Wednesday, September 05, 2007
Stocks Drop on news of pending home sales decline; Beige Book Due Today
Click on the post for the latest.
Yahoo News: Layoffs Surge 85% in August
Click on the post for the full story. Half of these layoffs were in the distressed financial sector.
University of Minnesota workers prepare to strike
Click on the post for the latest from the "Daily Planet."
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
Gazette Corner: Bomb Squad incident noted in Evansvile
click on the post for the details in the Janesville Gazette.
Travelogue: Glacier Park: Great Lodges of the National Parks: Mark and Bonnie write:
Travelogue: Glacier Park: Mark and Bonnie Write:
From Us
Glacier National Park
The wonders of a road trip never cease to amaze me. While flying across the country to various destinations, the traveler gets no appreciation for just how vast this country of ours is. Get out of the city and the traffic dwindles to a lull & the highways look like ribbons stretched out before you.
Last summer we hit the road and followed the Lewis & Clark trail through the Dakotas, across the Hi Line of Montana, down on the east side of the mountains, where we left L & C and headed over to Yellowstone & the Grand Tetons. While we talked about hitting GlacierNational Park, we decided that it would be trying to pack a little too much into that trip and Glacier would be best served with a return trip. It was!
While at Yellowstone, we spent 2 nights at the Old Faithful Inn. We had seen a PBS special several years ago, Great Lodges of the National Parks, and I was adamant about staying at the Inn. It looked spectacular & if we were going to be at Yellowstone, we were going to stay one night at Old Faithful. So, we got on the internet and booked a room for one night. We were delighted we could get in. We arrived at Old Faithful Inn and were absolutely amazed. Our jaws were hanging open as we walked into the lobby and stared upwards and we FELL IN LOVE with the Great Lodges of the National Parks. The Inn was bustling during the day with throngs of sightseers, but at night the ambiance was intoxicating. Blooming lilacs in the spring and the Old Faithful Inn at night are both splendid delights of this world. We had dinner in the dining room and then took a glass of wine to the second level, which overlooked the lobby. We sat in the chairs, admiring the building & sipping our wine for hours, until we retired to our room. We were hooked. We called the front desk to see if we could stay another night, and while they didn’t have any openings, they informed us that there possibly would be cancellations in the morning. We lucked out and got another night in this amazing structure. The Inn is as amazing as the geysers in Yellowstone. While at Old Faithful Inn, we picked up a picture book that listed all the Great Lodges of the National Park. And we committed to staying at all the Lodges listed in that book. What an absolute treat that would be.
The Awahnee in Yosemite Valley was next. We decided in February to head out to San Francisco to visit Mark’s sister, Ronnie, and her family. We thought it would be fun to explore San Francisco & head over to wine country for a few days. A couple of weeks prior to our departure, Mark mentioned that perhaps we could make it to Yosemite. Hmm, Yosemite had been on our “List” for quite some time. I checked it out and Yosemite could definitely slide into our itinerary. And if Yosemite was doable, we had to hit The Awahnee for a night. We didn’t even know if it would be open during the winter season, as the Old Faithful Inn shuts down in October, due to the brutal winters. Certainly, the snows of Yosemite are legendary. Wasn’t that where the Donner Party met their terrible fate. So, I got on the internet, checked it out, and yes The Awahnee was open & we could book a room for the night we would be there. What luck! February 25, 2007 was our day to enjoy The Awahnee. We headed out from Ronnie’s in the rain, but brought the tire chains, just in case. We felt very confident that we wouldn’t need them ~ after all, we are from Minnesota, where motorists laugh at winter. Well, winter would have the last laugh on us. As we entered onto the mountain roads, snow began to lightly fall. Then more and more snow fell and the grip on the wheel became tighter. Finally, a ranger pulled us over and informed us that there were R3 conditions and we were required to put on chains. Wet snow everywhere and we were somewhat unfamiliar on how to put the chains on (it had been a long time since Mark used tire chains, and I have never used or even seen them on a vehicle). After several attempts & a few tense moments, we got them on ~ we thought. Ends up they were very loud and when we got to the park entrance, we were informed that we didn’t have them on correctly. We made a small adjustment and our ride became quieter and we felt more secure on the snowy mountain roads. Finally, we could enjoy the beautiful scenery that surrounded us. Yosemite was a Winter Wonderland. The snow softly falling on the pines and the massive out croppings of rock were spectacular. And then, there was The Awahnee. We arrived at the Porte Cochere, where a bellman greeted us in a grey overcoat & top hat and escorted us into the lobby. While The Awahnee lacks the open massive timbered lobby of Old Faithful Inn, it makes up for it in subtle grace & beauty. Everywhere are windows that framed the views of the snow laden pines outside. We spent our day & night soaking in every inch of The Awahnee.
We dropped our bags in our room, which was on the fourth floor and had a gorgeous shared balcony surrounded by spectacular granite walls. Then off for a light bite to eat & glass of wine in the cocktail lounge. Then a very slippery, snowy, wet walk outside to check out a movie at the Visitors Center and the Ansel Adams studio/shop. Upon our return, we sat for a spell next to the Fireplace to warm up in the Elevator Lobby (there is an exquisite painting of woven baskets hanging above the fireplace). We dined in the dining room, where I sat in the same chair that Queen Elizabeth sat in during her visit in the 1980’s. The dining room is spectacular. Tall columns of glass highlight the view and are synonymous with the vertical cliffs outside. Finally, we retired with a glass of wine to the Great Room where we leaned back in our chairs and admired the exquisite beauty of this room. At several times, we had the room entirely to ourselves and were awed by the subtle lovely details ~ the room was ours alone to enjoy. Once again, we FELL IN LOVE with The Awahnee and committed to returning during the summer months to treasure more of the park. While during the summer, one can appreciate greater flexibility in traveling to the different regions of the park, Winter in Yosemite, surely should not be missed. It is truly exquisite!
Glacier National Park
Glacier Park Lodge, East Glacier. Imagine stepping off the train in 1910 and viewing the Glacier Park Lodge & the mountains beyond. The train station is still there and you can still take the “Empire Builder” train ride from Chicago, to Minneapolis, through Glacier, and finally onward to Seattle. While the trip from Minneapolis to East Glacier is approximately 21 hours, the trip from East Glacier to Portland, is about the same amount of time. The 21 hour commute from Minneapolis to East Glacier would be interesting & seems very doable. I don’t think one would get too bored and why spend 5 full days of vacation for driving, when one can spend just 2 full days for travel. Next time, we will definitely experience the “Empire Builder”.
Funny thing that we didn’t know until we just about arrived in East Glacier was that Glacier National Park was primarily the brainchild of Louis Hill, James J. Hill’s son. James J. Hill was a prominent St. Paul railroad tycoon and his legacy has permeated throughout the Twin Cities; the Hill Mansion on Summit Avenue in St.. Paul, JJ Hill Days (the first weekend every September) in Wayzata, St. Martin’s by the Lake (the church that Hill built for his daughter’s wedding on the shores of Lake Minnetonka), the infamous St.. Paul Winter Carnival, and of course, the rail lines everywhere. So Glacier National Park was formed with the advocacy of his son. Glacier Park Lodge opened on James J. Hill’s 75th Birthday in 1910. Quite the birthday bash that must have been.
The lodges of Glacier Park are substantially different than Old Faithful Inn or The Awahnee. While I believe those were masterpieces of their architects, the Lodges of Glacier National Park were primarily built to sell Railroad tickets. Of course, all the lodges were, and are still to this day, there to promote tourism and dollars in each of their respected National Parks. But the Lodges of Glacier National Park were definitely built to create money. Nonetheless, they are grand structures that are there for our pleasure.
We stayed at five of the seven lodges while at Glacier National Park. The two lodges we didn’t hit, are only accessible with a full day hike so we opted to save those for another trip. While each lodge was completely different, there were elements to each that were charming & made us long for that life of years gone by. The Glacier Park Lodge has the most beautiful sun room/breezeway attaching the lobby/main hotel to the addition built in 1913. The 48 foot Douglas firs surrounding the lobby inspire newly arriving visitors to crane the heads upward and view the magnificence of those giants. Our room was generous in size with oak flooring & sparse décor. The simplicity of the rooms was inspiring. The simple concept of “Less is More” is one that all of us today could employ in our lives. We enjoyed an evening with some live bluegrass music performed by a trio and a talk by Curly Bear Wagner, who told some Blackfeet Indian stories (the Blackfeet were the Plains Indians that occupied the eastern boundary of the Park - to them . Before retiring for the evening, we noticed the rising full moon and shot some photos of that golden moon. About 3:00 am, Mark started to toss & turn. There was a wildfire burning about 5 miles from the Lodge and while we were told that it would be safe, we noticed throughout the afternoon & evening that Lodge employees were heading outside to check out the skies. In the middle of the night, our room became quite smoky. We laid there for awhile, trying to ignore the smoke, but it was quite strong. Finally, Mark dressed and went down to the lobby to check things out. We didn’t need an 18 year old kid working the nightshift making a decision regarding our safety ~ perhaps the Lodge management didn’t want to wake and “upset” the guests. Mark came back and assured me that things were ok. He walked through the lobby and went outside to check things out. The wind must have shifted because shortly after that, the smoke was not quite as pungent and we fell back to sleep. The following morning, we enjoyed a little cup of jo on the veranda and then we headed off to Many Glacier Hotel.
Many Glacier Hotel
Prince of Wales Hotel
From Us
Glacier National Park
The wonders of a road trip never cease to amaze me. While flying across the country to various destinations, the traveler gets no appreciation for just how vast this country of ours is. Get out of the city and the traffic dwindles to a lull & the highways look like ribbons stretched out before you.
Last summer we hit the road and followed the Lewis & Clark trail through the Dakotas, across the Hi Line of Montana, down on the east side of the mountains, where we left L & C and headed over to Yellowstone & the Grand Tetons. While we talked about hitting GlacierNational Park, we decided that it would be trying to pack a little too much into that trip and Glacier would be best served with a return trip. It was!
While at Yellowstone, we spent 2 nights at the Old Faithful Inn. We had seen a PBS special several years ago, Great Lodges of the National Parks, and I was adamant about staying at the Inn. It looked spectacular & if we were going to be at Yellowstone, we were going to stay one night at Old Faithful. So, we got on the internet and booked a room for one night. We were delighted we could get in. We arrived at Old Faithful Inn and were absolutely amazed. Our jaws were hanging open as we walked into the lobby and stared upwards and we FELL IN LOVE with the Great Lodges of the National Parks. The Inn was bustling during the day with throngs of sightseers, but at night the ambiance was intoxicating. Blooming lilacs in the spring and the Old Faithful Inn at night are both splendid delights of this world. We had dinner in the dining room and then took a glass of wine to the second level, which overlooked the lobby. We sat in the chairs, admiring the building & sipping our wine for hours, until we retired to our room. We were hooked. We called the front desk to see if we could stay another night, and while they didn’t have any openings, they informed us that there possibly would be cancellations in the morning. We lucked out and got another night in this amazing structure. The Inn is as amazing as the geysers in Yellowstone. While at Old Faithful Inn, we picked up a picture book that listed all the Great Lodges of the National Park. And we committed to staying at all the Lodges listed in that book. What an absolute treat that would be.
The Awahnee in Yosemite Valley was next. We decided in February to head out to San Francisco to visit Mark’s sister, Ronnie, and her family. We thought it would be fun to explore San Francisco & head over to wine country for a few days. A couple of weeks prior to our departure, Mark mentioned that perhaps we could make it to Yosemite. Hmm, Yosemite had been on our “List” for quite some time. I checked it out and Yosemite could definitely slide into our itinerary. And if Yosemite was doable, we had to hit The Awahnee for a night. We didn’t even know if it would be open during the winter season, as the Old Faithful Inn shuts down in October, due to the brutal winters. Certainly, the snows of Yosemite are legendary. Wasn’t that where the Donner Party met their terrible fate. So, I got on the internet, checked it out, and yes The Awahnee was open & we could book a room for the night we would be there. What luck! February 25, 2007 was our day to enjoy The Awahnee. We headed out from Ronnie’s in the rain, but brought the tire chains, just in case. We felt very confident that we wouldn’t need them ~ after all, we are from Minnesota, where motorists laugh at winter. Well, winter would have the last laugh on us. As we entered onto the mountain roads, snow began to lightly fall. Then more and more snow fell and the grip on the wheel became tighter. Finally, a ranger pulled us over and informed us that there were R3 conditions and we were required to put on chains. Wet snow everywhere and we were somewhat unfamiliar on how to put the chains on (it had been a long time since Mark used tire chains, and I have never used or even seen them on a vehicle). After several attempts & a few tense moments, we got them on ~ we thought. Ends up they were very loud and when we got to the park entrance, we were informed that we didn’t have them on correctly. We made a small adjustment and our ride became quieter and we felt more secure on the snowy mountain roads. Finally, we could enjoy the beautiful scenery that surrounded us. Yosemite was a Winter Wonderland. The snow softly falling on the pines and the massive out croppings of rock were spectacular. And then, there was The Awahnee. We arrived at the Porte Cochere, where a bellman greeted us in a grey overcoat & top hat and escorted us into the lobby. While The Awahnee lacks the open massive timbered lobby of Old Faithful Inn, it makes up for it in subtle grace & beauty. Everywhere are windows that framed the views of the snow laden pines outside. We spent our day & night soaking in every inch of The Awahnee.
We dropped our bags in our room, which was on the fourth floor and had a gorgeous shared balcony surrounded by spectacular granite walls. Then off for a light bite to eat & glass of wine in the cocktail lounge. Then a very slippery, snowy, wet walk outside to check out a movie at the Visitors Center and the Ansel Adams studio/shop. Upon our return, we sat for a spell next to the Fireplace to warm up in the Elevator Lobby (there is an exquisite painting of woven baskets hanging above the fireplace). We dined in the dining room, where I sat in the same chair that Queen Elizabeth sat in during her visit in the 1980’s. The dining room is spectacular. Tall columns of glass highlight the view and are synonymous with the vertical cliffs outside. Finally, we retired with a glass of wine to the Great Room where we leaned back in our chairs and admired the exquisite beauty of this room. At several times, we had the room entirely to ourselves and were awed by the subtle lovely details ~ the room was ours alone to enjoy. Once again, we FELL IN LOVE with The Awahnee and committed to returning during the summer months to treasure more of the park. While during the summer, one can appreciate greater flexibility in traveling to the different regions of the park, Winter in Yosemite, surely should not be missed. It is truly exquisite!
Glacier National Park
Glacier Park Lodge, East Glacier. Imagine stepping off the train in 1910 and viewing the Glacier Park Lodge & the mountains beyond. The train station is still there and you can still take the “Empire Builder” train ride from Chicago, to Minneapolis, through Glacier, and finally onward to Seattle. While the trip from Minneapolis to East Glacier is approximately 21 hours, the trip from East Glacier to Portland, is about the same amount of time. The 21 hour commute from Minneapolis to East Glacier would be interesting & seems very doable. I don’t think one would get too bored and why spend 5 full days of vacation for driving, when one can spend just 2 full days for travel. Next time, we will definitely experience the “Empire Builder”.
Funny thing that we didn’t know until we just about arrived in East Glacier was that Glacier National Park was primarily the brainchild of Louis Hill, James J. Hill’s son. James J. Hill was a prominent St. Paul railroad tycoon and his legacy has permeated throughout the Twin Cities; the Hill Mansion on Summit Avenue in St.. Paul, JJ Hill Days (the first weekend every September) in Wayzata, St. Martin’s by the Lake (the church that Hill built for his daughter’s wedding on the shores of Lake Minnetonka), the infamous St.. Paul Winter Carnival, and of course, the rail lines everywhere. So Glacier National Park was formed with the advocacy of his son. Glacier Park Lodge opened on James J. Hill’s 75th Birthday in 1910. Quite the birthday bash that must have been.
The lodges of Glacier Park are substantially different than Old Faithful Inn or The Awahnee. While I believe those were masterpieces of their architects, the Lodges of Glacier National Park were primarily built to sell Railroad tickets. Of course, all the lodges were, and are still to this day, there to promote tourism and dollars in each of their respected National Parks. But the Lodges of Glacier National Park were definitely built to create money. Nonetheless, they are grand structures that are there for our pleasure.
We stayed at five of the seven lodges while at Glacier National Park. The two lodges we didn’t hit, are only accessible with a full day hike so we opted to save those for another trip. While each lodge was completely different, there were elements to each that were charming & made us long for that life of years gone by. The Glacier Park Lodge has the most beautiful sun room/breezeway attaching the lobby/main hotel to the addition built in 1913. The 48 foot Douglas firs surrounding the lobby inspire newly arriving visitors to crane the heads upward and view the magnificence of those giants. Our room was generous in size with oak flooring & sparse décor. The simplicity of the rooms was inspiring. The simple concept of “Less is More” is one that all of us today could employ in our lives. We enjoyed an evening with some live bluegrass music performed by a trio and a talk by Curly Bear Wagner, who told some Blackfeet Indian stories (the Blackfeet were the Plains Indians that occupied the eastern boundary of the Park - to them . Before retiring for the evening, we noticed the rising full moon and shot some photos of that golden moon. About 3:00 am, Mark started to toss & turn. There was a wildfire burning about 5 miles from the Lodge and while we were told that it would be safe, we noticed throughout the afternoon & evening that Lodge employees were heading outside to check out the skies. In the middle of the night, our room became quite smoky. We laid there for awhile, trying to ignore the smoke, but it was quite strong. Finally, Mark dressed and went down to the lobby to check things out. We didn’t need an 18 year old kid working the nightshift making a decision regarding our safety ~ perhaps the Lodge management didn’t want to wake and “upset” the guests. Mark came back and assured me that things were ok. He walked through the lobby and went outside to check things out. The wind must have shifted because shortly after that, the smoke was not quite as pungent and we fell back to sleep. The following morning, we enjoyed a little cup of jo on the veranda and then we headed off to Many Glacier Hotel.
Many Glacier Hotel
Prince of Wales Hotel
Plan Commission Meets Tues Sept 4th--Hotel, New Stormwater Plan on agenda
Click on the post for the full agenda in the Agenda Blog.
Monday, September 03, 2007
Susan Granger Speaks: Karate America
Susan Granger, Head Instructor at Karate America in the Grange Mall in Evansville speaks of her classes for all ages. Available now. Call 882-2444
Download File
Download File
Nostalgia: Victor Paulson talks of Polka Music--1930's style
Back on the 1930's the "Eagles Club" was where the current Madison City Hall is---and it was the hot spot for dancing on Thursday and Saturday nights....listen in as Victor explains...
MP3 File
MP3 File
Nostalgia: Common Council ; April 2006: "Complete?"
Motion by Hammann, seconded by Cothard, to approve the Amended Final Land Divider’s Agreement for Westfield Meadows Subdivision, subject to the DNR’s approval of the calculation of the 100-year flood elevation. This amended final land divider’s agreement is for the Westfield Meadows Subdivision on the west side of Evansville, south of Porter Road.
The Common Council approved the final land divider’s agreement and final plat for this subdivision in November 2005. The final land divider’s agreement, however, contained some blanks at the time it was approved. Those blanks regarding which lots will not be permitted to have structures with basements, and the minimum elevation that will be permitted for openings in the foundation, have now been filled (see, e.g., paragraph L at the top of page 12), subject to receiving information for the state Department of Natural Resources (DNR) confirming that the 100-year-flood elevation is approximately 903.
In addition, the developers requested that the provision requiring them to pay the city an amount for future maintenance of the storm water detention pond on Outlot 4 be removed from the agreement, because the DNR has required the pond to be seeded with plants that must not be mowed.
Furthermore, the developers requested that the city issue building permits before the storm water detention pond north of Porter Road is complete, but that the city would not issue occupancy permits until it is complete. Motion passed.
The Common Council approved the final land divider’s agreement and final plat for this subdivision in November 2005. The final land divider’s agreement, however, contained some blanks at the time it was approved. Those blanks regarding which lots will not be permitted to have structures with basements, and the minimum elevation that will be permitted for openings in the foundation, have now been filled (see, e.g., paragraph L at the top of page 12), subject to receiving information for the state Department of Natural Resources (DNR) confirming that the 100-year-flood elevation is approximately 903.
In addition, the developers requested that the provision requiring them to pay the city an amount for future maintenance of the storm water detention pond on Outlot 4 be removed from the agreement, because the DNR has required the pond to be seeded with plants that must not be mowed.
Furthermore, the developers requested that the city issue building permits before the storm water detention pond north of Porter Road is complete, but that the city would not issue occupancy permits until it is complete. Motion passed.
Nostalgia: Plan Commission: April 2006; Is it "Complete"?"
(Ed. note: The following is a portion of the minutes of the Evansville plan commission minutes of April 2006)
Mr. Connors distributed a revised draft 4/3/06 of the Amended Final Land Divider’s Agreement - Westfield Meadows at this meeting and reviewed the changes with the Commission. Mr. Sauer expressed concerns regarding the minimum elevation that will be permitted for openings in the foundation and asked the motion be subject to receiving information for the state Department of Natural Resources (DNR) confirming that the 100-year-flood elevation is approximately 903.00. The developers requested that the provision requiring them to pay the city an amount for future maintenance of the storm water detention pond on Outlot 4 be removed from the agreement, because the DNR has required the pond to be seeded with plants that must not be mowed.
Furthermore, the developers requested that the city issue building permits before the storm water detention pond north of Porter Road is complete.
Motion by Sauer, seconded by Hammann, to recommend to Council the approval of the amended land divider’s agreement for Westfield Meadows subdivision with the following changes: (1) no building permits will be issued until the storm water detention basin facility south of Porter Road is complete; (2) no occupancy permits will be issued until the storm water detention basin facility north of Porter Road is complete; and (3) approval contingent on the state Department of Natural Resources (DNR) confirming that the 100-year-flood elevation is approximately 903.00. Motion passed.
Mr. Connors distributed a revised draft 4/3/06 of the Amended Final Land Divider’s Agreement - Westfield Meadows at this meeting and reviewed the changes with the Commission. Mr. Sauer expressed concerns regarding the minimum elevation that will be permitted for openings in the foundation and asked the motion be subject to receiving information for the state Department of Natural Resources (DNR) confirming that the 100-year-flood elevation is approximately 903.00. The developers requested that the provision requiring them to pay the city an amount for future maintenance of the storm water detention pond on Outlot 4 be removed from the agreement, because the DNR has required the pond to be seeded with plants that must not be mowed.
Furthermore, the developers requested that the city issue building permits before the storm water detention pond north of Porter Road is complete.
Motion by Sauer, seconded by Hammann, to recommend to Council the approval of the amended land divider’s agreement for Westfield Meadows subdivision with the following changes: (1) no building permits will be issued until the storm water detention basin facility south of Porter Road is complete; (2) no occupancy permits will be issued until the storm water detention basin facility north of Porter Road is complete; and (3) approval contingent on the state Department of Natural Resources (DNR) confirming that the 100-year-flood elevation is approximately 903.00. Motion passed.
Sunday, September 02, 2007
Dateline Normal: "The Longest Flood", "The Longest Yard", "The Longtest Review"----FICTION
Click on the post for the latest from Normal, Mn. -----a Fictional land, but other than that.....
Nostalgia: Classic Observer: Feb 2006: "Leader of the Pack"
Leader of the Pack
(Ed.note. Evansville cross country has begun training. Be careful driving since their training runs are on city roads. In honor of the winning tradition of Evansville cross country, I have reprinted the classic, "Leader of the Pack." from Feb. 2006)
Some years ago, there was a magical period in boy's cross country at Evansville High School when there were 5 fast and talented male runners and Evansville had a chance to go to the State Championship Round. As you may remember, the first three ran in a pack---Mike Thornton, Jay Marin and Justin Frey.
The Observer knows because his task was to stand at the first mile marker and call out the mile split. For Mike Thornton, if he was running the first mile at 5.04 that meant that he was right on target. Jay Marin needed be be next on his shoulder, and then Justin Frey a step behind. It was like clockwork. What a dream first three runners.
The following year, the burden of leading the races passed to Jay Marin. Now it was he who had to hit the split perfectly. One of the things I noticed as a parent of a cross country runner is that just before the race, the leaders, such as Ann Knutson or Jay Marin, intensely feel the burden of leading. They frequently throw up. They wonder whether they still have it for the race. The desire. Well, everything. It is not guaranteed. They know that the past is gone. It is up to them. Now.
One race, the boys were wearing special t-shirts with goofy sayings on the back. Some were even wearing goofy sayings on their shorts. Some were wearing colored socks. They were laughing and giggling a bit about it.
One boy went up to Jay and said, "Jay, which of the t-shirts do you like best?"
Jay replied, "Listen----I plan on LEADING this race. I don't give a (------) about what is written on your shorts."
When you are a LEADER, the key thing is to LEAD, not to listen or glance about being distracted by the titter of the crowd or whatever is written on others butts. Being in front is special. One has to keep the head up high. Looking to the future.
Make a note of it.
this is an audio post - click to play
Posted by Evansville Observer at 11:07 AM Links to this
(Ed.note. Evansville cross country has begun training. Be careful driving since their training runs are on city roads. In honor of the winning tradition of Evansville cross country, I have reprinted the classic, "Leader of the Pack." from Feb. 2006)
Some years ago, there was a magical period in boy's cross country at Evansville High School when there were 5 fast and talented male runners and Evansville had a chance to go to the State Championship Round. As you may remember, the first three ran in a pack---Mike Thornton, Jay Marin and Justin Frey.
The Observer knows because his task was to stand at the first mile marker and call out the mile split. For Mike Thornton, if he was running the first mile at 5.04 that meant that he was right on target. Jay Marin needed be be next on his shoulder, and then Justin Frey a step behind. It was like clockwork. What a dream first three runners.
The following year, the burden of leading the races passed to Jay Marin. Now it was he who had to hit the split perfectly. One of the things I noticed as a parent of a cross country runner is that just before the race, the leaders, such as Ann Knutson or Jay Marin, intensely feel the burden of leading. They frequently throw up. They wonder whether they still have it for the race. The desire. Well, everything. It is not guaranteed. They know that the past is gone. It is up to them. Now.
One race, the boys were wearing special t-shirts with goofy sayings on the back. Some were even wearing goofy sayings on their shorts. Some were wearing colored socks. They were laughing and giggling a bit about it.
One boy went up to Jay and said, "Jay, which of the t-shirts do you like best?"
Jay replied, "Listen----I plan on LEADING this race. I don't give a (------) about what is written on your shorts."
When you are a LEADER, the key thing is to LEAD, not to listen or glance about being distracted by the titter of the crowd or whatever is written on others butts. Being in front is special. One has to keep the head up high. Looking to the future.
Make a note of it.
this is an audio post - click to play
Posted by Evansville Observer at 11:07 AM Links to this
Cyclist Arrests in Mpls foreshadow RNC next year?
Click on the post for the latest that has been happening in Minneapolis. It would seem that tear gas and mace is out of season...but not so.
Friday, August 31, 2007
Mailbag: Mark Writes: On Lake Leota Referendum; On Bond Term; On Dredging and more
(Ed. Note: This was a comment that I have posted for better visibility.)
Personally, I do not have an opinion on Lake Leota other than I would like to see it restored. Financially, I don't know if that is the right decision or not for Evansville. Most of us are concerned about the property tax mill rates. $2,000,000 is the number I have seen floating around and at first glance it seems like a lot of money (which apparently includes creek wall restoration, which is necessary in some form one way or another, if I understand it correctly).
My big question is how would this be financed? I am assuming it would need to be financed through bonds. If so, how many years would this be financed over and what would the actual impact on our taxes be? If the bonds could be spread over many years and have a minor impact like $10-$25 year for the average home, I think most people would be in favor of it. If it started creeping up to $100, $200, $400, $500 on the average tax bill, you would lose more support as the yearly tax impact rose. I have heard that a referendum should be proposed and I would support that if we were given specifics on what the tax impact would be. I think a general question like, should we spend $2,000,000 to restore Lake Leota would be a bad referendum, because it wouldn't give us the information we need to make an informed decision. Also, if different options are explored as suggested, I think the question should be phrased to ask, no restoration vs. A, B or C and what the associated tax burden be for each. This will allow citizens to review each option (and do the math for their actual property tax assessment) and make an informed decision of whether or not to support restoration.
Another question that I have heard is why dredge it when it will fill back up over the years? It definitely would be a bad idea if the bond term would be longer than the dredging is expected to last before it would be needed again. I am wondering if there is better engineering than we had the last time it was fully dredged? Is there any possibility of putting some sort of natural filter/settling pond before the creek enters the lake to control the silt from entering the lake? Maybe this filter could be periodically cleared to maintain it's functionality as a filter and keep the lake at the same depth at a minimal maintenance cost?
If the lake were restored and had more depth than it had in recent years, I think it would be nice to see the park district rent paddle boat rentals on Lake Leota.
Personally, I do not have an opinion on Lake Leota other than I would like to see it restored. Financially, I don't know if that is the right decision or not for Evansville. Most of us are concerned about the property tax mill rates. $2,000,000 is the number I have seen floating around and at first glance it seems like a lot of money (which apparently includes creek wall restoration, which is necessary in some form one way or another, if I understand it correctly).
My big question is how would this be financed? I am assuming it would need to be financed through bonds. If so, how many years would this be financed over and what would the actual impact on our taxes be? If the bonds could be spread over many years and have a minor impact like $10-$25 year for the average home, I think most people would be in favor of it. If it started creeping up to $100, $200, $400, $500 on the average tax bill, you would lose more support as the yearly tax impact rose. I have heard that a referendum should be proposed and I would support that if we were given specifics on what the tax impact would be. I think a general question like, should we spend $2,000,000 to restore Lake Leota would be a bad referendum, because it wouldn't give us the information we need to make an informed decision. Also, if different options are explored as suggested, I think the question should be phrased to ask, no restoration vs. A, B or C and what the associated tax burden be for each. This will allow citizens to review each option (and do the math for their actual property tax assessment) and make an informed decision of whether or not to support restoration.
Another question that I have heard is why dredge it when it will fill back up over the years? It definitely would be a bad idea if the bond term would be longer than the dredging is expected to last before it would be needed again. I am wondering if there is better engineering than we had the last time it was fully dredged? Is there any possibility of putting some sort of natural filter/settling pond before the creek enters the lake to control the silt from entering the lake? Maybe this filter could be periodically cleared to maintain it's functionality as a filter and keep the lake at the same depth at a minimal maintenance cost?
If the lake were restored and had more depth than it had in recent years, I think it would be nice to see the park district rent paddle boat rentals on Lake Leota.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
"Home" riff by Jake Smith
Just a short little riff by Jake Smith called "Home" to play while you savor the short moment of quiet as the kids leave. Thanks, Jake and RKM Studios.
MP3 File
MP3 File
"Cathedral" riff by Jake Smith
A little riff by Jake Smith to get em ready for Back to School. Thanks, Jake, and RKM Studios.
MP3 File
MP3 File
CNN: Next Shoe to Drop is Auto Sales
August Auto sales numbers are expected to be down---and in fact the rest of the year should be down according to CNN.]
Click on the post for the full story.
Click on the post for the full story.
Beloit College Corner: Gazette: Former Beloit College Pres holds wood exhibition
Click on the post for the latest from Gina Duwe of the Janesville Gazette.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Engineers will be at next Public Works
Roger Berg suggested that the next Public Works meeting all the engineers would be invited and questions could be asked.
MP3 File
MP3 File
Minutes: Public Works; July 2007; What difference a month makes
Public Works Committee
Regular Meeting
Tuesday, July 24, 2007 at 6:00 p.m.
Public Works Garage, 535 South Madison Street, Evansville, WI
MINUTES
Call the meeting to order at 6:00pm
Roll Call- All present; Braunschweig, Juergens, Sornson, Sauer, Wartenweiller
Approve Agenda – Approved Unanimously
Approve minutes of June 26 and July 12, 2007 Meetings- Approved unanimously
Citizen appearances- None
Lake Leota Restoration Update –
City admin wanted more info from SOLE as to how to they got to where they were in as far as their request of the city. SOLE rep went through a rough synopsis of SOLE’s chronology.
Juergens wants engineering project to work not only on SOLE’s prposed plan but also on any other alternative proposals.
Site Plan Reviews
Manor- City engineer just received it and believes the real issue is stormwater aspect of the plan. Plan not complete.
Construction Updates
Main Street Progress Report
Treiweller to begin August 6th depending upon contingincies.
County Trunk Highway M Progress Report
Utilities should be doen this week. Bay culvert is still being negotiated with D&D.
North Prairie Productions Progress Report
Meeting yesterday. Site will be stripped soon.
Capstone Ridge Phase 2 Progress Report
Doubts if this will start when planned due to current real estate market.
-----------------------------------------------------
Westfield Meadows Progress Report
Stormwater detention pond ready for inspection.
Infrastructure ready for city to complete and take ownership
Fees in leau of parkland dedication may be revised to get the land
---------------------------------------------------------
Communications from City Engineer
Rather than have PW deal with adjusting water rates we will have W&L deal with it.
Communications of Public Works Director
Revision of Sidewalk Assessment Policy/ordinance
Brief look at existing ordinances and a sample waiver form in regards to the special assessments.
New Business
Relocating streetlights from Main Street to other locations
Main St. money can be used to move lights. PW director would like to see them on Main St. extending to 4th street. 13 to be removed
2008 Capital and Operating Budgets
Went through 5 year capital budget. Updated spreadsheet to be attached.
Looked through 2008 operating budget. Assumed nominal (3%) increases.
6th & Vision retention pond is operating well at this time.
Adjourn
Mason Braunschweig, Chair, Public Works Committee
Please turn off all cell phones while the meeting is in session. Thank you!
Check MailCompose Search Mail:
Regular Meeting
Tuesday, July 24, 2007 at 6:00 p.m.
Public Works Garage, 535 South Madison Street, Evansville, WI
MINUTES
Call the meeting to order at 6:00pm
Roll Call- All present; Braunschweig, Juergens, Sornson, Sauer, Wartenweiller
Approve Agenda – Approved Unanimously
Approve minutes of June 26 and July 12, 2007 Meetings- Approved unanimously
Citizen appearances- None
Lake Leota Restoration Update –
City admin wanted more info from SOLE as to how to they got to where they were in as far as their request of the city. SOLE rep went through a rough synopsis of SOLE’s chronology.
Juergens wants engineering project to work not only on SOLE’s prposed plan but also on any other alternative proposals.
Site Plan Reviews
Manor- City engineer just received it and believes the real issue is stormwater aspect of the plan. Plan not complete.
Construction Updates
Main Street Progress Report
Treiweller to begin August 6th depending upon contingincies.
County Trunk Highway M Progress Report
Utilities should be doen this week. Bay culvert is still being negotiated with D&D.
North Prairie Productions Progress Report
Meeting yesterday. Site will be stripped soon.
Capstone Ridge Phase 2 Progress Report
Doubts if this will start when planned due to current real estate market.
-----------------------------------------------------
Westfield Meadows Progress Report
Stormwater detention pond ready for inspection.
Infrastructure ready for city to complete and take ownership
Fees in leau of parkland dedication may be revised to get the land
---------------------------------------------------------
Communications from City Engineer
Rather than have PW deal with adjusting water rates we will have W&L deal with it.
Communications of Public Works Director
Revision of Sidewalk Assessment Policy/ordinance
Brief look at existing ordinances and a sample waiver form in regards to the special assessments.
New Business
Relocating streetlights from Main Street to other locations
Main St. money can be used to move lights. PW director would like to see them on Main St. extending to 4th street. 13 to be removed
2008 Capital and Operating Budgets
Went through 5 year capital budget. Updated spreadsheet to be attached.
Looked through 2008 operating budget. Assumed nominal (3%) increases.
6th & Vision retention pond is operating well at this time.
Adjourn
Mason Braunschweig, Chair, Public Works Committee
Please turn off all cell phones while the meeting is in session. Thank you!
Check MailCompose Search Mail:
Unleash the Power of Video
The Power of Video on The Observer----can now market your business-------even if you're NOT a rock star------email fre2Observe @yahoo.com
Download File
Download File
Public Works: Roger Berg Presents; Pt II
Second video of assessment of Roger Berg of problem as well as possible solutions to westside water problems.
Download File
Download File
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Asian Stocks fall in reaction to Wall Street pull back
Asia is reacting to Wall Streets fall on Tuesday. Click on the post for the full story. What will Bernanke do? Stay tuned to the Evansville Observer.
Public Works: Residents voice water concerns: City, Developer responds
At the top of the agenda for tonight's Public Works meeting at 6PM at Public Works office on Madison Street was the recent water problems on the westside of Evansville. After citizens voiced their specific situation, the city engineer, Dave Sauer spoke, and then with questions on the impact of the development of Westfield Meadows, Roger Berg, one of the investors of Westfield Meadows presented his assessment of the situation and the remedies available.
The Observer will be publishing full audio and selected video of the meeting.
This was an important meeting for the future of Evansville and was marked by a feeling that Evansville government as well as developers such as Mr. Berg were committed to solving the current problem in order to ensure the success of future development. It was marked by citizen suggestions for solutions as well as alternatives presented by developers and government.
At the April 23rd meeting of Public Works, you can hear on audio the Observer giving the two hopeful remedies for the future---the improvement of the Southgate Pond and the holding pond on Porter Road with the V-notch. Both did not function as promised.
The proper functioning of the holding pond and the v-notch was a precondition of the builders permits for Westfield Meadows. Some citizens attending the meeting asked that development be suspended till the solutions were found. Public works said they did not have the power to do this.
Stay tuned. This is the Evansville Observer.
We attend the meetings.....We're where the mainstream media gets their news.
The Observer will be publishing full audio and selected video of the meeting.
This was an important meeting for the future of Evansville and was marked by a feeling that Evansville government as well as developers such as Mr. Berg were committed to solving the current problem in order to ensure the success of future development. It was marked by citizen suggestions for solutions as well as alternatives presented by developers and government.
At the April 23rd meeting of Public Works, you can hear on audio the Observer giving the two hopeful remedies for the future---the improvement of the Southgate Pond and the holding pond on Porter Road with the V-notch. Both did not function as promised.
The proper functioning of the holding pond and the v-notch was a precondition of the builders permits for Westfield Meadows. Some citizens attending the meeting asked that development be suspended till the solutions were found. Public works said they did not have the power to do this.
Stay tuned. This is the Evansville Observer.
We attend the meetings.....We're where the mainstream media gets their news.
OPEd: Finance Corner: Tale of the Tape: All Three Tech Charts Negative
Advances & Declines
NYSE NASDAQ Advances 444 (13%) 634 (20%)
Declines 2,832 (85%) 2,401 (76%)
Unchanged 67 (2%) 109 (3%)
Up Vol* 205 (7%) 156 (9%)
Down Vol* 2,870 (93%) 1,480 (88%)
Unch. Vol* 8 (0%) 46 (3%)
New Hi's 17 41
New Lo's 75 75
Click on the post for the full article in Yahoo Finance. The bleak numbers above give a snapshot of what happened today.
Mr. Bernanke, the Chairman of the Federal Reserve as you will recall, did lower the rate charged to banks last week---the discount rate. However.....so what. That does not help customers facing higher interest rates on mortgages and credit cards. The market seems to be demanding....yes demanding a lowering of interest rates. And they want it before the next regularly scheduled meeting.
Hesitant leadership can and will have an additional devastating effect on the housing industry. And the folks that were responsible for supervising the lending practices of the sub=prime lenders? You guessed it. The Treasury.
Stay tuned. What will happen tomorrow? Is this a battle of wills between the market and the new Fed Chief? Lets see what the pundits say this week.
Stay tuned. This is the Evansville Observer. I ask a lot of questions. No answers particularly. Still. The questions are occasionally important. Stay tuned.
NYSE NASDAQ Advances 444 (13%) 634 (20%)
Declines 2,832 (85%) 2,401 (76%)
Unchanged 67 (2%) 109 (3%)
Up Vol* 205 (7%) 156 (9%)
Down Vol* 2,870 (93%) 1,480 (88%)
Unch. Vol* 8 (0%) 46 (3%)
New Hi's 17 41
New Lo's 75 75
Click on the post for the full article in Yahoo Finance. The bleak numbers above give a snapshot of what happened today.
Mr. Bernanke, the Chairman of the Federal Reserve as you will recall, did lower the rate charged to banks last week---the discount rate. However.....so what. That does not help customers facing higher interest rates on mortgages and credit cards. The market seems to be demanding....yes demanding a lowering of interest rates. And they want it before the next regularly scheduled meeting.
Hesitant leadership can and will have an additional devastating effect on the housing industry. And the folks that were responsible for supervising the lending practices of the sub=prime lenders? You guessed it. The Treasury.
Stay tuned. What will happen tomorrow? Is this a battle of wills between the market and the new Fed Chief? Lets see what the pundits say this week.
Stay tuned. This is the Evansville Observer. I ask a lot of questions. No answers particularly. Still. The questions are occasionally important. Stay tuned.
NYT___Dow down 280
Dow stocks plunged today on concerns over the financial stocks segment-- click on the post for the full article in the New York Times.
Classic Victor Paulson: On Baseball: On Babe Ruth; 1930's
Victor Paulson is 92 and longtime resident of Evansville. He worked the farm that is the Piggly Wiggly. He speaks of Babe Ruth and the early days of baseball.
MP3 File
MP3 File
Public Works meets TODAY----Water....Development Updates on Agenda
Click on the post for the full agenda. Westside water concerns may be moved to top of agenda. Stay tuned.
"Gravity Works"
At the last Evansville Common Council, where citizens appeared to speak on the problems of water on the Westside, after everyone had spoke, Mason Braunschweig spoke.
He said, "This is not just a 6th street problem. It is a larger problem. If you stand at 6th and Garfield, and look down, you can just see----water runs downhill. It's pretty simple. Gravity works. The problem is a larger one...of water flow. The water ends up at 6th Street and Vision, but it is not their water."( video pending)
Tonight at Public Works, citizens will get a look of how the city intends to proceed.
Some citizens have taken the primitive approach----remember back in prehistoric times when there was too much rain and one just burnt offerings,...or even unfortunate people...till the rain stopped. That was primitive.
In modern scientific times.... there is engineering. Mathematics....and liability insurance that covers the errors of engineers. Risk management we call it.
Tonight we will see which time warp we are stuck in----the primitive-----or the modern. Stay tuned.
Mason Braunschweig, Evansville Common Council President addresses citizens and pledges focus of Public Works dept on West side water issues.
Download File
He said, "This is not just a 6th street problem. It is a larger problem. If you stand at 6th and Garfield, and look down, you can just see----water runs downhill. It's pretty simple. Gravity works. The problem is a larger one...of water flow. The water ends up at 6th Street and Vision, but it is not their water."( video pending)
Tonight at Public Works, citizens will get a look of how the city intends to proceed.
Some citizens have taken the primitive approach----remember back in prehistoric times when there was too much rain and one just burnt offerings,...or even unfortunate people...till the rain stopped. That was primitive.
In modern scientific times.... there is engineering. Mathematics....and liability insurance that covers the errors of engineers. Risk management we call it.
Tonight we will see which time warp we are stuck in----the primitive-----or the modern. Stay tuned.
Mason Braunschweig, Evansville Common Council President addresses citizens and pledges focus of Public Works dept on West side water issues.
Download File
OpEd: What the housing crisis means for higher education
In the past fifteen years, as parents of college bound students watched their kids head off to college, they kept their mortgage banker's telephone number handy. WHY? That's simple. A huge majority of the source of funding for college tuition was parents using the equity in their homes for tuition. Simple cash out transactions. Ditto for folks buying cars. Americans used their mortgages like credit cards. With home equity lines etc, ...lines of credit with various names on them.
Financial advisors of 20 years ago would have cited the golden rule of never leveraging a retirement asset for college expenses and would have vigorously objected to impairing the security of a home by additional debt. Those old rules were simply trashed and laughed at.
With the price of college education rising, and the price of median home plunging, and the foreclosures rampant across America, and credit for even good, or great borrowers unavailable.....it does not take a rocket scientist to see that a day of reckoning is here.
Speaking of the "reckoning" word, in 1986, my wife bought me the book "The Reckoning" by David Halberstam---the story about the rise of Japanese auto business and the fall of the American auto industry. It has been a slow moving reckoning in the auto business. I just hope the reckoning in education is as slow. It just does not seem slow. If you plot your home equity on a graph and plot the rise of college expenses right next to it, it is pretty clear.
Stay tuned.
Financial advisors of 20 years ago would have cited the golden rule of never leveraging a retirement asset for college expenses and would have vigorously objected to impairing the security of a home by additional debt. Those old rules were simply trashed and laughed at.
With the price of college education rising, and the price of median home plunging, and the foreclosures rampant across America, and credit for even good, or great borrowers unavailable.....it does not take a rocket scientist to see that a day of reckoning is here.
Speaking of the "reckoning" word, in 1986, my wife bought me the book "The Reckoning" by David Halberstam---the story about the rise of Japanese auto business and the fall of the American auto industry. It has been a slow moving reckoning in the auto business. I just hope the reckoning in education is as slow. It just does not seem slow. If you plot your home equity on a graph and plot the rise of college expenses right next to it, it is pretty clear.
Stay tuned.
Standard and Poors: House Prices in Steepest Decline in 20 Years
Click on the post for the full story from Standard and Poors.
Wisconsin Lawmakers seek to control Predatory Payday Loan Business in Wis.
Click on the post for the full story courtesy of The Wheeler Report.
Monday, August 27, 2007
Gazette Corner: Schools held hostage by budget delay
Click on the post for the full story in the Janesville Gazette.
Gazette Corner: Student Financial Aid-- Students still waiting to hear
Click on the post for the full story in the Janesville Gazette today. The waiting list has grown to 3800 students. The state aid portion is disbursed first come, first serve and it has run out of money.
Stay tuned.
Stay tuned.
Value Investing
Memories of Don Sheehan, Dale Carnegie Salesman and trainer; On what things are worth, and much, much more.
MP3 File
MP3 File
The Pea Green Carpeting
Secrets on when to buy; the reversal of human emotions, and much, much more. This is reposted from 2005 and is in response to the comment of Mr. PC, who yesterday reminded me that there are moving averages that can help one decide to sell, but .....for buying....there is no such math method. I thought this story might be a substitute.
MP3 File
MP3 File
Agenda: Water and Light: Wed., 6:30PM
The regular meeting of the Water & Light Committee for the City of Evansville will be held on August 29, 2007, at the Utility Shop, 15 Old 92, Evansville, Wisconsin at 6:30 p.m. Notice is further given that members of the City Council might be in attendance.
Water & Light Committee Meeting
Regular Meeting
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Utility Shop, 15 Old 92, Evansville, Wisconsin.
6:30 p.m.
Agenda
1. Roll Call
2. Approval of July 25, 2007 Water & Light Minutes
3. Citizens concerns
4. Water/sewer adjustments
a) John Sornson: new lawn
5. Discussion and possible motion on energy conservation assistance for a windmill project of Berg Real Estate, INC.
6. Discussion and possible motion on bids for the substation construction.
7. Update on Water & Light Electric Rate Case
8. Committee Reports – Chairman Thomas Cothard
9. Committee Reports – Superintendent Scott George
10. Any other legal action to come before the committee
11. Motion to adjourn
Thomas Cothard
Committee Chairman
Water & Light Committee Meeting
Regular Meeting
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Utility Shop, 15 Old 92, Evansville, Wisconsin.
6:30 p.m.
Agenda
1. Roll Call
2. Approval of July 25, 2007 Water & Light Minutes
3. Citizens concerns
4. Water/sewer adjustments
a) John Sornson: new lawn
5. Discussion and possible motion on energy conservation assistance for a windmill project of Berg Real Estate, INC.
6. Discussion and possible motion on bids for the substation construction.
7. Update on Water & Light Electric Rate Case
8. Committee Reports – Chairman Thomas Cothard
9. Committee Reports – Superintendent Scott George
10. Any other legal action to come before the committee
11. Motion to adjourn
Thomas Cothard
Committee Chairman
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Tidbits: A moment of Thanks
Thank goodness for the beautiful weather today.
Over the past week or so, wherever I went with movie camera in hand, logging in the rain events, I came across the guys from Public Works----coping as best they could to make the system work at Allen Creek, or on the Westside. I mean from 6am to midnight they were all over the place.
Regardless of the cause of everything, which we can discuss. And we will. These guys put it on the line last week, and ----I tip the famous Observer hat to your effort....Thanks.
Over the past week or so, wherever I went with movie camera in hand, logging in the rain events, I came across the guys from Public Works----coping as best they could to make the system work at Allen Creek, or on the Westside. I mean from 6am to midnight they were all over the place.
Regardless of the cause of everything, which we can discuss. And we will. These guys put it on the line last week, and ----I tip the famous Observer hat to your effort....Thanks.
Nostalgia: (Orig post 7-15-2007) OpEd: Why is not the sub-prime mortgage crisis Page One?
Last week, members of the St. Paul, Mn. government met with interested folk to discuss the preparations for the 2008 Republican National Convention----specifically the need for providing the groundrules for picketing and public expression of opinion during the convention.
It only took a moment to remember wistfully back to the good old days of 1968 when the Democrats had met in Chicago and "Happy Hubert Humphrey" had been nominated for President mists the tear gas and rioting. Clearly much had been learned since then.
One of the strategies that seems to be used is to not talk about the issues that might be very divisive----and the subprime mortgage crisis in America seems to be one of the big ones to me.
Over the past decade, all across America, folks have been buying homes who were new arrivals to the country---a wide range of citizens that might not have qualified for homes under earlier loan ratio guidelines----and these families now had begun enjoying the good life----mothers as soccer moms etc, kids in the suburbs.
Many of these families now have been rudely awoken with the adjustment of their mortgages and have learned about their subprime mortgage. There are supposedly a million of such families that will face foreclosure.
The economic press has been saying that "We think this subprime crisis can be handled with minimul damage to the larger economy." Just to translate that for the regular folk----"We do not plan on talking about this problem."
In some parts of the country, this is really called the "predatory lending problem." It is an issue of economic justice. It is an emotional issue. It is a large problem that needs to be addressed. However---- There is nothing that politicians want less than an emotional group of citizens demonstrating about social justice right outside a convention.
Click on the post for an interesting article that looks at the subprime crisis and why it deserves front page coverage.
The lack of effective oversight of the banking community is pretty stunning. One wonders whether that lack of oversight extends to other areas.
So------it is going to be interesting trying to get the presidential candidates to say anything on this issue---it is a lot easier to hide behind a 30 second "I love Hillary video spot."
If there is an oil shock or upward adjustment of interest rates, one just wonders how many Americans will be facing loss of their homes and what the effects to families and communities will be.
It only took a moment to remember wistfully back to the good old days of 1968 when the Democrats had met in Chicago and "Happy Hubert Humphrey" had been nominated for President mists the tear gas and rioting. Clearly much had been learned since then.
One of the strategies that seems to be used is to not talk about the issues that might be very divisive----and the subprime mortgage crisis in America seems to be one of the big ones to me.
Over the past decade, all across America, folks have been buying homes who were new arrivals to the country---a wide range of citizens that might not have qualified for homes under earlier loan ratio guidelines----and these families now had begun enjoying the good life----mothers as soccer moms etc, kids in the suburbs.
Many of these families now have been rudely awoken with the adjustment of their mortgages and have learned about their subprime mortgage. There are supposedly a million of such families that will face foreclosure.
The economic press has been saying that "We think this subprime crisis can be handled with minimul damage to the larger economy." Just to translate that for the regular folk----"We do not plan on talking about this problem."
In some parts of the country, this is really called the "predatory lending problem." It is an issue of economic justice. It is an emotional issue. It is a large problem that needs to be addressed. However---- There is nothing that politicians want less than an emotional group of citizens demonstrating about social justice right outside a convention.
Click on the post for an interesting article that looks at the subprime crisis and why it deserves front page coverage.
The lack of effective oversight of the banking community is pretty stunning. One wonders whether that lack of oversight extends to other areas.
So------it is going to be interesting trying to get the presidential candidates to say anything on this issue---it is a lot easier to hide behind a 30 second "I love Hillary video spot."
If there is an oil shock or upward adjustment of interest rates, one just wonders how many Americans will be facing loss of their homes and what the effects to families and communities will be.
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Nostalgia: (July 19, 2007) OpEd: School Planning : Independence of Consultants, Depth of Analysis Key
(Ed.note: Independence of Consultants has been a strong theme of both school and city press coverage this summer----or put it another way----the lack of independence. It's time to raise the flag a little bit. Celebrate our independence. Celebrate the ability of our community to get what it needs to be successful.
At the end of July, the Evansville School Board will meet to hammer out the goals for the 2007-8 school year, as well as develop a plan of action for board development. Two of the board, Melissa Hammann and Jeff Herbers are new. They are coming up to speed on the issues and process of the board.
One theme of the recent Buildings and Grounds as well as School Board meeting for July, was the necessity for "Independence"------the board was dissatisfied with the analysis of the 4 period day since it never even considered options. There were real scheduling problems to be considered, and the study just seemed to go over the motions of things and not provide any guidance for the board to review.
With respect to the "site review"----the look five years out for the needs of the school district---if you reviewed Mr. Hatfield's comments on video, he identified the "chicken and egg" issue of the centralized versus the distributed site as having very different cost components----the community back in 1999 strongly preferred a centralized campus by a 60-40 margin of public survey. Having two additional campus locations, with the ususal building principals and athletic fields of all the sports naturally, would add tons to the cost of such design. On the contrary, a strategy of demolition of part of the oldest part of the elementary school and rebuilding plus site enhancement might significantly add value to the campus, and cut the cost of construction significantly.
Art Phillips in his comments regarding the data of recent housing starts provided a needed caution to the notion that if we build it, they will come. All of Minnesota, specifically the Twin Cities is closing schools like crazy, and are facing the decline of enrollment due to the aging of the population and decline of school age children per household---all elements that our city planner has discussed as coming to Evansville. This is not factored into the future enrollment projections. Future homes may not have the same number of kids per home. If you build it---less will come.
What are my thoughts on this? A site selection that is independent and has the approval of the board rather than foisted on the board for a rubber stamp is the way to go. The school board is charged with running the school district and setting policy---this future planning is an area where they are on the bubble. The site must be one THEY approve, not one selected by others. They have the obligation to govern---- nobody else.
The data of housing starts, nationally, as well as locally, provides the clear need for caution. Those who have overbuilt schools have paid a HUGH cost for the error. Evansville, with some restraint, has the possibility of getting it right.
Community involvement, REAL, not phoney, is the key. It should start now---not later. Openess builds trust. There is some improvement to be made. It is not just a matter of spin. It must be real genuine open process. The public will know the difference.
Where will the Observer be? Behind the camera. Catching the dialogue as our community procedes. Stay tuned.
At the end of July, the Evansville School Board will meet to hammer out the goals for the 2007-8 school year, as well as develop a plan of action for board development. Two of the board, Melissa Hammann and Jeff Herbers are new. They are coming up to speed on the issues and process of the board.
One theme of the recent Buildings and Grounds as well as School Board meeting for July, was the necessity for "Independence"------the board was dissatisfied with the analysis of the 4 period day since it never even considered options. There were real scheduling problems to be considered, and the study just seemed to go over the motions of things and not provide any guidance for the board to review.
With respect to the "site review"----the look five years out for the needs of the school district---if you reviewed Mr. Hatfield's comments on video, he identified the "chicken and egg" issue of the centralized versus the distributed site as having very different cost components----the community back in 1999 strongly preferred a centralized campus by a 60-40 margin of public survey. Having two additional campus locations, with the ususal building principals and athletic fields of all the sports naturally, would add tons to the cost of such design. On the contrary, a strategy of demolition of part of the oldest part of the elementary school and rebuilding plus site enhancement might significantly add value to the campus, and cut the cost of construction significantly.
Art Phillips in his comments regarding the data of recent housing starts provided a needed caution to the notion that if we build it, they will come. All of Minnesota, specifically the Twin Cities is closing schools like crazy, and are facing the decline of enrollment due to the aging of the population and decline of school age children per household---all elements that our city planner has discussed as coming to Evansville. This is not factored into the future enrollment projections. Future homes may not have the same number of kids per home. If you build it---less will come.
What are my thoughts on this? A site selection that is independent and has the approval of the board rather than foisted on the board for a rubber stamp is the way to go. The school board is charged with running the school district and setting policy---this future planning is an area where they are on the bubble. The site must be one THEY approve, not one selected by others. They have the obligation to govern---- nobody else.
The data of housing starts, nationally, as well as locally, provides the clear need for caution. Those who have overbuilt schools have paid a HUGH cost for the error. Evansville, with some restraint, has the possibility of getting it right.
Community involvement, REAL, not phoney, is the key. It should start now---not later. Openess builds trust. There is some improvement to be made. It is not just a matter of spin. It must be real genuine open process. The public will know the difference.
Where will the Observer be? Behind the camera. Catching the dialogue as our community procedes. Stay tuned.
Adams and Sons Speaks
"Professional planning requires cooperation and comprehensive design reflecting the community goal rather than just one owners goal. And it has to make "business sense."
The Observer could not have said it better.
Download File
The Observer could not have said it better.
Download File
Allen Creek Development: RA Smith Open House---summary
"Mike" of RA Smith Consultants made a presentation on the Allen Creek Development Design concepts last Tuesday at Redevelopment Authority. Developers, Planners, City Administrator, Mayor Decker, as well as some citizens were present: Yes, "Grumps" and "The Evansville Observer were present.
The presentation opened with the market analysis. Mike said that Evansville has a broad market citizenry of about 10,000 citizens in the market area---most of the shopping that they do, or over 200 million annually is done in Madison or Janesville. Of the possible businesses that could elect to come to Evansville, fear that a WalMart would come is inappropriate---all of the folks wanting to come would be smaller. And all of the jobs that these small businesses could generate would be entry level retail positions.
There are three areas for commercial to go---downtown, East and the Union Allen Creek Area, and the city has the role of deciding who will go where.
On the railroad line-----Considering the lack of population density, and the huge cost of railroad development, there is NO possibility of any passenger use of it. There might be more shipping but that is unclear.
On trail/ bike path along Allen Creek---Chris Eager asked whether we would live to see such a path---the answer was that because of the layout of the area, it would have to be an unconventional path, and if the engineers had their way and it had to be to the widest specs, it would not happen.
"Mike" said that folks he talked to wanted to keep zoning the same "MOSTLY". Then he presented a series of large pictures that included East Main in the Allen Creek project.
Jim Brooks noted that in the past the critical flaw of development process had been the lack of consultation with the neighborhood, and it seemed that RA Smith was headed in the same direction.
Tony Wyse asked who had been consulted with. Right in the process of answering the question, Adams Roofing spoke up and said that their phone calls had not been returned with respect to input. But--they hoped that any development would be done with a professional process that was inclusive of the parties involved and they had understood that their property was not probably the best use possible, and IF it "made business sense" they had no firm oppositon to positive change.
Tony Wyse also suggested that the Allen Creek Project should stick to its focus and not wander.......
Citizens who have a interest in these matters should attend next month's Redevelopment Authority meeting. There are five videos of the essential presentation. Stay tuned.
The presentation opened with the market analysis. Mike said that Evansville has a broad market citizenry of about 10,000 citizens in the market area---most of the shopping that they do, or over 200 million annually is done in Madison or Janesville. Of the possible businesses that could elect to come to Evansville, fear that a WalMart would come is inappropriate---all of the folks wanting to come would be smaller. And all of the jobs that these small businesses could generate would be entry level retail positions.
There are three areas for commercial to go---downtown, East and the Union Allen Creek Area, and the city has the role of deciding who will go where.
On the railroad line-----Considering the lack of population density, and the huge cost of railroad development, there is NO possibility of any passenger use of it. There might be more shipping but that is unclear.
On trail/ bike path along Allen Creek---Chris Eager asked whether we would live to see such a path---the answer was that because of the layout of the area, it would have to be an unconventional path, and if the engineers had their way and it had to be to the widest specs, it would not happen.
"Mike" said that folks he talked to wanted to keep zoning the same "MOSTLY". Then he presented a series of large pictures that included East Main in the Allen Creek project.
Jim Brooks noted that in the past the critical flaw of development process had been the lack of consultation with the neighborhood, and it seemed that RA Smith was headed in the same direction.
Tony Wyse asked who had been consulted with. Right in the process of answering the question, Adams Roofing spoke up and said that their phone calls had not been returned with respect to input. But--they hoped that any development would be done with a professional process that was inclusive of the parties involved and they had understood that their property was not probably the best use possible, and IF it "made business sense" they had no firm oppositon to positive change.
Tony Wyse also suggested that the Allen Creek Project should stick to its focus and not wander.......
Citizens who have a interest in these matters should attend next month's Redevelopment Authority meeting. There are five videos of the essential presentation. Stay tuned.
Friday, August 24, 2007
Allen Creek Project: Redev: RA Smith
RA Smith presented some initial impressions at a open house at Redevelopment on Tuesday night 7:30PM, 5 Video segments of initial presentation. ---The Market Study is first.
Download File
Download File
Allen Creek: RA Smith: 2 of 5
2nd of 5 video segments. You can right click your mouse on the download icon and save to your computer for full screen viewing.
Download File
Download File
Allen Creek: RA Smith: 3 of 5 video
RA Smith Consultant presentation on Tuesday of initial concepts of Allen Creek Development---citizen feedback time is now.
All video is downloadable---right click and download to desktop and run in full movie mode.
Download File
All video is downloadable---right click and download to desktop and run in full movie mode.
Download File
Alllen Creek: RA Smith: 4 of 5 video
Smaller web view is darker than downloaded video. Right click and download to desktop for full screen viewing.
Download File
Download File
Allen Creek: RA Smith 5 of 5
Redevelopment meeting, Tuesday, August 21--open house of RA Smith presenting initial concepts of plan.
Download File
Download File
Reflection: The Flood: Pleading in the Alternative----
This morning we received a notice that there was a flood warning with unlimited duration---or until cancelled. This has caused me to wonder, as I do occasionally, and consider alternative courses of remedy.
In law, when one is harmed, one has a right to plead in the alternative-----One can say the defendant has breached a "contract" or in the alternative, has broken a statute etc. It just means that one can plead all at once with alternative theories.
Today---with respect to weather, we just get to rely on meterologists----and yes science---and after what seems to be 30 days of rain and woe, I beg to consider alternative methods of "pleading"---bear with me on the theory.
In olden primitive times, when one wanted to have rain, one danced a dance---yes, a rain dance, and if rain came, it meant that the gods were pleased and gave rain. If on the other hand, NO rain came, then it meant that the gods were UNHAPPY with one. Usually, one had to sacrifice some cattle, goats or oxen and burn the sacrifice till the gods changed their mind.
In later religious traditions, it was assumed that some "sin" or "evil" behavior was causing the wrath.
Today I am formally giving notice of my unhappiness with traditional meterology as a weather changing exercise.
I propose a two pronged "pleading in the alternative"---
A) Those of you who are praying---need to be more specific----You need to pray that the "stationary front over Wisconsin in Evansville move to Illinois or at least a couple hundred miles. My theory here is that possibly whoever is hearing the petitions is not getting enouth specificity to take the desired corrective action.
B) In primitive times, in cultures all around the world, (cf. Mircea Eliade, The Sacred and The Profane) it is assumed that "EVIL" can have bad consequences to one directly. In short----we must have some evildoers among us that need badly to repent---and mean it this time. So---REPENT----and lets get some sunny weather. OK?
In law, when one is harmed, one has a right to plead in the alternative-----One can say the defendant has breached a "contract" or in the alternative, has broken a statute etc. It just means that one can plead all at once with alternative theories.
Today---with respect to weather, we just get to rely on meterologists----and yes science---and after what seems to be 30 days of rain and woe, I beg to consider alternative methods of "pleading"---bear with me on the theory.
In olden primitive times, when one wanted to have rain, one danced a dance---yes, a rain dance, and if rain came, it meant that the gods were pleased and gave rain. If on the other hand, NO rain came, then it meant that the gods were UNHAPPY with one. Usually, one had to sacrifice some cattle, goats or oxen and burn the sacrifice till the gods changed their mind.
In later religious traditions, it was assumed that some "sin" or "evil" behavior was causing the wrath.
Today I am formally giving notice of my unhappiness with traditional meterology as a weather changing exercise.
I propose a two pronged "pleading in the alternative"---
A) Those of you who are praying---need to be more specific----You need to pray that the "stationary front over Wisconsin in Evansville move to Illinois or at least a couple hundred miles. My theory here is that possibly whoever is hearing the petitions is not getting enouth specificity to take the desired corrective action.
B) In primitive times, in cultures all around the world, (cf. Mircea Eliade, The Sacred and The Profane) it is assumed that "EVIL" can have bad consequences to one directly. In short----we must have some evildoers among us that need badly to repent---and mean it this time. So---REPENT----and lets get some sunny weather. OK?
Gazette Corner: FEMA teams coming;
Click on the post for the story in the Janesville Gazette.
You can help in the damage assessment effort----complete a damage assessment form listed on the blog as appropriate---residential or commercial----and get it to our City Hall as soon as possible.
You can help in the damage assessment effort----complete a damage assessment form listed on the blog as appropriate---residential or commercial----and get it to our City Hall as soon as possible.
4 Period Day: Gender Equity Boys/Girls
Since 2002 the ACT scores for Girls have soared. The scores for boys have remained constant.
Melissa Hammann reviewed the data and questioned whether the block schedule is working for boys in our system.
Download File
Melissa Hammann reviewed the data and questioned whether the block schedule is working for boys in our system.
Download File
Dateline Normal, Mn.: Mailbag: Herman writes/calls: Epistles of Noah, II----FICTION
The latest from the Land of Normal, Mn., a land of fiction, but other than that.....
4-Period Day not a factor in Dropout rate
School staff indicated that in their judgement at risk resources were a factor in dropout rate but not the 4 period day.
Download File
Download File
"I never met a teacher......"
My primary observation of the 4 Period Day study performed by CESA---and I have waited a week reviewing the video several times---was that it reflected a fear of DATA and a fear of ACTIONABLE IDEAS. The lack of both made the study a waste of time....and money. I had argued in the school board election debate that a consultant review would be useful. I now have to admit that I was wrong. Readers may make a note of it.
School Board members pressed for both the data and the conclusions at the recent August school board meeting. They found little if any of either. They seemed frustrated that there were no actionable ideas----but judge for yourself in the videos to follow.
This is one of several video snapshots of the meeting. The Evansville Review has a good article this week by Tammy Pomplun which you may find interesting. Enjoy.
Download File
School Board members pressed for both the data and the conclusions at the recent August school board meeting. They found little if any of either. They seemed frustrated that there were no actionable ideas----but judge for yourself in the videos to follow.
This is one of several video snapshots of the meeting. The Evansville Review has a good article this week by Tammy Pomplun which you may find interesting. Enjoy.
Download File
National Weather Service---
/O.CON.KMKX.FF.A.0005.000000T0000Z-070825T1200Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
SAUK-COLUMBIA-DODGE-WASHINGTON-OZAUKEE-IOWA-DANE-JEFFERSON-
WAUKESHA-MILWAUKEE-LAFAYETTE-GREEN-ROCK-WALWORTH-RACINE-KENOSHA-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...BARABOO...PORTAGE...WISCONSIN DELLS...
BEAVER DAM...WEST BEND...PORT WASHINGTON...DODGEVILLE...MADISON...
JEFFERSON...LAKE MILLS...WAUKESHA...BROOKFIELD...MILWAUKEE...
DARLINGTON...MONROE...JANESVILLE...BELOIT...ELKHORN...
LAKE GENEVA...RACINE...KENOSHA
347 AM CDT FRI AUG 24 2007
...FLASH FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH SATURDAY MORNING...
THE FLASH FLOOD WATCH CONTINUES FOR
* PORTIONS OF SOUTH CENTRAL WISCONSIN AND SOUTHEAST WISCONSIN...
INCLUDING THE FOLLOWING AREAS...IN SOUTH CENTRAL WISCONSIN...
COLUMBIA...DANE...GREEN...IOWA...LAFAYETTE...ROCK AND SAUK. IN
SOUTHEAST WISCONSIN...DODGE...JEFFERSON...KENOSHA...
MILWAUKEE...OZAUKEE...RACINE...WALWORTH...WASHINGTON AND
WAUKESHA.
* THROUGH SATURDAY MORNING
* AN EXTREMELY WET PATTERN...WITH PERIODS OF SHOWERS AND
THUNDERSTORMS WILL CONTINUE ACROSS SOUTH CENTRAL AND SOUTHEAST
WISCONSIN.
* SOME THUNDERSTORMS WILL PRODUCE HEAVY RAINFALL. AS MUCH AS 1
TO 3 INCHES OF RAIN...COULD FALL THROUGH TONIGHT. THIS WILL
LIKELY RESULT IN ADDITIONAL FLASH FLOODING. WIDESPREAD FLOODING
OF LOW LYING AREAS WILL BE SLOW TO RECEDE...AND WOULD WORSEN
WITH EACH ROUND OF HEAVY RAIN.
THE FLASH FLOOD WATCH IS GENERALLY ALONG AND SOUTH OF A LINE FROM
THE WISCONSIN DELLS...TO BEAVER DAM...TO PORT WASHINGTON.
A FLASH FLOOD WATCH IS ISSUED WHEN RAPID AND DANGEROUS FLOODING
OF CREEKS...STREAMS...AND RIVERS ARE POSSIBLE. FLASH FLOODING IS
A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. YOU SHOULD MONITOR LATER FORECASTS
AND BE PREPARED TO TAKE ACTION SHOULD FLASH FLOOD WARNINGS BE
ISSUED.
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
SAUK-COLUMBIA-DODGE-WASHINGTON-OZAUKEE-IOWA-DANE-JEFFERSON-
WAUKESHA-MILWAUKEE-LAFAYETTE-GREEN-ROCK-WALWORTH-RACINE-KENOSHA-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...BARABOO...PORTAGE...WISCONSIN DELLS...
BEAVER DAM...WEST BEND...PORT WASHINGTON...DODGEVILLE...MADISON...
JEFFERSON...LAKE MILLS...WAUKESHA...BROOKFIELD...MILWAUKEE...
DARLINGTON...MONROE...JANESVILLE...BELOIT...ELKHORN...
LAKE GENEVA...RACINE...KENOSHA
347 AM CDT FRI AUG 24 2007
...FLASH FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH SATURDAY MORNING...
THE FLASH FLOOD WATCH CONTINUES FOR
* PORTIONS OF SOUTH CENTRAL WISCONSIN AND SOUTHEAST WISCONSIN...
INCLUDING THE FOLLOWING AREAS...IN SOUTH CENTRAL WISCONSIN...
COLUMBIA...DANE...GREEN...IOWA...LAFAYETTE...ROCK AND SAUK. IN
SOUTHEAST WISCONSIN...DODGE...JEFFERSON...KENOSHA...
MILWAUKEE...OZAUKEE...RACINE...WALWORTH...WASHINGTON AND
WAUKESHA.
* THROUGH SATURDAY MORNING
* AN EXTREMELY WET PATTERN...WITH PERIODS OF SHOWERS AND
THUNDERSTORMS WILL CONTINUE ACROSS SOUTH CENTRAL AND SOUTHEAST
WISCONSIN.
* SOME THUNDERSTORMS WILL PRODUCE HEAVY RAINFALL. AS MUCH AS 1
TO 3 INCHES OF RAIN...COULD FALL THROUGH TONIGHT. THIS WILL
LIKELY RESULT IN ADDITIONAL FLASH FLOODING. WIDESPREAD FLOODING
OF LOW LYING AREAS WILL BE SLOW TO RECEDE...AND WOULD WORSEN
WITH EACH ROUND OF HEAVY RAIN.
THE FLASH FLOOD WATCH IS GENERALLY ALONG AND SOUTH OF A LINE FROM
THE WISCONSIN DELLS...TO BEAVER DAM...TO PORT WASHINGTON.
A FLASH FLOOD WATCH IS ISSUED WHEN RAPID AND DANGEROUS FLOODING
OF CREEKS...STREAMS...AND RIVERS ARE POSSIBLE. FLASH FLOODING IS
A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. YOU SHOULD MONITOR LATER FORECASTS
AND BE PREPARED TO TAKE ACTION SHOULD FLASH FLOOD WARNINGS BE
ISSUED.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
BREAKING NEWS: Wisconsin Emergency Management requests Prelim Damage INFO: Alert your neighbors: Spread the word:
(Ed.note: Press release and forms on posts below.)
Observer:
Wisconsin Emergency Management is requesting preliminary damage information. Please share the press release and damage forms on the Observer. Forms should completed for damage resulting from the heavy rainfall August 18-20. Forms can be emailed to me at dan.wietecha@ci.evansville.wi.gov, dropped off in person at city hall during regular hours (we will probably be open some this weekend but hours are not yet determined), or in the overnight utility drop box at city hall. We need forms back asap since we need to compile the data and return to the county by Monday afternoon. I am also posting info on city website.
Thanks.
-Dan
Dan Wietecha
City Administrator
City of Evansville
31 S. Madison St.
PO Box 76
Evansville, WI 53536
Office (608) 882-2263
Cell (608) 751-9811
Fax (608) 882-2282
Observer:
Wisconsin Emergency Management is requesting preliminary damage information. Please share the press release and damage forms on the Observer. Forms should completed for damage resulting from the heavy rainfall August 18-20. Forms can be emailed to me at dan.wietecha@ci.evansville.wi.gov, dropped off in person at city hall during regular hours (we will probably be open some this weekend but hours are not yet determined), or in the overnight utility drop box at city hall. We need forms back asap since we need to compile the data and return to the county by Monday afternoon. I am also posting info on city website.
Thanks.
-Dan
Dan Wietecha
City Administrator
City of Evansville
31 S. Madison St.
PO Box 76
Evansville, WI 53536
Office (608) 882-2263
Cell (608) 751-9811
Fax (608) 882-2282
Press Release : NEWS FLASH:::::: Rock County Emergency Management: See forms below and letter from Dan Wietecha---Quick Deadline---
Rock County
Emergency Management
Shirley A. Connors
Coordinator
Telephone: (608) 758 8440 P. O. Box 351
Fax: (608) 758 8401 3530 N. County Hwy F
E-mail: connors@co.rock.wi.us Janesville, WI 53547-0351
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 8/23/07
Possible Federal Preliminary Damage Assessments for Rock County
Residents asked to Report Flood Damage
Wisconsin Emergency Management is requesting Rock County gather information to determine whether the recent flash flood events warrant a Preliminary Damage Assessment by FEMA inspectors. FEMA will conduct assessments in Crawford, Richland, Vernon, Sauk and La Crosse Counties due to significant flood damage in that region. Depending on reports gathered from other southern Wisconsin counties, including Rock County, the Governor may request the FEMA teams extend visits to those counties next week.
Significant flash flooding occurred in parts of Rock County during the period of August 18-20. Reports of in excess of 6 inches of rain fell in northern Rock County over that weekend. Rock County Emergency Management has contacted local municipalities to request their assistance in gather flood damage reports from private homeowners and businesses. The Cities of Evansville, Edgerton, Janesville and Milton as well as the Villages of Clinton, Footville and Orfordville have agreed to assist with gathering information from local residents and businesses. Residents of the rural towns in Rock County should contact Rock County Emergency Management at 758-8440.
It is very important that homeowners, renters or businesses that incurred damage as a result of the heavy rainfall that began Saturday, August 18th report damages. Forms to report damage can be obtained through the local municipality or the Rock County Website at WWW.co.rock.wi.us . Completed forms should be returned to the local municipality by Monday morning. Information submitted will be compiled in a summary report and sent to the State of Wisconsin. Individual assistance in the form of either grants or loans for private residents and business may be available according to Wisconsin Emergency Management depending on the extent of damages.
###
Emergency Management
Shirley A. Connors
Coordinator
Telephone: (608) 758 8440 P. O. Box 351
Fax: (608) 758 8401 3530 N. County Hwy F
E-mail: connors@co.rock.wi.us Janesville, WI 53547-0351
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 8/23/07
Possible Federal Preliminary Damage Assessments for Rock County
Residents asked to Report Flood Damage
Wisconsin Emergency Management is requesting Rock County gather information to determine whether the recent flash flood events warrant a Preliminary Damage Assessment by FEMA inspectors. FEMA will conduct assessments in Crawford, Richland, Vernon, Sauk and La Crosse Counties due to significant flood damage in that region. Depending on reports gathered from other southern Wisconsin counties, including Rock County, the Governor may request the FEMA teams extend visits to those counties next week.
Significant flash flooding occurred in parts of Rock County during the period of August 18-20. Reports of in excess of 6 inches of rain fell in northern Rock County over that weekend. Rock County Emergency Management has contacted local municipalities to request their assistance in gather flood damage reports from private homeowners and businesses. The Cities of Evansville, Edgerton, Janesville and Milton as well as the Villages of Clinton, Footville and Orfordville have agreed to assist with gathering information from local residents and businesses. Residents of the rural towns in Rock County should contact Rock County Emergency Management at 758-8440.
It is very important that homeowners, renters or businesses that incurred damage as a result of the heavy rainfall that began Saturday, August 18th report damages. Forms to report damage can be obtained through the local municipality or the Rock County Website at WWW.co.rock.wi.us . Completed forms should be returned to the local municipality by Monday morning. Information submitted will be compiled in a summary report and sent to the State of Wisconsin. Individual assistance in the form of either grants or loans for private residents and business may be available according to Wisconsin Emergency Management depending on the extent of damages.
###
Detailed Business Damage Estimate: Form to be sent to City Admin: See letter from Dan Wietecha
Business Detailed Damage Estimate
Section I. Business Information
Business Name Mailing Address City State Zip Code
Owner Name Municipality (Township, City, or Village) Owner Home Phone Business Phone
Section II. Disruption Informaiton
Is the business presently in operation?
_____YES
_____NO
_______ Number of days business has been
closed as a result of disaster.
_______ Number of days business anticipates to
remain closed.
Narrative Information on disruptions to business
Section III. Inventory/Property Losses
$ Estimated Uninsured Inventory/Property Loss Narrative Description
$ Estimated Insured Inventory/Property Loss Narrative Description
$ Unknown if insured Inventory/Property loss Narrative Description
SECTION IV. Property Owner/Landlord Information (IF DIFFERENT)
Name Mailing Address City State Zip Home Phone Work Phone
Section V. Building Damage
ESTIMATE $ AMOUNT INSURED?
TYPE OF DAMAGE “USE BEST GUESS” Yes No Unknown NARRATIVE DESCRIPTION OF DAMAGE
Structural Damage (exterior and interior)
Furnace/Air Conditioner
Water Heater
Sewer/Septic System
Water Utility/Well
Clean/Sanitize Expense
Replace Carpeting
Access to Business
(driveway/bridge, ramp, etc)
Other
Other
Other
Other
Section I. Business Information
Business Name Mailing Address City State Zip Code
Owner Name Municipality (Township, City, or Village) Owner Home Phone Business Phone
Section II. Disruption Informaiton
Is the business presently in operation?
_____YES
_____NO
_______ Number of days business has been
closed as a result of disaster.
_______ Number of days business anticipates to
remain closed.
Narrative Information on disruptions to business
Section III. Inventory/Property Losses
$ Estimated Uninsured Inventory/Property Loss Narrative Description
$ Estimated Insured Inventory/Property Loss Narrative Description
$ Unknown if insured Inventory/Property loss Narrative Description
SECTION IV. Property Owner/Landlord Information (IF DIFFERENT)
Name Mailing Address City State Zip Home Phone Work Phone
Section V. Building Damage
ESTIMATE $ AMOUNT INSURED?
TYPE OF DAMAGE “USE BEST GUESS” Yes No Unknown NARRATIVE DESCRIPTION OF DAMAGE
Structural Damage (exterior and interior)
Furnace/Air Conditioner
Water Heater
Sewer/Septic System
Water Utility/Well
Clean/Sanitize Expense
Replace Carpeting
Access to Business
(driveway/bridge, ramp, etc)
Other
Other
Other
Other
Residential Detailed Damage Estimate---See post of City Administrator Dan Wietecha
Residential Detailed Damage Estimate
Section I. Resident/Occupant Information
Last Name First Name M.I. Mailing Address City State Zip Code
Township, City, or Village of Residence Evening Phone Daytime Phone Check One
____ RENT ____ OWN
SECTION II. Property Owner/Landlord Information (IF DIFFERENT THAN OCCUPANT)
Name Mailing Address City State Zip Home Phone Work Phone
Section III. Habitability/Displacement Information
Habitiability Displacement Disposition
Is the residence habitable (safe and sanitary)?
_____YES (Skip this section)
_____NO (Complete this
section)
Key Criteria: SAFE AND SANITARY
Guidelines: Are conditions livable? Has disaster interrupted utility services such as water, sewer, power, heat/AC? Is the structure stable? Are there other circumstances that make it unsafe or unsanitary to continue living there?
_______ Number of occupants displaced
_______ Number of days occupants expect to
remain displaced
____ Staying with friends/relatives: Whom?___________________________
____ Staying in Public Shelter: Where?______________________________
____ Staying in hotel/motel: Name __________________________________
____ Relocated to/secured new temporary residence
____ Relocated to/secured new permanent residence
____ Still living in home that is not habitable (refer to human services agency)
____ Don’t have a place to stay (refer to human services agency)
____ Other: _____________________________________________________
REFERRED TO:
Temporary Street Address, City, State, Zip Temporary Phone Number
Section IV. Personal Property Losses
$ Estimated Uninsured Personal Property Loss Narrative Description
$ Estimated Insured Personal Property Loss Narrative Description
$ Unknown if insured personal property loss Narrative Description
Section V. Residential Damage
ESTIMATE $ AMOUNT INSURED?
TYPE OF DAMAGE “USE BEST GUESS” Yes No Unknown NARRATIVE DESCRIPTION OF DAMAGE
Structural Damage to Home (exterior and interior)
Furnace/Air Conditioner
Water Heater
Sewer/Septic System
Water Utility/Well
Clean/Sanitize Expense
Replace Carpeting
Access to Home
(driveway/bridge, ramp, etc)
Other
The damaged property is: (check one):
____ A primary/full-time residence; ____A Summer/Vacation Home or Cabin ____Other (explain:____________________)
PLEASE COMPLETE THIS FORM AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, AND DROP IT OFF AT CITY/VILLAGE HALL DURING NORMAL BUSINESS HOURS.
If you need more writing space, please staple or clip an additional sheet of paper to this form.
Section I. Resident/Occupant Information
Last Name First Name M.I. Mailing Address City State Zip Code
Township, City, or Village of Residence Evening Phone Daytime Phone Check One
____ RENT ____ OWN
SECTION II. Property Owner/Landlord Information (IF DIFFERENT THAN OCCUPANT)
Name Mailing Address City State Zip Home Phone Work Phone
Section III. Habitability/Displacement Information
Habitiability Displacement Disposition
Is the residence habitable (safe and sanitary)?
_____YES (Skip this section)
_____NO (Complete this
section)
Key Criteria: SAFE AND SANITARY
Guidelines: Are conditions livable? Has disaster interrupted utility services such as water, sewer, power, heat/AC? Is the structure stable? Are there other circumstances that make it unsafe or unsanitary to continue living there?
_______ Number of occupants displaced
_______ Number of days occupants expect to
remain displaced
____ Staying with friends/relatives: Whom?___________________________
____ Staying in Public Shelter: Where?______________________________
____ Staying in hotel/motel: Name __________________________________
____ Relocated to/secured new temporary residence
____ Relocated to/secured new permanent residence
____ Still living in home that is not habitable (refer to human services agency)
____ Don’t have a place to stay (refer to human services agency)
____ Other: _____________________________________________________
REFERRED TO:
Temporary Street Address, City, State, Zip Temporary Phone Number
Section IV. Personal Property Losses
$ Estimated Uninsured Personal Property Loss Narrative Description
$ Estimated Insured Personal Property Loss Narrative Description
$ Unknown if insured personal property loss Narrative Description
Section V. Residential Damage
ESTIMATE $ AMOUNT INSURED?
TYPE OF DAMAGE “USE BEST GUESS” Yes No Unknown NARRATIVE DESCRIPTION OF DAMAGE
Structural Damage to Home (exterior and interior)
Furnace/Air Conditioner
Water Heater
Sewer/Septic System
Water Utility/Well
Clean/Sanitize Expense
Replace Carpeting
Access to Home
(driveway/bridge, ramp, etc)
Other
The damaged property is: (check one):
____ A primary/full-time residence; ____A Summer/Vacation Home or Cabin ____Other (explain:____________________)
PLEASE COMPLETE THIS FORM AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, AND DROP IT OFF AT CITY/VILLAGE HALL DURING NORMAL BUSINESS HOURS.
If you need more writing space, please staple or clip an additional sheet of paper to this form.
( Sept 23, 2005) Nostalgia: Virtual AND Brick and Mortar not OR; Will Virtual Schools be the savior not the scourge of traditional schools
(Ed.note: This was one of the first posts of the Evansville Observer, and I have reposted it due to popular demand.)
Remember back many Christmas seasons ago when folks first started ordering on the internet. In that first year there was a lot of speculation that presto, the brick traditional stores would be history.
Then the returns came. The Christmas returns. What an internet snafu. Soon it became clear that brick and mortar could work WITH the virtual store and the best retailers have done exactly that.
Several years ago, the first virtual schools came into existence. Some were charter schools. Most were seen as a threat to traditional education. Traditional union spokesmen opposed them as being a threat to strong schools. Today some of these college on line schools have a growth rate of 30% or more.
As we face the energy crisis, and as the physical part of the infrastructure of education becomes increasingly expensive, we may look to the retail model as providing some instruction as to how to model our educational system.
Two years ago, one of my girls attended a class with fellow J.C. McKenna students and went physically to class 4 times in Madison and submitted papers and offered posts for discussion weekly on the internet on their required reading. The teacher reviewed the posts and offered guidance. It was a very interesting class, and she became quite involved in it, especially as other classmates posted comments on her work. A little like this blog. Anyway.
It may be that far from the scourge that was once thought, VIRTUAL in the proper balance, may indeed be the savior as schools nationwide face the energy crisis and funding crisis that is not delivering the physical resources to do the job.
Remember back many Christmas seasons ago when folks first started ordering on the internet. In that first year there was a lot of speculation that presto, the brick traditional stores would be history.
Then the returns came. The Christmas returns. What an internet snafu. Soon it became clear that brick and mortar could work WITH the virtual store and the best retailers have done exactly that.
Several years ago, the first virtual schools came into existence. Some were charter schools. Most were seen as a threat to traditional education. Traditional union spokesmen opposed them as being a threat to strong schools. Today some of these college on line schools have a growth rate of 30% or more.
As we face the energy crisis, and as the physical part of the infrastructure of education becomes increasingly expensive, we may look to the retail model as providing some instruction as to how to model our educational system.
Two years ago, one of my girls attended a class with fellow J.C. McKenna students and went physically to class 4 times in Madison and submitted papers and offered posts for discussion weekly on the internet on their required reading. The teacher reviewed the posts and offered guidance. It was a very interesting class, and she became quite involved in it, especially as other classmates posted comments on her work. A little like this blog. Anyway.
It may be that far from the scourge that was once thought, VIRTUAL in the proper balance, may indeed be the savior as schools nationwide face the energy crisis and funding crisis that is not delivering the physical resources to do the job.
Redevelopment Open House:
RA Smith presented an open house on Tuesday night at Evansville City Hall at 7:30PM and presented some beginning conceptual designs of what "could be" for discussion and input on the Allen Creek Corridor----
The problem with this first period of the study is that BOTH the wealthy landowners and the non-wealthy landowners were NOT consulted--as was specified as STEP ONE in their required project detail. Adams and Co were present and were more than gracious as Chris Eager apologized for the oversight of the consultant.
Mr. Jim Brooks, west side resident noted that the last time development was discussed, the East main community was cut out of the loop, and this looked like a repeat performance.
MP3 File
The problem with this first period of the study is that BOTH the wealthy landowners and the non-wealthy landowners were NOT consulted--as was specified as STEP ONE in their required project detail. Adams and Co were present and were more than gracious as Chris Eager apologized for the oversight of the consultant.
Mr. Jim Brooks, west side resident noted that the last time development was discussed, the East main community was cut out of the loop, and this looked like a repeat performance.
MP3 File
The "JEDI" Instructor Speaks: 1 of 3
At the August Regular school Board meeting "JEDI" Virtual Schools, based in Cambridge, Wi,, made a presentation on their services. The Evansville schools has seen an increased loss of students from open enrollment from 3 last year to 14 this year. This is over $100,000 in lost revenue due to the fact the district does not offer virtual courses that might fit certain students needs.
Download File
Download File
Downtown: Dan Wietecha Speaks
At Redevelopment Authority meeting on Tuesday night, Evansville City Administrator Dan Wietecha speaks of the current status of the Downtown restoration project.
MP3 File
MP3 File
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Redevelopment Schedules Open House for Tuesday, August 21st--7:30PM City for North Union Street Redevelopement
)(Ed. note: The following is from the Evansville City Web Site.:)
Allen Creek and North Union Street
The city has hired RA Smith & Associates to help develop a master plan for the future redevelopment of North Union Street as an extension of our traditional downtown. The city's Redevelopment Authority will be hosting a mid-project open house to present the draft report and to learn additional public comments. The open house is at 7:30 pm on Tuesday, August 21, on the third floor of City Hall.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Allen Creek and North Union Street
The city has hired RA Smith & Associates to help develop a master plan for the future redevelopment of North Union Street as an extension of our traditional downtown. The city's Redevelopment Authority will be hosting a mid-project open house to present the draft report and to learn additional public comments. The open house is at 7:30 pm on Tuesday, August 21, on the third floor of City Hall.
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AWARE: Julie Hermanson speaks on United Way Campaign
Julie Hermanson of AWARE of Evansville, speaks of the United Way campaign and what it means for citizens that want to contribute to AWARE.
Julie wishes to thank the many business owners and individual contributors that have been generous supporters of AWARE. Remember, you can donate to AWARE simply by sending a check to AWARE, 209 S. 1st St., Evansville. Call 882-9900 for further questions on program details.
Download File
Julie wishes to thank the many business owners and individual contributors that have been generous supporters of AWARE. Remember, you can donate to AWARE simply by sending a check to AWARE, 209 S. 1st St., Evansville. Call 882-9900 for further questions on program details.
Download File
Dateline Oregon, Wis: "The Village is considering buying the houses in the flood plain"
On Page A7 of the Wisconsin State Journal this morning, is an article on the problems of flooding in Oregon. You may have to pick up a paper copy to get the story. There was an online version of this story, but I cannot find it now on the web site. If anyone can find the online version, please let me know.
Behind the possible deletion of the online version of this story, I surmise a vigorous debate about what Oregon is going to do to address the flooding concerns of residents that have built on the floodplain.
Stay tuned to The Evansville Observer. We bring you the news.
Behind the possible deletion of the online version of this story, I surmise a vigorous debate about what Oregon is going to do to address the flooding concerns of residents that have built on the floodplain.
Stay tuned to The Evansville Observer. We bring you the news.
Unleash the Power of Video
The Power of Video on The Observer----can now market your business------email fre2Observe @yahoo.com
Download File
Thanks to Jake Smith on lead guitar and RKM Studios.
Download File
Thanks to Jake Smith on lead guitar and RKM Studios.
Minutes: Redevelopment Authority: August 21, 2007
Evansville Redevelopment Authority
Board of Commissioners
Regular Meeting
Tuesday, August 21, 2007, 7:30 pm
City Hall, 31 S. Madison Street, Evansville, Wisconsin
MINUTES
1. Call to Order. The meeting was called to order at 7:30 pm by Chair Chris Eager. Present: Chris Eager, Betsy Ahner, Tony Wyse, John Decker, and Barb Jacobson. Absent: Tom Calley and Roger Roth. Also present: Executive Director Dan Wietecha, Mayor Sandy Decker, Alderperson Diane Roberts, Alderperson Fred Juergens, Plan Commission member Jim Brooks, City Planner Tim Schwecke, Mike Stumpf of RA Smith, and members of the public.
2. Declare Quorum. There being a majority of the commissioners present at call to order, a quorum was declared by the chair.
3. Approve Agenda. Ahner made a motion, seconded by Jacobson, to approve the agenda. Motion carried unanimously.
4. Approve Minutes of July 17, 2007 Meeting. Decker noted a correction needed to the vote regarding TIF Projects with Historic Properties. Decker made a motion, seconded by Jacobson, to approve the minutes. Motion carried unanimously.
5. Old Business.
1. Main Street Construction. Wietecha said that G. Fox & Son would likely finish with the underground utilities on East Main the middle of next week. Trierweiler Construction is on schedule: sidewalks have been removed on West Main, new curb and gutter installed, the electrical contractor was laying conduit today, and new sidewalks should be poured on Friday. Next they will be pouring the concrete street; it will be closed to traffic while the concrete cures. Installation of the bricks on West Main should begin around mid September. The overall completion date for the project is mid November.
2. Allen Creek Master Plan. Mike Stumpf presented work-to-date on the Allen Creek Master Plan. The draft recognizes a general transition from downtown commercial on the south end to highway commercial on the north end. It includes the potential for future residential or mixed-use development east of the corridor, opportunities and difficulties posed by Allen Creek and the railroad, an emphasis on Leonard Leota Park as a key focal point at the intersection of Madison and Union, and the impact of development outside city limits north of the corridor. The commissioners discussed the orientation of buildings, parking area, and sidewalks to maintain a traditional downtown environment while also allowing sufficient motor vehicle access.
6. New Business. None.
7. Other Business. None.
8. Adjournment. Decker moved, seconded by Ahner, to adjourn the meeting. Motion approved unanimously at 9:05 pm.
Board of Commissioners
Regular Meeting
Tuesday, August 21, 2007, 7:30 pm
City Hall, 31 S. Madison Street, Evansville, Wisconsin
MINUTES
1. Call to Order. The meeting was called to order at 7:30 pm by Chair Chris Eager. Present: Chris Eager, Betsy Ahner, Tony Wyse, John Decker, and Barb Jacobson. Absent: Tom Calley and Roger Roth. Also present: Executive Director Dan Wietecha, Mayor Sandy Decker, Alderperson Diane Roberts, Alderperson Fred Juergens, Plan Commission member Jim Brooks, City Planner Tim Schwecke, Mike Stumpf of RA Smith, and members of the public.
2. Declare Quorum. There being a majority of the commissioners present at call to order, a quorum was declared by the chair.
3. Approve Agenda. Ahner made a motion, seconded by Jacobson, to approve the agenda. Motion carried unanimously.
4. Approve Minutes of July 17, 2007 Meeting. Decker noted a correction needed to the vote regarding TIF Projects with Historic Properties. Decker made a motion, seconded by Jacobson, to approve the minutes. Motion carried unanimously.
5. Old Business.
1. Main Street Construction. Wietecha said that G. Fox & Son would likely finish with the underground utilities on East Main the middle of next week. Trierweiler Construction is on schedule: sidewalks have been removed on West Main, new curb and gutter installed, the electrical contractor was laying conduit today, and new sidewalks should be poured on Friday. Next they will be pouring the concrete street; it will be closed to traffic while the concrete cures. Installation of the bricks on West Main should begin around mid September. The overall completion date for the project is mid November.
2. Allen Creek Master Plan. Mike Stumpf presented work-to-date on the Allen Creek Master Plan. The draft recognizes a general transition from downtown commercial on the south end to highway commercial on the north end. It includes the potential for future residential or mixed-use development east of the corridor, opportunities and difficulties posed by Allen Creek and the railroad, an emphasis on Leonard Leota Park as a key focal point at the intersection of Madison and Union, and the impact of development outside city limits north of the corridor. The commissioners discussed the orientation of buildings, parking area, and sidewalks to maintain a traditional downtown environment while also allowing sufficient motor vehicle access.
6. New Business. None.
7. Other Business. None.
8. Adjournment. Decker moved, seconded by Ahner, to adjourn the meeting. Motion approved unanimously at 9:05 pm.
Monday, August 20, 2007
Video: Status on Westside
Video of School Construction site, causeway adjacent, holding pond at Porter Road and Sixth, and the V-Notch--8-20-2007 9:30Am
Download File
Download File
Allen Creek: Lake Leota: Flooding
8-20-2007; Status report on rising flood waters at Allen Creek, flooding behind VP backing up into backyards of homes on Cherry Street.
Download File
Download File
Mailbag: Update: Mason writes:
( Mason Braunschweig, chair of the Public Works committee sent me this note. about 4:30PM Monday the 20th.)
(Observer):
Last night the PW Dept. was dealing with the flooding of Allen Creek. They started at 8:00 pm and were still working over there the last time I checked at about 3:30pm. I have just checked the creek and found it to be managed. I have also checked the S.west side and found the ponds to have been depleted versus the last time I checked early this morning.
We are just getting nailed with rain. As to your question I believe that we will pump some of the water out of there as soon as it is done pumping at Allen Creek. The lift station that pumps into the sewerage treatment plant had digital alarms for Madison St. & Cherry St.
....
Mason
(Observer):
Last night the PW Dept. was dealing with the flooding of Allen Creek. They started at 8:00 pm and were still working over there the last time I checked at about 3:30pm. I have just checked the creek and found it to be managed. I have also checked the S.west side and found the ponds to have been depleted versus the last time I checked early this morning.
We are just getting nailed with rain. As to your question I believe that we will pump some of the water out of there as soon as it is done pumping at Allen Creek. The lift station that pumps into the sewerage treatment plant had digital alarms for Madison St. & Cherry St.
....
Mason
Town of Union Planning Meets August 30th: Growth allocation, wind, on agenda
Click on the post for the full agenda
Minutes: Economic Development Committee: August 2007
Call to Order. Tony Wyse called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. Present: Chair Tony Wyse, Fred Juergens, Gene Bass, Julie Meredith, David Olsen, Roger Berg , and Matthias James. Rock County Rep. James Otterstein, Mayor Sandy Decker, Dan Wietecha City Administator and Bridgit Larsen Chamber of Commerce were also present. Also present were visitors.
Approval of Agenda. Fred Juergens made the motion to approve the agenda and Gene Bass seconded. All in favor.
Motion to waive reading and to approve the minutes of the Aug. 21st. 2007 regular meeting and approved as printed. Fred Juergens made the motion and David Olsen seconded. All in favor.
Citizens appearances other than on the agenda - None.
Chamber of Commerce report. Met with the East Side Businesses to discuss their needs. One of their issues was the lack of signage or visibility of the signage. The Chamber is organizing the focus groups for the strategy/summit. They had members and non-members meet at the Night Owl for a social hour.
City Administrator Report. Update and discussion on motel. Talked about where the possible site for the motel would be best suited for Evansville; several members of the public participated in the discussion with the committee. Talked about the tax increment financing this development has requested. Fred Juergens made a motion to support this project on the east side of Evansville and David Olsen seconded. Eight voted yes in favor and Tony Wyse voted opposed.
City Website Update and Discussion. Some of the links were down for a little while when city switched from Charter to Litewire. The camera will be aimed at the west side of the construction on Main Street.
Report from the Downtown Reconstruction Task Force. The sidewalks on the west side to be started on Monday, along with the 8 inch concrete to be put on the street before the bricks are to be laid down. This concrete will take 2 to 3 weeks to cure.
Update and Discussion on Economic Development Strategy/Summit. Mayor Sandy Decker, Bridgit Larsen and Judy Whalen to meet next week with the small focus groups. They had a great response to this project. Fred Juergens made a motion to finance up to $300 for the lunches for the focus groups, $1000 for the main summit, and $400 for the key note speaker. Roger Berg seconded, and all voted in favor.
Final review and approval of the revised policy for the Economic Development revolving loan fund. Edit the draft and will discuss and approve next month.
Adjournment. Fred Juergens made a motion to adjourn and Roger Berg seconded. All in Favor.
Approval of Agenda. Fred Juergens made the motion to approve the agenda and Gene Bass seconded. All in favor.
Motion to waive reading and to approve the minutes of the Aug. 21st. 2007 regular meeting and approved as printed. Fred Juergens made the motion and David Olsen seconded. All in favor.
Citizens appearances other than on the agenda - None.
Chamber of Commerce report. Met with the East Side Businesses to discuss their needs. One of their issues was the lack of signage or visibility of the signage. The Chamber is organizing the focus groups for the strategy/summit. They had members and non-members meet at the Night Owl for a social hour.
City Administrator Report. Update and discussion on motel. Talked about where the possible site for the motel would be best suited for Evansville; several members of the public participated in the discussion with the committee. Talked about the tax increment financing this development has requested. Fred Juergens made a motion to support this project on the east side of Evansville and David Olsen seconded. Eight voted yes in favor and Tony Wyse voted opposed.
City Website Update and Discussion. Some of the links were down for a little while when city switched from Charter to Litewire. The camera will be aimed at the west side of the construction on Main Street.
Report from the Downtown Reconstruction Task Force. The sidewalks on the west side to be started on Monday, along with the 8 inch concrete to be put on the street before the bricks are to be laid down. This concrete will take 2 to 3 weeks to cure.
Update and Discussion on Economic Development Strategy/Summit. Mayor Sandy Decker, Bridgit Larsen and Judy Whalen to meet next week with the small focus groups. They had a great response to this project. Fred Juergens made a motion to finance up to $300 for the lunches for the focus groups, $1000 for the main summit, and $400 for the key note speaker. Roger Berg seconded, and all voted in favor.
Final review and approval of the revised policy for the Economic Development revolving loan fund. Edit the draft and will discuss and approve next month.
Adjournment. Fred Juergens made a motion to adjourn and Roger Berg seconded. All in Favor.
Channel 3000: Some Oregon Residents Flooded out of Homes
Click on the post for the details on Oregon.
'Sandbag"----the NOUN; "Sandbag"---the verb
Grammer of the day: On the importance of understanding the difference between "sandbag" as a noun and "sandbag" as a verb.
Click on the post.
Click on the post.
Rock River Flood Warning Noted
(Ed. note; This is from Yahoo Weather, National Weather Service)
O.CON.KMKX.FL.W.0037.070820T1851Z-000000T0000Z/
/AFTW3.1.ER.070820T1851Z.070821T0600Z.000000T0000Z.NO/
436 AM CDT MON AUG 20 2007
THE FLOOD WARNING CONTINUES FOR
THE ROCK RIVER AT AFTON.
* FROM THIS AFTERNOON UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.
* AT 0415 AM MONDAY THE STAGE WAS 7.84 FEET.
* MINOR FLOODING IS FORECAST.
* FLOOD STAGE IS 9.0 FEET.
* FORECAST TO RISE ABOVE FLOOD STAGE BY THIS AFTERNOON AND CONTINUE TO RISE TO
NEAR 10.0 FEET BY AFTER MIDNIGHT TOMORROW.
* AT 10.4 FEET...THIS LEVEL IS ABOUT A 5 YEAR FLOOD
O.CON.KMKX.FL.W.0037.070820T1851Z-000000T0000Z/
/AFTW3.1.ER.070820T1851Z.070821T0600Z.000000T0000Z.NO/
436 AM CDT MON AUG 20 2007
THE FLOOD WARNING CONTINUES FOR
THE ROCK RIVER AT AFTON.
* FROM THIS AFTERNOON UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.
* AT 0415 AM MONDAY THE STAGE WAS 7.84 FEET.
* MINOR FLOODING IS FORECAST.
* FLOOD STAGE IS 9.0 FEET.
* FORECAST TO RISE ABOVE FLOOD STAGE BY THIS AFTERNOON AND CONTINUE TO RISE TO
NEAR 10.0 FEET BY AFTER MIDNIGHT TOMORROW.
* AT 10.4 FEET...THIS LEVEL IS ABOUT A 5 YEAR FLOOD
Sunday, August 19, 2007
WCCO: 4 Killed; National Guard Called out in Southern Minn flooding
(Ed.Note: The Observer is on assignment and is north of Winona.)
On Friday, Winona was clear skies and beautiful along the river drive. On Saturday and Sunday it turned deadly with flooding. The National Guard has been called out to assist.
Click on the post for the story and video from WCCO NEWS.
On Friday, Winona was clear skies and beautiful along the river drive. On Saturday and Sunday it turned deadly with flooding. The National Guard has been called out to assist.
Click on the post for the story and video from WCCO NEWS.
Video Mailbag: Mark writes:
Click on the post for the video report from Mark this morning from 6th Street:
Mark writes:
"I can't wait until we get another 200 houses behind us creating more runoff issues. We can't widen the creek and bridge at Croft Rd. because it will cause flooding in Magnolia. Why wasn't/isn't my neighborhood given the same consideration? "
Mark writes:
"I can't wait until we get another 200 houses behind us creating more runoff issues. We can't widen the creek and bridge at Croft Rd. because it will cause flooding in Magnolia. Why wasn't/isn't my neighborhood given the same consideration? "
Saturday, August 18, 2007
School Beat: 6-25-2007---Nostalgia
Mr. Roger Berg Reviews Lot 5 Westfield Meadows purchased by the Evansville School District-reviews the stormwater detention pond, the engineering studies by MSA, Foth and VanDyke etc.
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Download File
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