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Downtown Streetscape earns Main Street honors
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MONROE - Monroe thought its Downtown Streetscape Project, completed last November, was a good idea. It was better than good.

The project won Best Downtown Public Improvement Project last night at the Wisconsin Main Street Awards held at Circus World Museum in Baraboo. Mark Richardson, director of Division of Housing & Community Development, presented the awards on behalf of Gov. Jim Doyle.

This is the third consecutive year the Monroe Main Street program has earned state recognition for specific projects.

"I am most proud of the Streetscape recognition," said Barb Nelson, director of Monroe Main Street. "There were projects (from) all over the state that we were chosen over. I think it was the planning of Fehr-Graham & Associates; the teamwork of the task force and block captains; and getting the whole Square done just in time, despite our little set-backs, that put us over the top."

Task Force members were Ryan Wilson, Dr. David Riese, Dan Henke, Pam Christopher, Tom Purdy and Nelson. Block captains were Nancy Maliszewski, Judi Henke, Heather Thoman, Val Burington, Laura Winters, Marilyn Pfarr, Kim and Jane Lee. Terry Hughes was the m general contractor for E&N Hughes.

Rosemary Forcade, owner and operator of Sequel's Fine Interior Consignments located on the Square, was recognized for the Best Façade Improvement under $7,500.

Tom Miller was selected as Volunteer of the Year, and Dan Henke was an honorary member of the 2009 Wisconsin Main Street Board of Directors.

Monroe Main Street was also recognized at the event for its Five Year Program accomplishments.

There are currently 36 Main Street programs throughout the state. Program directors can submit up to 10 people or projects annually for state consideration.

Nominations are judged by out-of-state Main Street individuals with expertise in the various categories of nomination.