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December 6, 2006 |
Hoffman Hall committee recommends full time facility
With supportive residents crowding the council chambers, Pam Ritchie, chairman of the Hoffman Hall study committee, presented the committee's final report to City Council last night with the recommendation that the city keep the facility, make the necessary improvements and transform it into a regional lifestyle center that will enhance the lives of our citizens and enrich this region as a whole.
Ritchie said the committee had studied the Hoffman Hall facility and had also studied the Symons Recreation Complex in Richland Center.
The Richland Center facility has 80,000 visits per year and offers a full range of programs and classes, including swimming, weight lifting, aerobics classes, circuit training, racquet ball, yoga, massage, CPR and First Aid classes. Although still partially subsidized by city and county support, the revenue created through memberships and additional program offerings has increased by 346% since 1988. In addition, they partner with local employers to provide healthy lifestyle options to employees. They are open 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, during the day on Saturday, and on Sunday afternoon.
Hoffman Hall, at present, has 20,000 visits per year, no consistent hours of operation, and minimal program offerings.
The city has one last payment to make on the property in July of 2007, and at that point will also take responsibility for all utilities, at an estimated cost of $50,000 per year.
Ritchie said it was when the committee visited Richland Center and met with that facility's executive director to learn how they operate that they decided "this is doable."
The committee's recommendations are:
´Make the last payment and create a regional lifestyle center
´Hire a full time director who is skilled in program development, fund development and marketing to operate the business of Hoffman Hall
´Put a governing body in place to oversee the director, provide strategic direction and raise funds for operation
´Develop programs to meet the needs and desires of the community
´Fix what needs fixing, including a new pool filter system, replacing the east wall of the swimming pool, fixing exterior masonry due to water damage, taking the necessary steps to become ADA compliant
´Identify and collaborate with community agencies in delivering the program, perhaps leasing space for revenue
´Develop partnerships with local employers to promote healthy lifestyles for their employees
´Investigate the opportunity of partnering with Crawford County and surrounding communities in supporting the operations of Hoffman Hall
´Continue to support the facility in the amount of $110,000 for the next three years
´All revenues generated at Hoffman Hall should be reinvested in the facility.
The committee estimates the cost of doing the repairs needed to be about $250,000. Council member Aaron Collins asked where the money would come from to hire a full time person plus make the repairs. Ritchie said there are grants available which could help significantly with those costs, and she believe that with a director and new programs, money would start to come soon.
Council member "no brainer", since it supports the Parks and Recreation goals. "It looks to me as if this is a plan to act on those goals" she said.
Council member Frank Pintz said he wanted to clarify the comments about the present management of the facility: "We can't blame things on the present manager; he was given no direction." Ritchie said there was no intent to place blame-only to evaluate.
Council accepted the report and referred it to personnel, property and finance committees for further study to determine feasibility. Other members of the study committee were Mel Dow, Dale Klemme, Nate Gilbert, Paul Ginkel, Judy Sagedahl and Joan Wick.
In other business:
Lara Czajkowski-Higgins reported on the progress of the joint city-county dispatch agreement. She said they had arrived at an agreement that the best location is that of the current city dispatch. She said they have moved forward with construction and furnishing of the center. City and county union representatives, she said have been working with the personnel committee, and they are close to ironing out the major employment issues.
Major recommendations arising out of a Nov. 14 meeting are:
´The consolidated dispatch center should be a stand-alone entity rather than under the sheriff's department.
´The day-to-day dispatchers would report to a lead dispatcher who would function as a supervisor. He or she would report to the 911 director who reports to the county public service committee. That committee would be advised by a governance committee.
Mayor Cheryl Mader thanked all the various people for their work, and Council member Pintz thanked the county for "bending over backwards to accept our employees." He added, "A lot of people said the city and county couldn't work together."
Police Chief Mike King, who admitted he was originally skeptical, said he was "extremely pleased and optimistic."
Council also authorized street department superintendent Rodney Fishler to accept a grant for purchase of flashing yield signs to protect pedestrians at the intersections of Marquette and Wells and Marquette and Mooney and a flashing stop sign at the intersection of South Main and Wisconsin Avenues. The city's cost would be $1,900 and the grant would cover $17,000. The lights are solar powered and would be triggered as a pedestrian approaches the crosswalk.
The purchase of a used 2004 model police car at $8,500 was approved. It will replace a car that was damaged earlier in an accident.
Hallberg family loses home to fire
Greg and Michele Hallberg and their daughters lost their home in a fire Saturday night. The Hallbergs, of 14889 Kittyhawk Rd, McGregor, reported the fire at about 6 p.m. Dec. 2. The fire reportedly started in a chimney. By the time McGregor Hook and Ladder arrived on the scene, interior walls and the roof were also on fire.
According to McGregor Fire Chief Dan Bickel, 21 firefighters and five units of McGregor Hook and Ladder responded, along with units from Monona and Elkader fire departments, Clayton County Sheriff's Department, and MarMac Rescue Squad. The fire was contained by about 10 p.m., and firefighters remained on the scene until 3 a.m. on a very cold night.
The Hallberg family escaped the fire safely, and no firefighters were injured. The house is still standing, but is not any condition to occupy.
The Hallberg family was staying at the AmericInn of Prairie du Chien until they can move in with family in the McGregor area.
An assistance fund has been set up for the family and monetary donations are being accepted by Central State Bank of McGregor and Marquette. A January fundraiser is also being planned.
Donations of household goods, furniture and clothing are being accepted for the family by First Lutheran Church of McGregor.
Police Department begins Six Sigma process
Jim Scott of TBM Consulting Firm presented Prairie du Chien Council last night with an overview of the Six Sigma process currently being tested by the city police department to streamline their paperwork.
Outgoing city planner Garth Frable introduced the presentation, stating that one finding of the recent Business Retention and Expansion survey was that business owners felt government should be made more efficient and effective. Six Sigma, he said, is a tool that will enable them to do this.
"We start by training people to see the waste," said Scott. He explained that the weeklong process begins by mapping the current state of affairs and analyzing it. The next step is to create a new and improved state, then start looking at what must change for the new process to work. By the end of the week, he said, the group is ready to report and summarize their findings, and the changes can begin the following week.
The police department will conclude their study Friday. The training is being done at no cost to the city. TBM and the State of Iowa are providing their services at no cost; 3M has supplied trained personnel; Madison Gas and Electric, the Redevelopment Authority, Peoples State Bank, Fortress Bank and Alliant Energy have also contributed to the training.
Local stores offer tasty food choices for holiday giving
Before you send in that mail or internet order for exotic food products as Christmas presents, consider what you can find locally. You might be surprised at the variety of food products available in Crawford County and adjoining areas.
Try, for example an individualized gift box from Eunice's Liquor and Cheese. They offer a variety of Wisconsin cheeses, custom cut to order. Or try a gift pack of dried fruits and trail mix, bulk spices or assorted organic foods and flours for that fussy cook on your list. What's more, if you bring something special you'd like included in the package, they'd be happy to add it for you.
The Cannery may be best known for its rooms and rooms of other gift items, but their fudge, made right on the premises, is delicious. For a real treat, try the maple nut flavor.
The Valley Fish Shop offers a unique selection of dried, smoked and pickled meat and fish products. Their smoked salmon is popular during the holiday season, but they offer other smoked items, including shrimp and frog legs. They also recommend trying snapping turtle jerky, beer sticks and summer sausage, or catfish bologna or pickled fish. Check out their shelves for other interesting food choices. Items will be packed in special gift boxes.
For the coffee aficionado, stop at Simply for freshly roasted coffee beans.
The Pickett Fence sells specialty candies from Belgium, Switzerland and Germany. The candies can be purchased individually, by the bar and in bulk, and the salespeople will put together gift boxes and bags filled with your choice of candies.
Stark's Sport Shop carries a large collection of wines from all over the world, and a knowledgeable employee can assist with selection. Other popular items are gift boxes of liquor or Wisconsin cheeses. They ship gift orders on a daily basis.
Just across the river in Marquette, the owners of Eagles Landing Winery make their own wine, sell wine and beer making supplies and carry a host of other wine-related products. They will prepare private labels for that extra-special gift, and suggest giving a gift certificate good for a stay at their Bed and Breakfast or for use in the winery.
For other food ideas, try your local grocery stores. Fresh fruit baskets are a tradition, but they may offer other gift packages as well.
If you're purchasing for people who live in the area, consider a gift of food in the form of a gift certificate to a local restaurant. Almost everybody enjoys eating out once in a while.
December 4, 2006 |
Local stores offer unique gifts, convenience
Are you one of those people who make an annual trip to Madison or perhaps even Chicago or the Twin Cities to buy your Christmas presents? If so, why not try something different this year. Shop locally and discover how many unique and wonderful gifts you can find right in your own town. As a matter of fact, let's start with downtown (Blackhawk Avenue from the river to the mall) and its side streets.
If you're looking for children's toys, two outstanding sources are to be found right on Blackhawk. Smarty Pants carries specialty children's toys for ages 0 to 108, claims owner Lisa Peterson. They carry an impressive stock of Tommy the Train pieces in wood, not plastic, plus other assorted Tommy the Train products such as games, puzzles, banks and t-shirts. Lisa also recommends some newer items such as Webkins, a virtual pet with no batteries or noises; the Uglydoll, a huggable washable toy with its own name and story; or Blokus, a strategy games for ages 5 to adult.
Take a walk down memory lane at Hamann's Variety Store. The basement is filled with the durable, ever-popular type of children's toys that adults-parents and grandparents-will remember from their own childhoods. There are Slinkies and yo-yos and hobby horses, stuffed animals and puzzles, and yes, even hula hoops. And, for the almost-extinct atmosphere of a true, old-fashioned variety store, shop upstairs. You're sure to find some interesting stocking stuffers.
For the readers on your list, it's worth a trip across the river to McGregorïs Paper Moon bookstore.
Paper Moon has a good selection of regional books, cookbooks, fiction and children's books. But that is only the beginning. This fun, quirky store also has a wide selection of unusual gift items from jewelry to hats to goat milk soap. Don't forget to pet the shop's resident cats before you leave.
Just up Main Street from Paper Moon is McGregor Coffee Roasters, where you can buy whole bean coffee roasted right in their shop for the caffeine addict on your list.
Back in downtown Prairie du Chien, you can find country or primitive items try Sisters or Simply. Sisters carries a wide range of new, used and consignment items relating to country home decor, mainly one-of-a-kind items. They also are one of only two outlets in the state for a line of handmade primitive dolls.
Simply carries antiques and primitives ranging from pieces of furniture to small decorative items. One popular specialty item is antiqued signs customized for Prairie du Chien. Check out their soy candles and braided rugs.
If there's a crafter in the family, visit The Pickett Fence. They have a large collection of seasonal decorative items, but also carry yarn and quilting supplies, offer custom floral design and framing, and teach classes in quilting, knitting, crocheting and Swedish weaving. If you're uncertain, purchase a gift certificate and let the crafter him/herself choose.
Wall Street carries something for every woman on your list, from inexpensive earrings to glamourous mink-trimmed coats. Quality brand names include Pendleton, Liz Claiborne, Woolrich, Icelandic and Karen Kane. Shoppers uncertain of sizes or tastes can be assured of the store's friendly exchange policy or purchase a gift certificate.
For men's clothing, Kozelka's Men's Wear is virtually a one-stop shopping store. They carry everything from Carhartt work wear to suits and dress shirts and a large selection of western wear.
It may be a little tricky to choose shoes as a Chrismas present, but why not consider a leather purse or some comfy slippers from the selection available at Panka's Shoe Store.
At Sports World, you can personalize almost everythingÐfrom blankets to shirts to pajamas. College and NFL apparel is very popular, as is footwear. If they've run out of something, they'll order it for you. And for real bargains, shop their outlet for discontinued items across the street.
If a good deal is what you're looking for, stop in at CouleeCap's Bargain Boutique. They sell a wide range of donated items, from clothing to home decor. Who knows: that discontinued collectible item that Aunt Mary wants may be sitting on their shelves. Besides, when you purchase from them you do a good deed. All proceeds are donated to the food pantry.
If you're looking for a television or household appliance, how can you do better than Rockweiler Appliance and TV? They offer a 30 day price protection guarantee, so that if you find that appliance at a better price somewhere else, they'll refund the difference. In addition, they service what they sell. Flat panel and high definition TVs are very popular right now.
Al Althof, owner of Althof's Television Center, says they see themselves as "the missing link between technology and the average customer in cell phones, satellite systems and home theater." What this means is they help customers select items that best suit their needs.
For a treat for the eyes and nose, stop at Kemble's Greenhouse, full of green and growing things and the aroma of potpourri. While you're there, purchase a piece of outdoor statuary for the gardener on your list or a home grown poinsettia or green plant for a special gift. As time allows, they will do local deliveries of plants and floral arrangements up until Christmas eve.
Looking for something for someone who already has too many things? Why not give them the gift of a massage at Healthy Touch Massage. Or give a gift of improved fitness with membership in Curves or The Body Shop, both located in the mall.
Nelson's True Value in the mall has something for just about everyone. They have, says manager Larry Boylen, probably the largest selection of small appliances and power tools in the area. He also suggests checking out their line of bird feeders and, for children, the Ertl farm toys. The store offers a layaway plan and free gift wrapping on most things.
Betty's Gold Crown Hallmark, also in the mall, offers, of course, the usual appealing selection of Hallmark cards, gift wrap, ornaments and other products, but don't forget they carry several lines of collectible items, including Precious Moments, Snow Babies, Cherished Teddies, Fontanini, Department 56 Snow Villages, and Seraphim angels.
LA Fashions in the mall carries women's clothes in petite, missy and plus sizes, and right now their Cactus jackets and tops are very popular items. With cold weather here to stay, comfy Cuddl Duds will also make a welcome gift.
Of course, part of the joy of Christmas shopping is treating yourself as well. Why not start your shopping day with coffee and some pastries at Simply. They open at 7 a.m. every day but Sunday. For noon lunch, there are many choices just on Main Street alone. If you're on a shop-till-you-drop mission, consider finishing the day with a nice meal at one of our other restaurants.
The opportunities, however, aren't limited to downtown. Travel a bit north on Marquette and you encounter three more delightful stores: The Cannery, the Produce Patch and Our Neck of the Woods.
The Cannery has over 30,000 square feet filled with gifts and specialty items, and right now they also have a large selection of Christmas ornaments and decorations.
Just south of The Cannery is Our Neck of the Woods, a store with an outdoor, woodsy style that draws male as well as female shoppers. For something different, consider purchasing a woodland Santa, attired in clothing suitable to a favorite sport.
The Produce Patch, a women's clothing store, is an excellent place to shop for clothes for someone planning a cruise or a trip to warmer climates. But almost anyone is going to feel cheerier wearing something in those luscious tropical colors.
While you're out in that direction, stop at the Farmers Union Coop and purchase a gift of bird seed for your feathered friends, or for your friend who feeds the feathered friends. Buy a variety of seed to suit the feeding patterns of different birds.
If there's someone on your list who likes photoographs, make a stop at Picture This. They have a one hour digital photo kiosk, and a delightful assortment of frames, picture Christmas cards, calendars and many more items.
Looking for inspiration? Browse through Something Old, Something New. In this mixture of old and new items, you're likely to find something special for that hard-to-buy-for person on your list.
If you'd like to see your grandchildren more often, consider a gift certificate for their mom and dad to one of our fine motels, especially one with a swimming pool that allows the youngsters to work off some of their energy.
It's hard to find someone who doesn't have a movie buff or a teenager on the shopping list. Consider a gift certificate to Box Office Video or to Star Cinema.
As lengthy as this is, it is no doubt a very incomplete list, compiled by someone who has only recently moved to the area. Nevertheless, it should be enough to create a very productive and enjoyable Christmas shopping excursion.
Bingo: Calling it like it is
Hammes a part of St. Mary's Bingo tradition
Norb
Hammes, left, of Marquette,has called Bingo at St. Mary's Church
in McGregor for 37 years. Ralph Pirc, also of Marquette, is
another long-time Bingo volunteer who helps run the game even
though he is 94 years young.
Do you know what you have done every Sunday night for the last 37 years? Neither do most people. But for Norb Hammes, of Marquette, it's an easy question to answer.
Norb has been calling the Bingo game for St. Mary's Church since shortly after the church began hosting the games as a fundraiser in 1969. He is the last of the original group of volunteer callers left. The rest, he says, have passed away.
Calling Bingo seems to suit Norb, who is a man of few words and gets right to the point. When asked why he has given up so many of his Sunday evenings, Norb simply says, "I do it for the church."
Hammes and his wife Nancy are something of an institution at St. Mary's „ she has been an organist there for 50 years. They have always been involved with the church. The couple has three grown children, Deb, Grace, Margaret and Mark, and nine grandchildren.
Norb has missed a few Sundays over the years, and he has seen his share of mishaps. Summer thunderstorms that shut off the lights, burst pipes and broken furnaces populate his recollections of Bingo night, along with the time a box of coins„change from the game„tumbled down the steps of the old church hall.
"There were quarters all over the place," Norb said.
Next year, Hammes says, he plans to take two Sundays off a month, and let someone else call the games, at least half of the time.
Bingo games don't start until 7:30, but Norb arrives at the church hall usually by 3:30 or 4 p.m. He turns on the heat or the air conditioning, as the season dictates, and begins to get his game set up and prepare reports for the state.
Players begin arriving not long afterwards, to shuffle through the pile of about 5,000 bingo cards stamped with the name of the church. They set up their own stations with card holders and markers for games with paper cards. Most seem to know each other, and clusters of four or more are laughing and drinking coffee and playing cards by 5:30.
St. Mary's Ladies Guild serves pie, coffee, sandwiches and hot dogs to hungry Bingo players, another source of revenue for the church.
"We don't have cake," Norb said. "We have pie. Bingo players like rich desserts," he explained.
Norb is not a gambler himself and has never played bingo. He says he has seen both the problems and benefits of legalized gambling. St. Mary's Bingo used to draw in 300 to 400 people a week be fore the casino boat opened in Marquette.
But he doesn't see the church bingo game and the casino in quite the same light. Bingo cards cost $1 for the first card, and fifty cents for additional cards, so people lose less money than at the casino. Plus, the bingo game is social, (at least until the game starts) and he opens the hall early so people have a place to gather.
Norb says that the same 90 to 120 people return week after week.
"It's more of a social event for older people," Norb explains. "They come early, talk, play cards. They come from all over, Montfort, Richland Center, Ossian, Spillville," he adds.
When the calling starts, people get quiet. Some manage eight or more cards at the same time. Smooth and regular, Norb calls out the numbers. Often by the time he calls out a dozen numbers, someone shouts, "Bingo!"
An audible sigh passes through the crowd as everyone shuffles the little red windows on their cards back open, and hopes for better luck in the next game.
