Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Let it Snow!

Welcome to Wisconsin. Where there are two seasons... Winter and Road Construction. After reading the results of the council meeting last night, I am sure glad that I live in a good neighborhood. The reason that I say that is because I never would have thought that sidewalk snow removal was a problem. After all, we all chose to live here. It snows, we shovel. But after watching a week of debate and then more at the meeting, the council took the time to change the city ordinance to 24 hours after EACH storm. I really would like to see that definition...

I have wonderful neighbors. We all clear each others sidewalks (perhaps because it is easier to turn around at a driveway rather than a property line). Seriously though, this was never coordinated but it has been that the first person out to do the snow from four houses does the sidewalk for all of them. Additionally, I have always gone to each of my neighbors after the plow has gone through and cleared that pile for them. I have never considered calling to have the city clear anything. The neighborly thing is to help out if they are not home to do it themselves.

I guess I am lucky...

KM

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

No More Deer

As you may have read in this mornings ONW, the Common Council has voted on the removal of the deer surrounding the Vulcan Quarry via sharpshooter. I for one think it is a good method and perhaps the most economical manner to do away with the animals.

My reasoning for this is simple; if we attempt to relocate the deer, they may find their way back. It has been known in the wild that deer, if not moved far enough, find their way back. Just ask Herbie Kohler. He tried non lethal methods of removing deer from his golf course (Blackwolf Run) and was not successful. There were also proposals for some spray that would "ward off" the deer from vegetation. That is a band aid at best. The spray worked to ward off the deer in that situation because she was the only one using it. If you had a choice to eat a bush with the spray or without, you would go to the one without wouldn't you? If everyone is using the spray, the deer will adapt. Just like I was told to plant Marigolds when rabbits were eating my plants... well they ate the Marigolds too.

Sharpshooters are the most humane method of animal removal. The deer will not suffer and the meat will be donated to those who need it. The bottom line is that deer do not belong in the city and should be removed before more damage is done. This is the most common sense method to achieve that outcome.

KM