By Jason Arndt
Effective December 12, all files and clips have been transferred to my new wordpress blog which also includes samples from Brewers Farm Report.
Please refer to the following link for my new and improved portfolio: http://thejasonarndt.wordpress.com/
And as always, my Brewers Farm Report blog at http://brewersfarmreport.mlblogs.com
Friday, December 13, 2013
Saturday, September 28, 2013
Commission urges caution on new fire station idea
By Jason Arndt
Correspondent
Members with the Town of Yorkville/Village of Union Grove Fire Commission have requested that the Fire Department first seek public support prior to making a pitch for a new station. The Fire Department presented its desire to build a new station at the Fire Commission’s Aug. 21 meeting, explaining that the current building constructed in 1974 is becoming too small for firefighters to utilize.
“We are looking at how much longer we want to maintain the fire station we have,” Fire Chief Tom Czerniak told Commission members.
However, the Commission indicated funding and land space is not readily available for the Department, and could take several years to organize a plan of action.
“We do not have any building, we do not have any property,” Commission member Michael Younglove said. “Right now we are not in the position to build a new fire department and the Department should seriously contemplate that.”
Members of the Fire Department conveyed resistance to continued use of the current station to Younglove.
“There were strong responses from members of the department that they want to have a referendum,” Younglove said. “They believe they can convince the voters to approve a new fire station for however many dollars.”
Assistant Fire Chief Tim Allen indicated the present location is an ideal site, given its proximity to residences within the community.
“Right now that is the best property as far as geographical location,” Allen stated. “If that area does not work out in the future, I guess we will just have to find another area.”
Members with the Fire Department began thinking of a new fire station when the Department of Transportation announced plans to improve the location.
“The idea of a new fire station came when there was a new proposed redevelopment of Highway 45,” Younglove said.
The DOT has since been inactive in improving the infrastructure of the area surrounding the Fire Station, according to Younglove.
Commission members suggested the formation of a group to study and reach out to the community and educate residents on the importance of facility upgrades.
“From a public perception, you are going to have a hard time selling the idea of spending millions of dollars on a new station without presenting other ideas,” Younglove added.
Czerniak indicated that the Department is forming a group seeking public support.
Despite the Department’s efforts, Commission members told the Department to seek out other ideas in event a new fire station is not supported by the community.
“If this plan falls through what are the other options,” Commission member Mike Aimone asked Czerniak. “Is there a Plan B?”
Additionally, Aimone suggested the Department work on organizing and maintaining the current station would greatly improve its standing for a new fire station.
“There seems to be a lack of pride in the station. Do some basic upkeep of the building to show you can take care of the existing station,” Aimone stated.
Super Saturday brings fun as well as some road closures
By Jason Arndt
Correspondent
The Village of Union Grove has announced the hours for its Open House commemorating 175 years as a municipality.
“The History Seekers will be here to staff the building with displays and pictures of Union Grove,” said Village President Mike Aimone, speaking at the Village Board’s Aug. 26 meeting.
The hallways will be decorated with pictures and items from Union Grove’s history, and the Chamber of Commerce offices will be dressed up and staffed by Mary Nichols and Carol Knight – two knowledgeable ladies about the Chamber’s history.
The local historical society will be at the Village Hall from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m., with an extended trolley service provided to the hall from Main Street.
The trolley is funded by Super Saturday, and will not be at any additional costs compared to prior years, according to trustee Gordon Svendsen.
In addition, the History Seekers will have displays pertaining to other milestone years, including the Villages Centennial and 150th anniversaries.
The local historical society has worked with the Union Grove Chamber of Commerce and Village Board for several months to incorporate a lot of plans for the community milestone.
Union Grove focused on the 175th anniversary theme in its annual Independence Day Parade this year, and is using a flag bearing the commemoration of the anniversary through the remainder of 2013.
Road closures
In response to the Fire Department’s request to be notified of street closures, the Village also announced all side streets will be closed from Friday evening, Sept. 6, until the conclusion of Super Saturday at midnight Sept. 7.
The Department made the request at the Fire Commission meeting held Aug. 21, after not being properly notified of closures in some other events surrounding downtown Union Grove.
“We always try to let the Fire Department and Sheriff’s Office know ahead of time of any closures,” Svendsen said.
The Fire Department noted at the Commission meeting that there had been some miscommunication during this year’s annual car show, which led to unanticipated street closures.
But Main Street will not be closed at any time – either prior to and/or during the Super Saturday event – due to state Department of Transportation protocol.
“You cannot close Main Street without approval from the DOT,” Svendsen explained. “It is just one block so we won’t need detours.”
Village, Walmart contribute for new playground equipment
By Jason Arndt
Correspondent
Three new pieces of playground equipment will be available for children to enjoy at Leider Park thanks, in part, to a $1,000 grant awarded by Walmart.
In conjunction with that grant, Union Grove will contribute an additional $1,000 through the Park Improvement Fund to purchase two diggers and a spin cup for kids to play on at the park.
“There is not a lot you can get for $1,000 so hopefully we could use some park improvement funds,” explained Village Trustee Tim Mallach speaking at the Water, Wastewater, Streets and Parks Committee meeting Aug. 19.
The Village will pick up the equipment from Playworld Systems in Cambridge to save $300 in shipping costs.
Mallach has spearheaded grants for park improvements and green initiative projects in the past, noted Trustee Bill Stoltz, and was appointed in July to a new adhoc committee to stress green initiatives within the Village.
“He does a good job researching grants and looking at what is out there,” said Trustee Michael Younglove.
Village spends $2,000 to save millions
By Jason Arndt
Correspondent
Village of Union Gove residents could be faced with a hefty bill of at least $2.5 million from 2014 until 2022, pending the review of a petition recently filed with Department of Natural Resources by the Village of Union Grove.
The DNR is imposing a phosphorus limit on all state municipal Wastewater treatment facilities, which includes meeting the mandates by 2022 in a recently issued Wisconsin Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit.
Union Grove will be ordered by the DNR to reduce phosphorous discharges from 0.9 milligrams per liter in 2013 to 0.075 milligrams per liter by 2022, unless the Village’s appeal works.
“In the end it will be a very huge and expensive addition to us especially when it is around the corner,” said Public Works Director Mark Osmundsen, speaking at an August special board meeting.
Phosphorus is a naturally occurring chemical derived from food, animal and human waste and is one type of fertilizer used on farms.
In accordance with the mandate, all municipalities need to submit a plan of action to the DNR by 2014.
“They have been working on this for quite awhile to bring down the phosphorous levels,” Osmundsen explained.
The Public Works dfirector indicated the state agency was working on establishing limits for the last two years and submitted the final guidelines to the Village 60 days ago.
Village President Mike Aimone indicated one of the options would be to raise Village residents’ sewer rates if the DNR denies the petition.
“This is going to drive people away because people would not be able to afford water,” Osmundsen said.
The Village spent $2,000 to file the petition but trustees agreed inactivity in the issue would have a long-term impact on the community.
“I guess if we don’t do anything and sit back waiting for everybody else to see what happens, then they will ask us why we did not contest it in the first place,” Village Trustee Bill Stoltz stated.
Trustee Teresa Holm inquired with Osmundsen why the City of Racine’s mandate is set higher at 0.6.
“Racine is different because they discharge it into Lake Michigan but we use the river,” Younglove said.
Osmundsen indicated the discharge site along the west bank of the Root River would not be sustainable without the treatment plant.
“The river has been drying up the last couple years and without the treatment plant, there would be no aquatic life present,” Osmundsen added.
Union Grove trustees voted to retain Attorney Paul Kent of Stafford, Rosenbaum LLC to represent the Village in contesting the imposed limits by the DNR.
Aimone received a suggestion to hire Kent as the representative of the Village by the Village Attorney due to “his experience in handling these matters.”
Offering a fresh look at local history
By Jason ArndtCORRESPONDENT
After spending many hours delving into and digging up 175 years of Union Grove history, the History Seekers group has earned its right to stay at the Village Hall. That follows the organization’s public presentation of artifacts during the Village’s annual Super Saturday held Sept. 7 and was announced by Board President Mike Aimone at the Village Board’s Sept. 9 meeting. “The job that the History Seekers have done really exceeded our expectations and it would be a real shame to have all that effort and time put into it and not be made a permanent part of our Village Hall,” Aimone said. The displays will remain in the same hallway where members of History Seekers guided attendees at Saturday’s open house. “The memorabilia will be housed at Village Hall in permanent display cases in our main hallway,” Aimone said. The History Seekers group has been in active existence for nearly five years and was invited by the Village to be part of the Super Saturday event when members expressed a desire for more commemoration of the Village’s 175 years as a municipality. Aimone described the History Seekers’ efforts as time-consuming and labor-intensive to ensure the quality and condition of the memorabilia. “The planning of acquiring the pieces and refurbishing the display cases and getting them into the condition to be brought into the Village Hall took extensive time,” Aimone said. “They took the time to properly display what they had in possession, along with getting the reprints made for the canvasses.” The Village President indicated the historical displays provide residents with something to feel good about regarding the history of Union Grove. “This really adds to the feeling of our proud past,” Aimone added. Saturday’s Open House attracted less attendees than expected, but Aimone said the event brought forth many productive discussions from the 25 individuals who attended. “There were a number of people who came forward to talk about things they had in their possession that they would like to share with the History Seekers and make part of the collection,” Aimone stated. The Village gave sole responsibility to the organization for maintaining the displays, but the Board indicated the History Seekers have plans to keep the display of memorabilia updated. “They will try to keep it a fresh display so that this is not once and done,” Aimone explained. He reminded residents there is time for viewing the items that have been put on display for the open house. “They can still come down and view them,” Aimone said. “If they have questions or want further information on the History Seekers – meetings are open to anyone.”
After spending many hours delving into and digging up 175 years of Union Grove history, the History Seekers group has earned its right to stay at the Village Hall. That follows the organization’s public presentation of artifacts during the Village’s annual Super Saturday held Sept. 7 and was announced by Board President Mike Aimone at the Village Board’s Sept. 9 meeting. “The job that the History Seekers have done really exceeded our expectations and it would be a real shame to have all that effort and time put into it and not be made a permanent part of our Village Hall,” Aimone said. The displays will remain in the same hallway where members of History Seekers guided attendees at Saturday’s open house. “The memorabilia will be housed at Village Hall in permanent display cases in our main hallway,” Aimone said. The History Seekers group has been in active existence for nearly five years and was invited by the Village to be part of the Super Saturday event when members expressed a desire for more commemoration of the Village’s 175 years as a municipality. Aimone described the History Seekers’ efforts as time-consuming and labor-intensive to ensure the quality and condition of the memorabilia. “The planning of acquiring the pieces and refurbishing the display cases and getting them into the condition to be brought into the Village Hall took extensive time,” Aimone said. “They took the time to properly display what they had in possession, along with getting the reprints made for the canvasses.” The Village President indicated the historical displays provide residents with something to feel good about regarding the history of Union Grove. “This really adds to the feeling of our proud past,” Aimone added. Saturday’s Open House attracted less attendees than expected, but Aimone said the event brought forth many productive discussions from the 25 individuals who attended. “There were a number of people who came forward to talk about things they had in their possession that they would like to share with the History Seekers and make part of the collection,” Aimone stated. The Village gave sole responsibility to the organization for maintaining the displays, but the Board indicated the History Seekers have plans to keep the display of memorabilia updated. “They will try to keep it a fresh display so that this is not once and done,” Aimone explained. He reminded residents there is time for viewing the items that have been put on display for the open house. “They can still come down and view them,” Aimone said. “If they have questions or want further information on the History Seekers – meetings are open to anyone.”
Village considers best uses of an extra $800
By Jason ArndtCORRESPONDENT
Long-time car dealership Martin’s Chrysler donated the winnings from the downtown “Take a Seat on Main” contest, where Union Grove businesses decorated chairs provided by Cedar World. The presentation of Martin’s check for $300, in addition to $500 from Cedar World as part of the “Take a Seat” promotion, were presented to the Village Board at its Sept. 9 meeting by Cedar World co-owner, Dorothy Olson. The Martin dealership’s prize donation is being made to the Village “for the beautification of Union Grove,” Olson told the Board. “We were shocked at such a generous donation.” Cedar World had decided to become involved in the event after seeing success in downtown Racine, where the business contributed to the “Sunny and Chair” event held the previous summer. “We were very pleased when Cedar World came to us with the “Take a Seat on Main” event,” Village President Mike Aimone said. The woodworking business plans to stay a part of the Super Saturday event in 2014 and is now mulling options about what the themed item would be. “We want to see growth in Union Grove, and beautify it,” Olson said. “This is a small town and growing fast.” As for the combined $800 donation, the Village will be asking members of the local business community for their ideas. “It could be used for a number of different things,” Aimone said. “We will be looking for input from some of the downtown businesses as to how we can best spend the money.” Some areas Aimone mentioned include the purchase of more Christmas lights for the holidays or more hanging plants along Main Street during the summer of 2014.
Long-time car dealership Martin’s Chrysler donated the winnings from the downtown “Take a Seat on Main” contest, where Union Grove businesses decorated chairs provided by Cedar World. The presentation of Martin’s check for $300, in addition to $500 from Cedar World as part of the “Take a Seat” promotion, were presented to the Village Board at its Sept. 9 meeting by Cedar World co-owner, Dorothy Olson. The Martin dealership’s prize donation is being made to the Village “for the beautification of Union Grove,” Olson told the Board. “We were shocked at such a generous donation.” Cedar World had decided to become involved in the event after seeing success in downtown Racine, where the business contributed to the “Sunny and Chair” event held the previous summer. “We were very pleased when Cedar World came to us with the “Take a Seat on Main” event,” Village President Mike Aimone said. The woodworking business plans to stay a part of the Super Saturday event in 2014 and is now mulling options about what the themed item would be. “We want to see growth in Union Grove, and beautify it,” Olson said. “This is a small town and growing fast.” As for the combined $800 donation, the Village will be asking members of the local business community for their ideas. “It could be used for a number of different things,” Aimone said. “We will be looking for input from some of the downtown businesses as to how we can best spend the money.” Some areas Aimone mentioned include the purchase of more Christmas lights for the holidays or more hanging plants along Main Street during the summer of 2014.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)