A big blossom to the Monroe Parks and Recreation crew >that does Tot-Lot. Laura Jacobson, Nick Hendrickson, Paige Hoesly and Becca Flannery did an awesome job and my son enjoyed his time there immensely. We are very fortunate to have such a great program and such a great Park and Rec in this town. - Tammy>
A barb to The Monroe Times >for the absence of any coverage at all of the July 4th soccer tournament at the YMCA. Despite the rain, hundreds of people of all ages participated in a superbly organized event. Not a photo or line of coverage did we get! And yet ... today ... about 70 percent of the sports section is dedicated to local baseball (Yawn). Judging by the YMCA turnout there is at least as much interest in soccer in this town, especially at the junior level. I appreciate that it is not our national sport, but I would rather have my 6-year-old running around for an hour than stand in left field not touching a ball week after week. Let's encourage this fast-growing sport more by giving it the coverage it deserves. - David>
A blossom to our local communities who put on fireworks displays! >It takes much time and money, hours put in by fire departments and police and sheriff's departments. Whether we take the time to "say" it, we really appreciate such beautiful summer night displays and all the work that goes into them.
A blossom to all our volunteer fire departments! >Many of you were called out Easter Sunday, and you contained that blaze, only one example of your selflessness and care for our community. The July 5 "Parade" magazine says, "Even in a small town, volunteer firefighters can expect to answer 300 calls a year." You are our FIRST line of defense, whether it's a hazmat spill, tornado, car accident, fire, plane crash, flood or other dangerous situations. Thank you.
On that note, a barb to those who dare to text or talk on cell phone while operating a vehicle! >Bad enough to endanger those in your vehicle, but you also imperil everyone else on the road. At least one study shows that legally drunk drivers have better reaction time and shorter braking distance than those on a cell phone. Let's be safe about this! - Mary McKnight>
A huge barb to all the drivers that do not follow the Highway 69 detour. >As a resident of Washington Road, which has become the "unofficial" shortcut around the closed road, please respect the idea of a closed road. Prior to Highway 69 being closed, Washington Road saw, perhaps, 50 cars a day. That number has increased to 50 cars (or more) per hour, most doing well over the speed limit. Who knew one would see the rush hour on a back country road? Washington and Pierce roads should not be your shortcut. Pease respect the farmers, equipment, families and pets that live on these roads. I fear it's only a matter of time before someone ends up in a field or farm yard because a turn was missed or, worse yet, becomes tangled with the equipment that shares the right of way. If Highway 69 is closed, it should be closed. Please use the official detours to Highway J. I only hope that it doesn't take an accident before common sense prevails and Highway 69 is truly closed and the shortcuts are eliminated. - A resident of Washington Road>
A barb against those darned pro-gun nuts >that are at it again. They have launched a campaign here in Wisconsin to repeal the gun ban within 1,000 feet of schools and the ban on drivers carrying a holstered gun or a gun within their reach while driving. The gun crime rate is skyrocketing in Wisconsin. These idiots claim this is the very reason why we need more guns on the street, as if there are not already too many. It defies common sense and intelligence, but whoever said that the darned pro-gun nuts had any common sense and intelligence? - Dave Searles, Brodhead>
I would like to send a blossom to the Sheriff Dept., neighbors and friends >who helped show my horses the way home after they decided to take a walk without me. Thank you very much. - Rhonda Elmer, Browntown>
A big blossom and thank you to all who attended, donated and volunteered for the Oakley-Union United Methodist Church Ice Cream Social. >It was certainly a joy to see old friends and many new faces sharing an evening of food, fun and fellowship. Additional blossoms to Kookaburras, Pro Image Car Wash and Suisse Haus for door prize donations, and to the Juda Dairy Queen Katlyn DeVoe >for serving ice cream with a smile. We hope you will join us again next year, or visit to worship with us anytime! - Tim Davis, Lay Leader / Union UMC>
