The weight of the world on their shoulders

by Russ Kamphuis, President and CEO of the Bank of Oakfield, Vice Chairman for FCEDC

As the next chairman of the Fond du Lac County Economic Development Corporation (FCEDC) board of directors, it is my job to look to 2010 and assess, with staff, what the near future will hold for our communities, our businesses and our residents. The outcome of the vote by Mercury Marine’s union on Sunday will most assuredly affect our future.

This is a difficult situation for everyone involved, especially the employees who will be casting their vote. I truly empathize with them for they must feel like the weight of the world is on their shoulders. It is not only their job at stake, but the jobs of approximately 4,000 of their neighbors in Fond du Lac County who work for companies who are suppliers to Mercury Marine or work for organizations who will be greatly affected by the potential loss of the company. The responsibility of each voting employee is incredible.

It is important that everyone understand the impact of Mercury Marine on Fond du Lac County. All told, an estimated $353 million in annual income in our county is on the line, and it is an impact that extends far beyond the boundaries of Fond du Lac County. In the seven-county region (Fond du Lac County and its adjoining counties), the direct and indirect impact is expected to result in the loss of almost 8,000 jobs and $450 million loss in annual earnings. Bump the scope to the state level, and loss climbs to over 11,000 jobs and $600 million in annual earnings.

As incoming chair of FCEDC, I have to look at how it would affect our business climate. Approximately 1,000 companies in Wisconsin provide products or services to Mercury Marine, 250 of which are in Fond du Lac County. Among the hardest hit industries will be local governments, restaurants, health care and a wide-range of manufacturing businesses.

Our stakeholders are also the citizens of Fond du Lac County. So how does this decision affect us as individuals? Mercury Marine is a significant water and sewer customer of the City of Fond du Lac. If no new customers took their place, the water and sewer rates would possibly have to increase by up to 5.5% which equates to approximately $44 a year for the typical residential customer. In addition, Mercury pays over $620,000 in total property taxes, $219,000 of which is to the City of Fond du Lac. If the buildings were vacated, the value would decrease significantly leaving the other property taxpayers in the city, county, school district, and technical college district to pick up the difference.

The negative impact will be felt in all communities in Fond du Lac County. Nearly 400 of Mercury Marine’s employees live in Fond du Lac County communities outside the Fond du Lac zip codes. The potential loss of population could impact some of the smaller communities quite severely. For example, Oakfield is home to many Mercury Marine employees and their families. The loss of the company could directly affect over 12% of the 1,038 residents. This is not taking into account supply chain and those additional job losses previously mentioned.

The list goes on – property values, the impact on the area technical college system, the effects of higher unemployment rates, etc., but you get my point. The vote of the workers is a responsibility I wouldn’t wish upon anyone, but it is a challenge they face none-the-less. I would like to personally thank each and every one of the employees for making an educated decision based on facts, integrity and conviction.

Russell Kamphuis is President and CEO of the Bank of Oakfield and currently serves as Vice Chairman for the Fond du Lac County Economic Development Corporation.

PLAN COMMISSION - August 19th

* Rezoning – Thomas & Constance Prelwitz (Old Berlin/Meade) - The commission approved the rezoning of their 2-acre parcel on Old Berlin and Meade Street from A (agricultural) to R-2 (Residential).
* Project plan, boundary map, and resolution – TIF District #10 - The Commission approved the TIF, which includes the development on Highway 23 East where Agnesian Health Care is building a new clinic. It goes to the Council for a final vote on September 8th.
* Project plan, boundary map, and resolution – TIF District #11 - The Commission approved the new downtown TIF, which consists mainly of Boca Grande redevelopment projects. It goes to the Council for a final vote on September 8th.
* Site Plan - The Commission approved the plan for an expansion of Accurate Controls at 326 Blackburn Street. They are looking to build a large addition, valued at $600,000 to the north of their current office complex in downtown Ripon. Work is expected to begin in the next few weeks.

Any questions............post them or email me.

AMBER ALERT: Abduction of Girl in Oshkosh

Oshkosh police are investigating the possible abduction of a girl.

According to police, a witness saw two men pull a girl, who appeared to be 12 to 14 years old, into their car in the 1100-block of Linwood Avenue around 10:30 Wednesday morning. That's across the street from Oshkosh North High School.

Witnesses said they were tying her up and she was screaming.

The car was described as a rusty maroon four-door with a dent in the rear bumper. It was driven by a black male with a black and a white man as passengers. The passengers are the ones who got out and grabbed the girl, witnesses indicated.

The girl was described as about five feet tall. She was wearing a pink tank top and orange shorts.

The car was last seen going east on Linwood.

WELCOME TO RIPON SIGN - VERSION TWO

Under this proposal, the width of the supporting columns have been reduced on each side by slightly less than a foot. Under the proposal, signs would be erected in the following locations:

A - Highway 23 West (To be funded by the West End Tax Increment District)
B - The entrance to the Business Park at Selig Way and Highway 44 (To be funded by the Industrial-Business Park TID)
C - Highway 23 East (To be funded by the reserve fund set up over the past four years to pay for those signs not covered by TIF districts)

The council will discuss and vote on these proposal and the signage on Monday August 24th.

PUBLIC INFORMATION ON BOCA GRANDE REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT

UPCOMING MEETINGS
Wednesday August 18th - Public hearing at the Plan Commission– The Commission will consider the project plan, boundary map, and a resolution to create TIF District #11 (The new downtown TIF). The public will have the opportunity to speak on those issues Wednesday evening at 7 PM.

Monday August 24th - A public informational meeting is tentatively scheduled for 530 PM in the City Hall Council Chambers, prior to the Council meeting, which begins at 7 PM.

BREAKING : FAVRE HEADING TO MINNESOTA

WCCO-TV is reporting that a high-level source with the Minnesota Vikings tells the station's Mark Rosen that quarterback Brett Favre is expected to sign with the team today. Favre is on currently on his way to Minneapolis and is expected to sign with the team this afternoon, the station adding, citing its source.

PODCASTS ON WRPN

* Ripon Area School Superintendent Richard Zimman reviews the August 17th School Board meeting.
* City Administrator Steve Barg reviews the August 11th City Council meeting.

NOTE: These are MP3 files.

Waupun school taxes are going up

SOURCE: Fond du Lac Reporter

WAUPUN — Taxpayers can expect a hike in school taxes this year, thanks to a hefty cut in state aid money.

The Waupun Area Board of Education approved the preliminary budget for the 2009-10 school year during the regular meeting Monday night. The $28.5 million budget calls for an estimated tax levy of $9 million, an 8.7 percent increase over last year.

Business Director Bill Zeininger said the driving force behind the tax increase is a decrease of $751,158 in state aid funds, even though expenditures are down $203,000 from last year.

"We expected it to be less, but this is huge," Zeininger said of the cut. "We've done all the things since the referendum failed to address our local situation, with cuts and restructuring saving over $1 million. I hope people understand that it's because the state isn't giving us the money."

Based on a projected 5.2 percent increase in district equalized valuation, the tax rate for the school district is estimated at $8.87 per $1,000 of assessed valuation for property owners, up 29 cents from last year.

Board member Ron Paul said people already pressed by the slumping economy probably won't understand the rationale behind the increase when they open their tax bills. He asked Zeininger to dig deeper to find more cuts.

"We'll still have an opportunity to look for more savings between now and when you formally approve the budget on Oct. 19," Zeininger said. "Hopefully, with all the student numbers in by then, we'll be able to recoup some savings from the special education contract or open enrollment."

In preliminary budget figures, Zeininger estimated a loss of more than $1 million in funding from students opting to leave the district.

Applications for open enrollment out of the Waupun district spiked after the board announced its decision to close both Alto and Fox Lake schools in addition to Jefferson Elementary School earlier this year following the failed referendum.

District Administrator Randy Refsland said all 424 school districts across the state are wrestling with their annual budgets due to the lagging economy and reduced state aid funds.

"Some districts have gone forward with their increases while others have made the decision that they're going to spend down their fund balances until there's nothing left just to keep the tax rate down," Refsland said. "I don't advocate that. What we know based on state projections, the budget deficit will even be worse next year. And two years from now, there will be this billion dollar hole where they used stimulus money to patch this budget. As a school district, you're damned if you do and you're damned if you don't. It's just reality, and it's an ugly reality."

The public will have the opportunity to weigh in on the budget during the annual meeting set for 8 p.m. Monday, Sept. 28, in the large group instructional room at Waupun Area Junior/Senior High School.

SILVER CREEK REDEVELOPMENT PROPOSAL

Click here for more information on the request for proposals that was sent out.

UPDATE: Barrett released from Froedtert Hospital

Good luck and quick healing to a fellow mayor:

Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett was released Monday from Froedtert Hospital in Wauwatosa, where he was treated for injuries he suffered Saturday when he was beaten by a baton-wielding man. Barrett is resting at his home, according to Patrick Curley, the mayor's chief of staff. Earlier Monday, Barrett's brother, John, said the mayor was hit so hard in the face that the blow knocked out a bottom tooth and some top teeth. Barrett's hand was shattered and repaired in a three-hour surgery. A doctor placed stitches in the mayor's head, and he had plastic surgery to repair another cut that extended from his cheek to his nose.

SCHOOL BOARD TO MEET TONIGHT - August 17th

The full agenda can be found here.

Among the highlights tonight:
* New Teachers - Six new teachers hired for 2009-10 will be introduced to the Board and the community.
* Wellness Policy 8510 regarding soda sales - The topic of soda sales in concession stands will be on the September agenda to the tie vote in July which occurred because of an absent Board member.
* MPES Standards-Based Report Cards - The board will view the first drafts of the standards-based report cards for grades 3-5 in accordance with advice from national experts and consistent with the 4PS and K-2 report cards currently in use in the District. Teachers are also moving to standards-based/benchmark-based grading that will provide better information regarding a child’s mastery level of particular skills so that a more focused response can be planned and implemented.
* Homecoming planning - The board will review are drafts of letters by Mr. Tjernagel for parents and businesses requesting cooperation in keeping this year’s homecoming activities more positive than last year’s. These letters are in accordance with discussion by the Board last fall and are being submitted in draft form for feedback.
* Ingalls Field annual report - The board will hear a a report on the first year of operations at Ingalls Field with the FieldTurf surface.

UPCOMING MEETINGS:
September 21 – Regular board meeting at 7:00 p.m. in RHS Room 167
September 28 – School District Annual Meeting (7:00 p.m. in RHS Room 167 following 6:30 p.m. budget hearing)

Red Hawks Athletics to hold golf outing Sept. 18

RIPON, Wis. – The Department of Athletics at Ripon College will host its first full-scale golf outing at The Golf Courses of Lawsonia Friday, Sept. 18, 2009 (Family Weekend) with an 11 a.m. shotgun start. Proceeds from the event directly benefit Red Hawk Athletics.

For $100 each, participants will enjoy a day of golf in the popular scramble format, including cart w/GPS, gift bag, lunch, prizes, an informal dinner, unique on-course games, and optional extras including a free clinic with members of the Red Hawks golf teams. An official Red Hawks golf shirt in men’s and women’s styles will also be available for $50, the proceeds from which will also benefit athletics at Ripon. A detailed schedule of activities is forthcoming, but a wide array of home athletic events will be held Family Weekend 2009, including volleyball, football, women's tennis, men's and women's soccer, and men's and women's golf.

“For many years now our primary event was the Red Hawk Banquet each fall, and we were fortunate to have great support for that and a tremendous lineup of guest speakers,” said Bob Gillespie, director of athletics and head coach of baseball and men’s basketball. “This year we thought we’d try something new and see how the Ripon community responds.”

In addition to individual entries, sponsorship opportunities are available at virtually all levels. The annual Corporate Partner Program offers a complimentary foursome and four sleeves of logo balls to Gold sponsors ($600); a hole sponsorship and a Red Hawks golf shirt to Silver sponsors ($300); and a website/athletic-program listing to Contributors (less than $300). Hole sponsorships only are just $200, and other contributions will help offset the event’s costs.

“Our focus for this event is to bring alumni – especially former athletes – back to campus for a unique and memorable event that offers a lot of bang for the buck,” said Cody Pinkston, head coach of men’s and women’s golf and committee chair. “There are a million scrambles out there, so we want this one to have a few twists.”

Online registration is available at www.ripon.edu/athletics/scramble. For information about sponsorship opportunities, contact Mike Westemeier (westemeierm@ripon.edu/920-748-8770) or Dave Minor (minord@ripon.edu/920-748-8360).

DOYLE WON'T RUN IN 2010 - WHO WILL?

SOURCE: Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel

Gov. Jim Doyle on Monday morning confirmed he wouldn’t run for re-election next year and promised to serve out his full term.

Doyle’s announcement — widely expected since it was first reported Saturday — shakes up next year’s race, creating the first race for governor since 1982 that didn’t feature an incumbent.

Doyle committed to finishing out his term, which expires in January 2011. He said he felt strongly that politicians should serve their full terms.

If he had left office early, he would turn the reins over to Lt. Gov. Barbara Lawton and give her expected run for governor a boost. Doyle is not close to Lawton, and he declined to say Monday whom he might support in next year’s election.

Doyle said he would not run again because he believed governors should serve no more than two terms. Unlike many states, Wisconsin has no term limits.

Leaving after eight years allows the political system a chance to rejuvenate itself, he said.

“I know I will regret this decision many times over the next year, but I’m not going to pull a Brett Favre on you,” he said.

He said he would have an aggressive agenda over the next 16 months, focusing on education, green jobs, the economy and health care.

“I believe without the politics and the campaign we can get a lot done over time,” he said. “This moment in history will not be wasted.”

He said he made the decision not to run seven to 10 days ago and had no plans for what he would do after his term ends.

Doyle made the announcement at Randall Elementary School, where he went to grade school. Doyle has put education at the center of his agenda since winning the governorship in 2002.

Doyle, 63, was first elected to statewide office in 1990, when he was elected attorney general. He served three terms before going on to win the governor’s office for two terms. Before his stint as attorney general, he was district attorney in Dane County.

Doyle’s father was a federal judge, and his mother was one of the first women to serve in the state Legislature. He was introduced to Democratic politics early and was inspired by an early meeting with John F. Kennedy.

Doyle went onto law school and the Peace Corps before moving into politics.

He was a relatively early supporter of Barack Obama, and when Obama won the presidency last year observers wondered whether Doyle would get a job in the administration. He batted away those rumors, saying he wasn’t seeking any other job.

But when reports emerged Saturday that he would not seek re-election, Doyle’s aides did not deny them.

In addition to Lawton, U.S. Rep. Ron Kind (D–La Crosse) is expected to run. Others are contemplating a run as well.

The Republican field includes Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker and former U.S. Rep. Mark Neumann and could widen now that Doyle isn’t seeking re-election.

Doyle said whether he could win re-election was not a consideration in his decision, despite his low poll numbers.

“I’ve never lost an election,” he said. “I think I know how to run an election. I think I would have done very well.”

Lawton in, Kind might be: Lawton is officially in the race for governor, and is considering it.

The announcements came moments after Democratic Gov. Jim Doyle made official that he would not seek a third term next year.

Lawton is running but is not conducting interviews, said Ben Nuckels, Lawton’s chief of staff.

“Today is Gov. Doyle’s day and the lieutenant governor wishes him well,” Nuckels said. “The lieutenant governor intends to run for governor, and she will have more to say about that in the near future.”

In a statement, Kind said: “Since Gov. Doyle’s decision has become public, people from around the state have contacted me and urged me to run for Governor. I thank them for their support and I am considering it. In the weeks to come I will make my decision.”

On the Republican side, U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan (R–Janesville) just issued a statement saying he has no plans to run for governor in 2010.

CITY GROWS IN POPULATION

Per the State demographer's office, the preliminary population estimate of Ripon as of 1/1/09 is 7,701, an increase of 42 over the previous year.

PLAN COMMISSION MEETING - AUGUST 19

CONFERENCE ROOM, CITY HALL - 7:00 p.m.
* Call to order/roll call
* Approve meeting minutes – July 15th & July 27th
* Action items
 Public hearing – rezoning – Thomas & Constance Prelwitz (Old Berlin/Meade)
 Public hearing – project plan, boundary map, and resolution – TIF District #10 (The development on Highway 23 East where Agnesian Health Care is building a new clinic)
 Public hearing – project plan, boundary map, and resolution – TIF District #11 (The new downtown TIF)
 Site plan – Accurate Controls (326 Blackburn Street) is looking to build a large addition to their current office complex in downtown Ripon
* Project updates & staff reports
* Agenda items for next meeting
* Adjourn

NEW PROPOSED WELCOME TO RIPON SIGNS

These will go before the Council on August 24th.

BREAKING NEWS - DOYLE WILL NOT SEEK RE-ELECTION IN 2010

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0809/26145.html

Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle has told associates he will announce this week that he won’t seek a third term in 2010, POLITICO has learned.


By deciding against a run, Doyle, a Democrat, sets off what could be one of the most competitive gubernatorial races in the country next year.


The governor has been coy for months about his intentions, stockpiling money but at the same time not saying publicly whether he would run for re-election.


But sources familiar with his decision not to seek a third term say Doyle recognized the difficulties he may have faced next year and didn't want to go through another campaign after a long political career.


He’s had to raise taxes and fees while furloughing state workers to help plug a $6.6 billion budget deficit. In doing so, his approval numbers have fallen below 40 percent. And just this week, he faced the embarrassment of seeing his legal counsel quit because she hadn’t passed the state bar.


“His legal counsel resigns, poll numbers have been in the tank, the state's unemployment rate is hovering above 9 percent, he's bickering with Dem lawmakers on the Finance Committee, and he's taking shots from the Madison media over one of his appointments to the Dane County bench,” wrote the popular state political site Wispolitics.com in their insider “Stock Market” column last week. “And there's continued heartburn among Dems because he still hasn't officially announced if he's running for governor next year. It all adds up to a rough patch for the guv, insiders from both sides say.”


National Democratic strategists privately expressed concern about Doyle’s re-election prospects, especially in the face of a strong GOP field that includes Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker and former Rep. Mark Neumann. "It's not the worst thing in the world," said one top Democrat, citing Doyle's declining popularity and a solid bench of prospective Democratic candidates.


Doyle’s office and the Democratic Governors Association did not respond to requests for comment Saturday.


With Doyle retiring, a slew of Wisconsin Democrats are likely to consider the race. That list is topped by Lt. Gov. Barbara Lawton, who has already indicated she would run if Doyle does not and who would be the state’s first female governor.


By next year, though, Lawton may be running as an incumbent.


For months, buzz has circulated in Wisconsin and national political circles that Doyle is in line for an Obama administration post. The governor got behind the president early in the Democratic race, well before the Wisconsin primary in which Obama thumped Hillary Clinton.


When asked about a prospective Obama post by the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel last month, Doyle issued a statement with ample wiggle room.


"I have never ever asked for any [Washington] position,” the governor said. “I've never asked anybody on my behalf to ask for any position. I have no intention of doing anything but serving out this term."


But both Doyle, 63, and his wife hail from prominent political families and an administration job may represent a capstone to a career that has included time in the Peace Corps, as Dane County (Madison) attorney and as state attorney general.


In addition to Lawton, other potential Democratic gubernatorial candidates include Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, Rep. Ron Kind and state Sen. Jon Erpenbach.

RESOLUTION TO HONOR AMERICAN LEGION BASEBALL TEAM

WHEREAS, the Ripon American Legion Team, consisting of members from the Ripon and Green Lake communities, did win the 2009 Wisconsin Class A State Title by virtue of a 17-7 victory over Viroqua on August 2nd, and

WHEREAS, this was the third state title for Ripon, with the others coming in 1989 and 1990, and

WHEREAS, the team competed for the national Division Two championship in Milbank, South Dakota, where they finished second in the nation, and

WHEREAS, the team finished with a spectacular 28-7 record, and

WHEREAS, the team brought a sense of civic pride and recognition to the Ripon and Green Lake area for their athletic accomplishments and high levels of sportsmanship and determination, now

THEREFORE, I, Mayor Aaron Kramer, along with the members of the Ripon Common Council and the residents of the city of Ripon, on this 24th day of August, 2009, do hereby commend the members, coaches and supporters of the Ripon American Legion team for their accomplishments.

State property values dip for just second time in 50 years

SOURCE: Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel
Madison — Wisconsin property values statewide dipped by 0.5% last year - only the second time in 50 years that overall property values have declined, according to a report Friday from the state Department of Revenue.

The last time was in 1986, when property values declined nearly 2%.

The City of Milwaukee posted the biggest drop in property values of all the state's major cities, declining nearly 3.1%. Across Milwaukee County, property values fell about 2%. Pierce County, where property values lost 5.9%, saw the biggest decline, followed by St. Croix County, where values lost 5.4%, and Polk County, where they fell 4.1%.

It's also the second year in a row that the state's housing market has been stagnant. Existing home values in Wisconsin fell by 0.9% in 2008. Last year's report showed that existing home values statewide gained just 1%.

Nationally, home values slid an average of 7.1% in 2008, showing that Wisconsin's market is stable, the department said.

"While we still face uncertainty about the economy, the stability of property values positions the state well as we work toward economic recovery," state Revenue Secretary Roger Ervin said in a statement.

New construction contributed to a 3% increase in commercial property values.

Ripon's Village Green provides three nights of entertainment

The downtown will be hopping........

Ripon’s Village Green will host three nights of free entertainment beginning this evening. The concert series features a special performance by the Tuba Dan Band tonight starting at 7 pm. The evening is sponsored by M&I Bank and Affinity Health System who are also hosting their annual ice cream social. They are teaming up with Culvers to provide free custard sundaes to those in attendance while supplies last.

Due to unexpected circumstances, I Drank With Frank is unable to perform tomorrow night (Friday, August 14th). The 1st Degree, a high energy rock and roll band that made a tremendous impression at Riponfest in 2008, will be on hand to take their place. If you have not had the chance to experience a 1st Degree show, you need to see what everyone is raving about. Over the last two years, 1st Degree, a talented and charismatic group of teenage musicians, has made their mark on the area music scene. They have even opened for rock legend REO Speedwagon as well as new national acts Cherish, Hollywood High and the Crave.

In addition, the Ripon Noon Kiwanis Club is hosting a 5K Twilight Run Saturday evening at 8:15 pm. The redesigned 5K course, certified by USA Track and Field, will run through the beautiful streets of Ripon, starting from the corner of Watertown and Watson Streets, and ending at the Village Green. The event includes a special Saturday night concert featuring the Groove Syndicate, a classic rock band featuring a horn section. The Groove Syndicate will perform from 7 to 10:30 pm on the Village Green.

The free concerts take place on Friday evenings from 7:00 to 10:00 pm on the Village Green in historic downtown Ripon. A variety of beverages are available and participants are encouraged to bring folding chairs or blankets to sit on. No carry-ins are allowed in the park because beverage sales help cover entertainment expenses.

A special Thank You goes out to M&I Bank and Affinity Health System for sponsoring the summer concert series. Let them know you appreciate the financial commitment they have made to our community. Additional sponsors include the Diedrich Agency, Fat Bruce’s, Horicon Bank, A&W Restaurant, Condon Oil, Miller Brewing, Piernot Dentistry, Ripon Commonwealth Press/Express, Chris Rauch D.D.S., Ripon College, Ripon Drug, Ripon Medical Center, Ripon Pickle Co., J.M. Smucker’s, Bluemkes, Apple Orchard Alpacas, Alling Enterprises, Ripon Window & Door, WRPN AM 1600, Yeomans - Endinger Chiropractic Center, Donald & Kim Ellingson, Jane & Harland Hilke, Sue & Ron Silber, Ann Jurkowski, Derk & Paula Lesniak, Julie & Lyle Mathias, and Holly & Ivy.

Enjoy an evening of entertainment in historic downtown Ripon and discover the charm of small town hospitality. Call the Ripon Main Street office at 920-748-7466 or visit www.downtownripon.com for more information.