahner, 66 North Water Street, and John Decker 143 West Main Street, for two-year terms to the Historic Preservation Commission. I. Motion to approve the Mayoral appointment of Sue Wilbur, 423 Badger Drive, for a five-year term to the Housing Authority. J. Motion to approve the Mayoral appointments of Christina Slaback, Evansville Chamber, and John Decker 143 West Main Street for three-year terms, and Jenny Bammert, 127 North Second Street, for an unexpired term ending in 2014, to the Tourism Subcommittee of the Economic Development Committee. K. Motion to approve the Mayoral appointments of Steve Stacy, 108 Water Street, as Chair, Jeff Vrstal, 284 Franklin Street, and Harlin Miller, 123 North Fifth Street, for three-year terms, and Janice Turner, 233 West Church Street, and Gil Skinner, 263 Garfield Avenue, to unexpired terms ending in 2015, to the Zoning Board of Appeals. L. Motion to approve the Mayoral designations of Jeff Vrstal as first alternate and Gil Skinner as second alternate to the Zoning Board of Appeals for 2013. 9. Meeting reminder: A. Next regular Council meeting, May 14, 2013, 6:30 p.m. B. Committee of the Whole, Saturday, May 18, 2013, 8:00 to 11:30 a.m., The Heights at Evansville Manor, 201 North Fourth Street. 10. Adjournment Sandra J. Decker, Mayor Requests for persons with disabilities who need assistance to participate in this meeting should be made to the Clerk’s office by calling 882-2266 with as much advance notice as possible. Please turn off all cell phones while the meeting is in session. Thank you.

Friday, April 12, 2013

Some question school workers' benefits -- GazetteXtra

Some question school workers' benefits -- GazetteXtra

Mailbag: Kathleen Vinehout: "The Wisconsin Budget Has Lots of Missing Numbers"

The Wisconsin Budget has Lots of Missing Numbers “Why don’t these numbers add up?” the school board member asked me. He was looking at the summary tables on dollars for schools in the new state budget. “Because numbers are missing,” I told him, realizing there are a lot of missing numbers. The Legislature is given a 519 page “summary” of the budget to consider but nowhere can you find numbers to compare this year’s budget requests for particular programs to dollars actually spent under the previous budget. There are no numbers clearly showing the increases or decreases in each individual program. There are no numbers showing what was accomplished by the spending. Most of the budget numbers compare the Governor’s request for new spending to “the base year doubled”. For anyone looking for real numbers this creates a problem because “the base year doubled” is just a place to start - an imaginary number. It is what you would get if you took the budgeted or expected spending in the current state fiscal year -- which ends on June 30th -- and doubled that number. Budget analysts assume an estimate of what was budgeted last year is a reasonable starting place. Details given to legislators are changes to the base – not to how much was actually spent for specific programs. Without the real numbers it is difficult to answer the question: Can this program be better run with fewer dollars? What is really happening at the specific program level is often buried and nearly impossible for legislators or the public to dig out. For example, let’s look at the Department of Health Services (DHS). According to the Legislative Fiscal Bureau staff, DHS buried in the $7 billion Medicaid base-funding request is a nearly 3% increase in rates paid to Medicaid HMOs. Buried in the $663 million cost to continue is a 2% increase to HMOs to compensate them for a new federal excise tax. Also buried in the cost to continue is a 2% increase for HMOs to “ensure an adequate network”. A total of 7% increase in money is going to HMOs. HMOs already receive a 14% skim off all state payments to cover their administrative costs. For every dollar the HMO pays out they keep 14 cents. With this budget they receive another seven cents on each dollar. But what really troubles me is that NOWHERE was this increase detailed so citizens could clearly see what they are buying. Another example: increases for choice and independent charter schools. To determine how much this cost I added up numbers from 19 different pages. The entire private choice school/independent charter expansion is budgeted to cost state taxpayers over $185 million including the $70 million taken right out of the budget of local schools. Nowhere is a summary of this spending clearly laid out. Nor can I find the total Wisconsin already spends on these private schools. Last year during an Audit Committee hearing I asked the DHS to explain their budgeting. They brought stacks of documents to the hearing and smiled when they answered “just ask the question and we’ll give you the answer.” The problem is with a nearly $70 billion dollar budget and over 1,100 programs, the complexity of state government makes it difficult for the average concerned citizen or legislator to know where to begin asking questions about missing numbers. And there is little opportunity to ask questions. The Legislature’s Joint Finance Committee scheduled only four public hearings on the budget. Very few, if any, of the 1,100 programs are going to get any public scrutiny – particularly when much of the time will be taken up with the non-budget policy items included in the budget bill. The way we do the budget gives a lot of power to the Governor, which is the way Governors of both parties like it. No Governor will voluntarily change the budget process. If the Legislature is going to use the budget to review what agencies are doing with their programs and hold agency officials responsible for accomplishments, the Legislature needs to take the lead in changing the way we do budgets in Wisconsin. If you know someone who would like to be added to this distribution list, please let us know. If you wish to unsubscribe from this newsletter, reply with "Unsubscribe" in the subject line Sen.Vinehout@legis.wisconsin.gov State Capitol Room 316 South - P.O. Box 7882, Madison, WI 53707-7882 Toll Free: (877) 763-6636 or (608) 267-2871

Tuesday, April 09, 2013

Packers coach Mike McCarthy photographs couple's beach proposal : Sports

Packers coach Mike McCarthy photographs couple's beach proposal : Sports

Beloit Turner School Board: Open enrollment helped sink referendum -- GazetteXtra

Beloit Turner School Board: Open enrollment helped sink referendum -- GazetteXtra

Coming to the Observer: Video: Educational Reforms in the Philippines--a Lecture by Lisa Burton

PHILIPPINE STUDY GROUP OF MINNESOTA Invites you to an educational forum/conversation: Educational Reforms in the Philippines The Change to K-12 and the New Policy on Language of Instruction By Lisa Burton The introduction of K-12 education and a new policy on language of instruction mark a period of great educational change in the Philippines. This presentation will provide a description of these policies, as well as background on the decision to adopt these initiatives. Observations will be shared about how these national reforms are being implemented at the local level with specific attention being given to teachers' and parents' perspectives. The Philippines' experience will be contrasted with approaches from other Southeast Asian countries Lisa Burton is an adjunct faculty in the School of Education at Hamline University. She is an independent consultant on international development and education;she has worked on teacher professional development throughout Asia and Africa. Having lived and worked in the Philippines from 2003-2005 as a Peace Corps Volunteer and teacher trainer in Bicol, she continues to focus her research on Philippine educational issues. Most recently, she conducted research on local-level implementation of the Philippines' new policy on language of instruction. She will earn her Ph.D. in Comparative and International Development Education from the University of Minnesota in May 2013. Saturday, April 13, 2013 2:00 – 4:00 pm PCM (Philippine Center of Minnesota) Building 1380 Frost Avenue Maplewood, MN 55109 FREE & OPEN to the Public (Light Refreshments will be Provided) For info, call: Paul Bloom/ Meg Layese 651-646-1985; Jo Fernandez 763-780-9027; Gary King 763-571-7696 Directions: Go to the hiways 36 and 61. Go East on highway 36 to the next stop light, go South on English Street, and at a round-about at Frost Ave., go East three blocks.

Caribou Coffee to pull out of Chicago market

Hi,

From the coffee front

I thought you'd like this:
http://soa.li/qfRZzCO

Caribou Coffee to pull out of Chicago market
Caribou Coffee is quitting Illinois, while Peet's Coffee & Tea will be gaining a foothold in Chicago.

"Flood warnings, watches issued in Rock County" by Latest News -- GazetteXtra

"Flood warnings, watches issued in Rock County" by Latest News -- GazetteXtra

Friday, April 05, 2013

Citizen presents Video Evidence to Evansville Police of Illegal Boarding Kennel

6. Citizen appearances A. Pam Ascencio said she gave to the police a video of dogs being dropped off and barking at 435 Almeron Street; she said it shows a boarding kennel. She asked about an ordinance to limit the number of dogs. Alderperson Josh Manring arrived at this time.

Minutes: Common Council Restructures Development Agreement for Hotel

(Minutes: Common Council: March 2013) (5). Braunschweig made a motion, seconded by Brooks, to approve Amendment to Development Agreement for Development of 31-Room Hotel. Wietecha explained that due to low occupancy rates, Boarders Inn & Suites had requested restructuring their agreement. The proposed amendment would 1) extend the tax increment repayment period allowing for lower annual amounts, 2) allow a temporary credit to further reduce the amount of the tax increment repayment (the credit would be based on a portion of the room tax), and 3) would strengthen the city’s security in the agreement by identifying the grant as a service which may be levied as a special charge against the property. Council noted reservations about the proposal but acknowledged this was for unique circumstances. Council stated that all future development agreements should include the special charge mechanism for the city’s security. Motion approved 7-0 on a roll call vote.

Mailbag: Wireman: A Personal Request

I lost three friends to gun violence. IF ALL THOSE WHO LOST A LOVED ONE TO GUN VIOLENCE SIGN THIS PETITION FOR STRICTER GUN LAWS IT WILL SHOW THAT GUN VIOLENCE AFFECTS FAR MORE PEOPLE THAT THE IMMEDIATE FAMILIES OF VICTIMS. If you have lost a loved one to gun violence PLEASE sign my petition to show the media and decision makers that it's not just immediate family that are affected. If I get 20 to 50 signatures, moveon will send it to more people. Please help. Please send to friends, tweet, facebook etc. if you have trouble with link PLEASE let me know. Today some 30 Americans are likely to die from firearms, including 17 children and youth under age 24. Since 1980 over 1 million Americans have lost their lives to gun violence. That translates into many millions of survivors and friends and families of those victims. I lost three friends to gun violence. I want stricter gun laws. IF ALL THOSE WHO LOST A LOVED ONE TO GUN VIOLENCE SIGN THIS PETITION FOR STRICTER GUN LAWS IT WILL SHOW THAT GUN VIOLENCE AFFECTS FAR MORE PEOPLE THAT THE IMMEDIATE FAMILIES OF VICTIMS. To honor the memories of the friends/family I have lost to gun violence, I want my representatives to enact strict gun laws including background checks. http://signon.org/sign/lost-friends-to-guns

Parks: Citizens Wanted to Provide Input---Monday, April 8, 2013: 4-6PM

HELP SHAPE THE FUTURE OF EVANSVILLE’S PARKS AND RECREATION! Do you love strolling the shores of Lake Leota? Watching your child play soccer at West Side Park? Splashing around in Veterans Memorial Pool? Grilling brats with friends or family at Countryside Park? Contact Community Development Director Nicole Sidoff to request a printed survey, ask questions, or share your input. Reach her by email at nicole.sidoff@ci.evansville.wi.gov or phone at 608.882.2285. If you enjoy ANY of our beautiful parks or exciting recreation programs, we need YOUR INPUT! The City is updating its Park and Outdoor Recreation Plan, and we want to ensure that the Plan meets YOUR needs. ATTEND THE KICK-OFF OPEN HOUSE! Monday, April 8, 2013 from 4-6 PM City Hall Common Council Chambers 31 S. Madison Street Stop by anytime during the Open House to provide your input, learn about the planning process, and talk to staff and Park and Recreation Board members! TAKE THE SURVEY! Please take a few minutes to complete a brief online survey about parks and recreation in Evansville. Go to this link to complete the survey: www.surveymonkey.com/s/2013EvansvilleParkPlan

Evansville School Board Meets Monday--April 8, 2013: 6:30PM TRIS LMC

EVANSVILLE COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT Board of Education Regular Meeting Agenda Monday, April 8, 2013 6:30 p.m. TRIS LMC (Enter off of Fair Street, Door 41) Note, public notice of this meeting given by posting at the District Office, Levi Leonard Elementary School Office, Theodore Robinson Intermediate School Office, J.C. McKenna Middle School Office, High School Office, Evansville School District Web Site: Evansville.k12.wi.us, and by forwarding the agenda to the Evansville Review, Union Bank & Trust and Eager Free Public Library. Time I. Roll Call: Dennis Hatfield Kathi Swanson Eric Busse Tina Rossmiller Nancy Hurley John Rasmussen HS Rep. Hunter Johnson HS Rep. Marissa Haegele 1 min. II. Approve Agenda. 1 min. III. Public Announcements/Recognition/Upcoming Events: • Open Enrollment Application Period – February 4 – April 30 • Energy Fair – April 19 • Week of the Young Child Parade, April 23 and Family Night, April 26 • Employee Recognition – May 8 • Back To School Days – August 14 & 15 from 1:00 – 7:00 pm • 2013 Accounting Careers Awareness Grant of $1,600 to Dana Hurda • Recognize Board Members: Hurley and Skinner 2 min. IV. Public Presentations. Regarding Items Not on the Agenda. Items Related to the Agenda Presented at This Time if the Citizen Needs to Leave. 60 min. V. Information & Discussion: A. 2013-2014 Proposed Staff Changes. B. Renaissance Learning – STAR Universal Screener and Progress Monitoring Tool. C. School Board Unofficial Election Results. D. Timeline for Filling Board Vacancy. E. First Reading of Policy #152 - Employee Handbook. F. Employee Handbook Written Draft, Part II, Sec. 7-8 (Certified Staff-Insurance and Leave and Retirement Benefits) and Part III, Sec. 7-11 (Support Staff-Paid Vacation, Holidays, Leave Benefits, Insurance Benefits, and Retirement Benefits). 60 min. VI. Business (Action Items): A. Approval of Timeline for Filling Board Vacancy. B. Approval to Give Insurance Committee Direction. C. Approval of Employee Handbook, Part I (All Employees), Section 5, Pay 45 min. Periods, 5.01, Payroll Cycle, A-School Year Employees, 1-Teachers. D. Approval of 2013-2014 Payroll Cycle for Teaching Staff. E. Approval of Staff Changes: Teacher Resignation; Teacher/Custodian Retirement; High School Girls Assistant Softball Coach; Levi/TRIS LMC Clerk Positions; and Staff Layoffs. F. Approval of Policy #860-Visitors to the Schools. VII. Consent (Action Items): A. Approval of March 11, 2013, Regular Meeting Minutes. B. Approval of February Bills and Reconciliation. 2 min. VIII. Set April 22, 2013, Reorganization Meeting and April 29, 2013, Regular Meeting Agenda. 5 min. IX. Adjourn. 1 min. Mission Statement: The Evansville Community School District, in active partnership with families and the community, will provide a positive learning environment that challenges all students to achieve personal excellence and become contributing citizens of the world community. Vision Statement: Creating a culture of excellence in: • Academic achievement • Character development • Pursuit of arts, athletics, and other activities • Community engagement • Highly effective staff This notice may be supplemented with additions to the agenda that come to the attention of the Board prior to the meeting. A final agenda will be posted and provided to the media no later than 24 hours prior to the meeting or no later than 2 hours prior to the meeting in the event of an emergency. Persons needing special accommodations or more specific information about the agenda items should call 882-5224, Ext. 3387, at least 24 hours prior to the meeting. Posted: 4/2/13 Re-Posted: 4/3/13

"New high school possible for Janesville district" by Latest News -- GazetteXtra

"New high school possible for Janesville district" by Latest News -- GazetteXtra

Analysis: Video: You have ONE minute

Here is the various viewing times of downloads from Utube from the Observer channel from the past year.. You have a minute to make the impression. Modern types are busy...Make it short or lose the viewer--that is the lesson Traffic source Views Estimated minutes watched Average view duration Mobile apps and direct traffic (unknown sources) 874 (27.3%) 607 (32.0%) 1:20 YouTube search 813 (25.4%) 375 (19.8%) 0:48 Embedded player (unknown sources) 460 (14.4%) 453 (23.9%) 2:15 YouTube suggested video 345 (10.8%) 147 (7.8%) 1:15 External website 299 (9.3%) 159 (8.4%) 1:17 Google search 249 (7.8%) 121 (6.4%) 1:04 YouTube channel page 102 (3.2%) 35 (1.9%) 1:09 YouTube – other features 54 (1.7%) 12 (0.6%) 0:40 Homepage feeds and subscriptions 4 (0.1%) 0 (0.0%) 0:24

Mailbag: Bear Trader Writes re the Market

S&P Mar 1 to Mar 15 rose on declining volume. Mar 18 - present declining days have been on higher volume. Breadth has bin decreasing, NYSE McClellan summation index has been dropping since Feb 1, dramatically for the last three or four days. This works similarly to the Weekly A-D Line but (I think) better. NASDAQ McClellan is doing worse than NYSE. Notice the relatively strong Consumer Staples and Utilities sectors. These are traditional defensive stocks. Some movement into Federal bonds also. I think that the idea that the market is overbought is spreading. Looks like the $USD may be topping. $USD is the short term controller of Global investing. Not only Energy but Industrial and Materials sectors are quite weak. This is a sign that the "actual" economy - as opposed to the "financial" economy - is not improving. This is caused by the Federal Reserve and by US Govt. deficit (and excessive) spending. These operations are suffocating the actual economy. (This is why there are no $17 per hour jobs.) At the same time a class of very rich has been created; currently 5% of the people in the USA own 92% of the assets. When you get pissed off remember that those at fault are not the Koch Brothers but the US Government.

Thursday, April 04, 2013

Audio: Community Devlopment Block Grants in Evansville

Audio: Common Council: The Evansville Observer asks the question. The Eager Economy Store will begin paying its loan back in 2013.


MP3 File

Area, state unemployment rates increased in February -- GazetteXtra

Area, state unemployment rates increased in February -- GazetteXtra

"Barbs for Walker budget at public hearing" by Latest News -- GazetteXtra

"Barbs for Walker budget at public hearing" by Latest News -- GazetteXtra

Evansville seeks input from residents on parks plan -- GazetteXtra

Evansville seeks input from residents on parks plan -- GazetteXtra

Beloit Turner School District voters reject new high school -- GazetteXtra

Beloit Turner School District voters reject new high school -- GazetteXtra

I and E: April 10th: Ensuring Your small business success

Ensuring Your Small Business Success at I&E’s April 10 Meeting Have you ever wondered why some small businesses grow and flourish while others fail? In many cases, it is not what the business sells but how it controls extraneous costs and attracts customers. The business’ surroundings also play an important role in its success or failure. These aspects of small business ownership and much more will be presented by Jeff and Susan Farnsworth, the property and business owners of several Evansville area businesses such as Studio Repeats, State Farm and Farnsworth Ceramics. Their presentation will address topics including how a small idea can become a cluster of small businesses and how to cluster and incubate small businesses. This presentation is hosted by the Evansville Area Inventors & Entrepreneurs Club and is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. April 10 at Creekside Place, 102 Maple St., Evansville. Everyone is welcome and the meeting is free. Following the presentation, I&E Club attendees and guests are invited to partake of the refreshments sponsored by Erin Simpson of Vintage Birch Barn, a vintage furnishings store located in downtown Evansville at 10 E. Main St. Vintage Birch Barn is a “vintage store specializing in all things old, rusty, picked, re-purposed and beautiful” and offers “perfectly imperfect, unique home decor with history.” For more information, please contact Vintage Birch Barn at (608) 335-5508 or through its email: vintagebirchbarn@yahoo.com. If you’d like to be involved in the Evansville Area I&E Club’s many yearly activities, please contact Club President Sue Berg at suebergsolutions@gmail.com or (608) 882-0986. You may also reach the Evansville Area Inventors and Entrepreneurs Club on Facebook and when searching LinkedIn using the groups tab.

Wednesday, April 03, 2013

Mailbag: Vinehout: Invitation to a Town Hall Meeting

State Budget Decisions Affect You! Town Hall offers an opportunity to learn and speak out. Join me at a Town Hall Meeting to discuss the state budget. The two-year budget affects you in ways you may never have imagined. There’s almost $70 billion in spending in this budget. The economy’s slowly improving; more money is coming in from taxes and fees. This budget spends about $3.2 billion more than the last budget What should we do with the dollars? The budget slightly reduces tax rates. For eligible taxpayers, the average tax decrease will be $83 in 2014. State spending increases in some areas and decreases in others. One of the more surprising decreases is the money used to operate the court system. The Governor proposes the largest budget reduction for the court system in the state’s history. Chief Justice Abrahamson called the cuts “debilitating” and listed a number of consequences including delayed trials, reductions in the courts information system (CCAP) and cuts in the very effective alternative treatment courts. She recently testified before the budget committee that over the last five years the courts experienced a turnover of approximately a third of judges. Attracting high quality attorneys to the position of judge is increasingly difficult. The budget makes a number of changes in health care and education. A big part of the spending increase goes to Medicaid including Family Care and BadgerCare. The budget includes over $17 million in administrative spending and a large increase to continue the program. But the Medicaid program will change. The Governor proposes removing over 100,000 people from BadgerCare – mostly parents whose children stay covered under federal law. In addition some will gain coverage under BadgerCare: those who do not have children under age 19 and make about $11,500 or less annually (about $15,500 for a couple). While investments in health care increased by about $2 billion (all funds), new investments directed into public education are limited to only about $39 million. According to Tony Evers, State Superintendent of Schools, 70% of the new education money goes to expand independent charter schools or fund private voucher schools. Local school districts are still trying to deal with nearly $1.6 billion cut to state and local resources included in the last budget. In the new budget, popular programs like SAGE, school breakfast, sparsity aid for rural schools, funds for libraries, transportation, special education, gifted and talented and bilingual children are all funded at or below previous budget levels. At the same time private school payments and independent charter schools are dramatically expanded. Private schools vouchers are expanded to include many medium size school districts. Independent charter schools may expand statewide. These charter schools would not follow all the usual laws governing K-12 education, including teacher licensing. Any nonprofit organization could apply to start a charter school. Applications would be approved by a new politically-appointed statewide board. Superintendents tell me these policy changes are so big they deserve a special hearing and should not be included in the state’s fiscal budget. School boards worry these big policy changes will drain money from public schools and dramatically change education over coming years. The budget proposes other changes in policies unrelated to the fiscal matters such as changes to the requirements for the sale of state power plants and other state assets. Law enforcement personnel would be required to collect DNA at the point of arrest. Retirees could no longer collect a WRS pension and work two-thirds time. Local laws requiring county and school employees to be residents in the community or county where they work would not be allowed. The budget raises questions we all must carefully consider. Should restrictions on foreigners buying Wisconsin land be eliminated? State law now limits alien land purchases to a square mile. Should rent-to-own stores remove the disclosure of interest rates from appliances, electronics and furniture they sell? That’s also in the state budget. The state budget affects your family in ways you never imagined. Get to know the details and share your thoughts at one of my upcoming town hall meetings. Please call if you need details 877-763-6636 (toll free). Sen. Vinehout Town Hall Meetings Saturday, April 13 - BLACK RIVER FALLS 1:00pm-3:00pm Black River Falls Middle School Commons - 1202 Pierce Street Monday, April 15 - CENTERVILLE 6:30pm-8:30pm Town of Trempealeau Town Hall - W24854 State Road 54/93 Tuesday, April 16 - EAU CLAIRE 6:30pm-8:30pm L.E. Phillips Memorial Library - 400 Eau Claire Street Monday, April 22 - PRESCOTT 5:00pm-7:00pm Prescott City Hall - 800 Borner Street Tuesday, April 23 - MONDOVI 6:30pm-8:30pm Roger Marten Community Center - 120 South Franklin Street If you know someone who would like to be added to this distribution list, please let us know.

A victory for school choice -- GazetteXtra

A victory for school choice -- GazetteXtra

The Power of "Low Expectations"

Great Expectations: No Expectations--the difference ::: When you expect nothing...you are never disappointed...for that is what you get...and in the disappointment you can be consoled by prayer that by destroying all the idols of inspiration to be your best..you have been left with the rest...and that is as it should be. And what you did not get was not a loss because you never dreamed of getting it.

Tales From Normal, Mn.----FICTION: All the COACHES are "Volunteer" in Normal, Mn.: FICTION

Tales From Normal, Mn.----FICTION: All the COACHES are "Volunteer" in Normal, Mn.: FICTION

Monday, April 01, 2013

Tourism Committee Meets Today, April 1, 2013

NOTICE A regular meeting of the Economic Development Committee Subcommittee on Tourism for the City of Evansville will be held on the date, time and place stated below. Notice is further given that members of the City Council may be in attendance. City of Evansville Economic Development Committee Subcommittee on Tourism Monday, April 1, 2013, 6:30 PM Creekside Place, 102 Maple St., Evansville, WI NOTE TIME CHANGE AGENDA 1. Call to order. 2. Roll call. 3. Motion to approve agenda. 4. Motion to waive the reading of the minutes from January 15, 2013, and approve them as printed. 5. Citizen appearances. 6. Marketing/promotional opportunities and updates • I-30/I-94 / Beloit / Janesville collaboration • Walking Tour handbook 7. Retail Market Analysis Subcommittee a. Wayfinding signage: research files, current locations, changes 8. Tourism activities review a. Ice Age trail update b. This Old House contest c. Historical plaque update and installation May 30 d. Peace Park update e. Disc Golf update f. April 19 Energy Fair g. April 26 art crawl h. May 17-19 Rally Round the Flag update i. June 14-23 TR Plein Air Painting Contest j. July 3-7 Fourth of July activities k. July 18-20 Railroad 150th anniversary in Evansville l. August Garage Sale Day, Chamber event? m. September 14 South Artists Tour? n. Oct. 12 Oktoberfest o. Evansville 150th anniversary 2016 9. New Business a. Green Tourism b. Logos / consistent look 10. Next meeting May 7, 2013 11. Motion to adjourn.