Click on the post for the full report. Due to the fine work of the prior school board from 2007 to 2011, the fund balance had a goal to be achieved and was met. Due to this, the fund was ready for the time of need.
It appears that next year may be even more challenging. Stay tuned.
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Friday, September 16, 2011
Presentation on Tourism Scheduled for Tuesday, Sept 20th
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
Tuesday, September 20, 2011, 2 PM
Creekside Place, 102 Maple St., Evansville, WI
AGENDA
1. Call to order.
2. Roll call.
3. Motion to approve agenda
4. Presentation from David Spiegelberg, Regional Tourism Specialist, Wisconsin Department of Tourism
5. Set next meeting dates.
6. Motion to adjourn.
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
Tuesday, September 20, 2011, 2 PM
Creekside Place, 102 Maple St., Evansville, WI
AGENDA
1. Call to order.
2. Roll call.
3. Motion to approve agenda
4. Presentation from David Spiegelberg, Regional Tourism Specialist, Wisconsin Department of Tourism
5. Set next meeting dates.
6. Motion to adjourn.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Office Hours for Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin in Evansville--next week, Sept 22nd
Helen Forbeck, Field Representative for Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin will be holding Office Hours on behalf of the Congresswoman in Evansville next Thursday September 22. Please stop by if you have any need for help with the federal government or if you have questions or comments about legislation, federal grants or doing work with the federal government.
Thursday September 22
10:30AM - 11:30 AM Creekside Place, 102 Maple Street
Feel free to contact Helen anytime here in Tammy's Beloit Congressional Office.
Also, if you would rather not receive notices like this, please let Helen know at her email address which is Helen.Forbeck@mail.house.gov and she will remove you from this list.
Thank you,
Tiffany Henry | Staff Assistant
Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin | WI-02
400 East Grand Ave, Suite 402 | Beloit, WI 53511
608-362-2800 office | 608-362-2838 fax
Thursday September 22
10:30AM - 11:30 AM Creekside Place, 102 Maple Street
Feel free to contact Helen anytime here in Tammy's Beloit Congressional Office.
Also, if you would rather not receive notices like this, please let Helen know at her email address which is Helen.Forbeck@mail.house.gov and she will remove you from this list.
Thank you,
Tiffany Henry | Staff Assistant
Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin | WI-02
400 East Grand Ave, Suite 402 | Beloit, WI 53511
608-362-2800 office | 608-362-2838 fax
Duluth Trading announces Expansion Plans----
Duluth Trading of Belleville, Wisconsin announced yesterday that they have purchased the old Ace Hardware on Hwy 69 in Belleville, Wi., and will use it as a Customer Care Center, and in addition will use part of it for an Outlet Store.
President Steve Schlecht said that in a world of mostly bad news, this news is good for Duluth Trading employees and all of Belleville, for it will alleviate crowing conditions at it's main headquarters, and will create traffic for other commercial business on Hwy 69.
The current Call center is overcrowded and is facing a Christmas season of potentially blockbuster proportions as the ad campaign of Duluth Trading goes nationwide.
There is also speculation that Duluth Trading is currently looking for a location in Minneapolis. Some speculate that it might be on the way to the new Viking Stadium---so that Viking fans can stop on the way to games to pick up their Duluth gear. Stay tuned.
President Steve Schlecht said that in a world of mostly bad news, this news is good for Duluth Trading employees and all of Belleville, for it will alleviate crowing conditions at it's main headquarters, and will create traffic for other commercial business on Hwy 69.
The current Call center is overcrowded and is facing a Christmas season of potentially blockbuster proportions as the ad campaign of Duluth Trading goes nationwide.
There is also speculation that Duluth Trading is currently looking for a location in Minneapolis. Some speculate that it might be on the way to the new Viking Stadium---so that Viking fans can stop on the way to games to pick up their Duluth gear. Stay tuned.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Video: Songs of the Fishermen: "Rollin Down the River"
Video: On Location: Lake Winnie: Songs of the Fishermen: "Rollin Down the River": Chris on Guitar, Guys with backup vocals
Video: "My Girl": Songs of the Fishermen
Video; Classic Songs of the Fishermen version of the classic; Chris on guitar, unnamed acapella backup.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Video: "Bongo Finale" featuring Andy
Video: Songs of the Fishermen: Lake Winnie; 2011; Andy on bongos shows his stuff.
Video: "I Still Miss Someone"--Featuring "Cosmo"
Video: Songs of the Fishermen: 2011: Lake Winnie, Minn. ; Song by Roy Cash, nephew of Johnnie Cash, Sung by "Cosmo" who served with Roy in squadron of F4's during the late 60's and sang this song in the ready room before missions.
Normal, Mn. considers building Shrine: Tales From Normal, Mn: FICTION
Click on the post for the latest.
Mysteries of 911: Why the goverment will not release videos of Pentagon strike; Yahoo
Right after the Pentagon was struck on 911, the video tapes covering the Pentagon were seized---there are about 84 that have not been released..why?
Click on the post for the story in Yahoo.
Click on the post for the story in Yahoo.
Friday, September 09, 2011
Thursday, September 08, 2011
The Mysteries of 911----Who is the "We" that demolished building number 4?
The bombshell video from all the testimony about 911 was the short statement of Mr. Silverstein, who was the owner of the World Trade Center---when explaining why the "building number 4 imploded" he said: " We decided it was unstable and brought it down."
The key question is: "Who is WE?"
Normal demolition takes weeks to prepare. There is some additonal information that the public needs to know that was not revealed.
The key question is: "Who is WE?"
Normal demolition takes weeks to prepare. There is some additonal information that the public needs to know that was not revealed.
Evansville Area Business Expo coming Saturday: Sept 17th
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
September 8, 2011
Contact:
Lori Allen, Vice President
Evansville Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism
Office: 608.577.4663
evansvillecoc@litewire.net
www.evansvillechamber.org
Evansville Area Business Expo
The Evansville Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism is sponsoring the First Annual Evansville Area Business Expo on Saturday, September 17th at the new Creekside Place from 1 to 5 p.m. The expo is a free family friendly event showcasing what Evansville area businesses have to offer. Attendees will enjoy an afternoon filled with refreshments, door prizes and fun.
In addition to the exhibitors, Jeff Farnsworth from State Farm Insurance is offering a free seminar on New Auto Insurance Rules and How They Affect You at 1:00 p.m. and Blase Strobl from Core Physical Therapy and Dr. White from Mercy Evansville Clinic are offering a free seminar on the Management and Treatment of Low Back Pain at 2:00 p.m.
“Evansville is an amazing community,” states Lori Allen, owner of Allen Realty and Vice President of the Evansville Chamber of Commerce. “To receive great products and services, you don’t need to leave Evansville. We’re having it the same weekend as the Harvest Windmill Festival on Main Street in hopes families who are already out and about will stop by the expo.”
The Evansville Area Business Expo is generously sponsored by the City of Evansville, Creekside Place, Dairyland Real Estate, Midwest Dental, Roger G. Roth & Associates, Sarah & Company, Stoughton Hospital, Stoughton Trailers and Union Bank & Trust.
The Evansville Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism welcomes and supports new and existing businesses. Evansville is a Discover Wisconsin Choice Destination and we are proud of our “buy local” efforts. Please consider local Evansville merchants for your needs. Questions? Please call the Chamber at 608.882.5131 or email evansvillecoc@litewire.net.
# # #
For Immediate Release
September 8, 2011
Contact:
Lori Allen, Vice President
Evansville Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism
Office: 608.577.4663
evansvillecoc@litewire.net
www.evansvillechamber.org
Evansville Area Business Expo
The Evansville Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism is sponsoring the First Annual Evansville Area Business Expo on Saturday, September 17th at the new Creekside Place from 1 to 5 p.m. The expo is a free family friendly event showcasing what Evansville area businesses have to offer. Attendees will enjoy an afternoon filled with refreshments, door prizes and fun.
In addition to the exhibitors, Jeff Farnsworth from State Farm Insurance is offering a free seminar on New Auto Insurance Rules and How They Affect You at 1:00 p.m. and Blase Strobl from Core Physical Therapy and Dr. White from Mercy Evansville Clinic are offering a free seminar on the Management and Treatment of Low Back Pain at 2:00 p.m.
“Evansville is an amazing community,” states Lori Allen, owner of Allen Realty and Vice President of the Evansville Chamber of Commerce. “To receive great products and services, you don’t need to leave Evansville. We’re having it the same weekend as the Harvest Windmill Festival on Main Street in hopes families who are already out and about will stop by the expo.”
The Evansville Area Business Expo is generously sponsored by the City of Evansville, Creekside Place, Dairyland Real Estate, Midwest Dental, Roger G. Roth & Associates, Sarah & Company, Stoughton Hospital, Stoughton Trailers and Union Bank & Trust.
The Evansville Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism welcomes and supports new and existing businesses. Evansville is a Discover Wisconsin Choice Destination and we are proud of our “buy local” efforts. Please consider local Evansville merchants for your needs. Questions? Please call the Chamber at 608.882.5131 or email evansvillecoc@litewire.net.
# # #
Video; "Mr. Bo Jangles": Songs of Fishermen
Video: Songs of the Fishermen: "Mr. Bo Jangles...with Chris on Guitar: Lake Winnie: 2011
Video: "I Fell in Love with a Roller Derby Queen"
Video: On Location: Lake Winnie: Songs of the Fishermen 2011: Chris on Guitar; Andy and the guys on vocals. Dedicated to all those Roller Derby Queens out there.
Will 2013 be the year of the Big tax Surprise in Evansville?
Click on the post for the debt schedule for the Evansville School District. Click on the schedule to enlarge. You will note that 2013 is the year that the scheduled repayment has a large increase. This is a "backloaded bond" and citizens are about to understand the term "backloaded" in their pocket books.
If there was by chance a large increase in commercial construction before then, maybe the increase in commercial taxation could help...stay tuned.
If there was by chance a large increase in commercial construction before then, maybe the increase in commercial taxation could help...stay tuned.
Fighting Bob tells President Obama----"Do Something---Stop Being Timid"
Click on the post for the latest from Fighting Bob---like the Chinese saying: When you walk...walk. When you run...run----Don't Wobble.
Mysteries of 911: The No-Show of US Military: Gov Mark Dayton describes scene
Click on the post for an article by Gov. Mark Dayton in the Mpls Star Tribune---not a plane in the sky except for the ones headed for Trade Center. Where was the US military...a question not answered even to this day.
The Mysteries of 911: How did that big airplane fit into that tiny hole in the Pentagon?
Click on the post for all the mysteries.
Wednesday, September 07, 2011
I and E Club Meets Wed. Sept 14: Social Media is the Focus
Greetings
Come to Creekside Place next Wednesday, Sept. 14, for a great session on social media. Refreshments (sponsored by Anonymous!) will be served, and Creekside Place will host a cash bar. It will be great to see you next week Wednesday.
Sue
What Can Social Media Do For You?
A social media strategist with national client experience leads the program Wednesday, Sept.14, for the Evansville Area Inventors & Entrepreneurs Club.
Genia Stevens is the social media instructor at Social Media Academy-Beloit, where participants learn hands-on, tactical strategies. Clients she has helped range from solo practitioners to T.G.I. Friday’s. Steven’s list of clients includes several area businesses in Evansville.
For the I&E Club presentation, “How Small Businesses Can Successfully Use Social Media to Build a Better Brand,” Stevens will focus on three points:
Using social media to connect and engage with customers
Turning customers into brand ambassadors
Using social media to nurture the relationship between your brand and your ambassadors.
Everyone is encouraged and invited to attend this free meeting, set for 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 14. The meeting will be hosted at Creekside Place, 102 Maple St., Evansville. Refreshments will be offered, sponsored by a long-time area entrepreneur, business person and mentor who chooses to be anonymous. Plan to attend the meeting not only to gain great tips from Stevens but also to network, trade advice, and perhaps identify the mystery sponsor!
Meeting sponsorships and donations matter, because they enable the club to keep the meetings free and open to everyone. For more information about I&E club, contact Sue Berg at 608-882-0986 or suebergsolutions@gmail.com, or John Gishnock III at 608-314-6656 or john.g@formecology.com. Or visit www.linkedin.com and look for the name “Evansville Area Inventors and Entrepreneurs Club” under “groups.”
Come to Creekside Place next Wednesday, Sept. 14, for a great session on social media. Refreshments (sponsored by Anonymous!) will be served, and Creekside Place will host a cash bar. It will be great to see you next week Wednesday.
Sue
What Can Social Media Do For You?
A social media strategist with national client experience leads the program Wednesday, Sept.14, for the Evansville Area Inventors & Entrepreneurs Club.
Genia Stevens is the social media instructor at Social Media Academy-Beloit, where participants learn hands-on, tactical strategies. Clients she has helped range from solo practitioners to T.G.I. Friday’s. Steven’s list of clients includes several area businesses in Evansville.
For the I&E Club presentation, “How Small Businesses Can Successfully Use Social Media to Build a Better Brand,” Stevens will focus on three points:
Using social media to connect and engage with customers
Turning customers into brand ambassadors
Using social media to nurture the relationship between your brand and your ambassadors.
Everyone is encouraged and invited to attend this free meeting, set for 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 14. The meeting will be hosted at Creekside Place, 102 Maple St., Evansville. Refreshments will be offered, sponsored by a long-time area entrepreneur, business person and mentor who chooses to be anonymous. Plan to attend the meeting not only to gain great tips from Stevens but also to network, trade advice, and perhaps identify the mystery sponsor!
Meeting sponsorships and donations matter, because they enable the club to keep the meetings free and open to everyone. For more information about I&E club, contact Sue Berg at 608-882-0986 or suebergsolutions@gmail.com, or John Gishnock III at 608-314-6656 or john.g@formecology.com. Or visit www.linkedin.com and look for the name “Evansville Area Inventors and Entrepreneurs Club” under “groups.”
Audio: Ace Hardware CSM: Swamp deliberations
Audio; Evansville Plan Commission: Sept 6, 2011; Continuing discussions on the saga of the pond near the Ace Hardware and how to separate it off and convey it to the city.
MP3 File
MP3 File
Audio: Evansville Plan: Land Divison for homes on Bullard R
Audio: Evansville Plan Commission; Tuesday, September 6, 2011; Approves land division in Extraterritorial area for homes on Bullard Rd.
MP3 File
MP3 File
Tuesday, September 06, 2011
Audio: Evansville Plan: 119 E Main St Rezone
Audio; Full Discussion of Application to Rezone 119 E Main St from B2 to B3 and allow auto repair business in location of old Auto Transformer.
MP3 File
MP3 File
Monday, September 05, 2011
Friday, September 02, 2011
Thursday, September 01, 2011
is the Minnesota Viking Stadium proposal Dead? Voters would say NO: StarTrib
Click on the post for the latest in this saga.
Eager Library plans to request reinstatement of cut service hours for upcoming budget
Click on the post for the minutes from the July meeting.
Minn: The Battle over Small Town Libraries and Funding: Pioneer Press
Click on the post for an article that shows how this battle looks in Minnesota.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Today is Last Day to Register for Wisconsin DO NOT CALL list:
Click on the post to register a phone number.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Video: Songs of the Fishermen: "Cows with Guns"
Video: On Location: Lake Winnie, Minnesota: Bart on Vocals, Chris on Guitar; Classic "Cows with Guns"
"Economic Development Committee Deleted;" Tales from Normal, MN.: FICTION
Click on the post for a classic.
Billionaire Investor Buys Cow Dung Bank: Tales from Normal, MN: FICTION
Click on the post for the latest.
Monday, August 29, 2011
The Dying Heart of America: A true Story
Two weeks ago on the 15th of August I was preparing to go fishing---and looking at the stock market and the charts of the Standard and Poors 500. My wife had taken the day off, and I was showing her the chart of the S&P that had a huge "W" in it, with the wild swings of the prior month.
She said:" That looks like a dying heart. " What is the "W" supposed to mean. I responded that the "W" was a danger sign and that the right shoulder could either go up or if it did not hold, it means a plunge.
She said that the wild swings resembled ventricular tach and that there would be a move to shock the heart if this was a medical case. Then she said---"It's time to sell."
After a couple of weeks away fishing, I have to admit I have witnessed what I call the "Unravelling"----Whether it is politics, family, finances, investments, employment or just business in general, there has been an unravelling of an onion so to speak, and there is nothing but pain. And with the new "Austerity" it has just begun.
She said:" That looks like a dying heart. " What is the "W" supposed to mean. I responded that the "W" was a danger sign and that the right shoulder could either go up or if it did not hold, it means a plunge.
She said that the wild swings resembled ventricular tach and that there would be a move to shock the heart if this was a medical case. Then she said---"It's time to sell."
After a couple of weeks away fishing, I have to admit I have witnessed what I call the "Unravelling"----Whether it is politics, family, finances, investments, employment or just business in general, there has been an unravelling of an onion so to speak, and there is nothing but pain. And with the new "Austerity" it has just begun.
Audio: Evansville Planning Commission Review of 119 East Main: Dejavu: Will feature Location, Hazards, Enforcement problems of the past:
Click on the audio below to listen in to the discussion in August of the preliminary discussion of reusing the site of the old Auto Transformer site at 119 East Main St for a auto body and repair operation.
It appears that the applicant is qualified and competent and I expect no questions about the sincerity or ability of the applicant. However, if you review all the other auto operations in Evansville, and for that matter in any city, you will see at least 10 parking spots that customers need, first to tow their vehicle to await repair, and for customers visiting the facility for estimates etc. The lack of parking in the 119 East Main location has been a prior enforcement sore point as cars have spilled over to interfere with neighbors etc. Typically the conditional use permit has been a poor mechanism in the renewal for enforcement of agreed conduct, and it has been a nightmare for local officials in enforcement and avoidance of complaints.
In the matter of hazards---some time ago I visited with an auto body shop out of town, and questioned if they would consider moving to Evansville. I mentioned that I had once worked in a paint spray line for Whirlpoor when I was 21....so years ago....He smiled and replied that there is nothing nostalgic about paint spray operations, and the new safety requirements are not the old days. He said a new auto body shop could cost a million to construct and equip with all the modern equipment.
Thus, if the thought is to "grandfather in" the safety requirements at 119 to the "old days", this would not be acceptable once the neighbors considered what the impact could be.
Thus----I hope the City of Evansville can suggest some site for this applicant that would be affordable and work for them. They have a dream for a business in Evansville, and I think it is best that it not turn into a nightmare by having it at the wrong location. I hope to have video and audio for the meeting....Stay tuned.
Audio: Unedited: Preliminary discussion to rezone 119 East Main St ( Old Auto Transformer site) from B-2 Central Business District to B3 Community Business District.
MP3 File
It appears that the applicant is qualified and competent and I expect no questions about the sincerity or ability of the applicant. However, if you review all the other auto operations in Evansville, and for that matter in any city, you will see at least 10 parking spots that customers need, first to tow their vehicle to await repair, and for customers visiting the facility for estimates etc. The lack of parking in the 119 East Main location has been a prior enforcement sore point as cars have spilled over to interfere with neighbors etc. Typically the conditional use permit has been a poor mechanism in the renewal for enforcement of agreed conduct, and it has been a nightmare for local officials in enforcement and avoidance of complaints.
In the matter of hazards---some time ago I visited with an auto body shop out of town, and questioned if they would consider moving to Evansville. I mentioned that I had once worked in a paint spray line for Whirlpoor when I was 21....so years ago....He smiled and replied that there is nothing nostalgic about paint spray operations, and the new safety requirements are not the old days. He said a new auto body shop could cost a million to construct and equip with all the modern equipment.
Thus, if the thought is to "grandfather in" the safety requirements at 119 to the "old days", this would not be acceptable once the neighbors considered what the impact could be.
Thus----I hope the City of Evansville can suggest some site for this applicant that would be affordable and work for them. They have a dream for a business in Evansville, and I think it is best that it not turn into a nightmare by having it at the wrong location. I hope to have video and audio for the meeting....Stay tuned.
Audio: Unedited: Preliminary discussion to rezone 119 East Main St ( Old Auto Transformer site) from B-2 Central Business District to B3 Community Business District.
MP3 File
Monday, August 15, 2011
OpEd: Bachmann Knows Waterloo: Would Take USA there.
Certainly was interesting watching the news from the Iowa Straw Poll. Michelle Bachmann said she was proud to oppose the recent debt agreement and was still firmly for a default---nice.
Her supporters in Iowa loved her.
She grew up in Waterloo, and indeed she has the capacity to take all of America to its Waterloo. Stay tuned.
Her supporters in Iowa loved her.
She grew up in Waterloo, and indeed she has the capacity to take all of America to its Waterloo. Stay tuned.
Friday, August 12, 2011
Evansville High Junior Prom Court Pt II
2nd part of 2 of Evansville High School Junior Prom Court, May 12, 2007, plus presentation of Queen and King.
Wall Street Wild Sends Chills to Pension Funds and Employees Future: Yahoo
The failure to reform Wall Street could be deadly for the future of pension funds and those who plan on retiring someday. Click on the post for the story in yahoo Finance.
Audio: Mike Mccabe: Wisconsin Democracy Campaign
Mike Mccabe: Wisconsin Democracy Campaign: Presentation at Wisconsin Progresssive Grassroots Festival: "Action to Restore Our Democracy" Saturday, February 19, 2011
MP3 File
MP3 File
Evansville Junior Prom Court, I
Evansville Junion Prom Court, Saturday, May 12, 2007. First of Two parts.
Audio: Finance: Fred Juergens speaks re: Eager Library
Audio: Evansville Finance Committee: Fred Juergens speaks regarding the financial situation of the Library, the need for budget support for operational expenses that are far beyond the scope of volunteer fundraising.
MP3 File
MP3 File
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Economic Development Committee Deleted: Jobs Department Created; Tales From Normal, Mn.: FICTION
Click on the post for the latest.
Then and Now: Video Nostalgia 2007/2011; The Dream, The Reality
Click on the post for some looks back.
"85 Year Old Investor still plans on holding for the long term": Tales from Normal, Mn.: FICTION
Click on the post for the latest.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Mar 2007: Supr.Carvin - Planning Commission
Planning Commission meeting of Monday, Mar. 5, 2007. Supr. Heidi Carvin reviews enrollement data and projections, reviews building permits for Evansville and Union; Answers questions
MP3 File
MP3 File
Audio; Nostalgia: "The Trellis Manager": Tales From Normal, Mn.: FICTION
Click on the post for a step back to 2007.
Tuesday, August 09, 2011
Monday, August 08, 2011
Mortgage Rates at Historic Lows: WSJ
Click on the post for an article in the Wisconsin State Journal quoting rates from August 4th. I cannot wait to see the rates from today, August 8, 2011 when there was such a rush to purchase the safety of 10 year treasury notes. I hope this translates into an even lower rate for the 15 years mortage.
Sometimes when there is disaster in the markets, there might be an opportunity elsewhere. Stay tuned.
Sometimes when there is disaster in the markets, there might be an opportunity elsewhere. Stay tuned.
Classic Observer: "Sipping Ice Water"
Click on the post for a classic from "The Traders Little Book.
Sunday, August 07, 2011
Video: 2007: Evansville Economic Dreams; Decker Speaks
2007: Video: Then and Now: Mayor Sandy Decker begins the 2007 Evansville Economic Development Conference
Eager Building: Sounds of "Undercover"
"Undercover"---featuring Rock and Country covers, played at the Eager Building ---Click on the icon for "Living on Tulsa Time."
Nostalgia: Memories of Bear Trader---MAY 2010.
Bear Trader was right. Was he too optimistic? Click on the post and you decide.
Saturday, August 06, 2011
Nostalgia: Downtown Street Opening Ceremony-11-16-2007: Mayor Decker
Mayor Decker spoke at the official ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday 11-16-2007, with the Evansville Band, politicians and citizens in attendance.
Friday, August 05, 2011
Mailbag: Wireman Writes: Re: The Recent Battle v Walker: Strong Unions give workers a Voice
My letter posted at the Wisconsin State Journal Please share (can tweet,facebook from journal site)
since then I have learned about a Harvard study (Bruce Western & Jake Rosenfeld) saying that the loss of unions between 1973 and 2007 accounts for between 20 % and half of the 40 per cent rise in private sector wage inequality in those years.
Peggy Wireman: Strong unions give workers a real voice
| Posted: Sunday, July 31, 2011 4:00 am
Without a strong union movement, all workers probably will lose pay and benefits.
Strong public sector unions set an alternative market for workers who have lost pay and benefits since they lost their unions over the last decades.
The fight against Gov. Scott Walker's union busting was never about paying higher health benefit costs. It was always about having a voice not only about pay and benefits, but also as an advocate in both the workplace and in society.
Unions protect you from being cared for by an exhausted nurse forced to work overtime. Without a union, an individual social worker fired for advocating too forcefully for a client or for sexual harassment by a boss, has no alternative but to personally hire a lawyer.
Without unions, there is no organized group strong enough to protest letting chambers of commerce write the laws governing safety in our workplaces, funds for our schools, protection of our air and water and whether tax laws benefit workers or the wealthy.
The recall elections are not about benefits for public servants. They are about protecting us all.
Peggy Wireman, Monona
since then I have learned about a Harvard study (Bruce Western & Jake Rosenfeld) saying that the loss of unions between 1973 and 2007 accounts for between 20 % and half of the 40 per cent rise in private sector wage inequality in those years.
Peggy Wireman: Strong unions give workers a real voice
| Posted: Sunday, July 31, 2011 4:00 am
Without a strong union movement, all workers probably will lose pay and benefits.
Strong public sector unions set an alternative market for workers who have lost pay and benefits since they lost their unions over the last decades.
The fight against Gov. Scott Walker's union busting was never about paying higher health benefit costs. It was always about having a voice not only about pay and benefits, but also as an advocate in both the workplace and in society.
Unions protect you from being cared for by an exhausted nurse forced to work overtime. Without a union, an individual social worker fired for advocating too forcefully for a client or for sexual harassment by a boss, has no alternative but to personally hire a lawyer.
Without unions, there is no organized group strong enough to protest letting chambers of commerce write the laws governing safety in our workplaces, funds for our schools, protection of our air and water and whether tax laws benefit workers or the wealthy.
The recall elections are not about benefits for public servants. They are about protecting us all.
Peggy Wireman, Monona
9/07: Finance: Ehlers and Associates
Discussion of TID#6, TID 8, Financing of Fire Station and GO promissory notes for Post Office Acquisiton
MP3 File
MP3 File
OpEd: Markets: The secondary lows
If you click on the post, you can see the charts in Wikipedia of the Crash of 1987----and if you note, it was not just the plunge of October 1987, but also the secondary lows later that took its toll. I remember December of 1987 well---to have a little optimism on the rally after the Crash totally twisted and wrung out of you as the lows hit for December 1987. It was not a happy Christmas on Wall Street.
Also, back in 1929, the most difficult time was in mid-thirties when the administration decided to tighten money supply.
So....beware of the secondary lows...
Also, back in 1929, the most difficult time was in mid-thirties when the administration decided to tighten money supply.
So....beware of the secondary lows...
Thursday, August 04, 2011
Memories of the 1987 Crash: A true Story
On the afternoon of the Stock Market Crash of 1987, the market maven, the stock chartest who was the smartest guy that everyone wanted to know what he thought----was on the afternoon " call" that went world wide to all the EF HUtton offices....
One of the representives asked him:
"Where do you see some market support here?
He responded:
"In a PANIC all the theory of market charts is of no use. I cannot say where support is."
I never forgot his words.
One of the representives asked him:
"Where do you see some market support here?
He responded:
"In a PANIC all the theory of market charts is of no use. I cannot say where support is."
I never forgot his words.
Put Your RALLY Caps on: Only a BIG 30 minutes till Wall Street closes.
Grim Day on Wall Street. Will it rally to the close? Put your rally cap on
Audio; City rules on Gifts and Donations Discussed
Audio; July 2011; If you give a gift of money or item, does that mean that the receiving agency can spend it?
MP3 File
MP3 File
Wednesday, August 03, 2011
The Proposal for Auto Body at 119 East Main: Planning Commission: 8/1/2011
Click to enlarge and then click again with cursor.
"Audio: Ace Hardware revised CSM re pond
Audio; Discussion at Planning Commission about how to revise the drainage area and pond so no confusion in the future as to who is paying fo the costs of cleaning the drainage area--shifting to ownership of the City of portion etc.
MP3 File
MP3 File
Premium Audio: Does Auto Body Repair belong in historic disrict downtown? What will Evansville planning Commission decide?
Click on the post for the full discussion at the recent Evansville Planning Commission meeting on Monday, August 1, 2011
Audio: Plan: Intro of New City Planner
Audio: Evansville Planning Commission: Introduction of NEW Evansville City Planner, Ben Zellers, with Vierbicher Associates,
MP3 File
MP3 File
RKM Studios Update: The latest
Click on the post for the latest form Ryan McNeal, former intern of the Evansville Observer.
Tuesday, August 02, 2011
Mailbag: I and E Club Meets Wed August 10th: Free Legal Aid Will be discussed
Aug. 10: Budding Lawyers Offer Budding Entrepreneurs Free Advice
The University of Wisconsin Law School’s Law & Entrepreneurship Clinic provides free legal services to help entrepreneurs and small business owners realize their potential.
These services and how to access them will be presented at the next meeting of the Evansville Area Inventors & Entrepreneurs Club. The meeting, free and open to the public, begins at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 10, at Creekside Place, 102 Maple St., Evansville.
An entrepreneurial venture itself, the clinic enables law students to gain practical experience with supervision from co-directors Eric Englund and Anne Smith, who are members of the U-W law school faculty. Assisting them are private practice attorneys who offer consultative advice on a pro bono basis. Englund will present information about the law clinic as well as the Entrepreneurs’ Resource Clinic at the Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery.
Networking is always offered after presentations, giving guests an opportunity to mention their businesses, inventions, and questions. Guests also are invited to linger over refreshments, sponsored in August by Evansville Floral. A full-service florist, Evansville Floral can keep track of your significant dates, create unique floral and gift arrangements, and deliver them to your special someone. No event is too large or small for Evansville Floral and its dedicated staff.
Sponsors like Evansville Floral and donations enable the club to keep meetings free and open to the public. For exclusive sponsorship opportunities, or general club information, contact Sue Berg, club president, at 608-882-0986 or suebergsolutions@gmail.com, or John Gishnock III, vice president of programs, at 608-314-6656 or john.g@formecology.com.
The University of Wisconsin Law School’s Law & Entrepreneurship Clinic provides free legal services to help entrepreneurs and small business owners realize their potential.
These services and how to access them will be presented at the next meeting of the Evansville Area Inventors & Entrepreneurs Club. The meeting, free and open to the public, begins at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 10, at Creekside Place, 102 Maple St., Evansville.
An entrepreneurial venture itself, the clinic enables law students to gain practical experience with supervision from co-directors Eric Englund and Anne Smith, who are members of the U-W law school faculty. Assisting them are private practice attorneys who offer consultative advice on a pro bono basis. Englund will present information about the law clinic as well as the Entrepreneurs’ Resource Clinic at the Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery.
Networking is always offered after presentations, giving guests an opportunity to mention their businesses, inventions, and questions. Guests also are invited to linger over refreshments, sponsored in August by Evansville Floral. A full-service florist, Evansville Floral can keep track of your significant dates, create unique floral and gift arrangements, and deliver them to your special someone. No event is too large or small for Evansville Floral and its dedicated staff.
Sponsors like Evansville Floral and donations enable the club to keep meetings free and open to the public. For exclusive sponsorship opportunities, or general club information, contact Sue Berg, club president, at 608-882-0986 or suebergsolutions@gmail.com, or John Gishnock III, vice president of programs, at 608-314-6656 or john.g@formecology.com.
Public Safety Meets Wednesday: Budget, Concealed Carry on the Agenda
Click on the post for the full agenda.
Monday, August 01, 2011
Audio: Evansville Plan: 8/1/2011:
Audio: Evansville Plan: 8/1/2011: Discussion
of Potential Modification to the Zoning Ordinance to Allow Zero Lot Line Duplexes.
MP3 File
of Potential Modification to the Zoning Ordinance to Allow Zero Lot Line Duplexes.
MP3 File
Proposal for Auto Body Shop at Old Auto Transformer Site Discussed: Plan commision schedules Public Hearing in Sept
An applicant appeared before the Evansville Planning Commission on Monday night and asked for some guidance as to whether they would be favorably disposed toward an auto body business at the old Auto Transformer location.
In an informal written presentation, the applicant indicated that they did have extensive experience in this field, and in light of the lack of economic devleopment downtown with many buildings vacant, having a proposal for this business was better than vague dreams of others.
Mason Braunschweig, President of the Common Council, indicated that since the role of the Planning Commission was "quasi-judicial" their mind could not be made up till the public hearing was completed and the public had a chance to weigh in, and that thus, while they could schedule a public hearing it would be improper for the commission to speak ahead of all the evidence being presented, and the public input was part of that evidence.
There was some discussion in that some planning commissions do offer guidance prior.
Click on the post above to listen to this unedited discussion. The city planner did indicate that this proposal could be controversial in light of its location.
Stay tuned to the Evansville Observer as we follow this story. Subscribe today so you do not miss a word of the discussion.
In an informal written presentation, the applicant indicated that they did have extensive experience in this field, and in light of the lack of economic devleopment downtown with many buildings vacant, having a proposal for this business was better than vague dreams of others.
Mason Braunschweig, President of the Common Council, indicated that since the role of the Planning Commission was "quasi-judicial" their mind could not be made up till the public hearing was completed and the public had a chance to weigh in, and that thus, while they could schedule a public hearing it would be improper for the commission to speak ahead of all the evidence being presented, and the public input was part of that evidence.
There was some discussion in that some planning commissions do offer guidance prior.
Click on the post above to listen to this unedited discussion. The city planner did indicate that this proposal could be controversial in light of its location.
Stay tuned to the Evansville Observer as we follow this story. Subscribe today so you do not miss a word of the discussion.
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Mailbag: "Bear Trader" Writes on Social Security: Do recipients have a "right"?
In our telephone conversation about the trading action of the SP500 you mentioned that the Federal Government didn't seem to be following my July 12th email. This is true.
In that email I intended to show that the Federal Government has plenty of money enough to pay the Social Security Pensions as they come due for many years. I think I showed that, barring conversion of Social Security Trust Fund Assets into Political Slush Fund Assets, that adequate funds exist to pay SS pensions until about 2035.
I did not say that SS Trust Fund Assets would be available to pay SS pensions. This is a political decision. The Federal Government has no liability for SS pension payments and can stop them at will. Technically it would require a change of law but executive order would work also. Section 1104 of the 1935 Act, entitled "RESERVATION OF POWER," specifically says that "The right to alter, amend, or repeal any provision of this Act is hereby reserved to the Congress."
Highly germaine is the Supreme Court case "Fleming vs. Nestor".
http://www.ssa.gov/history/nestor.html
From the site,
"The fact that workers contribute to the Social Security program's funding through a dedicated payroll tax establishes a unique connection between those tax payments and future benefits. More so than general federal income taxes can be said to establish "rights" to certain government services. This is often expressed in the idea that Social Security benefits are "an earned right." This is true enough in a moral and political sense. But like all federal entitlement programs, Congress can change the rules regarding eligibility--and it has done so many times over the years. The rules can be made more generous, or they can be made more restrictive. Benefits which are granted at one time can be withdrawn, as for example with student benefits, which were substantially scaled-back in the 1983 Amendments.
There has been a temptation throughout the program's history for some people to suppose that their FICA payroll taxes entitle them to a benefit in a legal, contractual sense. That is to say, if a person makes FICA contributions over a number of years, Congress cannot, according to this reasoning, change the rules in such a way that deprives a contributor of a promised future benefit................
In this 1960 Supreme Court decision Nestor's denial of benefits was upheld even though he had contributed to the program for 19 years and was already receiving benefits. Under a 1954 law, Social Security benefits were denied to persons deported for, among other things, having been a member of the Communist party. Accordingly, Mr. Nestor's benefits were terminated. He appealed the termination arguing, among other claims, that promised Social Security benefits were a contract and that Congress could not renege on that contract. In its ruling, the Court rejected this argument and established the principle that entitlement to Social Security benefits is not contractual right."
So, you see, there is no "right" to Social Security benefits whatsoever.
Good luck to us all.
In that email I intended to show that the Federal Government has plenty of money enough to pay the Social Security Pensions as they come due for many years. I think I showed that, barring conversion of Social Security Trust Fund Assets into Political Slush Fund Assets, that adequate funds exist to pay SS pensions until about 2035.
I did not say that SS Trust Fund Assets would be available to pay SS pensions. This is a political decision. The Federal Government has no liability for SS pension payments and can stop them at will. Technically it would require a change of law but executive order would work also. Section 1104 of the 1935 Act, entitled "RESERVATION OF POWER," specifically says that "The right to alter, amend, or repeal any provision of this Act is hereby reserved to the Congress."
Highly germaine is the Supreme Court case "Fleming vs. Nestor".
http://www.ssa.gov/history/nestor.html
From the site,
"The fact that workers contribute to the Social Security program's funding through a dedicated payroll tax establishes a unique connection between those tax payments and future benefits. More so than general federal income taxes can be said to establish "rights" to certain government services. This is often expressed in the idea that Social Security benefits are "an earned right." This is true enough in a moral and political sense. But like all federal entitlement programs, Congress can change the rules regarding eligibility--and it has done so many times over the years. The rules can be made more generous, or they can be made more restrictive. Benefits which are granted at one time can be withdrawn, as for example with student benefits, which were substantially scaled-back in the 1983 Amendments.
There has been a temptation throughout the program's history for some people to suppose that their FICA payroll taxes entitle them to a benefit in a legal, contractual sense. That is to say, if a person makes FICA contributions over a number of years, Congress cannot, according to this reasoning, change the rules in such a way that deprives a contributor of a promised future benefit................
In this 1960 Supreme Court decision Nestor's denial of benefits was upheld even though he had contributed to the program for 19 years and was already receiving benefits. Under a 1954 law, Social Security benefits were denied to persons deported for, among other things, having been a member of the Communist party. Accordingly, Mr. Nestor's benefits were terminated. He appealed the termination arguing, among other claims, that promised Social Security benefits were a contract and that Congress could not renege on that contract. In its ruling, the Court rejected this argument and established the principle that entitlement to Social Security benefits is not contractual right."
So, you see, there is no "right" to Social Security benefits whatsoever.
Good luck to us all.
Friday, July 29, 2011
Video: Thought for the Day: From Severius Snape
This is for all of you that might be watching the stock market today. Enjoy.
Audio: Union Plan: Citizens Speak on Cell Phone Tower
Audio: Town of Union Planning Commission: Thursday, July 28, 2011; Citizens Speak out on Cell Phone Tower and possible use of clauses in wind turbine ordinance for this application.
MP3 File
MP3 File
Audio: Union Plan: A1,A2,A3: Additional Structures: 7/28/2011
Audio: Town of Union: Plan Commssion: 7/28/2011: Full unedited discussion in public hearing of revision of ordinance regarding additional structures in A1,A2,A3.
MP3 File
MP3 File
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Wisdom of an Unpaid, "Voluntary" Militia Seen in Normal, Mn: FICTION
Click on the post for the latest.
"Beer Licenses Cancelled Till Debt Issue Resolved: Tales From Normal, Mn.: FICTION
Click on the post for the latest.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Should the downtown be repaved?
In all of the discussions of the downtown "revitalization" and the repaving with bricks, NEVER was it discussed the NOISE that these bricks cause from autos. It was suggested that it was the problem of maintenance that caused the pave over---but as a test for citizens, I suggest that you go downtown and sit in one of the wonderful green chairs and listen to the traffic.
Now imagine that you live in an upstairs apartment over one of the shops. Now imagine getting some sleep.
The viability of apartment rental downtown is important because a multiple of that income is how the properties are valued, and getting the proper increment is going to be difficult anyway, without the unforseen noise factor.
I suggest that the reason our historic forefathers paved the street, was that it was too noisy.
Now imagine that you live in an upstairs apartment over one of the shops. Now imagine getting some sleep.
The viability of apartment rental downtown is important because a multiple of that income is how the properties are valued, and getting the proper increment is going to be difficult anyway, without the unforseen noise factor.
I suggest that the reason our historic forefathers paved the street, was that it was too noisy.
OpEd: Wisconsin touts independence---can last for 3 Months? WSJ
Click on the post for the article quoting the Governor's administrator stating the Wisconsin could withstand a cutoff of funds from the feds for three months---the headline suggests this would be adequate...however, the total federal involvement in health and welfare nationwide is huge, and if a default occured, which seems to be the aim of the tea party folks, there could be a big disruptions or even cancellation of the federal role in some of these programs----the article wrongly suggests Wisconsin is prepared for this.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Audio: Audit Report: 2010 Evansville: Will TIF 5 face a BREACH and rely on personal guarantees?
Audio; Presentation of the 2010 Auditors Report for the City of Evansville. Discussion of TIF 5.
MP3 File
During the audit presentation, the auditor went over the status of the TIF districts and noted that while overall debt for GO was under the statutory limit, the TIF debt was relatively high for a city of our size, and she assumed that this would be reduced over time as the property in the TIF 5 for example appreciated over time.
Mason Braunschweig noted that one of the reasons for the personal guarantees for TIF 5 was that this appreication was not certain, and thus the investors had to personally sign a guarantee that the city would experience it. He mentioned that there is a possibility with the current economic environment that personal guarantees might be needed, although no breaches have occured so far.
Click on the MP3 to listen in.
MP3 File
During the audit presentation, the auditor went over the status of the TIF districts and noted that while overall debt for GO was under the statutory limit, the TIF debt was relatively high for a city of our size, and she assumed that this would be reduced over time as the property in the TIF 5 for example appreciated over time.
Mason Braunschweig noted that one of the reasons for the personal guarantees for TIF 5 was that this appreication was not certain, and thus the investors had to personally sign a guarantee that the city would experience it. He mentioned that there is a possibility with the current economic environment that personal guarantees might be needed, although no breaches have occured so far.
Click on the MP3 to listen in.
Sunday, July 24, 2011
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