Hey! Is It Really Spring Already Dunn County?
It has been a wild and crazy winter season! Could We Possibly Flip Flop for Spring? March Madness Campaigning-Mingling with the neighbors : )
This meme perfectly describes the last week of February where it went from incredibly warm weather in the 50’s and 60’s to single digits from snow, sleet then rain. Most of this winter season I pretty much wore my sweater verses my winter coat which was pretty sweet. I managed to get out the door quicker than the bundle me up to head to toe routine which is normal scenario in Western Wisconsin winters. I called this past winter season, “Texas Weather Season” due to the very mild temperatures we were spoiled with. I am sure the trees and wildlife were quite confused as well of whether they were really in Wisconsin or in another world. And with not that much snooow to think of. it has been a concern with the farmers with little moisture for the soil leading to hard times in the planting of the crops this coming Spring. But we all know, if you are like me, who has lived in Wisconsin their whole life, March usually comes in like a lion!!! Meaning a really big whopatoole of a snow storm that brings out the snowblowers and shovels and snowman’s. And I wouldn’t be surprised if all the skier’s, snowmobiler’s and snowshoer’s been saying a mighty prayer for a snowy March. So there is a high possibility of a flip from Spring weather in the past Winter months to Winter weather in the Spring months ahead. Time will tell. Only in Wisconsin.
Well, another hint that Spring is here is the fact that it is Spring local election campaigning season. Yep, it is that time of the season when the local candidates for School Board, County Board, City Council, Town Board and Mayor signs start popping up into the neighborhoods and farm fields. And those lovely postcard literatures hanging on your front door to learn more about those that want to represent you where you reside. It is important to be well informed Dunn County residents before hitting the polls to vote on election day which is April 2nd or before submitting your absentee ballot. And if you want to spend some one on one time to speak to the current candidates that are running in your district, even numbered city wards, or townships you can do just that at the upcoming “Meet Your Local Candidates” event on Thursday, March 7th from 6 pm to 7:30 pm at the Russell Rassbach Museum.
I have met quite a few of my Dunn County neighbors in my district while roaming the neighborhoods these past several weeks and appreciated hearing from them what they love or not so much like about living in Dunn County and in the City of Menomonie. Many expressed the blessings of living in the city because of the conveniences of stores, shops, hospital, schools and parks that the City of Menomonie has to offer. While many others are not so happy about their property taxes being a little bit on the high side. That’s why it is so important that we get serious about reducing the $39 million plus debt the county has incurred. On another note, one neighbor expressed the condition of the Shirley Doane Senior Center that could use some attention and thought it would be nice to have a YMCA in town. At this point, the closest YMCA is in Eau Claire which is about a half hour drive. I am also happy to hear some of my neighbors love the idea of paper ballots only. My last blog I have a section about hand counting paper ballots and with a good method in place is fun and easy to do. Then I have a few neighbors voice there concern about those residents living in homelessness. We truly do need to find creative solutions to the lack of emergency shelters and affordable housing. With only Stepping Stone’s Carin House for emergency shelter which has a waiting list, Bridge of Hope to shelter those that have been in a domestic abuse situation or sexual assault and trafficking along with Positive Alternatives/Teen Care for teens, we need better accommodations for those living without shelter to protect themselves and their families from the elements of the weather and the dangers of being physically harmed.
So I hope to see some of my Dunn County neighbors at the “Meet Your Local Candidates” Event at the Russell J. Rassbach Heritage Museum on March 7th at 6 pm. It will be a fun and interactive event for both the candidates and residents.
From One Dunn County Neighbor to Another-Enjoy soaking up the Spring sun!
Laurie J. Christianson
You are good at listening.
What a stunning spring picture, Laurie! Interesting to hear what people think about our community as you go door-knocking.